Faith McLellan

Every year at this time I recall this sweet poem, recited by my grandfather in an oration contest when he was a small child, around 1900 or so. He could recite it from memory almost until he died, aged 96. Honeysuckle! Sweet am I! Hark to me as you pass by. With my tendrils reaching… Continue Reading

Of course, I knew the film version of True Grit. I mean the 1969 one, with John Wayne, not the Coen Brothers’ 2010 version–though I am sure I have to watch that now. What I didn’t realize was what a great book it is. Recently, people I admire–Austin Kleon and Donna Tartt–have confessed their love… Continue Reading

While sorting through an endless piles of papers recently, I came across several newspaper clippings, annotated by Mom. “Thought you would enjoy this great obituary!” was a typical note. Mom and I shared a fascination with obituaries. Of course, we had to have this enormous tome, the only downside of which is that it’s far… Continue Reading

Here’s a little video that may not change your life, but, in these weird pandemic times, every little bit helps! I can attest that this works, though my little triangles are not quite as compact as hers! And, for something a little higher-brow, try these? I haven’t listened to any yet, but they’re on my… Continue Reading

At the beginning of the pandemic, I couldn’t read. Too distracted. Jumpy. Unfocused. Bit by bit, I am recovering. I have managed to do some reading, though not as much as I would want. I am making lists. Keeping a record of lockdown recommendations!     Continue Reading

No idea how it is that the weekends go so quickly! I have been art-journaling and reading and writing and MAKING ARANCINI! We had a great Zoom class with our friend Fabrizia Lanza in Sicily. I am lucky because I am in the same time zone as Sicily, so when our 2-day class finished tonight,… Continue Reading

I went to the market today, as usual, but was shocked and not very happy to learn that all public health measures that had been put in place over the past few weekends have disappeared. Now that the border is open again, the Swiss are able to come flooding in, and, all of a sudden,… Continue Reading

Sad news on the literary front. I loved Shadow of the Wind. Some great news, however, on another literary front. Our little bookshop in Ferney-Voltaire now stocks English books and can order anything you want! Delivery is about a week. No need to give my money to Amazon France anymore! Support your local bookshop! I… Continue Reading

Roger and I may disagree over this, but I found this article completely fascinating. Continue Reading

Because it’s beautiful and heartbreaking and important for the current moment. Continue Reading