When Paper Plates Aren’t Enough
My mother cared about food presentation. Plastic containers weren’t allowed on the table, whether she was entertaining large gatherings, or cooking a simple meal for our family. Everything had to be dished out and put into a proper bowl. This included ketchup and mustard. And though not quite as stringent, I’ve become the same way. When I’m sitting down for dinner on my own, I plate my food as if I was serving it to customers in an upscale restaurant. It gives me a sense of self care. And the meal tastes better, too.
Photo by Adam Hillman
Favorite Confections
I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember. There’s something about the precision that appeals to me, as well as its transformative quality. Things puff up and look utterly different than the batter or dough. And finally, I’ve always had a sweet tooth, and baking has been a way to satisfy that. Last month, I baked a cream cheese poundcake that will become part of my regular repertoire. But if I had to pick one favorite, it would be chocolate chip cookies. What’s yours?
Painting by Joel Penkman
When Was the Last Time You Said, I Love You?
In my ballet class, there’s a beautiful woman named Betty who is almost 88. You would never, ever believe it to look at her. She is my inspiration. Betty still pirouettes and jumps and if there’s an exercise she can’t do, she’s off in the corner completing 50 sit-ups. I’m not exaggerating when I say, I can barely keep up with her. Both of us park about 1/3 mile from the studio (no meters) and walk to class from there, and if she happens to be ahead of me, I literally can’t catch her. Today, after class, Betty impatiently started to jaywalk across a busy street and I grabbed her arm. Now I’m thinking it was actually me saying, I love you.
Illustration by Ella Frances Sanders
RIP, Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard died today at his ranch in Northern California on his 79th birthday.
How Do You Recharge?
A coaching client of mine, a tech guy who has launched a number of websites, likes to work with his hands. But his days are usually spent locked in front of the computer screen. Last week as a reprieve, he built a wine cellar with a couple of buddies, and reported back how regenerative it was. That got me to thinking about the last time I recharged by engaging in an immersive activity not connected to work. I’m remembering my 3 attempts at baking macarons. Can’t say I succeeded, but it was fun.
Illustration by Jean Jullien
Succulent Love
On my patio, I have a succulent that is spawning 2 new baby plants. I find it thrilling. It’s illogical, I know, but a couple of times a day, I check to see if it has grown. Right now, they’re about a half an inch. I’m not a gardner like a number of FPS readers, but for some reason, this little potted plant has me hooked. Perhaps you can explain it. (My apologies to those in the midst of snowy spring weather.)
Ceramics by Laura Berger
Archive for April, 2016
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
