First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

You’re All the Greatest. But Here’s the Winner:

Last month, FPS launched a contest, inviting readers to choose an item they consider their kitchen essential, for a chance to win a copy of Marion Cunningham’s updated version of The Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Thanks so much for your spirited response of entries that were fun to read and useful, too. (Most often mentioned were favorite knives and cast iron pans.) I realize that narrowing your kitchen essential down to one was a near impossible task, and it’s practically as hard for me to pick one winner. But because I have to, here goes.    Continue reading »

Heroes

This is not my dog. It’s a shot from a series, Maddie the Coonhound, described by the photographer Theron Humphrey as “a serious project about dogs and physics.” I’ve had this photo on my desktop for days. It makes me feel cozy each time I look at it, and afterwards I go hug my own dog, who is smaller, but every bit the hero.

Contest winner announced tomorrow.

In Appreciation of a Parking Spot

For the first time in a long, urban life, I have a reserved parking spot at home. Actually, I have two, as does every unit in my building. Most people here live with a spouse, so I’m one of the few who gets to park sloppy, in between the two spots, which makes pulling in and out a breeze. During the years of living in San Francisco, I’d spend hours driving around looking for a place to park. Now, I take my garage for granted. But not today. Today, it’s on my gratitude list. What mundane, yet transformative, item is on yours?

Image by Mr. Brainwash

Summer in the City

A book. A lounge chair. The pavement. I know it’s not for everyone, but I can totally make it work.

Photograph by André Kertész, 1964

Faith Takes Practice

I have friends who seem to trust that the universe is a fair place, and that everything will turn out okay. I envy them. For me, faith (and I use that term broadly) is a daily work out. Gratitude and patience are definite parts of the equation. But those don’t come easily either, so I’d add creating rituals in which to practice. What would you add?

Photo by Yong Hee Kim

Going For the Anodized Steel

If you’re reading this on July 27, 2012, there’s still time to enter our contest. Even if the deadline has passed, please add your voice to the comments. I’ve learned so much from all of you about essential tools for the kitchen. My wish list is growing. The winner will be announced next week.

Olympic Rings by Zevs

Daily Affirmation

A good general rule to follow. And it swings both ways.

Image by Rob Reynolds

Hat Check

Can you imagine wearing one of these? (On the left, it’s mink!)

1965 photo spread in the New York Times: “Halston makes visors and wind socks chic for fall.” 

Taking a Summer Plunge

Plunge is a funny sounding word. It rhymes with sponge. Or more aptly, lunge. It takes courage. Just the other day, I stood at the ledge of a pool summoning the courage to jump in. I’ve been trying to plunge back into dating sites. Every time I get an email from Match.com with perspective dates, I scan the profiles and get a little disheartened. It’s amazing how many men write that they “walk with the Lord.” (Oy!) But one of these days, I’m going to make a splash.

Image by Michel Dumontier and Neil Farber

Relaxing with a Cocktail and My Pet

Except for the part about manipulating one’s pet to do tricks for the camera (which I’ve only rarely done), this comic captures my favorite kind of evening. Can you relate?

Check out our contest. Deadline Friday.

Image by Andy Pandy