End of Week Cheer
This week, I went to a talk given by one of my favorite columnists, Gail Collins, who writes for the New York Times. She exudes good cheer and optimism, even though her beat is national politics. If she can stay hopeful in the current political climate, maybe we can too.
Image by Marc Johns
Rummaging Around for a Superhero
I’m a lightweight. So I’m trying to figure out how to lift the heavy propane tank for my gas grill out of the trunk of the car. I asked a neighbor, who cordially let me know he has a bad back. My next strategy is to invite a friend over for dinner, by way of the garage. Suggestions?
Image: Ian Stevenson
The Zen of Practice
Every ballet class begins at the barre in the same way, with plies, a movement where dancers stand with their feet turned out, bend at the knee, then straighten the leg. After that, we move on to a set of exercises that slowly warm the body in practically the same sequence, no matter where the studio. I’ve done these exercises many times a week, for many years, and I never get bored. There’s so much to think about with each movement, so much challenge and rigor, I love the chance to work on it again and again, hoping the next time, I’ll get it right. It’s a lot like life.
Marilyn Monroe in a Hollywood dance class, 1949. Photo by J.R. Eyerman for Life Magazine.
What Helps You Keep Your Footing?
I had envisioned a poll for this post. But I had too many answers: friends, family, work, exercise, spiritual practice, pets, therapist and of course, shoes. What am I leaving out?
Illustration by Franco Matticchio
Making Music
On Sunday, I had the honor of standing beside the Mayor and Chief of Police in an East L.A. church in support of immigrant rights. At a time of infuriating national inertia, it was uplifting to be with public officials who are willing to do the right thing. It filled my heart with hope.
Illustration by Alessandro Gottardo. Check out his new book.
(My) 5 Ways to Harmony
Really listen
Stay in the present
Practice awe
Be grateful
Make peace with a Republican
Photo by Aline Smithson
Have You Treated Yourself Lately?
It’s important when life gets tough to have something fun to look forward to. Last week, I ordered two J. Crew t-shirts, and they just arrived. It was very satisfying. Chocolate chip cookies work, too.
Photo by Adha Togi
What Made You Happy Today?
Sunny weather, surprising parking spot, hunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano, pet love. Name yours.
Photo by Michael Eastman
Impolite Persuasion
On this day in 1919, the U.S. Senate passed the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony drafted the original amendment three decades earlier, but it sat for years in committee. In 1917, a group of fearless activists began picketing the White House, and after enduring repeated arrests and beatings, President Woodrow Wilson finally threw his weight behind the suffragettes: “We have made partners of the women in this war. Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of right?”
Image by Kristin McIver
Archive for June, 2012
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