By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear the audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.I’m just going to come right out with it: In a lot of ways, 2011 sucked.Nationally and globally, the scene was pretty much the same everywhere—a giant vortex of crap that inhaled everything in its path.Sure, there were some positive developments, several dictators vanquished and some kindness among strangers a la the Kmart layaway angels who paid off [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below. I put it off for as long as I can.As a rule, the holidays enchant me. I take full advantage of the opportunity to indulge my spirit of excess and delight in the decorations, the music, even, for the most part, the gift buying. Yet one fixture of the holiday season never fails to fill me with dread [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.Every year, I'm inspired by Christmas Carols to try my hand at song writing. Here's my latest effort, composed especially for all of you ladies celebrating the Christmas season with the gift of menopause. Enjoy!Walkin' in a Menopause Wonderland Sleigh bells ring; are you listenin'?Though it's cold, my skin is glistenin'.A frightening sight, I'm sweating tonight,Walkin' in a Menopause Wonderland.Gone [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.‘Tis the season for giving. The time of year when we search far and wide to find just the right gift for the special people in our lives.But as evidenced by the glazed-over expressions on the faces of the masses wandering aimlessly around the mall, knowing what to get for whom can be challenging, at best. For most [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this column, click the play arrow below.A snow storm days before Halloween. Late November temperatures in the high sixties. Rainfall measured in multiple inches.The weather has been weird lately, calling forth visions of global warming and climate change as well as giving dooms-dayers yet another reason to clamor on about the end of everything. I’ll admit, it’s been unsettling. But I’m more unnerved by [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.It’s heeeeerrrrreeee….This is the time of year when we women are supposed to embrace all things “traditional.” The enormous meals replete with passed-down family recipes served around a joyous table, the decorating that transforms home into a winter wonderland, the carefully purchased and treasured gifts…and the endless treks to the attic and the mall, the exorbitant expense, the [...]
By: Mary Fran BontempoTo hear an audio version of this post, click the play arrow below.Oh, George. I hope this doesn’t break your heart, but you’ve been replaced.As much as you and your glorious “Clooney-ness” have occupied my thoughts over the years, there’s a new man in town.Actually, make that men.I’ve got men, lots and lots of men, on the brain. They fill my thoughts, my dreams, my fantasies. And my husband has [...]
