Sunday, August 15, 2021

#BlogElul 5781: Understand


Dear The Mums and Mrs. Steinberg,

I don’t completely understand where olam haba (the world to come) is located or exactly what you’re doing there, but I hope it includes plenty of outlet malls and deep discount warehouses and that you’re riding around together in a big ol’, gas-guzzling Chevy Impala checking them all out. I’m sure there’s lots of room in the back seat and the trunk for whatever glassware, placemats, or other treasures you pick up. Maybe there’s even a cafĂ© or two that serves Lipton (or was it Nestea?) flavored iced tea—orange for you, Mrs. S., and lime for you, TM,—so you can take a break from the bargain hunting when you get parched. Of course, I’m guessing, too, that the weather and the temperature are perfect, and there’s no need to run the A/C at all, let alone on “frenzy.”

Amy and I, though, may be running the A/C just that way this week, and I want to let you know where we’ll be and with whom we’ll be hanging out. She has a business presentation in Ojai, California, and I’m going along for the ride. Best of all, though, Barbara and three generations of the Harrises—a total of nine of us—are going to meet there for a few days of girls’ fun, including celebrating Amy’s birthday on Tuesday. I know—and you know, too—that you’ll be right there with us in spirit, marking the first time we will all have been together in person since, oh, maybe, 1972.

Like I said, I’m not so sure about the details of olam haba, and even though that’s where you are, a piece of each of you is forever in my heart.

xoxo

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima , this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precede the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serve as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.

Friday, August 13, 2021

#BlogElul 5781: Want

 

I intended to #BlogElul, I anticipated I would, and, most of all, I want to do it.

Somehow, though, it took me six days into the month to get the ball rolling.

And that’s okay.

Recently, to help me with my apartment move, I worked with a personal organizer, from whom I learned this adage: Done is better than perfect.

I’ve heard a similar sentiment many times before as this maxim, most commonly attributed to Voltaire: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.

No matter who said it or the exact wording, it’s an idea I want to carry with me into the new year.

Sure, perfect is great—especially for this fusspot who’s hardest on herself—but in 5782, I want to try to ease up, even just a little, and keep in mind that sometimes, done is good enough.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima , this #BlogElul post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Elul, which precede the Jewish High Holidays and traditionally serve as a time of reflection and spiritual preparation for the new year.