First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

True Grit

One of my clients was telling me about his aging mother, who at 87 is unstoppable. This is despite having macular degeneration, an eye disease which has left her practically blind. At his house for a recent visit, she insisted on making him an apple pie, and as hard as that task is to imagine of a woman who can’t see, her top crust was latticed. #MindBlown

Rolling Pin Collection by CD Field

Reality Check

I definitely want to see this. #BlackPanther

Change Agent

A few weeks ago, I looked at the motley configuration of hangers in my closet, and decided to mini-splurge on a complete set that matches. On Sunday, I rehung all my clothes, and giddily tossed the hangers in the trash (most of which I’ve had for decades). I realize this is a small tweak in the overall scheme of life, but it was very satisfying. What’s your quick fix?

Illustration by Jean Jullien

A Gentle Nudge

Designcrush

Out and About

Yesterday, I was speaking on the phone to a married friend with whom I hadn’t connected in a long time. After catching up on the essentials, he asked, “how’s your social life?” The question caught me off guard. Is he asking me if I’m dating anyone and short of that, does it mean my social life’s a bust. After a long pause, I said: “… uh, it’s great!”

Street art by Optimology

Glorious

This past Saturday, I saw Black Panther, and yes, it’s as good as the hype. Don’t miss it!

Facework

A friend is planning on getting a procedure to tighten the skin around her neck and eyes. This is a common occurrence here in L.A. When she told me about it, I glanced at my puckered neck and thought, hmmm…. is this something I would spend money on. How about you?

Illustration by Christoph Niemann

Flex Your Youness

Illustration by Marc Johns

An American Tragedy

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook: “For the first time in 15 years of dropping off kids at schools, I felt scared. I had a pit in my stomach. I have always depended on schools, for 7 hours a day, to be a place where I don’t have to worry about my kids when I am at work. But today was different. It seems like the tipping point. And I hate how it feels.”

Midterms are coming. Let’s throw the bums out.

Illustration by Lisa Congdon

Valentines Date

Lucky me!