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 recently got together with an old friend. He asked me if I started with the song lyric or the text. I had no idea he was reading the blog and felt weirdly exposed. The thing next that happened was the waitress brought a small plate with three pieces of whole wheat toast. We had both ordered whole wheat toast and it wasn’t immediately clear if it was mine or his or communal whole wheat bread. That goes down as one of the most awkward moments of my fucking life. I actually asked the waitress point blank whose toast it was. Like right in the eyes. I manned up. Normally, I would just sit there and assume the toast was for the other person and sit in the dark. No toast for Betty. Not this time. It turns out the toast was communal. Sidebar: I’ve never seen toast served that way since I visited Amish Country as a surly middle-schooler and was “forced” to eat family style with “strangers.”
Do I start with the lyric or the text?
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Betsy Lerner 
I’m betting it can go either way. Sometimes you find a lyric to go with what you’ve written and sometimes a lyric inspires you. Either way, it’s a winning combination! What is the real answer? Inquiring minds want to know…
Here for this. I have always wondered which came first. Also, no one should have to share their toast.
Only you know the answer, Betsy. But I’ve always been intrigued by your lyric-knowledge. Anyway, sounds like you didn’t want to break bread with this old friend. Sounds like this guy’s toast.
I think you start with the text. 🤔 (?)
Definitely awkward!!! Three pieces??? Come on! If I’m having toast I want TWO pieces, and I bet he does too. Were y’all supposed to fight over the last one like the wish-bone off a Thanksgiving turkey??? Geez. I’d have said, bring some more damn toast. I’m all huffy about this.
“Do I start with the lyric or the text?”
Is the lyric not the text? Or do you butter both sides?
That was me. Still is.
Whatever works. Nothing stays the same. (isn’t that a song?)
What came first…the chicken or the egg? Does it matter…breakfast, lunch or dinner?