First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Superpower?

When first looking at this image posted on thisisn’thappiness, I liked it. On second glance, I’m not sure. What do you think?

How to Quiet Anxiety

My mother was anxious, and she taught me well. But I’m testing out a new technique. When I feel myself anticipating the worst, I take note of it, and then I exhale. It takes focus to envision the best outcome, first. Tomorrow, my beautiful dog Rose is having a procedure to remove a noncancerous mass above her eye. Deep breath out. Right now, I’m focusing like crazy.

BREAKING NEWS: Rose has come through her surgery, AOK!! Thanks for the support.

Illustration by Daniel Seex

Summertime Blues

During my self-pitying days in San Francisco, I would get lonely in the summer. As couples escaped the fog to romantic getaways in Napa Valley, I watched TV in my apartment clinging to the heater. It’s one more reason why I love L.A. It’s always summer here and everyone stays put.

Reaching for the Stars (or in this case, a dwarf planet)

9 -1/2 years after its mission began, NASA‘s probe, New Horizons, transmitted this first image from Pluto. Very inspiring.

Back to Basics

When I first started paying attention to cooking, California cuisine was coming of age. Alice Water, with her iconic restaurant Chez Panisse was laying the foundation for a generation of chefs, and that also trickled down to me. For the most part, I still like my food simply prepared, with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. I’ve been waiting all year for sweet 100 tomatoes, which finally arrived at my local market today! With ground salt and pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s one of my most basic treats. What’s your basic?

Photo by Mikkel Jul Hvilshøj

End of Week Zen

Happy weekend!

Photo by Sofie Mayer

Don’t Forget the Sunblock

Illustration by Ray Oranges

Who’s Your Piano?

Therapist, priest, pet, hair stylist, rabbi, workout buddy, best friend….  Who am I missing?

Illustration by Ella Frances Sanders

Revisiting an Ex

Last month, I came across an ad for a design talk and book signing at a local museum, featuring a man I’d dated 16 years ago. Since our time together, he started a lucrative business and had become rich. I reflected on whether I should go to his talk, afraid that he wouldn’t remember me, creating a moment so awkward I’d want to evaporate. But destiny called. The day the event arrived, it took me many wardrobe changes to get out of the house, attempting to look alluring, yet casual. I sat in the back of the dark auditorium checking for a wedding ring. When it was over, I sprung for his book, waiting nervously in line for a signature. He looked up and shook my hand. “Ah yes,” he said. “I was just thinking of you.” And off we went, our separate ways.

Illustration by Geoff McFetridge

Beach Wear

I didn’t make it to the beach this holiday weekend, but I was wearing flip flops. For most of my adult life, I didn’t own a pair. Summers were so chilly in San Francisco, that I barely went without socks. But L.A. is the land of the thongs with its combination of mild climate and casualness, and it’s probably the number one shoe choice here. It didn’t take me long to succumb. Now, I’m addicted, and I always keep a spare on hand.

Stephen Frykholm poster: Herman Miller summer picnic