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Barbara Falconer Newhall

Veteran journalist Barbara Falconer Newhall riffs on life as she knows it.

  • A CASE OF THE HUMAN CONDITION
  • MY EVER-CHANGING FAMILY
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Barbara’s Riffs on Life

Widowed: We’re Older and Kinder Now

February 10, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

we're older and kinder now kindness-carey-mulligan-as-felicia-montealegre

I’m older and kinder now, but not because I’m a virtuous goody-good. It’s my irresponsible id, my reptilian brain, that wants to be kind.  Read more.

California Clay: Oozing, Writhing, Glistening Art. Now at the Bedford Gallery

February 3, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

blot-by-Mary-Alison-Lucas

Bedford Gallery’s “California Clay” show, where ceramic art forgets to look like art and chooses instead to ooze, glisten, drip and writhe.  Read more.

Nature Giveth and Nature Taketh Away

January 27, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

nature giveth. nature taketh away. flowering-tree

Against all odds, a flowering fruit tree took root in the wild canyon below our house, but not for long. Nature giveth, nature taketh away.  Read more.

Am I Still Old? Or Am I Elderly Now?

January 20, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

am-i-still-old-or-am-i-elderly-now-grab-bar-bathroom

Head-spinning vertigo had me stumbling around the house like an old lady. I had to wonder, am I still just old? Or have I moved on to being elderly?  Read more.

Widowed: Am I Grieving? Or Am I Just Lonely?

January 13, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

empty-home-office

Am I grieving, or am I just lonely? When I spotted my husband’s empty office chair, I was overcome by — what? Sorrow? Or simple loneliness?   Read more.

Widowed: A Bathroom for One

January 6, 2024 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

widowed a bathroom for one white-shaker-cupboard-doors

My husband isn’t here to take care of me. I’m taking care of me now. I’m widowed and I’m treating myself to a bathroom for one.  Read more.

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ON THE FUNNY SIDE

Huston Smith on the Most Important Thing You Can Do in 2025

huston-smith-most-important-thing-you-can-do-in-2025

After nearly a century devoted to the study of life and truth and the meaning of it all, religion scholar Huston Smith had some advice for his fans.  Read more.

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TO MY READERS

Please feel free to share links to my posts with one and all and to quote briefly from them in your own writing, remembering, of course, to attribute the quote to me and to provide a link back to this site.

My Oakland Tribune columns, btw, are reprinted by permission of the Trib. With the exception of review copies of books, I do not accept ads or freebies of any kind. Click on the "Contact" button if you have questions. Enjoy!

 

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rock-path-garden

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march 6, 1977 jon and barbara newahall greet guests at University Club, San Francisco, a their wedding reception. Photo Peter Luers Studio.

Leap Year 1976 — The Day I Popped the Question

Bride in violet and cerise sari with guest in fuchsia sari at a wedding in San Francisco Bay Area. Photo by BF Newhall

When the Bride Doesn’t Wear White — And Neither Does Anyone Else

A stack of books on getting published in the library of author Barbara Falconer Newhall. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Brooke Warner: Getting Published Is Easier Than Ever. Getting Discovered, Not So Much

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