Fall Back
Late afternoon, the day after turning the clocks back, is the hardest for me. On that initial day, I’m not fully confident as to what time it is, but it’s Sunday, apart from the work week’s usual rhythm, so the stakes aren’t that high. I’m disoriented, but who cares? But then it’s Monday at 4 PM and the sky is already turning black, and even though in L.A., the temperatures are in the 70’s, I get a pit in my stomach, like I used to in New York, when real winter was on its way. The next time we’ll see sunset after 5 pm in Southern California is January 9, 2016. Here comes the dark.
Image from Metropolis by Fritz Lang
Boo! 2015
I was underdressed in ballet class today, where the Ukranian pianist who accompanies our class, dressed up as a friar, carting a lit candle and a bible. In front was the 6’4” male ballet teacher wearing a skimpy 2-piece costume from the Arabian variation of Nutcracker he performs each Christmas, and many students (all adults) donned sparkly headdresses and masks. It was a festive scene, and I was glad to be a witness in my plain leotard and tights. What will you be wearing?
Grime portrait by Deladaso
Busting Stereotypes
I’m up for the challenge. Are you?
Secret Life of Superheroes by Greg Guillemin
Play Ball!
One of my fond memories of growing up in Queens was going to Shea Stadium to see the Mets. We used to sing the anthem (“Meet the Mets, meet the Mets, step right up and greet the Mets”) as we joyfully rode the subway to get there. I remember sitting on my dad’s lap as he taught me how to keep score of every play. I haven’t lived in New York for a long time, and my allegiance is now with the San Francisco Giants. But as the World Series begins, I’m rooting for the home team.
Painting by Holly Farrell
Bad News Bacon
The buzz kill of the day is a report issued by the World Health Organization indicating that eating processed meats like hot dogs and bacon put you more at risk for cancer. The same could be true for red meat. Though my diet is awash with fruits and vegetables, just yesterday, I dined on a delicious beef stew (one of my go-to recipes from Marcella Hazan) and the night before, I inhaled a carnitas burrito. After reading the WHO report, I opened my freezer door and for a brief moment, considered dumping the bacon I’d stowed there. Nay, I don’t think so.
Knitted Dog by Jessica Dance
Sweater Weather (almost, in L.A.)
Illustration for The New Yorker by Christoph Niemann
Breakfast For Dinner
The upside of being single. What’s your favorite breakfast for dinner food?
Painting by Tjaif Sparnaay
About this Site
FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
Follow First Person Singular
Greatest Hits
