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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
  • WRITING & READING
  • MY ROCKY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
  • WIDOWED
  • FUNNY BUTTON

My Ever-Changing Family

Our family shrinks and grows. People die. People get born. People get mad and won't talk to you for a while. Kids grow up and find partners of their own, and pretty soon there are brand-new in-laws. And a grandchild or two.

Scott Newhall — Herb Caen Reminisces and So Do I

November 5, 2018 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 5 Comments

Ruth Newhall, Scott Newhall, Barbara Falconer Newhall and her new husband Jon Newhall. Photo by Jerry Telfer

San Francisco columnist Herb Caen wrote that Chronicle editor Scott Newhall believed “the mad world of journalism could be madly entertaining.” Read more.

Office Romance in the #MeToo Era — Is It Worth the Risk?

February 6, 2018 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 1 Comment

Office romance at Zodiac News Service office party. 1970s, San Francisco, CA. Nancy Selvin, Steve Selvin, Barbara Falconer, Jon Newhall, Barbara Falconer, Barbara Newhall photo

Jon looked at me sheepishly and asked, “Was I guilty of sexual harassment?” He was thinking, and I was thinking, of the early days of our office romance. Read more.

When Your Sick Kid Is 28 Years Old and 2000 Miles Away 

September 28, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

Grown-up 30-year-old man says goodbye after a Thanksgiving visit home. Photo by Barbara Newhall

What do you do when you’ve got a grown-up kid in the hospital half a continent away? Jump on a plane? Stick by the phone? Read more.

I Took His Name. Isn’t It About Time He Took Mine?

September 21, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

I took his name and so did his daughter. Man carries 5-year-old daughter. photo by Barbara Newhall

I took his name when we got married. Would my husband like to return the favor by adding my name to his? Read more.

A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri

August 24, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 1 Comment

A totality disappointment: An eclipse chaser lies on the ground for a better view of the total eclipse August, 2017, St. Joseph, MO. Photo by Barbara Newhall

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.

With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic

August 10, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

Dead flies caught on sticky fly paper. They didn't live long. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does.  Read more.

A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money

July 27, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

A six-year-old talks money. Photo by Barbara Newhall

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.

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LET’S CONNECT

ON THE FUNNY SIDE

Our No TV Week — The Kids Survived, but Did I?

girl on tricyclle with helmet. Photo by Barbara Newhall

What would happen, I wondered, if our family had no TV for a week. Who would complain the most? Read more.

MORE "ON THE FUNNY SIDE"

CATEGORIES

  • A Case of the Human Condition
  • My Ever-Changing Family
  • On Writing & Reading
  • My Rocky Spiritual Journey

 
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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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strappy wedge sandals, short cropped jeans and bare ankles in shanghai. photo by bf newhall

Shanghai Chic – Where a Woman’s Style Starts With Her Shoes

Rich, meticulous design from Josephine Glassworks, Silesia, circa 1898-1905. Photo by Barbara Newhal

Cheap Thrills at the Glasmuseum Passau — Outrageous, Over-the-Top Decorative Glass.

Orange metal chairs in a row at the Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Olympic Sculpture Park Photos — Cool Art, Really Cool Park

A bride wearing a plaid dress sits among frothy wedding dresses at Le Marriage, LA. Wedding dress shopping. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Wedding Dress Shopping — When Your Daughter Lets You Tag Along

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