This collection mirrors the collective struggles and triumphs of unprecedented times, offering a rich assortment of self-care techniques that resonate with readers from all walks of life. Each post, akin to a short chapter, pulses with the essence of a city-and a world-navigating the unknown.
"This book is for those who are ready to heal. It’s an inspirational and thoughtful resource for that still-festering piece of us. It is packed with benevolent advice and provides a great way to cope with the things outside of your control. " – Independent Book Reviews
Angry Moments, Week Thirty in the New Abnormal
It’s a beautiful morning today. There is a light breeze, the sun is out but not scorching, and the sky is clear. The temperature dropped so it feels simply delightful. I left my apartment before 7:30 am so that I could get in a destination walk to and from Trader Joe’s to pick up a few groceries for the week. My plan was to be in and out before the Saturday rush. I was walking on the east side of the street, which is less sunny, thus cooler, in the mornings. When I approached 68th Street I was in back of someone else with a cart who had a similar plan at Trader Joe’s. She kept trying to get around a woman with her dog whose leash straddled the entire sidewalk. When I got close enough I said, “Excuse me, we want to pass you and your dog.” She didn’t move. I was less polite in my next attempt. “You’re taking up the whole sidewalk, can you move so we can pass?” “Fuck you” she said as she barely made room for us. As I made my way around her dog, I said “You don’t have to take the entire sidewalk.” My tone sounded as annoyed as I felt. Even though I had been happy to be out and about on a glorious day, I quickly turned into a grouch. Again, she repeated, “Fuck You!” This time louder so there would be no mistaking her ire. I didn’t look back, and I’m not proud to say that I then gave her the finger with my back to her. Only in retrospect could I think clearly and realize she’s not having a good morning. Did I need to add to that?
Bad Art, Week Twenty-Nine in the No Longer New Abnormal
When I was in the third grade I took my first trip to an art museum. It was a class field trip and I found the Philadelphia Museum of Art boring. We were on a tour and it was more about history and paintings of old wars than anything that interested me. Had the guide stopped by the Mary Cassatt portrait or explained Brancusi’s The Kiss rather than marching us past it to view Washington’s Crossing, I may have found my love for art a bit sooner. It took me until high school and many more visits to the Museum to learn what I like as opposed to what I prefer to leave on the walls on my way to better things.
Zucchini Fritters, Week Twenty-Eight in the No Longer New Abnormal
It’s sweltering outside. The humidity and the temperature are high. Though I have a good number of chores to get done, I’m choosing to spend this time writing this blog in air conditioning. I haven’t planned what I’ll write, so as unoriginal as it is, I’ve started by mentioning the weather. Inspiration is not forthcoming. I just walked away to go into the kitchen. I cubed and toasted bread to make breadcrumbs to go with the zucchini I purchased today at the farmer’s market. In fact, the bread came from there last week. I‘m making zucchini fritters. The eggs that go in the mix come from another stall at the farmer’s market. I didn’t see the right onions, so I’ll have to go out for them. I so enjoy the sweet and savory combination of the fritters.
An Anniversary, Week Twenty-Seven in the No Longer New Abnormal
It’s something of an irony that my and my husband’s 27th wedding anniversary is on the 27th week of this year. I like coincidences like that. When the stars align, I feel good all over. Twenty-Seven years is probably the longest commitment to anything I’ve done in my life. I like variety, so in the past I could do something for a while and then I’d move on. I took a very different tactic for our marriage. While Larry is someone who likes routines and enjoys what he knows, I like to try new things, preferring to being adventurous rather than staying in place. Though we were a bit older than our contemporaries when we got married, I was 38 to Larry’s 45, we had a lot to learn about relationships, particularly long-term relationships.
The Half-Way Mark, Week Twenty-Six in the No Longer New Abnormal
We are officially halfway through 2024. It’s a great time to reevaluate then manage any expectations we’ve had for this year. This is the year I’ve had my first, and perhaps my last, book published. It feels good to have accomplished that. I am now in the weeds attempting to promote the book while working full-time. Promotions do not come naturally for me so it feels like I’m rolling a big bolder uphill uncertain if like Icarus is will roll down again. But I’m challenging myself to do what I can and then challenging myself yet again let go of the results. When I measure my self-worth by the results I produce I may experience a fleeting high, but in the end I try my best to be proud of going beyond my limits no matter how things turn out.