First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

End of Week Zen

Remember everything that went well. Eat your vegetables. Be kind to yourself. Happy weekend.

The Leek by Sarah Illenberger

How’s the Weather?

Golden Gate Bridge in the Fog by Jorey Hurley

Is My Dog Playing Me?

Occasionally during the last few weeks, my dog Rose has gotten up around 2 or 3 in the morning, and barked to go out. In the past, this has been a sign of her urgently needing to do her business. So I take it seriously. But lately, all she wants to do outside is eat grass. After some serious grazing, I have to tug hard to get her back in the house. But here’s the thing. Rose is not sick. She goes back to sleep (while I toss and turn). At her usual morning hour, she chomps down on breakfast with plenty of energy. It’s driving me crazy. What’s up with this?

Ink spotted tissue dalmatian by Jean Jullien

What Are You Reading?

Far too much content online. How about you?

Painting by Jordan Buschur

What Makes You Stand Out?

From years of walking the hills in San Francisco, I got in the habit of wearing flat shoes, with particular fondness for the Oxford. I carried this preference when relocating to Los Angeles, despite its being the land of the girly heels. These days, I often stand out with my clunky urban footwear. And I kinda love that.

Illustration by Ellen Frances Sanders

From Darkness to Light

As someone who loves leavened baked goods, Passover can be a bummer. The rule is no wheat, barley, rye, spelt (?) or oats that have come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. This food restriction is a way to commemorate ancestors who fled Egypt with no time for breads to rise. Passover is a holiday filled with food metaphors–from bitter herbs to sweet apples–that tell a liberation story and a journey from darkness to light. It’s the season for flourless chocolate cake.

Matzos Painting by Joel Penkman

Purple Rain

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called life

from Let’s Go Crazy by Prince, 1958 – 2016

Illustration by Marc Johns

One Step Forward

Today, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced that Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. But we’re going to have to wait until sometime before 2030. Let’s hope we’re still using cash.

What Keeps You Under the Covers?

I’m a morning person, and generally like getting up with the daylight. But even so, there are times my dog wakes me up sooner than I’m ready, eager for her walk. That’s okay. She’s definitely worth it. Occasionally I imagine that couples stay in bed together on weekend mornings, and if I had a partner, I’d linger more. When do you sleep in?

Sunday duvet cover void by Jean Jullien

Label Queen

Street installation by Slinkachu