First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Cue the Holidays

When I used to run a media organization, we would have our flagship event every January. My staff and I were working like crazy this time of year. But something would notably shift around December 15. You could no longer count on reaching anyone else in their offices. People were wrapping up their year-end tasks and getting ready for vacation. This meant we had to complete our external correspondence by then. Today is that day, and I can sense the turn in the season. Can you? And how are you feeling about it?

Illustration by Daniel Seex

What’s for Dinner?

Photo by Sinziana Velicescu

Time for a Refresh

I have several home projects that are starting to pile up. There’s a sometimes leaky hose in my dishwasher, a light switch that occasionally crackles when I turn it on, and a rug that could use a steam clean, thanks in part, to my otherwise perfect dog Rose. It’s surprising what I’ve been able to accommodate. I’m thinking that a New Year’s resolution might provide an ideal nudge. What’s in your home environment that could use a refresh?

2017 limited edition calendar from FItacola

I Find Hope Here

Patti Smith on behalf of Bob Dylan at the Nobel Prize ceremony.

End of Week Zen

Animation by Laura Berger

A United America

I’m heartened by this photo of New York commuters packed into Grand Central Station to watch John Glenn become the first American to orbit the earth. It’s reassuring to think of a time when fellow citizens came together in support of a common hero. The photo feels simultaneously retro and futuristic. Let’s hope we find our way back to unity again. RIP, John Glenn.

Photo by Eddie Hausner/The New York Times

Favorite Childhood Foods

As a kid, I was a lousy eater. My mother had her hands full trying to get me to have a proper meal. I insisted on peanut butter and jelly every day for lunch. I LOVED anything with sugar, and devoured Oreos, chocolate layer cake and ice cream. One of my absolute favorites was devil dogs. I’m excited to try this recipe from Serious Eats. What was your top childhood food?

What’s Good?

These days in the new America are so disorienting. Whenever I start to get my bearings, there’s another bit of news that sends me reeling again. With that in mind, a practice of gratitude is more grounding than ever. Each evening, I review the good stuff, e.g.

1. I live in a quiet apartment with little noise from the neighbors above and below me.
2. My almost 12-year old dog still gallops down the hallway when I say, “who wants a treat?”
3.  On Sunday, I made a big pot of pasta e fagioli soup, timed for the recent L.A. chilly weather. It’s even better the next day.
4. Bananas.

What’s good about your day?

“Embroidered graffiti” by Sarah Greaves

Improvisation

Illustration by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

Does Kissing My Dog Count?

Self-help from Matt Haig

Speaking of self help, please check out my latest career change blog post.