Welcome!
I have always been composing sentences in my head: descriptions of scenes, relationships, and experiences. I just never had the courage to put them anywhere but in a personal journal. I was afraid of revealing myself as a fraud (I’m not a real writer!) or hurting someone’s feelings (sorry, Mom, in advance). I spent most of my professional life writing memos, policy position papers and reports. Not the type of writing I had in mind. Sometime after I turned 50 I realized that I wasn’t so afraid (no, thankfully my mother didn’t die, I think I finally made peace with the risk). I began to write in a real way, with the intention of sharing it. My kids signed me up for my first writing workshop, as a retirement gift, and I have been plugging away at it since (five years now– time flies!)
So, I am writing this blog to provide a space to put my reflections on growing up in Brooklyn in the ‘60s and ‘70s as part of an extended Jewish family. I think there are some stories to tell. If they are only of interest to my family, at least this will be an efficient way to share them!
As the years have gone on, I also realized that my interest in public policy was as much a part of me as memories of childhood. I write the occasional op-ed pieces (or maybe more than occasional), too.
I welcome your comments!
Stories I Tell Myself 
Good for you. After writing everyday for 30+ years, im on a hiatus. Good luck. I bookmarked your blog and look forward to reading it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy for you and look forward to reading your stories. You’ve inspired me to start writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you Linda. I’m so happy for you that you are doing this. Let your creativity fly…
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me smile a very broad smile! Count me in as a reader!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot wait to re live our past. With your excellent memory this is going to be special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So great, Linda! Can’t wait to read your essays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best Wishes! I applaud you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i am so gladi will be able to share yourstories as i miss yourom so much at banyan springs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Way to go Linda! Looking forward to reading your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I expect that this blog is, and will continue to be, a great gift to yourself, your loved ones (especially Dan and Leah) and anyone with whom you may shares crayons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You made me smile, Rich. Thank you! I have fond memories of sharing crayons. Was it Mrs. Schnitzer for art?
LikeLike
Kudos to you Linda! I admire your courage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Linda, this is wonderful! Having embarked on my own personal passion, I know how scary it is to put yourself out there. It is, however, SO worth it! I have never been happier. I look forward to seeing your work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sunshine,
Lovely read. Put me back in time.
Great photo rather familiar.
Love,
Auntie
LikeLike
Thanks, Auntie
LikeLike
I almost forgot my experiences with my eyes and the long subway ride to the city. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Thank you
LikeLike
So excited, can’t wait to read what you post!
LikeLike
Thanks, Debra! Hope you enjoy!
LikeLike
Linda, you have made it clear for such a long time that writing is your passion. I do indeed look forward to reading writings on your part that reflect the essence of who you are inside. I know that your depth and intelligence and yes, humor, will be apparent to all reading your blog with every entry that you post. Best of luck to you. Your fans, including me, are excited for you!
LikeLike
Great Linda!!! I look forward to reading each week. My best wishes to you!!!
LikeLike
Hi, I am Ryan’s mom – in-law, Annaliese’s mom, and just the little I read is fascinating. This is my type of reading! I also read one small piece that Feige’s (sp ) wrote. I am anxious to read more. Good luck and keep writing. I am super enthralled in the WW11 Era and around that time. I also appreciate 50-60’s. (I graduated H S. 1967). Also, captivated with Jewish life/family. One,author I read yrs. Ago was all of ChaimPotok, Golda Maier (sp), others. I look forward to your writings!
LikeLike
Thanks, Joyce. Thrilled to have you reading. By the way, I loved Chaim Potok’s books! I think I’ve read them all.
LikeLike
Now I finally figured out how to comment. Only hope I can learn to send. But I love that you are writing and enjoy all the blogs even though I haven’t always been able to send my comments
LikeLike
Actually you’ve been quite successful lately getting your comments to me! I’m glad you figured it out, though.
LikeLike
Hi, I research the history of jewish family Baksht/Bakst/Bakszt ie jews who have their primary roots in the shtetl of Bakshty ( modern Belarus not far from Ivye). Could you tell me any facts for your branch of the Bakst family ( to maybe connect it with the other Baksts from Ivye). I have some information for the period up to 1917.
Thanks a lot
LikeLike
I agree with your points, excellent post.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your experience.
LikeLike
I went over this internet site and I believe you have a lot of excellent info , saved to fav (:.
LikeLike
Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from
Austin Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good job!
site
LikeLike
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say great blog!
LikeLike
Hi there,
If you’re up for receiving a guest article, I’d love to offer my advice on how to start a business in your local community after a career setback. I have some great resources and experience that could be highly beneficial for your readers.
After setting up my own business, I’ve never been happier, and I want to help those going through a tough spot in their careers feel like I do.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks so much!
Jenna
LikeLike
I appreciate your offer. I’m not sure this blog is the space to host the article you suggest. Thank you for reaching out.
LikeLike
Very interesting subject , thanks for posting.
LikeLike
I truly treasure your piece of work, Great post.
LikeLike
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
LikeLike