Catherine Gigante-Brown

You realize pretty soon that everything other than cancer — i.e. missing a train, being late to your dentist appointment — is no biggie compared to the suck factor of chemo.

After I got over the initial devastation, I pulled myself up by my big-girl panties and got on with it. Chemo was no picnic—but it was do-able.

I fumbled with my lace bra, hoping my silicone form wouldn't fall out from the left cup. I wasn't exactly ready . . . yet I was.

Makeup and I have always had a love/hate relationship: I love it; it hates me.

You learn a lot about people when you live in their home. The Taylors seemed to lead a joyless, Spartan existence.

From New York to LA, this lady knows a good story.

When David was about 12, he told me that he wanted to take the train to school alone. My gut reaction was, “No way in hell!” I mean, we live in a safe neighborhood and all, but David has ADHD and was easily distracted. What if he missed his stop? What if someone messed with him?

Why, when I'm cool with being a salt-and-pepper chick, does it so clearly unnerve others?

8. Educate, don’t fixate.

erotic. intimate. unapologetic.