Who is that...?

In about six months I will turn 74.

I am no  longer the person shown in this photograph and I wish I could say little has changed; I've gained 30 pounds and I am no longer the "jaunty" man seen here in a moment of arrogance and "smart-assedness". I've grown old as we all must if we live to a certain age. I look at this man and wonder if I would like him now. My younger self could be volatile in argument but otherwise funny. My younger self knew everybody and told you so (I guess I still do); he drank too much; laughed loudly; picked up strangers he flirted with; worked long hours; read books like a fiend; stuffed his face (hence the 30 pounds); and was loyal to his loyal friends. All of this I continue today (with the exception, I hasten to add, of picking up strangers) which makes me wonder if anyone can stand me for long: my husband seems to tolerate me for long periods though.

People don’t change much. When I look at my notebooks from the 1970s and surviving texts from my childhood I see the man I am now. I’ve read a lot more (yes fattened a lot more too) but the life I’ve led is largely constructed by who I was at 12…that’s a trite way of saying we don’t change.

 Be fierce and thrive...
—Ph/H
Hollywood

First Post of 2023...

French Baked Beans

I love cassoulet! 

We have beans nearly every day here and I often make a quick version of the classic french recipe. I brought back six cans of this brand from Paris in November and it's a delicious easy lunch. There is a length of sausage and a small duck leg in each can and I was surprised at how inexpensive it was (the equivalent to $3USD). Henry won't let me eat beans everyday but if I could I would. 

This is the street where I live when in Paris: rue Charlot. It was built in the early 17th Century—the building I live in was build in 1625!

It's New Year's Day as I write this and I am hoping for a good year ahead with lots of time to travel and spend time with friends. I hope to make new friends as well, which at my age is becoming more and more difficult because I don't go out as much as I used to. Hollywood, where I live in Los Angeles, has lots of opportunities and I just have to take advantage of each day.

With that I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023.

Be fierce and thrive...

—Ph/H

Hollywood