First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Sam Shepard, RIP

When I first moved to San Francisco, Sam Shepard was the playwright-in-residence at a 99-seat house, neighborhood theater. It was there that he wrote some of his most notable works, including Fool for Love, True West and Buried Child, which won the Pulitzer Prize. I would see all of his plays, and knew I was in the presence of greatness. When someone this monumental passes, I feel grateful that he was around during my lifetime.

End of Week Zen

Anterior by Hilda Palafox

Habits

My father smoked 2 packs of Lucky Strikes everyday for 50 years. It was such a familiar sight and smell in my household, I barely noticed. In fact, I was drawn to it. Many of the men I dated in my 20’s and 30’s smoked too, as did I for awhile. But that was common then. These days, even the slighted whiff of cigarettes makes me want to bolt. What habit are you glad to have shed?

Gauloises by Candy Jernigan

Summer Wear

When I lived in San Francisco with the chilly summer weather, I rarely went without socks, a scarf and a sweater. Now in L.A., I lounge in t-shirts and sandals most of the year. What item of clothing do you covet most in the warmer months?

Illustration by Marc Johns

Self Care with Blueberry Muffins

For someone previously addicted to sugar, I’ve done a pretty good job of eliminating most of it from my life. But on Sundays I indulge this former habit by eating something sweet with a cup of tea. Regular FPS readers will know that being single and living alone has not stopped my desire for good food. And I spend lots of time in the kitchen cooking for myself. (Who better, I say! ) I’ve adopted a strategy of making big batches of things, then storing them in small portions in the freezer for later. So here’s my latest – blueberry muffins pulled minutes ago from the oven. This is a new recipe and I’m excited to taste one this weekend. Only wishing you could join me!

The Illusion of Love

Italian illustrator Andrea Ucini has an incredible collection of work in which he tells stories in one frame. This is titled “The Illusion Love” and I think it’s perfect.

Golden Hour

Happy weekend!

Sunset Red 88 by Andy Warhol

Summer Fun?

Illustration by Adam J Kurtz

Tuning In or Tuning Out?

Yesterday, I spoke with a civic-minded friend who is no longer following the news. He lets his spouse fill him in when something big happens. Post election, my friend found himself spending hours a day consumed with politics, and it was taking a toll on his work and well being. I understand this completely. I walk around enraged and distracted, but I can’t look away. How are you handling the consumption of current events?

Illustration by Marc Johns

Palette Cleanser

Key Lime Pie, one of my favorite summer desserts, captured in a painting by Nancy Featherston