First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

End of Week Zen

I’m off to synagogue for the Day of Atonement. At my congregation, we’re asked to fast, wear all white, stand much of the time in prayer and do some serious spiritual excavation. It’s a kind of altered reality, though the people in this painting by Alex Gross look like they’re having a lot more fun. Whatever you’re up to this weekend, I wish you the best!

I’m Ready to Laugh Again

Curb Your Enthusiasm revs up again on October 1. Are you a fan?

Spirit Board

Honoring Our Uniqueness

One of my favorite moments at the Emmys this year was the rousing speech from Lena Waithe who won the best writer award for Master of None. She prefaced the remarks below with a shoutout to her LGBTQIA family, and even though I’m straight, they had a real resonance for me going through life as a single woman. 

“The things that make us different, those are our superpowers — every day when you walk out the door and put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.”

How I Nurse a Cold

After days of New Year’s holiday festivities, crammed into close quarters with nearly a thousand people, I came down with a cold. It was worth it, as one of the holiday highlights was sitting a few seats away from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, who attended services this year at my synagogue. Upon waking up with a raspy throat, I immediately walked to Trader Joe’s and bought supplies. Fixings for chicken soup, honey and lemon for tea, and salt water to gargle. I find that this ritual and the mixture of ingredients helps me mend more quickly. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

Looking Forward to a Sweet New Year

To all those who celebrate – l’shana tova! May it be filled with meaning and sweetness.

White lotus and chestnut flavored popsicles by Ray Ray

Upside of Being Single #445

This decision is entirely up to you.

Diagram by Instachaaz

Just One

At the synagogue to which I belong, there are a lot of couples and young families, probably outnumbering people who are single. This week begins the Jewish High Holidays, and I went to the synagogue’s office to pick up my tickets for the event. A person at the front desk asked me my last name, and said, “are you picking up for just one?” It reminded me of the kind of thing that I hear from the butcher when I order a pork chop. “Just one?” But I let it go. Once the front desk person located my tickets, before handing them over, she said again, “Just one?” This time, I couldn’t stop myself. I had to say “yes, one, but not just.” 

Illustration by Jing Wei

Another Great One Passes

Harry Dean Stanton dies at 91. This photo is from the movie, Repo Man, released in 1984. Years ago, I interviewed him for a TV show in San Francisco. Back then, I remember him as being a man of few words. Stanton has had so many iconic performances. Which one stands out for you?

Favorite Food Groups

Avocados are widely available year round in California. And though not initially a fan, I’ve grown to love them. They’re a staple of my week. I purchase mine from a vendor at the Farmer’s Market who sells them in several sizes. My preference is to eat them when they’re just barely ripe, lightly tossed in olive oil and sherry wine vinegar. 

Geomecado by Adam Hillman