Lisa Z. Meritz

I was my father’s daughter all along

I’ve been Lisa Meritz for almost 27 years, but when Father’s Day comes around my maiden name Cohen returns to haunt me. ...

10 years ago

Remembering Mama, an ageless beauty made in America

For years my mother, Sally, lied to me. I always knew that she wasn’t truthful about her age, but until my father died I never knew ...

10 years ago

From worrier to warrior in 3 generations of women

When it came to worrying, my mother was an Olympian — with good reason: Sally escaped the Cossacks to come to America. But the one thin ...

10 years ago

Don’t want to live in a black-and-white world? Talk to people who are different from you

Making me squirm, my 3-year-old daughter stared at the cashier and asked, “Mommy, why is that woman’s face black?” ...

11 years ago

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Taking the slow train to Love Town

“How do you know you’ve found the one?” young friends ask me. “Does your boyfriend make you happy?” ...

11 years ago

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A couples’ conundrum for Healthcare.gov — we’re not there yet

My husband I must register for a new plan by Dec. 23, but we still haven’t been able to register, and it’s not for lack of tr ...

11 years ago

Thanksgivingkkah miracle extends a tradition of disagreements

If Thanksgivingkkah ignites your ire, leave it out of your turkey day celebration. There is always straight-up Thanksgiving. Who could ob ...

11 years ago

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Speak Easy

These days, tuning in means tuning out

Long before computers, smart phones, and music apps were ubiquitous, or even existed, there were many ways to tune into entertainment and ...

11 years ago

Speak Easy

Don’t bother covering your telephone receiver; you can’t hide anymore

I didn’t say it out loud, but the words blasted in my head, “Are you talking to me? Don’t talk to me!” Usu ...

11 years ago

Do you know the color of your hair? (<a href=

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Speak Easy

Self-deluded blondes have more fun

In my 50s, after many satisfying years as a brunette I have unwittingly discovered that I’m a blonde — a dark blonde, that is — ...

11 years ago

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Speak Easy

Having the backbone to challenge your doctor

The surgery last fall to correct my crooked spine miraculously changed the shape of my body. I hope the experience also influenced the li ...

11 years ago

Speak Easy

It’s a small world after all

In the ’60s the world was growing smaller, but it was just beginning. Think back to transatlantic phone calls too expensive for mos ...

12 years ago

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Lisa Z. Meritz

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