First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Happy Independence Day!

Image: Flag 1, by Jasper Johns, 1973

Are We Single Because We’re Different?

Last night, I participated in the annual ritual of the Seder (meaning “order”), during which Jews around the world are obliged to re-tell one of the greatest liberation stories ever told. There were 24 guests at the lively dinner I was invited to, 8 of whom were teenaged or younger, along with their parents, and a set of grandparents. I was the only unmarried adult in the room. I’ve been in this situation many times, but it still pierces my heart, as I look around at lives that look similar to mine, but, in so many ways, are not. Intrinsic to the Seder is the asking of questions. So I’ll throw one into the mix: Are we single because we’re different, or different because we’re single?

Image: Grosse Dame, 2007, by Christoph Ruckhäberle

Holy Night of the Oscars

The only year I remember missing the Oscars is when my mother did the unthinkable and died a few days before, which brought me to the East Coast to mourn. My heart was breaking, and I couldn’t imagine sitting in front of the TV with everyone decked out and carefree. But my California buddies disturbed the shroud of silence when they phoned at midnight, to shriek about the results. During the San Francisco years, I’d go to my friend Dick’s house, where he always served up the best booze and food. I’ll be having my own crowd on Sunday, beginning with nosh and the Red Carpet, and later, Chicken Gumbo à la Emeril Lagasse. I’m betting on The Hurt Locker, Jeff Bridges, and please, make it be Meryl Streep.

VOTE update – top contenders are “ART SEEN” and “GALLERY.” New write-in vote: “ART WALL”

Happy Year of the Tiger

HERE’S OUR WINNER!!!!

Why It’s Great to Be Single on Valentines Day from Migtwig (who also shot this gorgeous photo):

Continue reading »

Feeling the Love – Even If You Make it Up

Yes. I’ve made peace with Valentines Day, but not the week leading up to it, when romantic love is bombarding me, and I don’t mean in a good way. The other day, I got ambushed while tuning into a favorite radio show, and even the stalwart Writer’s Almanac is featuring a week of literary love letters (although today’s are from Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas, and how can you not enjoy that?) The only sane response is to buy a T-shirt. The latest is from Alexander Wang’s less expensive T collection, and it’s soft and chic. I’m in LOVE.

(Image: Design Sponge, a site of visual inspiration and useful, too! edited by Grace Booney)

Why It’s Great to Be Single on Valentines Day, reason #7 from Jen G.:       Continue reading »

Mouth-watering and Pink

For those of you sitting on the fence, DON’T. Last week, I previewed a CONTEST and here are more juicy prize details from L.A. Burdick, one of the country’s premier chocolate makers:

Bottom box: Full one pound assortment including hand-cut chocolate heart bonbons.
Middle Box: 20 Sets of Champagne truffles, dusted with confectioners sugar.
Top Box: Caramel Collection including triple caramels of mocha, apricot and vanilla.

Come up with the top reason why it’s great to be single on Valentines Day, and all of this can be yours (or if you’re masochistic, give it away.)

Here’s a recap -

Contest: Why It’s Great to Be Single on Valentines Day

Are you fed up with buying your own Valentines Day candy, or hoping a loved one will bring you some?  We can change that. All you have to do is come up with the best reason why it’s great to be single on Valentines Day and we’ll deliver a box of yummy L.A. BURDICK artisanal chocolate  to your home in time for the holiday.

Here are the ground rules. Uh, actually there are none. Comment as often as you like. You don’t have to be single to win (because how could I check). The winner will need to give us a first and last name, U.S. mailing address and phone number (for delivery purposes only). We’ll be gathering entries until January 28 and posting one great reason a day during the 10 days leading up to February 14.

Let the games begin…

LAST UPDATE: We have a winner!!!!!

Are You Looking Forward to a Midnight Kiss?

Me, not so much. But I’m in love with this photograph by Irving Penn for a 1969 lipstick ad.   HAPPY & HEALTHY 2010 everybody, filled with lots of love wherever you can find it!

Mid-holiday Limbo

I’m having a rough holiday. During this weird week in between Christmas and New Years, I’m happy for the return of some of my favorite comforts. Two close friends who were out of town visiting family are back in the hood, as is a juicy, new issue of The New Yorker. (I’ll have to wait until January 4 for Jon Stewart.)

Traffic in L.A. remains refreshingly light, except near shopping hubs. On Christmas Day, I appreciated the utter stillness of American commerce coming to a halt (not counting the movie biz which had its greatest weekend ever!) And yet, I’m relieved that Noel, with its endless Carols and pressure to be encased in the perfect family unit, is now a full year away.     Continue reading »

Eat, Drink, Be Merry (or not, if you don’t feel like it)

I’m grateful to all who shared their wisdom for FIRST PERSON SINGULAR’s contest, Surviving the Holidays When You’re Single. Thank you for being a part of my family, and making it feel large and bountiful!

Most of your advice centered on preparing and eating delicious food, enjoying a stiff drink, and taking pleasure in a day where we have the latitude to do what we want, whether it’s being with loved ones, taking in some culture, or delighting in our own company. We have two WINNERS. Both will be receiving a copy of The Pleasures of Cooking for One by Judith Jones

Drumroll, please…. Continue reading »