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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
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ON THE FUNNY SIDE

Need some levity? Read on!

Gray Hairs. Wrinkles. And Kids Who Won’t Stop Growing Up

April 13, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Christina, Jon and Peter. Their mother had gray hairs, bu the kids were still small enough to cuddle. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Peter’s in fourth grade now. My third grade boy is gone. Christina has grown an inch since Easter. My size 6 girl is gone.  Read more.

At the Feet of Annie Dillard, Memoirist, Essayist, Observer of the Real

April 6, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

A well-read copy of"The Abundance" by Annie Dillard. Photo by Barbara Newhall

What draws me to author Annie Dillard — what makes me want to turn off the TV and grab one of her books — is her eagle-sharp eye for the world as it truly is. Read more.

No to Bride Barbie — Yes to a Real-Life Wedding

February 16, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Christina Newhall, age 7, playing tug of war at a party. Photo by Barbara Newhall

My 7-year-old wanted nothing to do with her Bride Barbie doll. But twenty-five years later, she’s ready to be a bride for real. Read more.

Autumn in the Garden, When Sensible Plants Pack It In for the Winter . . . And a Healing Ankle

January 26, 2017 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Autumn in the garden where, like it or not, the seasons impose their wills on every living thing. Photo by Barbara Newhall

It was autumn in the garden and all the grim stuff that happens as winter sets in — death, rot, shrivel and retreat — made for a thing of beauty. Read more.

Christmas Is Big. Bigger Than Christianity — And Donald Trump

December 15, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

The Parrocchia church spires in San Miguel de Allende, where Christmas is big. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Christmas is big. Christianity’s biggest holiday is leaving the religion in the dust with 15 times the Internet mentions of Christianity. Read more.

I Decided to Stop Bad-Mouthing Donald Trump. But Will I?

November 17, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

Donald Trump victorious on cable TV. I'm going to stop bad-mouthing Donald Trump. Photo by Barbara Newhall

Last Tuesday night I made a decision. I decided to stop bad-mouthing Donald Trump. I would give him a chance. I’d keep an open mind. But could I? Read more.

Donald Trump Played Me. Here’s How

November 5, 2016 By Barbara Falconer Newhall

The cover of Donald Trump book, "Think Big and Kick Ass."

Donald Trump played me. He got what he wanted from me this election season. And it wasn’t my vote. Read more.

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ON THE FUNNY SIDE

Wedding Dress Shopping — When Your Daughter Lets You Tag Along

Bride in plaid dress contemplates an array of irvory wedding gowns at Le Marriage bridal shop, Los Angeles. Wedding dress shopping. Photo by Barbara Newhall

When I went wedding dress shopping forty years ago, I went all by myself. My daughter was smarter. She phoned and asked me to go with her. 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!

 

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