These Days/Unfettered
I awakened this morning at 4:30 to the sound of running water. A peaceful sound if one is near a waterfall. Not so great when you’re in a New York City apartment. It seems my son was steaming his only suit and fell asleep before turning off the shower. The bathroom was flooded, a painting on the wall curled inside its frame, and the suit was rather damp to say the least. I mopped the floor, hung the suit in an air conditioned room, ignored the dime-sized dollops of water clinging to the ceiling like glass bubbles (sort of pretty actually- gave me decorating ideas) and then sighed at the...
Read MoreThese Days/Home Before Dark
Our youngest has found an apartment with two college friends. A true three-bedroom (a “find” in New York City), he is preparing to move out come mid-August. Yesterday, he was “stressed out” after spending yet another day searching for the perfect space – the “stressed out” part came after finding the apartment, and hoping they wouldn’t lose it. I sprung into action – doing what I’ve always done best throughout the years: listening, and then making a pasta dish – comfort food, to soothe the soul and his churning stomach. Today, Ben and I met with...
Read MoreThese Days/Euphemisms
This past week, without a state occasion or major event, was the first time in as long as I can remember that my three children were at the same table at once. Stepping back, it’s an interesting study. Have the dynamics changed among the three? In some ways, yes. The two men have become the best of friends in a way that is intrinsically male: This was something I never thought would happen, although there were glimmers of it when the younger was a senior in high school. Then, however, the older one postured himself more as protector. Now, they take care of one another. In terms of their...
Read MoreThese Days/Of Mice and Women
Last week, I had a brainstorm. I took a bottle of wine and two glasses to the rooftop terrace of our apartment building, and texted my husband as he walked home from the subway: “Meet me on the roof.” Rather than come straight home, it might be that proverbial breath of fresh air…a segue, if you will, between the workday and that second shift of bills and letters. I even had dinner “ready”– except for the steaks which I’d throw on at the last minute. And, to make things even better, I took a book with me and read while I waited for Mark – even thought of...
Read MoreThese Days/New Skin
These Days/New Skin (July 3, 2009) Every summer from the time I can remember, I took the months to re-invent myself. This mission probably started around the fourth grade when I noticed who the “popular” girls were in the classroom. The girls who wore outfits that were put together – who wore penny loafers instead of saddle shoes, whose knee socks had good elastics holding them right below their knees, colors in their skirts and sweaters matching. I always looked, as my mother said, like an urchin. Either way, and after using Webster’s, I knew that somehow, no matter how hard I...
Read MoreThese Days by Stephanie can also be seen here!
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