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.
Money, love, fame, self-actualization, personal growth, jam. Or is it some deep need, some itch, some compulsion, obsession, search for LOL, what is it? And where do they come from: ideas, moments, toast points. How high can you go? How low? Are you on fire or drifting out to sea? This writing business is not for sissies.
Are you brave or?
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Betsy Lerner 
‘This writing business is not for sissies.’ Amen to that. Bumper stickers should be issued as the song goes …
“Are you brave or?”
The final night I studied with Gordon Lish, many years ago, he said to me, “Callis, you have everything you need to make it, but you’re afraid.” Instantly, I knew he was right. I took the lesson and never forgot it.
The first afternoon I lay in my hospital bed after my stroke, just a month ago today, I realized I was not afraid. It was as though I had burned those circuits out. Being afraid wasn’t going to get me anything, anyway, so I didn’t ponder the issue — I simply moved on to such thoughts as, “Well, here I am. Now what?”
Okay, it’s been a month. What now?
Now what? So perfect, especially from you. (hugs)
Jeez Donna, look at us. Stroke, heart attack, cancer. If you live long enough something will get ya. So, now what, what now?
And we’re all still here. Bugging the hell out of Betsy. 😂
Are you brave or?
I’m or. Definitely or.
For certain, I’m stubborn. Plus, I don’t like rejection. I’m a basket (minus case) and If I were taking a test and there was a choice of “all the above,” I’d check that.
Are you brave or?
I’m an or all the way. Because I never know when my lip will quiver I straighten my back and pretend. Isn’t pretend what we are all about?
Too brave and I scare myself. Fear of success. Fear of failure. They seem to be inexorably linked.
I am a total chicken shit.