We Have a Winner!
Awhile back, FPS launched a contest, with a stellar prize – one of my favorite new gadgets, called eTape. I asked you to describe a time you felt accomplished after a home-improvement project.
I was particularly taken with this entry from Jules, who wrote:
“My first home project was at 19 years old in my first apartment. Needless to say I didn’t have two cents to my name. I made a “TV console/bookcase” from found boards, milk crates, and bricks. It was very satisfying with good proportions and when full of books and other stuff looked kind of great. I remember my boyfriend at the time exclaiming that he loved that I made something for myself, by myself. He was on point. I wasn’t prone to taking very good care of myself and this was a big happening for me. My sense of wellbeing soared. Now 3 decades later, this still makes me smile.”
A big thanks to all who entered, and for all your home-improvement prowess. Congratulations to Jules. And check out eTape. It’s a cool company with a wonderful product.
Artwork by Matthew Palladino
What’s On Your Summer Reading List?
My tastes don’t veer towards light reading whether baking on the beach or huddled by the fire. So bearing that in mind, I just finished Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine. And I’m halfway through The Empire of the Senses by Alexis Landau. I highly recommend them both.
Illustration by Jean Jullien
Coloring Outside the Lines
Last week, I wrote about being invited to a dinner party where I was to be the 7th wheel. On a balmy summer evening, the three couples and I sat around in the moonlight, enjoying the ambience, the food and each other’s company. At some point during dessert, the conversation came around to how 2 people there had relatives who were transgender, which led to a discussion about sexual preference, dating, marriage, and the hopes that their relatives would find partners. It was the perfect time for me to chime in. I shared my apprehension about being the only person at dinner who was single. I could tell it wasn’t something anyone had thought about. I stood up for the notion that one could go through life being single and happy. I did this, in part, because I sensed that all of you had my back. It was exhilarating.
Unmellow yellow dress by Nanette Lepore
How to Stay Balanced as the 7th Wheel
I’ve been invited to a dinner party this weekend, and I’ll be the seventh wheel. In other words, there will be 3 couples and me. I’ve been in this situation before, occasionally even around my own dinner table (when I have no one to blame). The asymmetry never stops me, but it always gives me pause. Will I secretly be pitied by the married guests? That’s really the fear isn’t it? I happen to know that the hosts just purchased a new dining room table, and it’s round. So we’ll all be part of one big circle. Circle of love. No problem. I’ve got this.
Artwork by Martin Creed
E.L. Doctorow, RIP
I read Ragtime decades ago, and remember loving it. The book got lost somewhere along the way, so I just ordered it, as a small way to pay my respects.
Sweet Indulgence
This past weekend, L.A. had the most unusual July weather. It rained. The stickiness evoked my East Coast childhood, and I think a lot of us transplants, now unused to such humidity were soaked in sweat and nostalgia. I was glad to have a pack of Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars in the freezer, and I happily indulged.
Painting by Oriana Kacicek
Archive for July, 2015
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