My writing teacher Linda used to dread writing thank you’s — because she, like me, is more computer-dependent than a pen & paper lover. “Just type it,” I urged. “It’s better than sitting on it and feeling guilty.” I’m glad to see Linda took my advice — and because she’s a fabulous scribe, her message…
TESLA cars seem to be proliferating in Southern California — or is it because my brother Steve works for them, that I’m noticing more on the road? Now that I’ll be sporting my own TESLA jacket thanks to Steve, I’ll feel even more brand-conscious. Plus it’s a cool car. And it’s fun to be an…
Here’s my pen pal Cate Ferrall’s puzzle — I finally finished it. She didn’t give me any clues. I finally got it done. The only good thing about being home sick for three days — those nagging projects that don’t go away may finally get addressed. Click here: IMG_0359 Please Share
Karen, my college roommate, can go to a stationery store and pick out exactly what I would have gotten for myself — had I seen it. These notecards she gave me were so fabulous I pressed them into service immediately. I know I’ll burn through them, but that’s the nature of life — I want…
My niece Kuu — whose 20th birthday is today! — was so excited about the suitcases she got that she wrote me the same morning she got them, while my father was still making his traditional ‘matzo brie’ for breakfast. (We’re a blended family, OK?) My brother Steve sent me a picture of Kuu…
Neiman Marcus prides itself on customer service. So when they sent us a beautiful Fortuny bowl — as a “thank you for shopping here”, I was properly “bowled over”. I kept Jim Gold’s note for a while, then decided, why not? He would appreciate a note as much as anybody. I caught a few typos…
Joel is my friend Karen’s sister, and she loves crossword puzzles … so when I looked for a purse for her, it needed to have a zipper .. not be too big, since Joel’s not quite five foot tall, and it had to be impermeable to dirt. I cruised Macy’s purse section for almost an…
I send Christmas checks to people who help me throughout the year, like Wil from Absolut Pool & Spa. He’s nursed an ailing, elderly pool for me for more than a decade now, and every time we call him I hold my breath that the patient needs life support. But each time Wil comes through…
Everyone’s always surprised when I talk about “my baby brother”, because people expect a “baby” … so they’re understandably shocked when he confidently strides in the room, all six-foot four of him. Steve may be taller but I’m seven years older — and remember when Mom and Dad brought him home, swaddled in diapers. He’s…
Linda S. is my long-time writing coach. She’s also a beautiful person inside and out. Everything she touches grows more alluring, from her garden to her students’ work. She could do her own “Linda’s Favorite Things” show, a la Oprah. This year’s surprises included a set of rhinestone-studded tweezers, clippers and nail file … a…
