We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition
I’m Barbara Falconer Newhall and I’ve got an incurable Case of the Human Condition. And since you do too, I’m counting on you to laugh and cry along with me as I riff on life as we know it . . . Below you'll read about my creaky, old fifties house, my forays into home gardening, my shopping stories, my spectacularly low-fashion wardrobe -- and more.
The Writing Room: Am I Stuck? Or Am I Just Taking a Little Housekeeping Break?
Sitting at a blank laptop screen awaiting writerly inspiration isn’t that much fun nowadays. I’d rather watch the guys laying asphalt in front of our house. Am I stuck? Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
Spike Heels — Feminist? Feminine? Or Both?
Let’s face it. Spike heels aren’t much good for doing what real women do – drive an SUV, wash down the deck. Same goes for long fingernails. What gives? Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.
The Case of the Missing Blog Posts — Blame It on a Mischievous Software Glitsch
Oops. Six missing blog posts! My apologies to subscribers who didn’t get my June and July updates. Blame it on the ongoing website construction. Read more.
Jury Duty Is a Lot Like Fourth-Grade Softball. Here’s Why
Jury duty selection feels like 4th grade softball, when one’s very right to take up space on the planet depends on someone choosing, or not choosing, you. Read more.






