Big Little Wolf's Daily Plate of Crazy

When the phone rang yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t have been more delighted. I recognized the number immediately – it was my 18-year old son calling from Europe.

The last time we talked, he was fresh off 20 long hours of travel. He was weary, but excited to find himself overseas again. Ready to begin his “first [...]

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European vacation on the horizon?
Are you making summer plans? Is Europe in your future?
Packing light takes planning – and practice. For 20 years I crossed the Atlantic on a regular basis for business and pleasure. Mostly, I traveled to France, but also Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. I learned to pack as well for Paris [...]

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At last. Friday. Quelle week! But it’s nearly done. And momentarily, I am no longer the chauffeur, the middle-of-the-night chef, or the sponge, amply absorbing adolescent angst and aggravation.
Instead, France…
Friday in my “usual” life? No.
No indeed.
I’ve disappeared, and reappeared – elsewhere. Can’t you tell? I feel the lapping of waves and foam curling over [...]

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Dear ELLE Magazine Editor-in-Chief,
Thank you so much for offering me the position of Executive Extraordinaire of Chic Geeks and Sweet Cheeks with French Speak.
I am delighted to accept, and appreciative of the fact that you will allow me to work remotely from my cozy, charming, very French styled and eclectic East Coast American cottage, while [...]

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Are all stereotypes true? When we generalize about people or a place, is that bad? Is judging something as “bad” – bad?
Stereotypes and generalizations

Yesterday I wrote about why I find France, and French men irresistible. And everything I wrote  was based on my truths. As for the stereotypes and generalizations about French men? I stand [...]

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A fine wine, a conversation
What could be better than a wonderful Côtes du Rhône in hand, and conversation shared with a friend in France?
That friend is a journalist who writes with a refined eye and wicked wit on all things stylish and oh-so French. And what subject comes up? Paris Fashion Week? It’s [...]

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So my kid is up at 4:00 am, Friday morning. Yes, this morning. In the kitchen. Which of course wakes me up, after four blissful hours which possibly could have extended into five. I’m a light sleeper no matter what, and these days, that’s an understatement.
So I pad out to the kitchen (10 steps [...]

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Leaving… on a jet plane…

Grab the passport, pack in an hour, and hop on a plane – for a fabulous destination!
Oh yes. I used to do it in a heart beat, with no worries and a great deal of efficiency. Moreover, I was always excited to travel – especially if it meant the airport (great [...]

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I recently described a transatlantic booty call from an old friend – with the possibility of a free trip to Paris (compliments of his generosity).
French sex versus responsible parenting? For me, it’s a no-brainer; I received commiseration from the single moms (how romantic, how nice to dream, etc.), and from the single dads – encouragement [...]

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First, check your teeth for a bit of broccoli. Use the rear-view mirror if you must, as he runs into the Seven Eleven for you-know-what. It’s the third date, and you’re GO for lift-off. Sex!
Kissing is key, but if you’re about to embark on Third Date Sex (TDS) you’ve already sampled the smooching in [...]

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