Barbara Samuel O'Neal is the author of more than thirty award-winning novels, including THE LOST RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS and

The Secret of Everything
The Secret of Everything

A native of Colorado, Barbara loves teaching, travel, reading, writing, yoga, walking, food, cooking, photography and...okay, reality television.

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Finished!

As I type this, a summery breeze is blowing through my office window.  I can smell lilacs.   The new book, HOW TO BAKE A PERFECT LIFE is finished at last…written, rewritten, given to agent and editor for thorough reads, then revised some more, and returned.  It is on its way.  I’ve seen a [...]

Playlist for THE SECRET OF EVERYTHING

I’ve had a good number of requests to post the playlist for THE SECRET OF EVERYTHING, and here it is.  I had no idea there was so much music in this book, honestly, but music is always playing in my head (and Tessa’s!), so I suppose it is no big surprise.

I had [...]

Once upon a time…

We’re doing some spring cleaning around here and while transfering files from a box (really) to an actual file cabinet, I found this query. 

It ended up leading to my first sale. 

The phone number was my mother’s, by the way.  I was too poor to have a phone of my [...]

In the Rain

I’m warmly ensconced at an Italian restaurant in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. I came t0 town to hear Elizabeth Gilbert speak and do some focused work away from the distractions at home. But after three days of my own company, I had to get out of the hotel. It’s pouring rain, which means I am [...]

stems

Met a friend for tea the other day and this vase was on the table.  Kept playing with the way it looked.  Just for fun.

Uh, I don't think so

I keep misreading a line on my Google reader:  Recipe of the Week: Lemon Fish with Puree of Sweet Peas

I keep thinking it says Lemon Fish with Puree of SweAt peas.

Honor, opening volley

In yoga class last Friday, our teacher asked us to think of a word we’d like to use as a mantra or guiding principle over the course of 2008.  The word that popped into my mind, and stuck there like an annoying burr no matter how I tried to dislodge it, was honor.

[...]

Post holiday crash

Is anyone else as tired as I am?  I’ve been getting my work done in the mornings, but then I’m just demolished for the day.   It’s the great rush of activity catching up with me, and I’ll be better by Monday, but till then….whew!

I’m watching movies, mainly.  Finished rewatching Before Sunrise and Before [...]

Canine trials

Been scarce, thanks to my dogs.  Sasha had to be rushed to emergency vet on Monday night, thanks to a very gory head puncture wound on her forehead after a scuffle with Jack over cat food.  Tuesday, Jack was slated for surgery on his torn knee, so I essentially spent 24 hours with [...]

Sexiest man

People Magazine came out with its annual list of world’s sexiest men this week.   Topping the list is Matt Damon.

Uh. No.

Nice guy.  Smart guy. Really good actor. Lots of other complimentary things–he pulls off the Bourne thing very well.  But sexy he is not. 

I don’t argue with some of [...]