First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

In Mourning

Right before I headed off to synagogue on Saturday, I heard an initial news report about the shooting in Pittsburgh. For a moment, I remember thinking, is it safe for me to go? Being with my communty was the exact right place to be. Somehow, even in darkness, we must prevail.

Names of the fallen in Pittsburgh. Illustration by Wendy MacNaughton

End of (a very long) Week Zen

Rest up. We’re going to need it!

Painting by Peter Stämpfli

Pros and Cons

Confession: I’ve caught myself twice this week boasting about the temperate weather in Los Angeles to people in other parts of the country heading into winter. It’s so obnoxious that I’m cringing as I write this. As I recognized my bad behavior in real time, I quickly pivoted to how bad the traffic is here. It’s the yin and yang of L.A. life. What’s a pro and con where you live?

“Cars” by Seth Armstrong (a painter based in Los Angeles)

Taking the Pressure Off

For years, I’ve been hearing about the obsession over the Instant Pot, a modern version of the pressure cooker. And finally, a few weeks ago, I succumbed and bought one on sale. For the vessel’s maiden voyage, I’m attempting a recipe for Shrimp Biryani which sounds delicious, and relatively easy. (We’ll see about that.) In order to make the dish, I’m heading to a market that specializes in Indian spices. Amidst a turbulent world, this makes me very happy.

Deep Cleaning

Brillo box by Andy Warhol

The Use of Books

For my Coaching website, I’m working on a new piece about procrastination. And over the weekend, I read an entire book about it. I learned that most people procrastinate about something, and the author cited examples like filing taxes, making a dentist appointment, changing smoke alarm batteries. Yes, yes and definitely YES! It was comforting to know that I have lots of company. Just one more reason to read a book.

The Use of Boooks poster by Matthias Hübner and Brad Downeys

Freedom of Speech

This is such a powerful tribute by Robin Bell who projected the face of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi over the words of the 1st Amendment at the Newseum in D.C.

Blind Dating

Cautionary tale from le_triptyque

Taking the Garbage Out

Welcome to my life.

Cartoon by Will McPhail for The New Yorker.  See others on the same theme here.

What’s Your Costume This Year?

Mine: Sweatpants and flip flops. Not really a costume. That’s what I’ll be wearing while sipping a martini in the comfort of home.

Illustration by Tin Can Forest