⬥
About 11 years in the past, I noticed that I wanted a ritual to mark my very own birthday. I made a decision that — irrespective of the climate — I might go to Walden Pond in Harmony, Mass., and swim into the clear, cool water. In some ways my birthday swim is the secular equal of my very own personal mikvah: cleaning, purifying. I’m washing away what was, leaving me contemporary to start one other 12 months. — Sue Kelman, Waltham, Mass.
⬥
My dad at all times beeped the automobile horn after we drove underneath a shifting practice. I do not know why. I proceed this ritual and at all times really feel like I’m saying, “Hello, Dad.” — B.J. Leber, Pittsburgh
⬥
When my daughter was a baby, I started serving pizza for dinner the day earlier than Passover. I started the customized as a result of I had cleaned the kitchen for Passover. It grew to become often called the P.P.P.O., the “Pre-Passover Pig Out.” Now my three grandchildren stay up for it. — Helene Polonsky, New York
⬥
I used to journey on enterprise. I might take a small trowel, dig up some filth, then put it right into a baggie. White sand, purple sand, black sand — gravelly, easy as talcum powder, even shale. In a giant glass jar, it’s layered. It’s fairly stunning. I nonetheless add to my filth assortment. — Kathy Swift, Framingham, Mass.
⬥
My boys, now virtually 21 and 18, nonetheless go to the identical Santa, on the similar mall, to take a seat for an image. It’s such a pleasure to see them in line. At 6’ 9” and 6’ 4,” they tower over toddlers and crying infants. — Kiki Vargas, Olney, Md.
