Have you ever had laryngitis? I don’t recommend it, especially at Christmas. Talk about inconvenient. There’s nothing like losing your voice surrounded by family and friends especially for me, a Gemini. Not talking for me is like not breathing. It’s how I connect to people.

Google cautions that even whispering can further harm your vocal cords. Google didn’t stop there.  It also said no alcohol, no coffee, no dairy. On Christmas. With family. And then just to twist the knife it added, no crying.

So there I was, wishing I could cry about not being allowed to cry, but no. My kids teased me that we could play Charades and I could always be It. Hahhaha. Wait. Can I laugh?

Thank God for White Lotus. Like 4 million other Netflix viewers, it cheered me up to watch other miserable souls. I also got into Wordle, a gloriously silent game, only to discover that my son’s girlfriend was a Wordle-wiz. She grew up in Delhi and could get words like ‘belie’ and ‘pixie’ in three goes. We are a competitive family and I am a nasty loser.  I blamed Aashali’s wins on her schooling in India vs. America where I went to school and they definitely didn’t teach these words.

And in any case, I ranted on the group chat, no one uses these words now so they’re not really words. No one responded. I had sunk to new lows.

At the laryngitis specialist I visited, I was informed that in addition to treating normal humans, she also treated performing artists, like opera singers who needed to be able to sing in a few days. I nodded vigorously. Gave her a thumb’s up.  I, too, am an opera singer, I texted from two feet away. I left out in the shower.

Once armed with my new meds, I agreed to drink 10,000 cups of my friend Nancy Lichterman’s magical, but hardly delicious, homemade brew. If you’re an opera singer, like me, or just concerned about your vocal cord health, put turmeric, honey, fresh ginger, cinnamon and lemon in a teapot of hot water and drink it constantly. By New Year’s Eve, I was able to hoarsely utter phrases like “ola” and “buenos dias” which came in handy as I was heading to Mexico with Stretch.

Stay tuned for next week’s part II of my Christmas Holiday which includes my Insider’s Guide to Mexico and How to Get Along With Your Spouse When You Have No One Else to Talk To. And because I’m 60, a new weird illness that made me yearn for sea level.

January, 2023

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They make me want to jump for joy!

Full disclaimer, Blu Kicks is a family affair. The San Francisco-based company was founded by my cool cousins, Victoria and Will Leonard. They got the idea on a boat in Hawaii where their friend Bubba spotted the endangered Humuhumunukuapa (now say it backwards) AKA humu fish which looks a lot like a sneaker. Made from recycled canvas and rubber, Blu Kicks are hand painted with an exotic fish on the sole. They come in bold patterns and stripes and are very affordable. These women’s slip-ons cost only $58.

The men’s shoes are just as stylish. Loafers anyone? Check out the chic green pair below with natty purple lace – $135

Or the leather Chukkas at $128.

They’re not just a pretty shoe. These kicks give back.

With every pair sold, the company donates to help protect oceans, lakes and rivers around the world. It’s a win:win. Blukicks supports a variety of charities, including For the Fishes, Point Reyes National Seashore Association and Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Mañana can’t come soon enough.

March, 2016

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