A friend recently posted a short video of Stefani Germanotta (aka Lady Gaga) talking about how we are all “unconsciously communicating lies.” Click here to see the video as it’s much better than having me summarize it for you. I will, however, write that in it Ms. Germanotta talks about how when she started saying no to things that she started being happy ... Read More »
I often hear people refer to autumn as their favorite holiday. They wax poetic about the leaves changing color, the crisp cold air that’s “good sleeping weather,” apple picking and making hard cider, and how much they love pumpkin spiced lattes. Uggh. Give me flip-flops and sultry nights, ice-cold drinks sweating in their glasses and tomatoes warm from the vine. ... Read More »
Even though it’s August, it wasn’t until last week that I had two summer staples: rootbeer floats and B.L.T.s (although, in my case it was a B.A.T. – bacon, avocado and tomato). They’re nostalgic, to be sure, but still deeply satisfying as an adult. Modifications may be made to accommodate more mature palates, perhaps better (or more exotic) ingredients are used and yet ... Read More »
Republishing a post from the past, and missing a tremendous friend and mentor to so many. =============== At the end of the day, or at the end of our days, what matters most? What are the sensations that most count in life, that most give pleasure? Why do we forget, on a daily basis, that worries and stresses from the ... Read More »
Does anyone really enjoy a gluten free life? Seriously. No more of this? Or this? So get off my gluten free back! This is not fun! People do this to “lose weight”? News articles call this a “fad diet”? Harrrrumphhhhh! I am 2 1/2 years gluten free. (My confessions can be found here and here.) Why? After 1.5 days without it, ... Read More »
I can distract myself a thousand different ways depending on what actually needs to get finished. Paperwork for barVino? I guess I should clean. Vacuuming and mopping on the to-do list? Then obviously I need to organize the kitchen pantry instead. Piles of laundry to iron? Definitely time to start test baking desserts for the restaurant. Need to get back to writing ... Read More »
The epithet that no parent wants thrown his or her way: “Helicopter parent!” I have to confess I am an unwilling helicopter parent. I never asked for this, and I rail at being forced into the role. I come from a generation where parents NEVER hoped to be their children’s best friends. Parents were generally supportive of their high school ... Read More »
Each and every time I attend the national convention for foreign language teachers, or ACTFL, I go into it saying “This is my last year… this is such an expensive event.” Grumble, grumble. Each and every time I leave that same ACTFL convention, I am energized and motivated, filled with exciting new ideas to bring to my classrooms, my department ... Read More »
So this is what is distracting me lately – Digital Storytelling. It’s like taking blogging, and then adding visuals and audio files, and BAM! You have a Digital Story that should make the listener/viewer feel. It is a lesson in editing. Most Digital Stories are 200 words or less. Ask my mom how hard that is – editing supreme! Here ... Read More »
Thank to John Atkinson for making things so clear! Read More »
Sauced In New York Sometimes the food is in the sauce, sometimes we are