CITY SIDEWALKS, BUSY WRITERS, HOLIDAY CHEERS AND CHAIRS

Walking up Fifth Avenue to an appointment, I stopped to see the tree at Rockefeller Center. On my first NYC visit in the mid-1950s, I saw the tree with my family. I saw it yearly on subsequent visits, with friends after I moved here in 1967 and then with new family members. Standing there alone yesterday brought up so many thoughts and feelings and so much gratitude and love for my precious family then and now.

Love and Work. Yes, Freud!

When asked what keeps her young and thriving, Estelle Parsons recently said, “Work.” I love to work. I love my work, kids, grandkids, and younger husband. Thank you, 2019.

Last Sunday, as one of 7 writers, I read at Otto’s Shrunken Head Bar. Great audience! Totally with me. Reading from my memoir, “Finding Mr. Rightstein,” I was more relaxed than ever, and actually had a blast. Mr. Kublitz, my public speaking teacher in high school, would not have recognized me. Practicing at home, decades of readings and writing, and the presence of my husband and a close friend, who attends my readings regularly, were key.

I’m revising my play, writing new essays, just had two accepted for publication, and am shopping for chairs. I need replacements. An erstwhile student broke one. Last week, when a writer in my Wednesday night workshop for 12 years and not because she flunked, and I reminisced, we discussed that student and the chair.

My Wednesday night writers renewed their vows for next semester. Some, in the workshop for well over a decade, are getting pieces published. All have unique voices. All have grown. All write well. I’d planned on taking a group picture at our holiday party Wednesday for this post, but I got busy spilling seltzer. I am thrilled by their writing and proud to be their teacher.

I am grateful for you, dear readers. Thank you for your comments and support. I hope 2020 brings you great health, joy, love, peace and new adventures. Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Happy, Healthy New Year to you all!!