First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Role Plays

In honor of Halloween, the Ukrainian pianist who accompanies my ballet class dressed up as a 1960’s American airline pilot. He was absolutely committed to it, and it made us smile.

Photo by Inge Morath of Saul Steinberg masks

Offering a Hand

Last night as I got under the covers and turned on the lamp by my bed, I took a moment to feel grateful for electricity. These last 24 hours, it has been a surreal experience reading about the storm’s devastation, while living in Los Angeles where it has been sunny, calm and 75 degrees. For those of us who got off easy this time, here’s a way to help out –

Do You Have an Emergency Plan?

I hope everyone is safe and dry. My heart aches for the people on the East Coast whose lives have been impacted by Sandy. I’ve been thinking about that earthquake kit I never put together and whom I’d want to hunker down with in case of a natural catastrophe. Do you have a plan? Who would you call?

Photo of Atlantic City

End of Week Zen

Artwork by Tracey Emin

Energy Saver

Be here now.

Illustration by Wendy MacNaughton

Are You In Need of a Compliment?

Check out this fun site, emergency compliment.

Yesterday, I posed a question about the idea of a single registry, because it’s something I’ve been thinking about organizing. Your opinion really matters. So please, let me know your thoughts. (And thanks to those who’ve weighed in so far.)

How To Push Beyond Our Fears

Last week, I phone banked for the California proposition Yes on Prop 30 even though I loathe phone banking. And next week, I’ll be canvassing door to door which I’m even more scared of. I’m so moved by the mission, that it has inspired me to nudge aside my fears.

What about you? Is there something you’ve been afraid of that you’ve done anyway? And if so, what helped?

Comic by Grant Snider

What Vow Do You Make To Yourself?

A few months ago, I attended a friend’s wedding. I was so moved by the vows the couple made to one another that it inspired me to create a contest. I asked readers to make a vow to themselves, with the prize being a gift certificate to Crate & Barrel. I think of this prize as a kind of “Single Registry.” Thanks to everyone who took the time to contemplate the question. As in other FPS contests, so many good entries made it hard to choose just one. Our winner is Sabine. I was taken with her vow’s dual message and the simplicity with which she expressed it.

I vow to love myself first, and as I am.

Hearty congrats to Sabine. And please tell me, everyone, do you like the idea of a “Single Registry.” Is that a concept that resonates with you?

Image from Lisa Congdon

Are You Ready for the Weekend?

Illustration by Olivier Tallec

Is It Okay to Be Bad at Home Repair?

Here’s a confession:  Somewhere along the line, I realized there were certain things that I didn’t like doing, because I didn’t do them well, so basically, I stopped doing them. A lousy attitude, I know, which is why I’m framing it as a confession. Home repair is at the top of the list (including house painting and hanging shelves.) I feel inept when using tools, thanks in part to my beloved father, who would’ve been the natural teacher, except that he avoided using them, too. Since buying my condo last year, I’ve tortured a screwdriver a few times to tighten the hinges on my kitchen cabinets. But other than that, I’m all thumbs. How about you?

Contest winner announced Monday.

Artwork by Lucia Quevedo