
Book Review: Violeta
Violeta is the latest work from Chilean writer Isabel Allende. Violeta is a South American epic that buffets readers through a tumultuous lesson in South American history—economic collapse, dictatorship, hurricane, earthquake, and more. It’s historical fiction that doesn’t read like historical fiction. Instead, it reads like a memoir—profoundly personal and intimate at times. (Allende left Chile … Continue reading Book Review: Violeta

Book Review: Convenience Store Woman
If you’re asking yourself why this book review begins with information about konbinis, stick with me for minute. If you’ve never been to Japan, you might be surprised to know how popular convenience stores, “konbinis,” actually are. There are more than 56,000 in Japan ( as of 2020). Konbini’s are in almost every neighborhood and … Continue reading Book Review: Convenience Store Woman

New Year’s Eve 2021—Would I Do It All Again?
It’s New Year’s Eve. A year ago today, I took action on something I’d been working on in the wings for several months—finally took action, if I’m being honest. I’d labored over the idea of stepping into a storm I could easily have avoided for the remainder of my life. Some have argued that my … Continue reading New Year’s Eve 2021—Would I Do It All Again?

Have a Cup of Coffee on me!
It’s my birthday, Sunday, and I’m giving away copies of my new short fiction piece, “The Price of a Cup of Coffee.”
There’s no hidden grab; I don’t want your email address. You don’t need to sign up for anything.
It really is free and clear.

World Aids Day: Living With Ghosts
To paraphrase Larry Kramer, we lost a lot of good young men to the flu back then. I lost my brother and those I had come to call family. And I know I’m not alone with that loss. World AIDS Day Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day. And in many ways, it is a … Continue reading World Aids Day: Living With Ghosts

Kevin Spacey, Journalism, and Life
When my year-long investigation into Kevin Spacey was published, I wasn’t sure what would follow. I certainly didn’t expect this. Randy Fowler[…]
![Kinkaku-ji Temple [Photo Credit: D. Mennerich]](https://i0.wp.com/anachevalier.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-2.jpeg?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Shrines in Japan: Top Five
These five must-see temples and shrines in Japan top the list for anyone traveling to Japan. While in Japan, a shrine visit is probably high on your list of things to do. Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples are knitted into the very fabric of everyday life in Japan. And with the number of shrines … Continue reading Shrines in Japan: Top Five

10 Fun Things To Do In Tokyo
With so many choices, it can be hard to decide what to do first, especially if it’s your first time in Tokyo. We’ve selected 15 fun things to do in Tokyo that are great for first-time tourists as well as frequent visitors. Fun things to do in Tokyo Shibuya-ku: Shibuya Crossing Sumida-ku: Climb The Sky … Continue reading 10 Fun Things To Do In Tokyo

How To Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring
Nothing compares to slipping into the hot, bubbling waters of a Japanese onsen hot spring. The day’s worries and stresses dissolve as the hot waters churn and swirl around you. So if you want to visit an onsen but are worried about proper etiquette–that can often seem daunting, if not utterly perplexing, to most non-Japanese … Continue reading How To Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring

Tallulah: The Next Phase
For those of you who know me, know that wee girl is the center of my universe; she has me well-trained. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. But as with all life, we age and as we age our presence on this planet begins to slowly degrade and fade away. Tallulah is 12 … Continue reading Tallulah: The Next Phase
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