First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Solo Traveling

Gif by Rebecca Mock

Hold On Tight

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the Los Angeles airport with friends from my synagogue to protest the Muslim Ban. We wanted to show our Jewish support. We were there for hours, chanting with the thousands who had gathered. I walked away with hope that we, the people, would keep our democracy on track. Tonight, with all the chaos created by the White House, I’m scared. How are you coping?

On the Hunt for Carbs

This week has felt like a year. I need some comfort food. 

If you’re in San Francisco, check out the Cary Leibowitz exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Finding Clarity with a Journal

The Artists Way was written in 1995, but I just found my way there last month. It’s a handbook for creativity, which suggests writing 3 pages of longhand, stream of consciousness every morning. I don’t follow this exact habit but I do take to writing longhand as a way to solve creative problems. In a recent post for my career change blog, I suggest morning writing as a useful tool to jumpstart the day, particularly when you’re feeling rudderless. Do you use a journal?

Askew Journal by Baron Fig in collaboration with Debbie Millman

Mary Tyler Moore Paved Our Way

Mary Tyler Moore made it okay to be a single, working woman. And she did with humor, grace and charm. What a life force. What a presence. From the bottom of my heart, I say THANK YOU.

Read the NY Times obit here.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

After the Women’s March on Saturday, a bunch of us went to Langer’s Delicatessen for their hot pastrami sandwich, which Nora Ephron described as the “finest in the world.” (I agree.) The walls of Langer’s are adorned with photos of their offerings. There was a shot of a bowl of sweet and sour cabbage soup, a mainstay of my childhood. It looked so good that I was inspired to make a pot today. The recipe suggests letting it sit for 24 hours for optimum eating pleasure, so I’ll have to wait until tomorrow. The weather is wintry here in Southern California and I’m excited!

Patriots Day

On Saturday, I marched alongside a diverse group of 500,000+ people in Los Angeles. Everyone around us was in a good mood. They were kind and patient, even when crowds barely moved. There were grandmas and toddlers, husbands and sons. It made me proud to be an American. How was your weekend?

Poster by Erik Marinovich

End of (a rough) Week Zen

We’re going to need this now more than ever. Love by Jason Fulford

Now It’s Up to Us

FPS is not a political blog. And most of the time I try to restrain myself from partisanship. But this moment in the U.S. feels so dire, as if we’re about to step off a cliff. I’ve been reflecting back on other times that were as precarious. 9/11 springs to mind. I was in lower Manhattan 10 days after the horrific event. There was so much despair in the air, it was palpable. Yet, there was also resolve. I knew that it was going to be okay. As long as we’re willing to get to work, I have to believe in the power of the people.

Are You Optimistic?

As I listened to President Obama’s final press conference today, I was struck by his continued optimism. After all the country has been through during the campaign season and transition, Obama still thinks we’re going to be okay. Do you?

Art by Gary Rough