Saving Divorced Socks!

Hoarding, hiding, and divorcing socks: such are my dryer’s hobbies. (He likely hustles clients for a textile-marriage counselor—or is, perhaps, an instrument of the devil.) The other possibility, though sad, is more likely:  I’m a sloppy housekeeper. On ‘laundry ‘days’ (hah— as though I have the discipline to demarcate a wash day) when  struck by … Read more

Worshipping at the Brooklyn Library Altar

  “The library was a little old shabby place. Francie thought it was beautiful. The feeling she had about it was as good as the feeling she had about church.” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. February is Library Lovers Day — and not only do I love libraries, but I also credit the Kensington … Read more

My Memorable, Relished, Beloved Books This Year

Why ‘memorable & relished’ rather than ‘best’? Because best is such an individual decision: best-written? best-received? best-advertised? As I went through my list of read and listened-to books this year, I used one overarching (okay, two) criteria: How well did I remember that book? There were titles I glanced at and then had to go … Read more

When Santa Stopped Being My Unavailable Man

Stories abound of Jewish people who grow up warm and secure in their faith. Those for whom the eight days of Hanukah didn’t compete with Christmas: Jewish nurses, firefighters, and doctors (the ones my mother wanted me to marry) who take Christmas Eve shifts to ensure that their Christian brethren are home for the holidays. … Read more

Eleven Great Presents with Impact (from $10 to $55!)

Presents!! In opposition to the Scrooges of the world, I love giving presents, finding presents, and getting presents! (Though I do have to lock down my desire to do one for them, one for me.) I do, however, work at buying from places that benefit others, from small biz, and from museums and library shops. … Read more