Inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe
“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life — and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.” – Georgia O’Keeffe, born on this day in 1887.
Photograph by Alfred Stieglitz
What Does Progress Look Like?
During the day-to-day grind, it feels like progress moves forward at a glacial pace. One step ahead, three steps back. But every once in awhile, it’s clear from the evidence that things have really changed. Today in Washington, Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about such a moment: “For the first time, there was a traffic jam in the Senate women’s bathroom,” she said. “There were five of us in there, and there are only two stalls.”
Image via Spheres
In Search of the Perfect Drink
I always keep a batch of vermouth-soaked olives in the fridge for my vodka martini. What’s your drink of choice?
Comic from Toothpaste for dinner
5 Reasons Why It’s Good to Be Single Today
1. Chores are my own
2. One sink in the bathroom is enough
3. There’s more than enough room in the bed for me and the dog
4. No disputes about turning on the heat at the slightest bit of chill
5. Complete reign over TV programming
What’s on your list today?
Crown by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Resilience
Days after 9/11, I flew to New York to attend a film conference that had been scheduled a few blocks from Ground Zero. We considered cancelling the event, because even getting on a plane then felt like an act of bravery. About half the group showed up. Our hotel served as a staging area for first responders, so there were firefighters and police officers hustling through the lobby. Outside, the streets were alarmingly quiet, with a city cloaked in sadness. I stumbled onto a storefront that neighbors had turned into an ad hoc gallery, where they’d tacked soaring photos of Manhattan to the walls. In that burst of optimism and creativity, I knew New York City was going to be fine. Watching recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy, I think back to that moment. (Donate here.) And I’m reminded of it when my own spirit is lagging, and hope that resilience will carry me through.
Double Feature by Adrian Tomine
How Flexible Are You?
It’s election eve and I’m steeped in partisan politics. I’ve heard from people who’ve erupted with relatives, friends and work mates. And since I don’t want to go there, I’m cocooning myself with those who share my point of view. I once dated a man who voted differently than me, but it wasn’t very comfortable. What about you? Could you hold someone close from the other side of the aisle?
Illustration by Geoff Mcfetridge
No Matter What It Takes. Vote.
Have you voted yet? Find your polling place here –
The New Yorker cover by Adrian Tomine
Archive for November, 2012
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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