First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Lift Your Spirits

My parents had a fancy built-in bar in their basement, but it was mostly for show. They hardly drank and there were decades-old liquor bottles ensconced on the shelves crusted over from lack of use. I learned the pleasure of cocktails from my foodie friends in San Francisco. And I’m grateful to them. Many regular readers know of my fondness for (super dry) vodka martinis. But I’m always on the hunt for good spirits. What’s your favorite?

Illustration by Rachel Levit Ruiz

End of Week Zen

To the power of possibility. Happy weekend.

Artwork by James Curran

Holding on to the Light

I’m beginning to notice that the light is fading earlier in the evening. It was 99 degrees in my neighborhood today, but summer seems like it’s slipping away. Turn, turn, turn.

Art by Cerith Wyn Evans

Wrestling with a Vacuum

My Dyson DC-40 wasn’t working properly, and I called their support line. I was told to bring it to a local repair shop and they’d fix it, no charge. I hoisted the machine into the trunk of my car (no easy feat for a lightweight like me), hauled it into the shop and the repairman turned it on, shrugged and said, “It’s working now. There’s nothing I can do.” I hauled it back into and then out of the trunk. A week later, it was dead. Dyson agreed to have it shipped to their own repair place, which required another lifting in and out of the trunk to the nearby UPS store. 15 minutes ago, the vacuum arrived back at my place (happily this time straight to my door) and it took me an eternity to pry the machine loose from the shipping box. It’s at times like this that I most want a husband.

What Do You Grab When You’re Hungry?

I’ve become a big fan of KIND bars. What’s your go-to?

Illustration by Marc Johns

How Important is a Spiritual Practice?

A few months ago, I downloaded the guided meditation app, CALM. I used it consecutively for 4 days, and then, lost interest. This past week, I recommitted, and after 9 days straight, I’m starting to get in the swing of it, and have actually noticed a difference in the way I feel. It’s a relief to get out of the brain chatter and just breathe. How do you find respite?

Illustration by Geoff McFetridge

Urban Grace

JR Street mural in Tribeca of Lauren Lovette, a dancer with the New York City Ballet

Hat Wear

Illustration by René Gruau

Personal Evaluation

I recently met a woman who was yearning to be in a romantic relationship. She’d had a failed marriage and was doing a fair amount of dating, but had not been able to connect with a suitable partner. A colleague wanted to fix her up with someone he knew, and suggested she come to a dinner party where the man was to be a guest. This woman wanted to understand if there was something she might be doing that was  turning men off, and asked her colleague to observe her interaction with this potential date and give her feedback. His advice: Be yourself. What do you think of her strategy? Could you ask a friend to watch you date?

Take a Break

Image from dotdotdot