Here’s a question that’s come up pretty often at my book events: “How many of the places described in your book have you actually been to in person?”
Answer: One.
... 
Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times"[/caption]
My oldest son is leaving for college tomorrow. He is so ready for this and so psyched. I am not ready at all. I’m happy for him, of course, excited, proud—all of that. But ready? Not so much.
This may seem to have nothing to do with favorite movies, but bear with me.
In three years, when our youngest leaves home, my husband and I will experience the more monumental transition to empty-nestdom. But the shift from a foursome to a trio feels pretty dramatic in its own right, and I wanted to honor it in some way.
Some people are surprised to learn that such a bookish family watches so much television. ... 
Perfect use for excess plums[/caption]
My mother’s visiting from San Francisco this week, and we celebrated Mother’s Day and the abundance of spring by bottling up six quarts of Japanese plum wine. When I posted a photo of the finished product online, several people asked for the recipe. So here it is, for all to enjoy. ... 
Pretentious much?[/caption]
Last Friday afternoon, I opened my front door to collect my mail and discovered that the postman had left one piece of mail on the ledge next to our mailbox. The piece was so large it did not fit in the mailbox.
“What the hell?” I said (I talk to myself a lot when I’m home alone), and stepped outside to collect it.
Of course. Only Restoration Hardware would have the arrogance to send a mailing so large it doesn’t fit inside a standard mailbox. ...