Last week I was at work getting coffee, talking about wanting to lose weight with a co-worker. I was saying how frustrating it was that I haven’t been successful. She’s one of my favorite co-workers. She leaned over to me smiling and said, “Sometimes Miss Fran, you just have to buck the f__k up,” which made me laugh so hard I almost spit. She would know, she’s been…
I love my job writing radio commercials. Its’ great because I love writing, and because people at my workplace actually seem to appreciate my work, which will never stop thrilling me. I’ve worked plenty of places where I was not appreciated, so I know this is not the norm. Being valued makes you shine and want to work really hard. The tiny downside to this job is that…
I try to be deep, honest I do. I do my best to read classics and ponder life because I aspire to write deep, philosophical blogs. In fact, I’m currently reading Dante’s Inferno — who knew hell could be so icky? But because of the ADHD I keep denying I have, my brain prefers to escape the circles of hell and fixate on something I enjoy more, like…
Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Vegan• Vegetarian
Your Mother's Proud of You, No Matter What You Think – An Election Day Distraction Blog
November 8, 2016
Today’s election day, and you’re going to need a distraction. I’ve got a little story about my mom and a good, easy, Italian, comfort food recipe because we’ll all need some comforting today, and probably for a while. But be sure you vote. Too many people have risked and lost their lives for freedom in this country for you not to vote. Now back to the distraction. I…
Family Traditions• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Thoughts on Life• Vegan• Vegetarian
Pasta Sundays
May 27, 2016
I was talking to my Uncle Richard over the weekend. He was telling me how he misses the days when his grandkids were little and he used to cook every Sunday. His lucky daughter, son-in-law and their kids, along with my dad, were invited over every Sunday to eat pasta. He’d make a different pasta every week, including rigatoni, linguini with clams, gnocci, lasagne, aglio olio and others,…
Cereals, granolas, etc.• Thoughts on Life• Vegan• Vegetarian
Do I Dare Get Burned Again?
February 9, 2016I very rarely talk politics. Least of all with family because I know better. I’m one of the few Democrats in a sea of Republicans. I tried talking politics with my loved ones once and it wasn’t great for family harmony. I’ll discuss politics with like-minded individuals, or Carolyn, who’s known me since we were 14, because we both seek to understand each other’s positions, not beat each…
My son told me this morning how helpless he feels. His father (my ex) has to have have triple bypass surgery. My son is worried and I wish I could tell him something that would make him feel better. But I can’t, except that most people come through the surgery with no problem. I even know a few. I felt the same way when my mom had her…
I had every intention of posting a picture on Match.com. Really I did. Then I looked at the pictures my daughter took of me yesterday when I was feeling brave, with a blow dryer and mascara wand standing by, and I have to tell you, it sobered me right up.…
Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Pasta, Polenta and Risotto• Vegan• Vegetables• Vegetarian
It's Polenta Time!
January 24, 2015
In Pennsylvania, in the depths of January, when it gets so cold you can see ice forming on the insides of windows — it’s time for polenta. Here in California, once it hits 60 or under, we shamelessly jump on the polenta bandwagon.…
Dipping Sauces, Spreads, Marinades and Salad Dressings• Main Courses• Poultry• Side Dishes• Vegan• Vegetables
Italian Turkey Meatloaf – Oh Baby Baby
October 28, 2014
I’m a week behind on my blog because I’ve been working like a maniac on my new internet store. It’s going live this week (if the computer gods are with me) and I can’t wait to share it with you guys! There’s some fun stuff, so don’t do all your holiday shopping yet. I’ve been cooking this week and have a couple recipes to share. Remember a few…