Blog Page 3 - French-Secrets

HOW DO WE OVERRIDE OUR NATURE AND STAY SAFE?

April 02, 2020 2 Comments

How do we override our social needs [in order] to accomplish social distancing?” is the question asked in an article in Psychology Today. “If we want to get through this pandemic we need to acknowledge that our drive to be with other people is an essential part of being human. It's ingrained into who we are, and into

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WE NEED A LITTLE NORMAL—A VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY, INTERESTED?

March 26, 2020

I have the kind of personality that loves being home. But being home only works if I have something to look forward to—hence, my love of entertaining. It’s a good balance that allows me to spend time alone and time with friends. Mark and I decided to host a virtual dinner party. How are we going to pull this off. . .

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OUR VIRTUAL REALITY

March 19, 2020 3 Comments

Our world is a very different place than it was a few weeks ago. And we don’t know what to expect. It’s a strange time but I don’t need to tell you that. Watching television I’ve seen a few images that have stayed in my mind. With such caring and comfort, they express our need to connect, and something about that . . .

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AND ON TOP OF EVERYTHING—IT’S FRIDAY THE 13TH

March 12, 2020 1 Comment

There is so much going on. I don’t know about you but I’m glued to the news. Like the rest of the world I’m trying to find out . . . something, anything that will help. What we know is that we need to wash our hands AND not touch our faces. Washing my hands is easy but not touching my face, that is hard! Who knew I spe...

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THE DRESS: IS IT FOLLY OR POWER?

March 05, 2020 6 Comments

It was Saturday afternoon and we were entering the crowded lobby of Kleinfeld, the fabled wedding dress store in Manhattan. At the appointed time we were shown into the salon to await our daughter, Olivia’s, arrival in one of the dresses she was trying on. Women paraded by some timid, others exuberant in dresses of…

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HOW MUCH POWER DO WE REALLY HAVE?

February 27, 2020

I read a piece written by Seth Godin on the web that was titled Overwhelmed is a choice. It started me thinking about what being overwhelmed really means. Is it really a choice?

It seems there are two forms of overwhelm: one, having too many tasks to do all at the same time; and two, being emotionally overwhelmed by stress or a life experience.

What’s interesting is that, for me, both physical and emotional overwhelm create a feeling of having no control over my life’s circumstances—whatever my…

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IT IS TIME TO CLOSE THOSE DOORS ON DESIGNING

February 20, 2020 4 Comments

It has been over a year and a half since I started writing my blog/stories every week. Actually this post is the eighty-third consecutive one and it is time that I admit to myself that I’ve changed my life. I’m no longer designing clothes; I’m now writing fulltime—and I couldn’t be happier. Don’t get me wrong. I love...

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WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF LAUGHTER?

February 13, 2020 1 Comment

There is proof that laughter is beneficial. Norman Cousins wrote a book titled Anatomy of an Illness that became a groundbreaking best seller about combating life-threatening illness through laughter… One thing that is certain is that laughing feels good. One of my favorite memories was watching. . .

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COOKING FOR FAMILY

February 06, 2020

Most of my family got together last week. The occasion was for my brother and his family, who live in France, to spend time with my mother and those of us who live closer. We had a great time reconnecting, telling stories, and laughing, something we all do very well. The surprise was. . .

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A JOB SO BORING IT WAS PARADISE

January 30, 2020

As Chinese New Year approached, I decided to buy an assortment of moon cakes to serve to celebrate. The varied flavors were unique—something you might never experience unless someone offered you the opportunity. I love moon cakes and was thrilled to pass on the experience. . . .

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THE PERFECT ROASTED CHICKEN

January 23, 2020

One of my favorite things to buy when I’m at the marché in France is a roast chicken. They are cooked in large rotisserie grills. As you approach, you see rows and rows of glistening chickens turning golden brown. But it’s the taste that is truly amazing: crisp, juicy, and so full of flavor that once you’ve had one . . .

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HOW DO WE SAY GOODBYE, OR DO WE?

January 15, 2020 1 Comment

I’m not sure I have the answer. But having just attended the funeral Mass of someone who was an important part of my life—someone who I felt it was an honor and a privilege to know, I’ve been thinking a lot about that question. Losing someone who has played a significant role in our lives is not easy. I don’t want. . .

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