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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
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DON'T MISS!

I've written hundreds and hundreds of posts over the years. To help you find your way to the best of the best, I've tagged my favorites "Don't Miss!" Scroll down here to find them.

Another way to locate Riffs on Life that you might enjoy is to click above on your favorite category – "My Ever-Changing Family," perhaps, or "Funny Button." You can also use the search box located way up top to hunt for stories by topic. There's fun reading at "garden," "aging," "kids" and, of course, "Jon."

Revisiting My First Blog Post Ever — How the Selective Service Made a Man of My Son

February 18, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 1 Comment

The 1998 Selective Service pamphlet -- I left it at the post office.

The powers that be at the Selective Service System were after my son. Read more.

Kindergarten Looms for a 5-Year-Old and His Mom

February 11, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

Peter, ready for his first day of kindergarten at Bentley School, September, 1986. Photo c 1986 B.F. Newhall

What is to become of a 5-year-old who won’t — can’t? — draw? This is not a frivolous question. Read more.

The Cataract Chronicles: Letting the Light Into That Other Eye

January 28, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 2 Comments

Author Barbara Falconer Newhall manages a smile, despite the discomfort of a brand new intraocular lens. Photo by Barbara Falconer Newhall

The best thing about cataract surgery is everything gets so bright and clear and 3-dimensional. It’s like being in a Star Wars movie. Read more.

I’m Going to Be a Grandmother — Or Will I Be a Grannie? A Grandma? A Nana?

January 21, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 7 Comments

1943 summer Nana Georgie Morrison & Barbara Ann Falconer. Photo by DG Falconer

What shall I call myself? Something tried and true like Grandma, Grannie, Nana, or Grandmother Newhall? Or should I revive one of my childhood nicknames — Bobbie or Fanny? Read more.

‘Dog Medicine’ — A Dog-Lover’s Journey From Depression to Health

January 14, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 2 Comments

Julie Barton, author of 'Dog Medicine,' with her soul mate dog Bunker, 2007. Photo by Heather Knape, heather Knape.com.

I’m not crazy about dogs. But I am crazy about a book called “Dog Medicine.” (“Soulmates” photo by Heather Knape.) Read more.

The Cataract Chronicles — I’m Not Lovin’ My New IOL

January 7, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 6 Comments

Author Barbara Falconer Newhall after cataract surgery in right eye. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Three months after my first cataract surgery, things are still fuzzy in my right eye. Unlike most veterans of cataract surgery, I’m not loving my new IOL. Read more.

The Baby Quilts Are Ready — Now All We Need Are the Babies

December 31, 2015 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 7 Comments

Author Barbara Falconer Newhall with the four calico crazy quilts she designed for the four grandchildren she hopes she'll have. Photo by Jon Newhall

Grandchild No. One is due in February, and I’ve managed to finish the baby quilt in plenty of time . . . Make that four baby quilts. Read more.

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LET’S CONNECT

ON THE FUNNY SIDE

My Years Are Numbered. Give Me Those Blossoms — Now

lavender-stalk my years are numbered

My years are numbered. Who knows, I might be at the point where I’ve got more money than time. Give me the plant that’s ready to bloom — now.  Read more.

MORE "ON THE FUNNY SIDE"

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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!

 

DON’T MISS!

The audience of about 40 people at Barbara Falconer Newhall's author event for "Wrestling wiht God" on april 11, 2015, at Book Passage bookstore. Photo by Jon Newhall

What If You Threw a Book Launch — And Everybody Came?

my-husband-passed-away

My Husband Passed Away and Took the Encyclopedia With Him

winding-sidewalk

I’m a Widow. Was This Guy Asking Me for a Date?

Artist Judy Seidel in her Berkeley studio, her colorful abstract paintings in the background. Photo by BF Newhall

Judy Seidel: Click Here for an Eyeful of Her Life-Affirming Paintings

MORE DON'T MISS!

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