Author: Frances

What makes a cozy winter eve better than a gorgeous pot of simmering, savory stew? People always ask about my favorite recipes in California Cooking and Southern Style. As if! But I do confess to a few perennial go-to’s, and this Lamb and White Bean Stew with Pistou (oh, the pistou!) is one of ‘em. I loved it so much in my last cookbook (Atlanta at Table) that we had to put it in this one. A simple green salad and great bread, and you and yours are happy happy. Freezes well too. Swipe for the recipe, and link in my profile to order book, also available Amazon et al! Enjoy! Photo @deborahllewellyn .
#californiacookingandsouthernstyle
Recipes by @chefstephvalentine
#californiacooking #lambstew #savorystew #rancholazaca #whatsforsupper #cookingforacrowd #makeitahead #cozy

Swipe for view-painting-view. Quick watercolor sketches from my quick desert retreat. Nothing to frame, but fun. Goodbye dear desert, thank you for your quiet cold (yes!), beauty and peace. .
#watercolorsketch #sonorandesert #desertscape #tuscon #arizona #enpleinair

No community should have to live in fear. Today and everyday we must stand against hate in general and anti-semitism jn particular. Today and everyday we must stand in compassion for those whose fear and pain create this hate and do what we can to dispel it. I am not Jewish, but today and everyday I stand with all those who are #jewishandproud. Graphic via @stmarksinthevalley

So where was this guy when I was in the 7th grade?! He would have been the only one taller than I. I mean I was in the 7th grade, new school, new town, knew no one, and giving “awkward” new meaning. I mean I made Olive Oil look voluptuous, srsly. … Loving a quick getaway to the desert and meeting Olive Oil the cactus. I dont think I would live here permanently (though where we live in Calif is “high desert”), but Ive always found it healing. Do you have those places, where you just kind of know they are good for you?
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#desert #healingdesert #saguaro #tuscon

Using this week for inspiration and re-aligning, reinforcing intentions to let go hearing the noise that does not serve me so I can hear the voice of my soul, however subtle or eruptive. I want to let go of whatever gets in the way of that, starting with my meddlesome ego. What are you letting go?
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Another jewel from @caroline.myss #carolinemyss #carolinemyssquotes #befearlessinthepursuitofwhatsetsyoursoulonfire #justlisten #listentoyourheart #hearyourheartsong

Mantra for the New Year, present and future ☺️ I wrote it in my morning pages some weeks ago, inspired by my study and reading of theology and spirituality, and in particular the writings of @caroline.myss on the power of prayer. Grace is a powerful form of gentleness, to me encompassing compassion, healing, humility, wisdom, and a kind of poise and elegance that comes with acceptance of yourself and others as they are.

Right outside our window this morning! 2020 lifts off! Hope your New Year gets off to a flying start, although I’ll be floating into mine quietly, with a few days of nothing but writing and books and a bit of exercise. Taking stock, looking back, looking forward. At least that is the plan… How do you spend this early part of the New Year, when things are rather in a (blessed!) lull and the world seems to pause, if only for a moment, as if to let us catch our collective breaths. .
#rancholazaca #hotairballoon #santaynezvalley #foxencanyon #happynewyear #2020

O Holy Night…

Favorite cocktail napkins. .
#cocktailnapkins #funnycocktailnapkins #justsaying

The table is set and my adorable namesake Frances makes a funny face. Happy Christmas to you all! .
@ffuqua #christmastable #christmasdecor #sparkleplenty

Away in a manger…

The beautiful living room at my beautiful sister’s. Am loving this flocked tree and the colors of the ornaments. Interior design by @johnoetgen .
#johnoetgen #livingroom #christmasdecor #christmastree #flockedchristmastree