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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
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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."

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.

Visions of the Baby Jesus Light Up Centuries of Art

December 24, 2015 By Barbara Falconer Newhall Leave a Comment

Madona and child painting. The Cologne cathedral. churches. mary. madonna. Housed in the Lady Chapel, this is the Dombild by Stefan Lochner, a local painter early 15th century. Photo by Barbara Newhall

The Baby Jesus. Far away and long ago a baby was born, one who has inspired centuries of artists — and lights up the dark days of winter. Read more.

Holiday Gifts: Fun, Funky Fiber Art — Woolly Scarves, and Down and Dirty Angels

December 17, 2015 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 1 Comment

Cordelia De Vere's fiber art doll, "Vintage Angel #3." As she healed from cancer, her dolls became more light-filled. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Funky Gifts: Fiber art gets earthy these days in Berkeley, where even angels can get down and dirty. Read more.

The Cataract Chronicles: I’ll Be Seeing Me

December 3, 2015 By Barbara Falconer Newhall 5 Comments

Author Barbara Falconer Newhall takes a photo of herself without glasses before cataract surgery to see what she'll look like. Photo by Barbara Newhall

One of the perks of having lots of years under your belt is that one fine day you get to have your cataracts done — and you get your old face back. Read more.

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LET’S CONNECT

ON THE FUNNY SIDE

SXSW: Quirky, Lovable Austin, Texas

Cartoon of LBJ showing off his scar in the Johnson Presidential LIbrary in Austin, TX. Photo by BF Newhall

Austin, Texas, is quirky – in a good way. During a recent visit, every bridge, park and intersection I encountered in this Central Texas city made me smile. Read more.

MORE "ON THE FUNNY SIDE"

CATEGORIES

  • A Case of the Human Condition
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  • 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!

 

DON’T MISS!

Little girl with broken arm & chicken pox marks. Photo by BF Newhall

Help! My Kids Aren’t Perfect After All

condolence-cards

What Do You Say When Someone Dies?

A red and yellow detail of Dale Chihuly's glass sculpture "Mille Fiore" at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in Seattle. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Dale Chihuly’s Glass: Fine Art? Kitsch? Or Both?

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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