I was on the Metro today with several classmates, talking about writing and a lecture we were coming from when a Parisian woman turned to us and said “Do you know that 20 people died?” Our conversation stopped abruptly. I felt too embarrassed to even exhale. I fiddled with my leopard gloves, passing them backContinue reading “Shamed on the French Metro”
Author Archives: The Next Dinner Party
Je Suis Charlie
Yesterday morning when I was walking to class in Paris, the city was all police cars and sirens. Oblivious being that I am, I blocked out the noise, figuring perhaps Paris is often loud with sirens. Near Notre Dame, I realized there was a bomb siren going off. This I chalked up to “Oh, mustContinue reading “Je Suis Charlie”
Three Goals for the New Year
Happy 2015 from France! I’m back in Paris for installment two of my creative writing MFA program. Again, I am struck by how a city that smells of urine and is so gloomy (especially during this cold, gray January) can fill me with such delight. I’d venture a guess that it has to do somethingContinue reading “Three Goals for the New Year”
A Cheap Ikea Coffee Table Turned Glam
I’ve had a black coffee table for years. I’ve had cats for years. I’ve learned that these two things are a bad combo. The surface of that coffee table seemed to collect more cat hair than the vacuum. And that’s saying something, because the amount of hair that I pull out of the vacuum onContinue reading “A Cheap Ikea Coffee Table Turned Glam”
100 Posts Later
This blog post marks my 100th since I started blogging shortly after arriving in Yemen in 2012. On August 23 of that year, I posted my first blog post, Marhaba from Yemen on YemenEm.com, which later became TheDameinSpain.com. Over nine months of living a (practically) cloistered lifeContinue reading “100 Posts Later”
The Eclectic, Historic Michigan Home of my Aunt and Uncle
My aunt and uncle have this stately 1920s brick home in Plymouth, Michigan, where I grew up. It’s not only stop-your-car-to-get-a-better-look stunning from the outside, it’s every bit as good, or better, from the inside. My Aunt Patty, whose got style for days, is a major decorating inspiration for me, along with my mom. I’veContinue reading “The Eclectic, Historic Michigan Home of my Aunt and Uncle”
My Favorite Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes
I’ve been a vegetarian for many Thanksgivings now and I truly never miss the turkey. We’re hosting Thanksgiving this year in Madrid, and I’d prefer doing an all-veg feast, but Mr. Dame in Spain, who has increased his meat consumption five-fold since moving to The Land of Ham, wouldn’t stand for it. So he basicallyContinue reading “My Favorite Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes”
Five Favorites from La Rioja
Back when the weather was nice and warm, I took two separate trips to visit Spain’s main wine region, La Rioja. For the first trip, I set out from Madrid, along with three other girls and a little dog and stayed at a cute little hotel in tiny, charming Elciego. While it is in theContinue reading “Five Favorites from La Rioja”
The Case of the Cloistered Nun Cookies
More than a year ago I was with a group of friends talking about our upcoming move to Madrid when one friend exclaimed “You must find these amazing cookies made by nuns” and proceeded to tell me a story about her quest to find these special cookies during a trip to Madrid. It ended wellContinue reading “The Case of the Cloistered Nun Cookies”
Home Tour: My Parents’ Traditional Cozy Home
I’ve been in Plymouth, Michigan visiting the family, basking in the fall colors, wearing sweat pants, clocking in 10-hour nights of sleep. There’s something about being home that is so comfortable and I think it’s in large part to my parents’ super comfy, cozy, beautiful house. My mom is a wonderful home decorator and oneContinue reading “Home Tour: My Parents’ Traditional Cozy Home”