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’m not going to say happy new year because we all know that last year, this year, and next year are all the same fucking thing. But I will say this, I had a revelation about writing yesterday while walking in the NYC. At least for me, part of why I write is to say what I want and need to say, but part of why I write is to find out about myself. That’s the scary and thrilling part like biting into something you can’t see inside. I think I’ve been playing it too safe, dearest dumpling, going for the easy laughs as a former editor once pointed out to me. And you know how it hate when other people are right. Well, I’m going to start revising my book and I’m going to push myself on a language level, on a personal level, and on a fuck it level. Reports to come.
What are you going to try not to do this year? What’s your anti-resolution?
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Betsy Lerner 
I can relate very well to revelations while walking, due largely in part to feelings that ideas, stories, songs and revelations are out floating around for us to find, kind of like interpreting the sly smile of an ecstatic Shakti who looks away before you can smile in return.
I’m going to try not to turn away in case that smile comes my way again.
When Covid hit, it didn’t change my lifestyle much at all. I’m not very social and I had the perfect reason to decline invites. I love my alone time and closing the door to my office to write. I love working outdoors and painting the house this summer was a joy for me! But I’m going to try not to be so much of a recluse this year. I have some amazingly deep friendships that need more nurturing than a phone call every now and then. We deserve that.
Not to be so cowardly.
“What are you going to try not to do this year? What’s your anti-resolution?”
I’m going to try not to be angry at my wife.
What are you going to try not to do this year?
Not to give up.
Betsy, only here will I share such a personal response.
At 23 , through no effort of my own, I was given a publishing opportunity that I knew would change my life. I blew it and did not deliver.
At 43 I stood on the edge of finally making a name for myself in newsprint. Editors wanted me to syndicate my column. I fuckin’ blew that too.
Now, after being published hundreds of times, I am being told that my book (the force and fallout of selected published pieces) is for every woman…almost.
“Get a cover on it and get it on Amazon. Women need to read this.” I was told.
I am old now. Not enough time to wait for traditional publishing. They don’t want writers with questionably short careers ahead anyway. I’m doing it myself.
I will not blow this (perhaps last) opportunity.
And to every one of you let me add, grasp opportunity. Do not think you have a lifetime of tomorrows.
Go for it, Carolynn!
I’m on it Mike!
Good for you! When you get it on Amazon, let us know. I’ll buy a copy or ten! ❤
Hey Carol, I’m going to hold you to that. Thanks !
🥰
Thank you for this response. We are all behind you.
This means more to me then you will ever know.
Hi. On good days I will not tell myself I’m too old or it’s too late or any negative shit. On bad days, I don’t know what I will do. What I will not do is stop writing. I am a creative. Creative create good, bad and in between.
Give up.
“What are you going to try not to do this year?” Try not to drop so many f bombs.
What’s your anti-resolution? I’m not going to make a bunch of ridiculous declarations about exercise more, or restrict certain food – like, stating I’m cutting back on x, y, z. As soon as it’s said, it becomes a WEIGHT. (no pun intended)
I’m not going to stop myself from crying if I need to.