First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Thank you, Alabama

Last night brought back hope again. And I’m swimming in it. How are you feeling?

Drawing by Mari Andrew

Festival of Lights

Sunset tonight marked the beginning of Hanukkah, also referred to as the festival of lights. It’s a holiday whose origin myth is about a miracle. When I light the candles each night, I reflect on that. As I write this post, I’m keeping close track of the Alabama Senate results, which appear to be a tossup. If there ever was a time for a miracle, it’s now.

Photo by Jim Golden

Snapshot from my Younger Self

Chart by Matt Shirley

Grateful to Be Here

Late this afternoon, on my hands and knees, I scoured a thin layer of soot from my patio floor. It was a cleansing experience after a harrowing week.

Installation by Kameelah Janan Rasheed

The Essentials

A neighbor who lives across the hall with her 12 year-old daughter, knocked on my door in a panic. She was worried that we would have to evacuate because of the fires and had already packed a bag. My anxiety hadn’t reached that pitch, but it did get me to thinking about what items I would grab if we had to flee. Apart from my dog and iPhone, would I make time to pull a favorite pair of shoes, jeans or that photo of me and my parents from 40 years ago? What’s on your most treasured list?

Painting by Jana Rayne MacDonald

Holding Our Breath in L.A.

My neighborhood is not under threat, but the winds are picking up again and everyone is anxious. The air is foul. These are scary times.

Photo by Genaro Molina/LA Times

Put This On Your Movie List

This past Sunday afternoon, I took myself to the movies to see Ladybird. At the center of the story is a fraught mother-daughter relationship. And though it didn’t precisely mirror the fraught relationship I had with my mother, it rang true. I’m betting the film will be nominated for Best Picture, and I’m hoping the very talented writer/director Greta Gerwig will get a nomination, as well. Don’t miss it.

Seasonal Indulgences

I’m no longer sure why or when I started buying Panettone for the holidays. But the Italian sweet bread has become such a fixture in my December kitchen that I can’t imagine getting through the fraught month without it. Similar to tomatoes, the Panettone season is limited, so I try to stock up and take advantage when it’s around. Just seeing the colorful box cheers me up. What’s your traditional holiday indulgence?

Peppermint Swirl Meltdown sculpture by Desire Obtain Cherish

End of Week Zen

Give yourself a break today. You deserve it. 

Illustration by Lisa Congdon