When it’s not “but a scratch.”

I remember the first time I met Mark. I can’t say that’s always the case when I’m introduced to someone, but I remember those moments very clearly. It was early in ‘93 and I had come upstate from Chelsea, where I was living, with my new boyfriend. He was introducing me to the small western … Continue reading When it’s not “but a scratch.”

The Last Showgirl

There’s been a lot of press about the new Pamela Anderson film, one in which she displays a genuine talent for performance rather than just her physical attributes. Thanks to yesterday’s Lunar New Year holiday from school, I finally had an opportunity to catch the movie at its sole late afternoon showing at my neighborhood … Continue reading The Last Showgirl

Notes from a retired party planner

Somehow, ok, maybe it’s because I’m good at it, I’ve become quite the “milestone birthday party planner (MBPP). Through the years I’ve planned three 50th birthday parties (my mother’s dessert & cordials festivities, my ex’s Tuscany/London celebration and my own DeFazio’s & wine shindig) and, in recent years, two 60th birthday fetes, one of which … Continue reading Notes from a retired party planner

Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans

Although I may have the felt the absence of my uncle each day I was in Germany, I was at no loss for companionship. My steady travel companion of recent years, N, was beside me for all of the trip, early morning walks notwithstanding. In addition to his company, the timing of our trip proved … Continue reading Easter Weekend in the Black Forest with a Roman, a couple of Spaniards and a mess of Germans

I’ll take Italy

Prior to my recent (2018 and 2022) trips to Rome and Naples, I’d visited Italy twice. Both of those trips were with my former husband, once just the two of us and once with the boys in tow, along with friends. They were both good trips, particularly the one in 1995, sans kids. Our original … Continue reading I’ll take Italy

Out on the weekend

Regardless of your position on the pandemic being “over,” I think we can all agree that the most intense days, and nights, of isolating ourselves from one another are done. Social calendars are once again filling in, sometimes even in ink, and life feels busy again. It’s nice, however… I’m feeling like I’ve swung from … Continue reading Out on the weekend