ABOUT ME

 ABOUT ME

Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, my family did what many families of that era did. During dinner, we would invite the 6:00 news to our table. From the head of our dining room table, my Dad had a straight shot into the living room where the television aired The Huntley-Brinkley Report. Co-anchor Chet Huntley was a sage liberal, broadcasting from New York City. He tackled issues like racial segregation and civil rights, while David Brinkley, broadcasting from Washington, D.C., was a local insider and a Republican with a populist approach to his commentaries. You could rely on their 30 minutes like you could rely on the platter of sliced white bread on the table, as these two distinguished men would end their show with "Goodnight, Chet; Goodnight, David."

They were the best of both, and in my teen years, I was paying attention - and ever since, I have had an opinion about the state of affairs. 

My professional writing journey began over 20 years ago, with a primary focus on writing about wine in various regional magazines and online publications. In 2005, I started one of the first wine blogs in Washington State and was among the first women wine bloggers in the Northwest. The wine blog officially retired in 2018. 

Later, I ventured into writing books about local history. I also tried my hand at whimsical fiction, known as cozy mysteries, under a pen name. I still dabble in this fiction, adding to that collection. Creating characters who talk to me when I least expect it is delightful, especially while doing a tedious chore. Finishing a book and seeing it in e-book form, and especially on paper and bound, is exhilarating. 

After missing the blogging platform and the ability to write in my own style without an editor overseeing my words, I started Passementaries. This lifestyle blog continues to offer affordable ideas, along with small stay-at-home journeys that can enhance your life, especially with thoughts from an "older" woman. 

A few years ago, my opportunity finally arose to visit Paris, France. Of course, visiting the Louvre was on my list. I, along with three traveling partners, embarked on a venture to the magnificent glass pyramids, agreeing that if we were to get separated, we would use the 21st-century version of dropping breadcrumbs—texting—to find our way back to each other. My quest? If I didn't see anything else, I was to see Mona. 

Unfortunately, the place was packed shoulder-to-shoulder and filled with thoughtless people holding up "traffic." There were young women pretending to be at a model shoot, projecting their boobs and puckered duck lips, and bossy American mothers who orchestrated their Christmas card photos, making the crowds walk around their chosen background. I had no choice other than to forget my list, and allow the crowds to push me through the museum, at least letting me see some of the art on my list, such as: Napoleon's Coronation, Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People, only the wing tips of The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and finally, the Mona Lisa. I was feeling exhausted and on the verge of tears (I blame jet lag) when one of my traveling partners texted me to follow her to her location near the Mona Lisa. She made it a point to speak with a museum attendant, allowing me to come to the front of the line, proceed through the velvet ropes, and spend a moment with her. For thirty seconds, it was just Mona and me. 

Later that evening, my day became complete when we dined on the Seine, and our boat passed by one of the replicas of the Statue of Liberty located on Île aux Cygnes (Swan Island). It was the second of the five Statues of Liberty I had seen sprinkled around Paris, with the first at the Musée d'Orsay. The scene became a duet against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. With the excellent timing of the cruise crew, the 10,000 golden lights on the tower suddenly sparkled for the first time that evening, showcasing their shimmer to their captive audience.

I left Paris four days later, enchanted by the food, the architecture, our shared history as allies fighting against dictators, the markets, the kindness of the Parisians, and pondering the historic symbols of strong women living in a patriarchal society. 

And last but certainly not least, Letters to Ms. Liberty will be more personal than past blogs. I will confess to Ms. Liberty my joys and frustrations in our world and in our America.

You'll find more information at Catie McIntyre