First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Single Moment of Zen

Happy weekend!

The New Yorker cartoon by David Sipress

Soaking Up the Last Days of Summer

It’s 90 degrees right now in L.A. and I’m making strawberry ice cream for the occasion. Yum.

Photo by Stephanie Gonot

Call to Action

President Obama today at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington: “The arc of the moral universe may bend toward justice, but it doesn’t bend on its own.” What are you dreaming about? Let’s get busy.

Illustration by Christopher David Ryan

Our dogs, our pals

I dragged my dog Rose to the vet today. As soon as we got within 10 feet of the door, she tried to bolt. I’m bigger so I prevailed. Rose is middle-aged and recently, spongy growths have started erupting on her body, which the vet reassures me are benign and nothing to fret about. I was instructed to administer an antibiotic cream twice a day. To prevent her from licking it off, she’s now wearing an inflatable collar that looks like a cross between a safety vest and the neck pillow people wear on the plane to help them sleep. That’s my girl.

1972 video of William Wegman and Man Ray

Here’s to Nuance

Thanks to all of you who’ve added such depth to the conversation on whether being single is a choice. You inspire me.

Graphic by Edward Tufte

Weekend Party

I’m heading to San Francisco for a Giants game, good food and old friends. In other words, heaven.

Image by Marc Johns

Note to Self

from Milk Made Studios

Is Being Single a Choice?

Sorry about this tired headline. The question infuriates me, but my fury needed your company. I’m posting it now because I was asked by HuffPost Live to participate in a segment with Tracy McMillan, who has written the book, “Why You’re Not Married, Yet.”  The timing for me to be on the show didn’t work out, and that’s a pity. I would’ve enjoyed offering a modern perspective on what it’s like to be single as opposed to a retread of stereotypes that have long been part of the culture. I understand why Tracy’s book is popular. We humans are vulnerable and would love a quick fix. But there’s nothing broken here. That’s the point.

Photograph by Andrew B Myers

Favorite Times to Be Alone

Let’s start a list.

Illustration by Belhoula Amir

Brilliance!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered our latest contest with submissions that were honest, wise and compelling. Two of you will be receiving copies of Dear Life, Alice Munro’s wonderful new collection of stories.

Congratulations to Latarsha, who had the fortitude to help her Mom take one step forward, and to RS for such searing eloquence.    Continue reading »