May I Have My Reality Check, Please?
Published July 19, 2011 | 
Is the Tassel Really Worth the Hassel?
In my early twenties, I already had a clear vision of life ahead. I saw my Path: a decade or so in the newspaper world, honing my skills, breaking stories, beating deadlines.
Then, loaded with my arsenal of street smarts, I’d return to graduate school, earn a doctorate, and finish my professional life at a university, teaching and writing. Along the way, marriage, 2 or 3 kids, an ivy-laden brick house with a front porch. Being an Iowa girl, I’d probably remain in the Midwest.
The reality of the past 40 years nibbled at those dreams but took many unwielding twists and turns. I was a journalist and did some college teaching but my only graduate degree was a Master’s. Leaving a doctorate on the table has been my biggest professional disappointment and… Continue reading
HAPPY BASTILLE DAY
Published July 14, 2011 | French Fridays Thursdays with Dorie – Cold Melon-Berry Soup
Supporting the American Teams in the Tour de France
Today let’s celebrate the best of France: Bastille Day, honoring France’s Independence from the monarchy in 1789; the Tour de France, the world’s premiere cycling competition; and the country’s fine reputation for food, this week’s choice is Dorie’s délicieux Cold Melon-Berry Soup.
Ginger-laced Soup with Melon Balls and Berries, Cheese, Bread & Wine - a WOW.
JOIN the PARTY, S’il vous plaît.
Snap Out of It
Published July 14, 2011 | 
Multi Grain Croissants with Sunflower, Flax & Sesame Seeds///Trader Joe's
Snap #8 - Try New Products
Last week-end I went to my local Von’s to purchase Lifesavers. Unable to find them, I asked a clerk for help. She looked at me as if to say, ‘What planet did you just arrive from?Instead she said, “We haven’t sold Lifesavers for years. Try Mentos orIcebreakers.”
Say, what?
Mentos and Icebreakers///Walgreens
That’s when I noticed many products on the shelves that were new to me. So, every time I go to the grocery store, I purchase something new…………..and, here’s the catch, I Actually Make Myself Use It.
Spaghetti, 42" long///Italian Speciality Shop; Soba Buckwheat Noodles///Safeway
Old-Fashioned? Snap Out of It.
Sugar, Chocolate, Coffee Bean Grinder (this is fabulous)///Trader Joe's
Feminists, The Many Styles, Sizes & Models
Published July 11, 2011 | 
Falling Star, 1979, by Romare Bearden, The Kinsey Collection
Recently a male friend asked me how deeply involved I was in the 1970’s feminist movement. The question came-out-of-the-blue, during a rather benign conversation, when I was neither burning my bra nor bashing men.
My answer, “Not at all,” caught him by surprise.
During the feminist movement of the 60s and 70s, just like the civil rights movement, I sat on the sidelines. Always the cheerleader. At the time, I had two babies and a full-time job which left little time for other endeavors. Think, exhaustion.
And, to be truthful, while I recognized the need for an ERA amendment, I never felt discriminated against in my professional journalism career. The reason, I would like to believe, is that I was a fair, ethical, and talented economic/business reporter. The reality, quite… Continue reading
About Me
A former business journalist and editor, Mary is now writing about the lifestyle she's enjoying which revolves around food, friendship, travel, and creative endeavors. She lives in Aspen, Colorado.
