First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Is Life Fair?

Reading a review of Christopher Hitchens posthumous memoir Mortality, I was reminded of how he answered the why me question, after being diagnosed with cancer, “why not me,” he said. It would take a lot of spiritual counseling for me to have that grace.

Image by Michael Dumontier and Neil Farber

What Do You Need to Feel At Home?

There was a time a while back, when I was travelling the world with a lover. We lived in Berlin and used it as a home base for our frequent trips throughout Europe, with occasional jaunts back to the States. For a nester like me, it took awhile to adapt to our nomad lifestyle. We became each other’s anchors. And each new, strange bed became less so, when we were in it together. I didn’t miss that life once it was over. Now, a book, eyeshades and wherever possible, my dog all help me settle in. What works for you?

Feels like Home by Marcos Calamato

What Blow’s Your Mind, Today?

1. Difference between the Chopin Vodka I had in Napa and the rot-gut Smirnoff in my freezer.
2. Power of community coming together to celebrate love (most recently experienced at my friends’ mountain wedding).
3. Richard Ford’s novel, Canada.
4. Patience of community organizers to rally for meaningful change.
5. My new red shoes.

And YOU?

Comic by Dog House Diaries 

On the Way to Happiness

Right this way.

Photo via Scoboco’s photostream

Making Lemonade from Lemons

Today, I visited my close friend in the hospital who is recovering (nicely) from a procedure. His doctor is very cute. And I joked with my friend that his medical stay would be worth it, if I ended up with a date. He agreed.

Illustration by Marc Johns

How to Sleep Well Away from Home

After getting stuck too many times with the lousy bedroom when vacationing with married friends, I’ve since learned how to negotiate a good sleeping spot before I agree to go away. On a recent trip to Napa, my gracious hosts set me up in a quiet place in the back of the house with a Queen-sized mattress and view of the vineyards, while a couple who’ve been together for decades got the room with the twin beds.

Slumber by Beth Hoeckel

Do Vacations Make You Tired?

It turns out that heaven is exhausting. I just returned from vacation where I stayed at a friend of a friend’s magnificent seven-bedroom second home overlooking the Napa valley. My San Francisco foodie pals planned and executed the glorious food, hauling the implements to get the job done, including mesquite for the Tuscan grill, a gelato maker, aged balsamic vinegar, two kinds of premium olive oils (one for cooking, the other strictly for dipping) Henricks gin, Chopin vodka, and a selection of the best California wines. We stayed up past 2 AM talking (and sometimes dancing) on the deck underneath a spray of stars, then stumbled out of bed each morning to refresh ourselves in the pool. It was great fun. And now, I need a nap.

Image by Gary Taxali

Vacation 2.0

I don’t count a destination wedding as a vacation, even if it was in the beautiful mountains of Southern California. But today, I’m heading to San Francisco and then to Napa to spend the rest of the week surrounded by rustic beauty, great food, the perfect temperature and loved ones who really know how to have a good time. Back at FPS on Monday.

 Image by Olimpia Zagnoli

Dream Big

I’m a big believer in going after dreams. They may not end up exactly where you imagine, but the passion and adventure they ignite are worth it.

What are you dreaming about these days?

Image: Icy and Sot (stencil artists from Iran)

Holding On to Paradise

I’m back from a joyous wedding in the southern California mountains. I cried my eyes out, watching a dear friend take his marriage vows to a most excellent mate. There was so much hope and good cheer in the woods as we danced, drank and toasted our way through this weekend of love. I’m all for it. I really had fun.

Artwork by Richard Prince