First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Stumbling Onto Gratitude

Apparently, I don’t follow my own advice. After grumbling about the importance of planning well for holidays and weekends, this one crept on me. I had pockets of pity time where I imagined everyone hanging out with loved ones, except for me. Hate that! What a delight to come across Leah Dieterich’s blog, thxthxthx, in which she posts a thank you note a day. It brightened my mood.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

Image: No School by Michael Dumontier & Neil Farber

Trying To Belong

Photograph by Dorothea Lange (born on this day in 1895). A day after Pearl Harbor, a Japanese American grocer in San Francisco unfurled the banner, “I Am an American,” on the window of his store.  Lange took this shot in March, 1942, right before the man’s internment.

Do You Find Cleaning Therapeutic?

Image: Christopher Boffoli from his series, Disparity.

A Handy Tip To Manage Longing

There are days I feel so filled up with longing, and I’m not sure where to put it. At lunch today, a friend who teaches yoga, told me that she’s learned, through practice, not to get too attached to thoughts. She watches them from a distance. I might have to try that. Especially, after a stiff drink.

Image: Desire, Despair, 1996, by Jack Pierson

Swooning for Midnight in Paris

http://youtu.be/z1iR1CErfsg

On Saturday, I went to the movies, which is one of my favorite things to do alone. There’s no compromising what to see, where to sit, and how early (or late) to arrive. And not having to worry about whether the person I’m with is enjoying the film, allows me to have a deeper experience. About halfway through Woody Allen’s sweet and pleasurable new movie, I felt my whole body relax. I literally thought, “I’m happy to be alive.”

Daily Dose of Fruit

Shoe by Charlotte Olympia

5 Ways To Be Tactile Without a Date

1. Hug a pet
2. Wear silk charmeuse
3. Roll around on a shag carpet
4. Caress a plush, leather purse
5. Slip into high thread count, Egyptian cotton sheets

Illustration: Lazy Girl by Mel Kadel

Are You Comfortable Making the First Move?

Super Girly Day 2

Once a year, my clothing designer/shop owner friend lets me tag along to view the accessory collection of Martin Margiela. For a couple of hours, I get to  model, and then fantasize about, a showroom filled with luxurious shoes and handbags. Simply heaven.

Illustration: Coexistence, 2008 by Shira Sela