West Side Story In another lifetime I lived on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The streets were funkier, gentrification on the rise, decades past the time and setting of the movie musical I love. I know pretty much every word to every song, and one of the cheap thrills of watching the new … [Read more...] about The Stories We Tell Ourselves
A muppet, a mouse, a fawn
When my daughter was young she had a favorite dress, white eyelet and lace, a special occasion dress that needed no special occasion for her to insist on wearing it. A pretty purple plaid, more suited to everyday school activities, would take its place, followed by a fancy for polka dots to … [Read more...] about A muppet, a mouse, a fawn
Transcendence
Yesterday’s walk found me unsettled at the sight of a sign -- estate sale pickup – in the driveway of a house I pass by all the time. Cars were lined along the road. It’s been many months since I’ve seen my neighbor, who I often chat it up with if she’s out during my walk. I … [Read more...] about Transcendence
The writing on the wall
My mother’s birthday was a few days ago. She would have turned 92. Birthdays, holidays, sentimental moments make us think of beloved people gone from our lives. But today she’s on my mind mostly because of something she said more than once. On almost any night of the week our tiny … [Read more...] about The writing on the wall
the holidays
Come late August there’s a noticeable shift in light that catches me off-guard. Little by little, the shortening of days so imperceptible since the summer solstice is suddenly dramatic. Leaves start to lose their lushness. The lazy hazy days of summer are about to give way to September, with its … [Read more...] about the holidays
Why do weddings make me cry?
My daughter is getting married next May, and sometimes just the thought of it brings tears to my eyes. So happens spring will also bring publication of my novel—the culmination of years of writing, some publication, lots of rejection, and always, always the tenacity to keep at it, a bag of emotion … [Read more...] about Why do weddings make me cry?