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Story Weekend: Bathrobes
I’ve never been a bathrobe kind of person, but a few months ago I was in Bed, Bath and Beyond and saw a display of bathrobes at a very reasonable price. On a whim, I bought one. Now I wonder how I ever lived without my big, soft, fuzzy pink robe. During this frigid winter,…
Read MoreCan We Talk? Should I or Should I not Publish Private Relations (Revisited)?
June will mark the 25th anniversary of the publication of my first novel, Private Relations, which has me pondering–yet again–whether or not to release it for my 21st century readers. I’ve had this chat with some of you before, but I need to have it again. I need your help in making the decision. I…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Favorite Job Ever!
What was yours and what made it so special? I’ll start it off with my own story this week. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and you share something from your life that relates to that theme, however you interpret it. Thanks to all of you who’ve contributed.…
Read MoreWhy this Box Made Me Cry (and a Give-away)
In the days before e-books, here’s how it went for most authors: you spent a couple of years pouring your heart and soul into a book, which was then published, sat in the bookstores for a few months and then quietly disappeared forever. This was a typical scenario for most novels (and still is for…
Read MoreRecipe of the Week: 10 Minute Ginger Shrimp and Rice
This is the extremely easy cheating version of a recipe I posted last year. It loses a bit of flavor in the rice, but saves you time. The only thing that bugs me about this recipe is that I can’t find frozen snow peas that are stringless. Do you have a favorite brand? If I…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Foreign Language
John and I plan to travel to Tuscany with some friends in the spring. I grew up with an Italian surname (Lopresti) but my Italian immigrant grandparents wanted their children to be American through and through, so no Italian was spoken in their home and my father had none of the language to share with…
Read MoreRecipe of the Week: Parmesan Baked Salmon
I spoke to my neighbor Joyce’s book club a few years ago and she served this amazing salmon dish. She’s given me permission to share it with you. Hers was served in a large rectangular baking dish, since she was feeding a crowd, so I honestly don’t know how the amounts translate here. You’ll have…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Gym Class
What did they call it where you grew up? Gym Class, Phys Ed, P.E.? How I loathed it. I was one of those Always-Last-to-be-Chosen-for-Any-Team kids. Whatever gym class was called where you lived, I bet you have some stories to tell about it. I I hope you’ll share one of them here. If you’re new…
Read MoreRecipe of the Week: Pork Chops and Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Have you figured out yet that I’m a lazy cook? And this recipe is designed for the lazy cook. It’s also delicious and I make it often. You can make it more complicated with wine and mushrooms, but it’s great just like this. Here’s the one warning: only use Muir Glen Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes.…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Oh Those Remote Controls!
Sitting here in my living room, wondering what topic to pick for Story Weekend, when my eye landed on the five remote controls on the coffee table. I only understand one of them, and not completely. I bet a few of you have a good remote control story to tell, don’t you? If you’re new…
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