Stories I Tell Myself

Linda Brody Bakst on Brooklyn, growing up, identity and more

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Author | Brooklyn-born Jewish American on a search for identity & deeper meaning. Debut book “More than Matzoh Balls” out 2/15.

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  • We Made It!

    We made it! After planning, adjusting, worrying, fretting and more planning, the wedding weekend not only happened, it was a success. In the face of Covid, we pulled it off. We won’t fully exhale for another two weeks or so, when we see that no one in our little gathering got sick, but the important…

  • A Lying Liar

    My parents taught me that lying was wrong.  Their argument was five-fold: First, ultimately the truth comes out; maybe not immediately, but in time it would emerge, and you would be embarrassed or ashamed to be caught in that lie. Second, your lie could hurt someone, and we didn’t want to hurt other people if…

  • A Late Afternoon Autumn Walk

    Everything was glowing. A golden light cast through the trees, peeking around the clouds; gilding leaves, grass, the very air. THIS is the gloaming. Late October, the sun low, the air soft, the breeze blowing through my graying, wild hair. Red, yellow, russet, orange leaves, shimmering against the fading blue sky. Fallen dried leaves dancing,…

  • Moments with a Two-Year Old

    ‘More nana-bread!’ ‘Okay, just one more small piece.’ I slice a sliver of banana bread, delighted that she so enjoys something I made. She takes it eagerly. ‘Mmmm,’ she says, as she munches. How can I deny her?   I draw chalk hearts on the driveway. Pink, blue, yellow, orange and green. She runs, jumps…

  • The Stoop

    Note: It is only appropriate that today I share another of my Mom’s pieces. I am off to visit her and accompany her to the doctor. Unfortunately, Mom has had a serious health issue come up that is made more difficult to manage because of COVID. Any positive vibes, karma, or prayer is appreciated. Meanwhile,…

  • 1982: A Year of Change

    Originally posted on Stories I Tell Myself : ? ? Changes were afoot in 1982. It was a big year for the Brody family. Joshua, the first grandchild, born to my brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Pam, arrived February 1st. In April Uncle Terry and Aunt Barbara moved from the upstairs apartment in Canarsie to…

  • Symbols

    This past Saturday I was in the elevator of my son and daughter-in-law’s apartment building when I pulled out my phone. I saw that I missed a phone call and a FaceTime call from my daughter. I had been picking up sandwiches at the Fairway and, as is often the case for me, I didn’t…

  • Reprise: Letters from Zada: Graduation

    Note: I shared this three years ago. I think it merits reposting, especially for those who missed the early essays. I hope you enjoy! For years I wanted to write about my family. When I started writing in a serious way a year and a half ago, I thought I would be focusing on my…

  • Reprise: Hugs and Kisses – Yes or No?

    Note: Once again life has interfered – in a good way! I do not have a new blog post to share. We have been busy continuing to celebrate Gary’s milestone birthday. Last night we were treated to a concert by Jackson Browne at the Beacon Theater by our kids. Anyone who reads this blog knows…

  • My Eyes – My Achilles Heel

    Note:  I am working on a new piece but it isn’t ready yet. It occurs to me that I have been fortunate to accumulate new readers since I began this blog over three years ago. With that in mind, I will periodically post an earlier essay. I hope to have the new entry ready by…