When I moved to the top floor of a four-floor walk-up on West 85th Street in Manhattan, I met Catherine via a broken mirror that lay in front of her door. One day, when I heard her key turn, I ran to introduce myself, “Hey, did you know there’s a broken mirror in front of your door?” She was standing on it. She turned, looked at me, and smiled. “Yes,” she said before disappearing into her apartment.

The next day, the shards were gone, and we became best friends forever. Not because of the cleanup, but rather because of our ability to validate each other’s existence without judgement. 

Catherine, owner of turtles and birds, med school student and part time hand and foot model, was also an artist who dragged old doors off the street, and then glued objects including starched fabric and crutches onto them. She is the author of Candle Magic and the former proprietor of the famed witchcraft store, Other Worldly Waxes and Whatever. During the go-go 80’s, she often imparted tips on living large in the Big Apple: 

1.“Do your dishes in the shower. Saves time. And while you’re at it, get a waterproof radio so you can listen to the weather and dress accordingly when you emerge. In this way, you can sleep in for another half hour before going to work or school.” I wasn’t in school, but rather working odd jobs to support my musicianship.

2.“Always take a cookie when the plate is being passed.” This was Catherine’s metaphor for accepting job opportunities. We needed high paying jobs that took little time. Thanks to her leads, I worked as a private detective, modern-day geisha, and midnight shift worker for Morgan Stanley. I even crossed a picket line to work as a waitress during the notorious 1985 strike at the Pierre Hotel despite having no experience in waitressing. All of these jobs paid at least $25 an hour or more, which was a lot of money back then.

3.“File your taxes. If you ever need public assistance or medical help, it’s a required document, so be a taxpayer.”

4.“Get laid-off. Not fired, but laid-off. If you’re fired, you won’t get unemployment. After 20-weeks of a legit job, either become dead weight or beg your boss to lay you off, then apply for unemployment with a tax return.”

5.“At the unemployment office, be sure to mention you are trained in a field that is either rare or becoming obsolete. Only then, will you collect for an extended period. Professions like recording engineer, aerialist, and newspaper press operator are all good. Whatever you do, don’t mention that you can type.” I couldn’t type, but Catherine could.

6.“Find a vacation job where you can write your novel and no one bothers you.” I reported to Catalyst Energy in animal print dresses and spiked two-toned hair. The offices were air-conditioned, and I had the use of a computer. Except for a nod hello, no one talked to me. The phone hardly rang, and though I sometimes answered it, I never knew what the company did. I was there for at least a year where I began, but never finished, a first novel.

7.“Filling out financial aid applications is a tedious, time-consuming procedure. Look at it as a job. Even if it takes five hours to complete, you could end up with a few thousand dollars. Be glad you are doing it.”

Catherine graduated with a doctorate in psychotherapy from Yeshiva University. I am still a musician and artist. We continue to be the closest of friends sharing advice, but not always taking it. Check in next week for Catherine’s most current tip for me. 

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com