Thanks to the magic of Skype, film maker Tarique Qayumi and I recently talked about returning to his native Afghanistan and creating a TV series unlike anything the country had ever seen. My favorite part of the interview was when…
Author: Natalie
“Glamping,” the upscale side of camping
As my friends know, I am not a camper. (Proof: The great Duluth camping failure of 2004.) I’m more of a “room service” girl. But after reporting this story for the Inquirer, I might give glamping a try.
New gig: legacy.com
I’ve just begun writing for legacy.com. My first posted piece is about a young man named Taylor Loyd. I interviewed Taylor’s mother and father on the day of their son’s funeral. They were gracious and open and patient. I was…
Zip lining, anyone?
Being a hard-hitting journalist, I had to try a zip line before I tried one. And it was great. I can’t wait to get back to Go Ape and I’m definitely planning a trip to Spring Mountain. Rope ladders, Tarzan…
Ever had a pen pal? What about a pen friend?
Philadelphian Tina Fuoco and Vanessa Hunt of Auckland, New Zealand, have been corresponding for almost 30 years. Randomly matched in grade school, their bond remains strong, even if they’ve only met in person three times. I talk about their relationship…
Brooklyn Flea Comes to Philly in today’s Inquirer
Another torturous story: Going shopping at Philly’s version of the Brooklyn Flea. Read it here.
“Hits with Knits” in today’s “Philadelphia Inquirer”
I spent some time in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park with artist Melissa Haims recently. Her crochet needles were flying the entire time we spoke. If you get a chance, go out and see her great work.
From The Ochberg Society for Trauma Journalism’s “Acts of Witness,” my piece on Hurricane Katrina
If you’re not familiar with The Dart Center and the Ochberg Society for Trauma Journalism, check them out. They’re a great resource for any journalist. They recently asked me to write a piece reflecting on covering, and recovering from, Hurricane…
The Joy of a Mother-Daughter Book Club — in The Philadelphia Inquirer
I was able to hang with a great group of women while writing this story. Check it out here, before the pay wall locks you out, here.
Taking Tidiness to its Most Obsessive
My interview with artist Ursus Wehrli appears in today’s “Philadelphia Inquirer.” Wehrli, who is also a comedian, likes things neat. His new book, “”The Art of Clean-Up: Life Made Neat and Tidy” shows how he’d clean up everything from the…