* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

Oh my goodness, I haven't posted a Nostalgic Sunday since April 21st! The Ronald and I were just talking about how fast time is going, and how "all of a sudden" we became old!

I think it's time to watch Back to the Future again.

(Gotta be the original one. I just love that movie!)

Yes, I'm feeling nostalgic, but looking back at fond memories is a way of life for me. Even when I was much younger, my happy childhood days would just pop into my mind. Obviously, since I've been writing my memoir for a number of years, I'm constantly surrounded with them. And for whatever reason(s), the majority are, thankfully, happy memories. 

Yesterday, I attended the Saturday Writers meeting and had such a wonderful time. I think I've only been to a couple of meetings this year which is really unusual for me. I saw many friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. It was like "Old Home Week." The speaker, author Pamela Foster, gave a very entertaining presentation, including challenging writing prompts.

Afterwards, a few of us dined together at a local Mexican restaurant, having a raucous time! (I'm not naming any names and you can't make me!) It was a fabulous day and one I needed much more than I realized. Friendship and camaraderie can help to heal many wounds. 

May all of you have a beautiful, blissful week!

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." -- Albert Schweitzer

* Calls for Submissions *

Calls for Submissions to Share

Publishing Syndicate is looking for more Pets stories: http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/pets.html

Also for: My First Time http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/my_first_time.html

(What the website says about this title: This book probably isn't what you think it is! There’s a first time for everything, from a first date to a first car to a first job. Embarrassing, silly, entertaining and funny stories will fill this book about everything “first.” What’s your first? Please, no sexually-explicit stories, even though first kiss stories are welcomed!)

Also for: On Family

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/family.html

Also for: On Being a Mom

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/moms.html

Also: On Dieting

http://www.publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/title_descriptions/dieting.html


It's almost midnight and I'm about to fall asleep at my laptop......

To Be Continued!

P.S. I'll be having a Give-Away next week, so please be sure and drop in!

* Something Adorable! *

No other words required......

* Procrastination & Postponement *

Due to countless things going on in my life right now, my next blog post has been postponed...until further notice! 

I really do have so much writerly information to share, but just can't find the time right now. 

Hopefully, I'll "find" the time this evening...

“I am definitely going to take a course on time management… just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” – Louis E. Boone

* Is It Thursday Already?

Borrowed from Linda Sidey's facebook page

“My mother always told me I wouldn't amount to anything because I procrastinate. I said, 'Just wait.” -- Judy Tenuta

What Are You Reading?

Ever since I began writing (about 12 years ago) my "reading for enjoyment" time has really dropped. One reason, obviously, is because I spend so much time writing, thinking about writing, editing, and scouring through books about writing.

I'm happy to say I borrowed a book from my local library last week that I am gobbling up! It's Rita Moreno, A Memoir. It's a fascinating story and I can't wait to get back to it! 

I learned about it when I watched Tavis Smiley's PBS TV show , the day he interviewed Ms. Moreno. He is such a wonderful host and asks excellent questions, and I'm sorry I only recently discovered him. You can see the 2-part interview and/or read the transcript here.

book cover: npr.org

What about you? What are you reading? 

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates

* Grandpa Had a Perpetual Calendar *

Grandpa had a shiny, brass perpetual calendar. He kept it on top of the ornate, built-in wooden cabinet that separated the living room from the dining room. (It was similar to the one below.) As a young child it intrigued me because it was something I didn't see in anyone else's house. I always looked forward to getting up in those summer mornings....to go outside and play, of course....but also because grandpa would let me turn the little knobs and make the correct day and number appear. How fun it was!

Google source

(And how cool is this that I found one with yesterday's date??)

The only calendars I knew about were the paper kind you hung on the kitchen wall, above the bright red step-stool chair. (Like the one below.) Ours was probably the free one that our church handed out after Mass. It had all the holidays and Holy Days already on it, so families wouldn't forget when they had to go to a Mass that wasn't on a Sunday. 

Google source

Many years ago, a wonderful friend gave me a perpetual calendar as a gift. It was either for Christmas or my birthday; I don't remember which, since they're only 12 days apart! ☺ We met when we had young sons in the same school, and attended the same church. We both sang alto in our church choir and those practices were both solemn and loads of fun. I'm sorry to say that as our boys grew up, we drifted apart as happens quite often, but we still send Christmas cards to each other every year. 

photo by Becky

I'm happy to say that I still have this darling little calendar. It's in my kitchen and every time I even glance at it, I think of her and of my grandpa. 

"Elephants and grandchildren never forget." -- Andy Rooney

* Thankful and Grateful for So Many Things *

First of all, although there were tornadoes in Missouri this past Friday, nothing in my surrounding area was damaged......but it was a bit too close for comfort. The Ronald was out of town that evening, and so just Vern and I spent some time together in the basement. I am very thankful and grateful for basements!

~~~~~

I posted some of my "happy" photos on my blog post of May 28th. This is one I would've definitely included, if I'd downloaded it from my camera in time! This is a corner of my kitchen counter-top that I "decorated." I love the small plaque Simple Pleasures! And the tiny block letters underneath it says Coffee Break. Yep....that about says it all! ☺

~~~~~

We've lived in our new home two months already. I can't believe it....partly because the spare bedroom/my office still looks like a large walk-in storage unit. But, I'm working on it. I've finally gotten past the "overwhelmed" phase and am making progress. 

~~~~~

When we first moved in, I didn't see or hear prop planes anymore. But as the days and weeks went by, more and more began to fly over...when I sat on our deck, when Vern and I were out walking, when just being inside...and just like before....when walking to and from my car when I am out shopping. BUT, here's the real kicker......Yesterday, while searching through the 12 or so TV channels that we have, (antenna in attic!)...I came across The Flying Nun....and there was cute little Sister Bertrille aka Sally Field, handing a toy prop plane to a little boy. He tightened up the propeller and let 'er fly!

Google Source

Okay. I got it....again! I'd kind of "lost" the desire to do any writing since we moved, but in the past few  days, I'm back to Writer Gal Becky! More memories popping up, jotting notes everywhere, etc. 

I couldn't be happier, or more thankful, or more grateful for the life I'm living. (Well, a little more money would be nice, but hey....ya can't have everything!)

To Be Continued.......