When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
I did a zoom event tonight with a group of women in sisterhood at a Florida synagogue. It had been a long time since I had the chance to talk about The Bridge Ladies. I had been to over 40 synagogues and JCC’s and libraries when the book came out. I had my schtick down. Knew where I could get my laughs, where I tried for a few tears. I felt like a cross between Henny Youngman and Totie Fields. Often the places were decked out with bridge decorations and bowls of bridge mix. Like so nice. Once, I got to play with a bridge master. Usually, I’d collapse in my hotel room after a burger, fries, and a gin and tonic. I can still hear the sound of my suitcase wheels clicking along the tile floor at the Sheraton. Tonight, the rabbi who hosted the event quoted lines from the book that went to the heart of things. Really wonderful questions. I was so grateful for the chance to revisit the book, the bridge ladies, and my mom. She died two years ago.
What question would you most like people to ask about your work?
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Betsy Lerner 
Isn’t it so lovely to be seen (still and again)?
I loved The Bridge Ladies. A wonderful tribute to your mum, her friends, the game of bridge and to friendship and love in general
this post genuinely made me smile. i visited my mom in california last week after a long stretch and had dinner outside in her yard with her crew of sisterhood Golden Girls and it was the best. There was a lot of tfu tfu and meh and nu? Love those ladies.
This is brilliant. Henny Youngman and Totie Fields… you kill!
I’d like to be asked about my YouTube rabbit holes.
“What question would you most like people to ask about your work?”
Is it any good?
Trick question. I’ve never answered it. I prefer:
a) What do you think?
b) It’s not there yet.
c) Do you have time for a beer.
There is always time for a beer.
What question would you most like people to ask about your work?
So is it really true that you got a 7-figure deal?
Um…yup. Rummy. 7 each.
Is this fiction or nonfiction?
Ha – good one.
“What question would you most like people to ask about your work?”
Shoot, 2Ns. You got where I was headed. Hm. Next!
Love this Betsy and loved The Bridge Ladies. And you got to visit with your mom, through your memories and the book. That is worth celebrating.