First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

The Pleasure of Home Repair

My sweet dog, Rose is practically impervious to noise, except for the high-pitched sound of a dying smoke alarm battery. I learned this watching her whimper and shake as she hid underneath the bed where I used to live. That time, I had a man around who changed the battery. Yesterday morning, it happened again and now with the exception of a dog who was absolutely freaking out, I was alone. Every couple of minutes, as the smoke alarm pierced Rose’s soul, it pierced mine too. I got out the ladder, placed it on the high pile carpet, and felt shaky. (Did I say I’m not fond of heights?) I ripped off the cover, but couldn’t find the battery. I called almost every friendly neighbor in the building to help me, but no one was home. I considered cutting the wire. Who needs a functional smoke alarm, I thought. And then I phoned my buddy, who’s good at fixing things. He gently talked me through it, step by step, and was gracious about it, not making me seem like too much of an idiot. I felt accomplished and grateful it didn’t happen at 3 AM.

Photo by Zoe Leonard

Home Sweet Home

I’ve just arrived back home after spending 5 days in D.C.  While trying to catch my breath and looking longingly at my own bed, I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Poster by Build, Michael C. Place.

Spring in D.C.

Illustration by Victoria Semykina

We’re All in this Together

Neon by Karen Ay

I spent the day on Capitol Hill listening to the Senate Judiciary Committee debate the immigration bill. And to my surprise, it renewed my faith in democracy.

Flying Solo

These days, air travel is mostly annoying, but as I prepare for an early flight to D.C., I still harbor a tiny reservoir of wonder about who will be seated next to me. It actually happened once, that there was an attractive man across the aisle with whom I chatted, swapped phone numbers and eventually went on to have a passionate relationship. He lived on a farm down a dusty road in what I perceived as the middle of nowhere, and as a die-hard city girl, there was never much hope for it to last. But the sex was awesome. So you never know. Have you ever found romance on a plane?

Illustration by Franco Matticchio

Syncopated End of Week Zen

In honor of the sublime Fred Astaire, who was born on this day.

Rest up. Mother’s Day’s coming.

Happy weekend!

Step by Step

Some days, it feels like slogging, doesn’t it? What a bonus that the roses are in bloom.

Rose Garden by Lisa Adams

What’s Your Fuel?

Pastry for breakfast works for me.

Illustration by Marc Johns

Dig Deep

Have you seen the Fellini film, Nights of Cabiria? It’s about a hardworking prostitute on the streets of Rome, determined to improve her lot in life, even though life isn’t cooperating. No matter how many times Cabiria’s efforts gets epically thwarted, she refuses to be defeated. I saw the film decades ago and her resilience still haunts me.

Artwork by Anthony Burrill with words by Virginia Woolf.

Stepping Out

Twice over the next two weeks, I’ll be flying back and forth to D.C., for a meeting with Senator Feinstein, and other forays to Capitol Hill. I’m already thinking about what power shoes to pack.

Installation of 145 shoes by John Breed