First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

What Does Progress Look Like?

During the day-to-day grind, it feels like progress moves forward at a glacial pace. One step ahead, three steps back. But every once in awhile, it’s clear from the evidence that things have really changed. Today in Washington, Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about such a moment: “For the first time, there was a traffic jam in the Senate women’s bathroom,” she said. “There were five of us in there, and there are only two stalls.”

Image via Spheres

In Search of the Perfect Drink

I always keep a batch of vermouth-soaked olives in the fridge for my vodka martini. What’s your drink of choice?

Comic from Toothpaste for dinner

5 Reasons Why It’s Good to Be Single Today

1. Chores are my own
2. One sink in the bathroom is enough
3. There’s more than enough room in the bed for me and the dog
4. No disputes about turning on the heat at the slightest bit of chill
5. Complete reign over TV programming

What’s on your list today?

Crown by Jean-Michel Basquiat

In Search of Balance

A or B?

Image by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

Resilience

Days after 9/11, I flew to New York to attend a film conference that had been scheduled a few blocks from Ground Zero. We considered cancelling the event, because even getting on a plane then felt like an act of bravery. About half the group showed up. Our hotel served as a staging area for first responders, so there were firefighters and police officers hustling through the lobby. Outside, the streets were alarmingly quiet, with a city cloaked in sadness. I stumbled onto a storefront that neighbors had turned into an ad hoc gallery, where they’d tacked soaring photos of Manhattan to the walls. In that burst of optimism and creativity, I knew New York City was going to be fine. Watching  recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy, I think back to that moment. (Donate here.) And I’m reminded of it when my own spirit is lagging, and hope that resilience will carry me through.

Double Feature by Adrian Tomine

A Moment of Gratitude

Still basking in the post-election glow.

Illustration by Lisa Congdon

Everything Old is New Again

Canvas bag from 192o

How Flexible Are You?

It’s election eve and I’m steeped in partisan politics. I’ve heard from people who’ve erupted with relatives, friends and work mates. And since I don’t want to go there, I’m cocooning myself with those who share my point of view. I once dated a man who voted differently than me, but it wasn’t very comfortable. What about you? Could you hold someone close from the other side of the aisle?

Illustration by Geoff Mcfetridge   

No Matter What It Takes. Vote.

Have you voted yet?  Find your polling place here –

The New Yorker cover by Adrian Tomine

What’s For Dinner?

Among the go-to items in my kitchen are arugula, sharp cheddar cheese, charred red peppers, bacon (portioned out and stored in the freezer), balsamic vinegar and crusty bread. Put them together and it’s a perfect meal.

What’s on your menu tonight?

Photo by Jon Chonco