One afternoon, my son Reuben climbed into the car after a day at the Crowden School in Berkeley, where he was an eighth-grader. “Mom, guess what? I got the lead part in the play!” “Wow, good for you! What play?” I headed south on Sacramento Street, actually kind of proud of myself for not knowing…
I’m better than I once was at letting go of stuff. Between flea markets, second-hand shops and online resources, the world has become one big carousel of buying and selling, acquiring and giving, making me feel I can essentially get something back if I want to. Not that I want to. I’ve had avalanches to…
October 29th— Today is the 91st birthday of a dear friend of mine, Bereni Karasik, with whom I studied piano as a teenager, and who knew my parents before I was born. I’ve always felt a strong connection to this magnificent woman, with her keen intelligence and regal old-world bearing. I’ve kept in touch over…
An October 19th New York Times essay entitled “When Parents Are Too Toxic to Tolerate” addresses the issue of adults dealing with parents who aren’t merely demanding or neurotic, but truly emotionally abusive. Sometimes, contends author Dr. Richard A. Friedman, the solution is to cease contact. I’m always grateful for articles that question our society’s…
I don’t want to be known only as that cranky person who spends her writing life finding fault. So here are a few things I think we don’t celebrate enough. The autumn. Truly underrated; the best time of year by far. There’s something about the angle of the sun that makes the ordinary look magical. …
In a parallel universe, times are tough, and retail sales are down. So manufacturers have come up with some innovative, elegant products that simplify and improve life. In an exclusive with the Post, we bring you just a few examples of what’s available in this alternative reality. A thermometer that stays under the tongue. As…
There was a small misunderstanding a few weeks ago between me and my laptop. Part of it, I admit, was my fault. I somehow misread the message “AOL 9.5 Connected, Signed-On” as “Please spill hot Darjeeling all over the keyboard.” Anyway, my computer got into a snit, one thing led to another, and then it…
There are the “haves” and the “have nots” in this world, and since I have migraines, I am inevitably going to inspire jealousy in some, however discreet and gracious I am about my elite status. Look, I understand; everyone wants in. It’s human nature. Friends who are not members of this exclusive club try to…
Eleven years ago, I hesitated when given the option of accompanying my son Reuben at the piano for his first violin performance. My part would be fairly simple, but I was rusty on the keys; additionally, I’d always struggled with stage fright. But walking away from such a joyous opportunity didn’t feel right, either. I…
Keep it simple. Let it begin with me. Progress, not perfection. Love, learn and grow. Now these are mottoes that make for a better life. But not every catch phrase inspires. Some make me wince, others crack me up, and lots leave me scratching my head. Teach Tolerance. So gays and members of other minority…