First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

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

Most Luxurious and Satisfying Splurge

A friend recently bought a high-end BMW. And though he has treated himself well through the years (and has earned it!), I’ve never seen him so happy with any purchase as he is with this car. Sometimes retail therapy does work. This got me to wondering about luxury items I’ve acquired that were really worth it. More than a decade ago, I invested in a handmade Angela Adams rug. At the time, it felt very extravagant, but I still adore it. What’s your most satisfying splurge?

Madrid Street Advertising Takeover Project

Edith Windsor, RIP

Edith Windsor’s landmark Supreme Court case led to marriage equality in the U.S. Her story is so inspiring, and a reminder of how one determined person can really make a difference.

Setting Down Single Roots

I’m a nester. When traveling, I unpack my bags right away and position my book on the night table by the bed so that it feels familiar, as if I’m at home. We didn’t move around much in my family. I spent most of my childhood in one house and it’s always been important for me to create roots, even being single. At the same time, I’m in awe of those who love to be on the road and are so good at it. Where do you fit on the spectrum?

Collecting Words by Brian Fouhy

Thoughts and Prayers for Florida

Here’s how to help victims of Hurricane Irma

Hope by Jack Pierson

Late Summer Pleasures

I know many of you are fall and winter fans. But I’m all in for summer. The light, the weather (ok, the triple digits weren’t fun), and the produce. Right now, I’m savoring tomatoes every day for as long as they’re ripe. What are your late summer treats?

JR Schmidt gif

Time for a Pantry Purge

Let me start by saying that I’m grateful to have a pantry. AND, it is a receptacle for items that get buried and forgotten. Over the weekend, I threw out a box of cake flour that had expired over a year ago. Taking up space on the bottom shelf of my pantry is an array of shopping bags, which for some reason I think I’ll need one day. What do you need to purge?

Illustration by Matt Shirley

Today My Heart Breaks

As some FPS readers know, I’ve been involved in immigrant rights (on a local and national level) for many years. We’ve had defeats, but also some victories. That fight has brought me to the streets and to the Capitol where I’ve lobbied members of Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers. This is such a sad day in America. I can only hope the darkness will lead to light.

AP Photo by Jacqueline Martin