You Are What You Eat
Each October on his blog Eating Rules, Andrew Wilder challenges his readers to eat unprocessed foods for the month. He defines unprocessed as “any food that can be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with whole-food ingredients.” Last year I guest-blogged for the site, writing about my enthusiasm for grilled red peppers. But before I could post, I had to agree to take the unprocessed pledge. I told Andrew that under no circumstances would I give up the vermouth-soaked olives I use in my nightly martini. For that, he gave me a pass. It was a great experience. Check out his site. If you sign up, let me know.
Photo: Ingredients: A Visual Exploration of 75 Additives & 25 Food Products
Did You See the Red Moon?
Last night, the weather was muggy as it has been for months, and for most of the evening I escaped the heat in my friend’s house, with the AC turned up. And then in lieu of autumn, we ventured outside to take in the red moon. Afterwards to celebrate, we feasted on meatballs al forno followed by grilled duck breast tacos with homemade tortillas. It was a stellar time.
Are You Ready for Autumn?
It’s another scorcher here today in L.A., and it’s supposed to hover in the nineties all next week. Sweating at my desk now, despite wearing micro-shorts and a tank top, it’s hard to believe it’s fall. Is it cool where you are? I’m more than ready for scarf weather. How about you?
Collage by Morgana Wallace
The Real Deal
After 10 days of reflection and a 26-hour fast (followed by bingeing on bagels and lox), I’m still in a contemplative mood. Watching the Pope on TV today, I welled up with tears. The gentle way he communicates our shared responsibility isn’t the typical fiery rhetoric. But his embodiment of humility and humanity deeply moves me. What’s your Pope experience been like?
Photo: #PopeDogs
Looking for Clues
Tuesday at 6pm, I’ll begin a day-long fast as part of the Jewish Day of Atonement. Every year at about this time, I feel such apprehension. It seems so prohibitive. Will I make it through? And I often wonder at the start of it, what’s the point. Will it help me find serenity or figure out the meaning of life. Eventually, I just surrender, and somehow, it’s always worth it.
Painting by Kelly Puissegur
Leaning into Optimism
The fault line in my family ran straight across gender. The women (mom and I) tended to fret in advance of situations, while the men (dad and brother) were born optimists. So although I don’t come to positive thinking easily, some of it courses through my DNA. I’ve discovered that with daily practice, it’s possible to shift my outlook. A good martini really helps too.
Photo by Shane Terry
End of Week Zen
Each Friday afternoon, approaching the powering down moment that punctuates my work week, I do so with a degree of ambivalence. The question that often weighs on me – have I accomplished enough to warrant the rest? During this poignant week in the Jewish calendar, filled with hope and possibility, I’m going to jump to positive conclusions and assume the best. Have a great weekend!
Street art in Melbourne by Wrdsmth
Archive for September, 2015
About this Site
FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
Follow First Person Singular
Greatest Hits
