In the interest of full transparency I am stating at the outset that the idea for this essay did not originate with me. So, New Yorker Magazine, if you’re listening, I give you full credit. In a recent on-line “Daily Shouts” column, the author, Jenny Arimoto, wrote a spoof on celebrity beauty brands. Naming recent
Dear Readers: I’m wordless! Which is a sorry state for a writer. Nevertheless, I’m not sure I have the proper vocabulary to convey my gratitude. My new book, Laughing My Way Through the Third Stage, now in its fifth week since its release in early October, has been selling like the idiomatic hot cakes. (Personally,
First of all, I want to thank all my Florida friends who were able, despite the rain, to attend my book signing yesterday, Wednesday, November 13, at the Palm Beach Book Store. You made the event a sell-out success, and your readership, support, and friendship mean everything to me. And, if I can stretch your
The other night, in a restaurant, my husband happened to encounter a woman he knew from high school days. This is not unusual. My husband frequently runs into people from his youth. In fact, I once wrote about this phenomenon, which never fails to amaze me. (See “State of the Reunion,” March 2, 2015.) Growing
Dear Readers: I beg your indulgence on two counts: one, for beginning this essay in the manner of an 18th century English novel, and two, for again writing about our new dog, Sam. I promise this will be the last time. Perhaps I shouldn’t promise, but I will try my best not to further subject
So, folks, here we are again. The baby in the top hat, sash, and diaper is once more about to kick the old geezer out of the way, as the number on the calendar changes to 2016. And with another birthday pending, I hope this image will not become a metaphor for my life! I’m
If it’s Thanksgiving, can Christmas be far behind? Or does Christmas now start before Thanksgiving? Somehow I think it does. At least a week before turkey day, or perhaps even more, as I innocently approached my local supermarket, I thought I heard the rather loud clanging of a bell. At first I thought it was
As a “woman of a certain age” who attempts to chronicle life’s nonsense with wit and wisdom, it is completely understandable that one of my role models should be Nora Ephron. To me, she was the gold standard. When it came to humorous essays from a female perspective, no one did it better. After all,
So the other day I was on the phone with my friend Doris (not her real name). She’s had a very rough winter. Some strange malady has been sapping all her energy. The slightest household chore sends her crawling to the sofa to lie down. Her doctors have assured her that it is nothing life
Two significant events occurred this week. 1) I had another birthday, and 2) I finally read “Fifty Shades of Grey.” What is the link between these two seemingly unrelated happenings, you might ask? Even if you don’t (ask, that is) you know I’m about to tell you. My birthday, of course, forced me to confront
