First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

What Blow’s Your Mind, Today?

1. Difference between the Chopin Vodka I had in Napa and the rot-gut Smirnoff in my freezer.
2. Power of community coming together to celebrate love (most recently experienced at my friends’ mountain wedding).
3. Richard Ford’s novel, Canada.
4. Patience of community organizers to rally for meaningful change.
5. My new red shoes.

And YOU?

Comic by Dog House Diaries 

On the Way to Happiness

Right this way.

Photo via Scoboco’s photostream

Making Lemonade from Lemons

Today, I visited my close friend in the hospital who is recovering (nicely) from a procedure. His doctor is very cute. And I joked with my friend that his medical stay would be worth it, if I ended up with a date. He agreed.

Illustration by Marc Johns

How to Sleep Well Away from Home

After getting stuck too many times with the lousy bedroom when vacationing with married friends, I’ve since learned how to negotiate a good sleeping spot before I agree to go away. On a recent trip to Napa, my gracious hosts set me up in a quiet place in the back of the house with a Queen-sized mattress and view of the vineyards, while a couple who’ve been together for decades got the room with the twin beds.

Slumber by Beth Hoeckel

Do Vacations Make You Tired?

It turns out that heaven is exhausting. I just returned from vacation where I stayed at a friend of a friend’s magnificent seven-bedroom second home overlooking the Napa valley. My San Francisco foodie pals planned and executed the glorious food, hauling the implements to get the job done, including mesquite for the Tuscan grill, a gelato maker, aged balsamic vinegar, two kinds of premium olive oils (one for cooking, the other strictly for dipping) Henricks gin, Chopin vodka, and a selection of the best California wines. We stayed up past 2 AM talking (and sometimes dancing) on the deck underneath a spray of stars, then stumbled out of bed each morning to refresh ourselves in the pool. It was great fun. And now, I need a nap.

Image by Gary Taxali

Vacation 2.0

I don’t count a destination wedding as a vacation, even if it was in the beautiful mountains of Southern California. But today, I’m heading to San Francisco and then to Napa to spend the rest of the week surrounded by rustic beauty, great food, the perfect temperature and loved ones who really know how to have a good time. Back at FPS on Monday.

 Image by Olimpia Zagnoli

Dream Big

I’m a big believer in going after dreams. They may not end up exactly where you imagine, but the passion and adventure they ignite are worth it.

What are you dreaming about these days?

Image: Icy and Sot (stencil artists from Iran)

Holding On to Paradise

I’m back from a joyous wedding in the southern California mountains. I cried my eyes out, watching a dear friend take his marriage vows to a most excellent mate. There was so much hope and good cheer in the woods as we danced, drank and toasted our way through this weekend of love. I’m all for it. I really had fun.

Artwork by Richard Prince

Heading for the Hills

I’m off to Big Bear for the weekend wedding bonanza. Full report next week.

Any final thoughts?

Image via this isn’t happiness

What Makes Being a Wedding Guest More Fun?

Almost a year ago, when a close friend told me that he was getting married in a mountain location requiring a weekend trip, I bristled inside. It’s enough to attend a wedding, but please don’t make me travel to get there (and stay a night or two). With the nuptials soon approaching, it turns out that there is plenty to look forward to:

– I get to wear a pretty dress (though guests have been advised not to wear heels as we’ll be walking through the woods).
– I’ll be carpooling and won’t have to drive.
– A number of us have rented a comfortable house in which each boudoir has at least a queen size bed, so as the only single person I won’t be relegated to the kids room (BTW, deal breaker).
– There will be fun people seated near me.
– The ceremony will be presided over by an inspiring Rabbi who knows how to invigorate rituals.

What do YOU need to have fun at a wedding?

Image: Mirage by Beth Hoeckel