Tuesday, December 30, 2014

* NEW YEARS IS ALMOST HERE *

 
I THOUGHT I'D STICK WITH HI & LOIS FOR THIS POST, TOO   J
 
 
It's almost New Year's Eve 2014
 
 
 
I'm not one to make resolutions, because I know I won't follow through with them, but I do have some specific ideas for next year. And I hope to begin making things happen on January 1, 2015. Please wish me luck!
 
 
For all my family and friends, near and far,
I wish you all the very best of everything in 2015.
 
 

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)
....from the poem by e.e. Cummings


Friday, December 19, 2014

*HAPPY FRIDAY & PHOTOS ADDED TO PREVIOUS POST *

I just added a picture to my previous post of my friend (and current boss!) in front of Thistle & Clover in beautiful old St. Charles.

And also added a photo of our Christmas tree.


It's less than one week until Christmas!
 
 

One of my all time favorite Christmas albums!!
 
 



Tuesday, December 16, 2014

* WORKING & LEARNING & DECORATING THE TREE *

WORKING & LEARNING

When I first started looking for a job a few months ago, one thing I said I would NOT do was work in retail. Well, have I mentioned that I'm working in retail?! But it's not in a large department store or discount store. THAT, I swear, I would NOT do!

I'm working seasonal, part-time at Thistle & Clover, the specialty shop I mentioned in a blog post on June 8th. (They carry Scottish, Irish, and Welsh items.) My new friend, Karen and her husband own it, and they are great to work for. The other employees are helpful and fun to work with, too. I'm enjoying learning about some of my Welsh and Scottish heritage which is on my dad's side of the family: the coat of arms, the tartans, the history, etc.

Karen, in front of Thistle & Clover

I love talking with people and helping them find what they're looking for, so it hasn't really seemed much like work.....until I get home and realize how tired I am!



DECORATING THE TREE
 
Over the past week, when I've been home from work, I've been adding a few ornaments to our Christmas tree. It occurred to me that at the rate I was going, it would never be finished before Christmas! So, during the past couple of days I finished trimming the tree! I'm so happy with it!

Our Christmas tree in 2014


Last year we only had a tiny, two foot tall tree, and it didn't seem like Christmas to me. This year we have a six foot tall tree, complete with lights, that we got at Walgreens last year after Christmas for...Ten Dollars! I'll post a couple of photos soon.
 
 


 
 
"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis

 
 

Sunday, December 14, 2014

* A GLOWING REVIEW OF MY MEMOIR! *


‘Pigtails to Chin Hairs’ - the arc of an enticing memoir

A Culture Buzz review by John Busbee
(radio talk show host)

 

December 12, 2014                In Becky Povich’s beguiling memoir, the title says it all: “From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More.” That alone caught my attention, leading me to explore the content between the two vintage designed covers of her memoir. Once inside, the journey became personal, as I’m sure it has for an ever-growing legion of fans.

            Povich serves her readers a delectable brew as she guides them through familiar waters, distilling the essence of her life into a complex elixir flavored with a diversity of flavorings. From humorous to poignant to self-effacing, the reader will find touchstone recollections which will, in turn, spark readers to wander through their own memories. I often found myself putting Povich’s book down while I stopped in my cerebral rest stop to pursue my own past, and marvel at the similarities and differences. This is not a book through which one races – savor the nuances and differences, as one savors a multi-course banquet.

            Lacking any pretentious overtones, Povich has crafted another addition to the pantheon of alluring memoirs. Honest, revealing, conspiratorial, mirthful – readers will find their own labels as they enjoy their journey through “From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir and More.” Be sure to have your favorite comfort drink by your side – tea, coffee, lemonade – as this is as much a conversation with Becky Povich sharing her side of life, as it is a reminiscence oasis.

~~~

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

* ADD A BOOK TO YOUR BOOKSHELF! *

 


Speaking of adding a book to your bookshelves.....

I'm feeling very Christmasy, so I'm going to GIVE AWAY some copies of my memoir!


For a period of time, not yet determined, whoever buys a book directly from me, will receive a 2nd book FREE! So, you can do some of your Christmas shopping right here!

AND, if you've already purchased my memoir, you may buy one or more for half price ($7.48) during my special.

* To take advantage of this, you'll need to contact me by e-mail because my website Pay Pal is not set up for this type of sale. *
Writergal53 (at) Gmail (dot) com.

Shipping will be $2.50 per book to USA addresses. For other countries, postage will be determined.

* If you signed up on my website to receive my newsletter, you will also get FREE shipping! *

SO, if you've wanted to read my memoir and haven't yet, this special is for you!

This offer won't last too long, so please take advantage of it! And tell all your friends! 

 



"Do give books - religious or otherwise - for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal." Lenore Hershey

A book is a gift you can open again and again." Garrison Keillor

"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!" Neil Gaiman