The Pleasure of Nesting
A satisfying evening is sitting on the Tibetan rug in my living room, back up against the couch, eating a home-cooked meal in front of the flat screen TV. Sipping a chilled martini, with the dog lying beside me, it’s close to perfect. Tonight, I’m going out, though I’d prefer to be nesting. It surprises me how much fun it is to stay in. Which leads me back to our CONTEST.
Image: Franco Matticchio
How To Be Surprising: A Contest
I love Twitter. One of its pleasures is reading the hilarious, daily musings of Lizz Winstead, a social critic and comedian, who co-created The Daily Show, and helped give Rachel Maddow her start. I’m so excited about this contest, which features LIZZ FREE OR DIE, a collection of Winstead’s autobiographical essays. As a woman in comedy, Lizz broke so many rules. And in her honor, this contest is about defying expectations. Tell us one thing you did that surprised your family. It can be when you were a kid, or just the other day. It can be trivial or profound. Define family however you choose. As a super bonus, Lizz will select the winner.
Submit your entry using the Comments section. Include your first name. (If you win, we’ll get in touch by email for your U.S. shipping address, and telephone number.) Enter as often as you like. Deadline: May 17, 2012.
End of Week Zen
Take a dip in the reflecting pool.
New contest on Monday. Stay tuned!
Flip flops sold here.
Putting a Limit on Angst
30 minutes into what should have been a peaceful stroll around the park with my dog, I realized I’d been chattering in my head during the entire walk. I solved no problem. 10 minutes would have been more than enough. Next time, I’ll bring a stopwatch.
Keep it Together by Christopher David Ryan
How Hard Do You Try To Look Good?
Walking my dog at the first light of day, I shudder to think what I look like. Locks of hair stick straight up, my face is unwashed, flecked with day-old mascara. I’m in frayed, ill-matched, baggy sweats. When someone walks by, I don’t always make eye contact, given my state of disrepair. But I can’t get enthused about primping for the neighborhood. How much should we clean up before leaving the house?
Image: Stefan Sagmeister
You Never Know What’s Around the Corner
I was touched by your sweet birthday greetings. Thank you! It was a wonderful, festive weekend celebrating with close friends, and my brother who flew across the country for the occasion. We dined well and often at some of L.A.’s great restaurants (Sotto, Picca, Langer’s, Pizzeria Mozza). The weather was perfect, the company divine. I used the time as an opportunity to be filled with hope and possibility. Surprising things can turn up where you least expect them.
Photo by Rob Hann of Highway 90 in Marfa, Texas
What Are You Reading?
I’m reading Cheryl Strayed’s WILD (from our recent contest). And I’ve ordered a new short story collection by Edgar Keret, after being wowed at a reading of his, this week. What can you recommend?
Image: Austin Kleon
Wear More Dresses and Other Unsolicited Marital Advice
Let’s keep this conversation going. See yesterday.
Image: Geoff McFetridge
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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