Category Archives: Uncategorized

“We are all in this together.” That hollow phrase has rung throughout the halls of this pandemic. And even if some of us at times were actually with and for others, there were a whole bunch of people that never really felt they were part of that bigger whole — the community’s, the state’s, theContinue reading “The “Fat Lady” Hasn’t Sung Yet”

What an elevated eight days it’s been, from Passover to Easter/Resurrection Sunday. Elevated in that I could clearly see that my life was full of blessings, so much goodness just playing out at eye level. Last Saturday we had a Seder in the backyard. While I may not worship as a Jew anymore, I certainlyContinue reading “Hunting for Hope”

Yesterday was International Poetry Day. I was reminded by a dear friend’s text this morning. I typically write my blogs on Sundays but, as anyone who is reading this series knows, I am not “on schedule” these days thanks to the extended visit of my fabulous son. So, let’s pretend it’s yesterday and dedicate thisContinue reading “Poems for a Day”

It’s been chilly in Los Angeles these last few days. People here like that. It’s a change of pace, a chance to wear sweaters and Uggs instead of t-shirts and Nikes. My son is visiting from New Jersey. He does not like this weather. I mean he chose to ride an airplane during COVID inContinue reading “Ode to a Good Life”

On Friday, Amanda Gorman was followed by a security guard en route to her home. She looked “suspicious,” apparently. Once it was clear that she indeed resided in the building in question, the guard did not acknowledge any kind of culpability on his part regarding the surveillance, according to Gorman. “This is the reality ofContinue reading “Insecurity Guards”

Black History Month is over. For some. For others it doesn’t really end. I’m not going to go into how it’s the shortest month and all that. I mean an African-American scholar is the one who chose it — albeit to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, as well as Frederick Douglass’. (Historical narratives have developed overContinue reading “This is Their Story, This is Their Song — and it’s More Than 28 Days Long”

When I was a bartender at a grim restaurant located just outside the mouth of the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City, I used to tell my customers stories. It passed the time, and it kept them from drunk-talking to me. I’ve always been a storyteller. Of one kind or another. Growing up, I toldContinue reading “Story Time”

I realize I am writing this on Valentine’s Day, this subject that has been buzzing around my mind for a while now. I guess it’s fate, or karma, that this blog falls upon February 14th. Here’s the thing, I keep getting this question from people as if I’m in the middle of some 1950s TVContinue reading ““Is He Single?!””

The people across the driveway are having a party and I’m not even mad. It’s nice to hear people having fun. I am guessing it’s a Super Bowl party, though it doesn’t sound like everyone is exactly glued to the TV. Reggaetón is playing loud, and right now some folks are singing along. There areContinue reading “When Do the Rest of Us Get to Spike the Ball?”

When is routine good for you, and when is it, you know, routine? Noun versus verb. Positive connotation versus negative. I woke up this morning, clear in the knowledge that I was about to set upon my routine for the day: make coffee; read the Los Angeles Times; attend online church; write my blog; exercise;Continue reading “The Road to Routine”