Sally's Blog

Coffee in Manhattan

June 4th, 2009

20081211-coffee-mug1It is 8am and the streets of Manhattan are whirring on this rainy morning. I’m sitting on the edge of a sofa bed in my friend’s Upper West Side apartment, sipping strong coffee, half-dressed for today’s luncheon, which will be followed by dinner, followed by a book signing, followed by drinks with friends. Was it just four days ago that I was at the bar mitzvah brunch?

I knew that Saturday, May 30th would be magical. What I didn’t know is that it would transformational. During the week beforehand, all odds were against hit. Harrison was hit with strep throat on Wednesday, and Olivia and I spent Thursday night in the ER for an injured finger. Guests were arriving, place cards had to be made, and there were many details to take care of. Read the rest of this entry »

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Countdown

May 26th, 2009

6a00d83451e1f069e200e54f5a745a8833-800wiSaturday marked one week before Harrison’s bar mitzvah. There was much to do – finalizing decorations, organizing airport transportation, helping Harrison with his preparations, creating gift bags, and much more. Its a lot to think about – in addition to working, enrolling in my next round of graduate school classes, and planning my first New York book event tour that will take place days after the bar mitzvah.

It might be surprising, then, to hear me say that it was perfect that my brother and his family were visiting this weekend. Read the rest of this entry »

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The Motherhood Club

May 22nd, 2009

8541When Harrison was sick last week, I was secretly happy. Life has been extraordinarily full with interviews for The New Jew, sending advance copies of the book, and planning Harrison’s bar mitzvah – in addition to an already full schedule. Time would stand still for a day. Harrison and I would bond.

We enjoyed  a day of leisure, but when Harrison awoke the second day still sick, I knew it was time to take him to the  doctor. He stepped into his hospital scrubs – his latest favorite article clothing – and off we went. Read the rest of this entry »

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Ring Ring

April 24th, 2009

The phone rang a few minutes ago. I smiled. It reminded me of how simple and stress-free life can be. I just  R E A C H E D across my desk  - a mere 18 inches – and answered it.

I live in a multi-level home, and up to two days ago, I had one telephone for the entire house. It was located in our kitchen on the upper level. A ringing phone meant covert glances between the kids and me, assessments of potential cooperation and rivalry.  Who would make the sprint for it? Who was acting like they didn’t hear the shrill ring? Was anyone in the competitive spirit?  Sometimes there was a stand-off, the phone ringing until the voicemail took over. Other times a race-tackle-brawl between the Harrison and Olivia broke out, culminating in one cry of pain, and one pleasant (albeit breathy) “Hello?” Read the rest of this entry »

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Real Connecting

April 11th, 2009

“That’s not real connecting.” 

 

Paul, the VP of the company where I consult, and I were discussing the explosion of technological communication. Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter – on top of the now old-fashioned texting and emailing – were what his college-aged son lived on.  He shook his head, dismayed.

“The thing is, kids think they’re really connecting. But that’s not connecting. Talking. That’s how you get to know people.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Cluck Cluck

March 27th, 2009

I have chickens on my deck. They didn’t fly there, which wouldn’t make sense since chickens don’t fly. They were brought here by my friend, Alex, who is vacationing with his family. I guess you could say I’m chicken-sitting.

I was very entertained by Alex’s stories about the chickens. There was a tale about a chicken taking residence on his neighbor’s porch, and of  Huldah, Alex’s wife, chasing escaped chickens down the street and loading them into her Volvo. The birds even laid eggs at Alex’s feet.


It seemed like a great source of entertainment. So when Alex was looking for a caretaker for his birds, I enthusiastically volunteered.  With an agreement that Harrison and Olivia could rename the chickens for their brief stay with us, I welcomed them to my deck last Sunday. Read the rest of this entry »

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Filling the Title

March 6th, 2009


Last week I approved the full book cover for The New Jew, and it went to print. I didn’t expect the feeling of fright at this point. It just suddenly seemed so final. Were there thoughtless misspellings in the text? Are the chapters out of order? Its hard enough for me to turn in a final paper for grad school. Yet, I just submitted a book to print!


The one thing I am sure of is the title of the book. As I sit here this sunny afternoon considering the name of the book, I realize that the topic of titles have come up quite a bit lately – in my book, at work, and even at home.

“What’s your title going to be, mom? Read the rest of this entry »

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Song of Sentiments

February 15th, 2009


On the night before Valentines Day, Harrison, Olivia and I enjoyed a delicious Sabbath dinner. I had cooked the brisket Thursday night so it was particularly savory, and we added a special blessing of naming everyone we love in honor of the holiday. It was a lovely way to launch into our weekend.


As much as I love candlelight dinner with the kids, strangely I love cleaning up even more. That’s the time we play the iPod loudly, dancing in synchronization around the kitchen as we clear the table,  load the dishwasher, and  fill containers with leftovers. Read the rest of this entry »

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Pinching

February 2nd, 2009


We’ve all received them – those great emails that make your day. The uplifting message from a friend,  wisecrack from an old college roommate, the itinerary for your family’s upcoming visit. Even a “thank you mom” note from your child pops up now and then. It’s good these appear amid the more mundane, necessary notes, or we would have little motivation to check our email at all.

But, now and then, we get a doozy (yes, it’s a word – I looked it up). Like yesterday when I opened my email to find a note from my publisher that my proofs were ready for one last reading before going to print.  ”I’m actually reading this,” I thought to myself.  ”My publisher notified me that my proofs for my book are in my in-box.” Read the rest of this entry »

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