First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Creative Solutions

Anton Chekhov wrote, “Any idiot can face a crisis – it’s day to day living that wears you out.” Two year ago, after moving to a new neighborhood, there was a huge pothole I couldn’t avoid. It was shredding my tires and driving me crazy. I called the city relentlessly and eventually got it fixed. I loved reading about Jim Bachor, an artist in Chicago who decided to take matters into his own hands, literally, and started filling in the potholes with his original tile mosaics.

Maya Angelou on Anger and Bitterness

I adore this quote from Maya Angelou. It has so much resonance. Let me know what you think.

You should be angry. You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn’t do anything to the object of its displeasure. So use that anger. You write it. You paint it. You dance it. You march it. You vote it. You do everything about it. You talk it. Never stop talking it.

1969 photo by Chester Higgins, Jr.

Maya Angelou, RIP

Image from summerpierre

Prickly Situation

So I’m flying up to San Francisco for a dear friend’s birthday party. This friend and his wife are like family. I’ve known them since college, I’m their son’s godmother. I always stay with them when I’m in town. For this big birthday, a very special occasion, a couple will be bunking with them as well. With hesitation, my dear friends alerted me that the couple will be getting the guest room and I’ll be sleeping on the living room sofa. Logistically it sort of makes sense, but it felt like a knife in my back. Here’s where it gets interesting. One half of the couple just got a new job and won’t be able to make the party. My question to you – who should get the couch?

Illustration by Jean Jullien

Beach Day

Aaron Rose. Untitled, Coney Island, 1961-63

End of Week Zen

Image from Stefan Sagmeister

Gifting While Single

Next month, I’m traveling to San Francisco to be with two friends who are celebrating momentous birthdays. I was trying to figure out what to get them that would make an impact. That got me to thinking that spouses generally pool their resources when buying gifts, and I wanted the same advantage. So I decided to piggyback with a couple that are invited to the party and be their gifting third wheel. Problem solved.

Is Your Desk a Mess?

For decades, my desk had been a mess. When a friend told me that it takes 28 days to change a habit, I decided to see if that was true by trying to clear the papers from my desk every evening for 28 consecutive days. It actually worked. I really enjoyed the visual calm, plus it was easier to find things. But lately, I’ve begun to drift back to old habits. As I write this, I have papers strewn everywhere. What about you?

Photo from thingsorganizedneatly 

300 Ways to Get Inpired

I got a flat tire today and spent hours getting it fixed. Thanks to NPR for lifting me out of my mood with their curation of The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever. And like The Godfather, I defy you to click on the link without getting sucked in. My favorites so far are from Conan O’Brien, Amy Poehler, the late great Nora Ephron and George Saunders. Let me know of others I shouldn’t miss.

Gordon Willis, RIP

The pioneering cinematographer, Gordon Willis died over the weekend at the age of 82. A few of his master works includes Annie Hall, Klute, All the President’s Men, Manhattan and my favorite film, The Godfather. Whenever I notice that The Godfather is on TV, I’ll stop to watch what I think will be just a few minutes and I’m hooked all over again. It’s fascinating to get an insight into Willis’ choices that have left an indelible mark on cinema.