Good natured but dead serious, “The Lifespan of a Fact,” raises questions that writers of nonfiction are constantly asking themselves. Read more.
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
That Old Tub-Shower Has Got to Go
That old tub-shower has got to go. A stall shower will be much safer. No quartz for me, though. I’m going for colorful tile and a 1950s vibe. Read more.
Widowed: Are Tears Recyclable?
A tear-drenched tissue — do I put it in the trash? Or into the recycle bin? I wondered, I’m widowed: are my tears recyclable? Read more.
Writing Retreat Report — I Got Some Work Done. Thanks for Holding Me Accountable
On my retreat I discovered that those columns I wrote as a young mom back in the 20th century have a lot to say to the 21st century. Read more.
Clarence Thomas, Anita Hill, Jon and Me
Clarence Thomas, Anita Hill, Jon and me — contemplating the perils and pleasures of office romance in the era of #metoo. Read more.
Kids Who Cheat. And Those Who Don’t
Kids who cheat and those who don’t: My husband was disturbed by what he saw — some kids playing touch football at the park, cheating. Read more.