* NOSTALGIC SUNDAYS *

It's Time Again for Another Nostalgic Sunday!

 

 

 

Hello wonderful people who take the time to stop and see what I've posted! I'm working at the shop today which I volunteered to do since my family gets together on different days to celebrate different occasions. Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous moms out there!

I've written blog posts about my mother quite a few times and particularly on Mother's Day each year. (She died in 1989.) Although we loved each other, we never had that closeness that some mothers and daughters are so fortunate to share. It makes me think of the marvelous review Theresa Sanders wrote about my memoir, and posted on Amazon. Here is part of what she said "... her bumpy relationship with her sometimes distant mother..." Thanks again, Theresa (Sistah Teri!) I couldn't have said it better myself.

And also, I'm reminded of something my dear friend, Rita (now deceased) said during one of our thousand conversations. It made such an impact on me that I included it in my memoir. The chapter title is "Thoughts on Love & Forgiveness," and is primarily about my feelings toward my estranged dad. Here is what I wrote: "A wise friend once told me she believes part of our journey here on earth is to forgive our parents."

Ah...so true. I miss Rita every day because she was genuine. She was thoughtful and caring and spiritual and absolutely hilarious. (I sometimes referred to her as "crazy Rita" because of the funny things that would happen to her and the way she described them.)I know, too, that she would LOVE our little condo. Below are four of the newest photos I've taken. I hope they make you smile.

A close-up of a large bowl of petunias I bought.

A close-up of the gorgeous irises the previous occupant planted.

The bird feeder I bought and filled.

Shelves and cabinets above the kitchen sink.

I've had fun changing things around, trying to decide what to put where.

The fish is a one-of-a-kind piece of art created by our friend, Bob.

It's lightweight wood, covered with floral fabric. I just love it and think I found the perfect place to hang it.

"Sharing tales of those we've lost is how we keep from really losing them." - Mitch Albom, For One More Day

Books Like You've Never Seen Before

I watched the most amazing story last night on the CBS Sunday Evening News. It was about an artist who is so extremely talented, I can't possibly come up with enough words to describe him. I would say he is also a sculptor. A sculptor of books! 

His name is Brian Dettmer, he lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and he makes magnificent art out of old books. (Actually, I'd describe his work "inside" old books.) I contacted Mr. Dettmer last night via e-mail, requesting permission to share some of his beautiful creations on my blog. He replied and graciously agreed, as long as I credit it properly.

Get ready for some jaw-dropping moments!



(The above three photos were borrowed, with permission, from Brian Dettmer's web site.)

Toward the beginning of his interview, Brian stated that he understands some book lovers will only see mutilated books, but he only uses vintage non-fiction: old medical books, old encyclopedias, old history books. Books that would otherwise be headed to trash dumps.

Click on Brian's link to learn more about him and see many more of these fabulous works of art. You can also see the entire interview on CBS News.

Thank you again, Brian, for allowing me to showcase a minuscule amount of your heart-filled work.

And, Hello & Welcome to Anita, Sophie Li, M, and Mdkline, my newest followers! I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” -- Thomas Merton

* Writer Information & Candle Wax Art *

Hello and Happy Tuesday, January 11, 2011, otherwise known as 1/11/11, AND my sister's birthday!

I've got some writing information to share, so no time to waste. (Sorry guys...I didn't intend for this to be entirely for and about women writers, and memoir type essays at that, but it just kind of fell into place!)

1) If you're not familiar with Terri Spahr Nelson, you're missing out on knowing a generous and unique woman! She writes, edits, answers questions, mails out "loaner" books to writers contemplating submitting stories to her anthologies, etc. Click on any or all of the three links below and see what Terri needs for upcoming books.

Writer/Editor Terri Spahr Nelson,  

Reflections From Women website,

Reflections From Women Blogspace  


2) If you're a woman and writing your memoir, or interested in writing snippets of your memoir, then Womens Memoirs is a blog you'll want to follow. There's always great info posted and they're also hosting a monthly contest  (for eleven months. They're giving everyone a one-month break.) I don't remember if there's any payment involved, but check it out, because if a story is chosen, it at least gets published on their blog..


3) The National Association of Memoir Writers is having a Call for Submissions for a "How to write about family" anthology. The first thing you need to do is submit 2-3 possible topics you would like to contribute, each described in a few sentences and a 65-75 word bio. They want that information by January 31st. Check out the website for more info. A complimentary book is payment.

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Now for my Candle Wax Art! During the Christmas holidays, instead of having a fire in our fireplace, I had it decorated with greenery and white candles. Today, I took everything out so we can burn some logs during our very Brrrrr....cold spell! Here's the wax that had melted and I gently pulled up......

 The shape at the top right looks like a flying duck to me....like Daffy Duck! See his bill and head and body? I guess his legs are tucked out of sight!

Isn't that funny? I think the shape at the very left of this one looks like a kangaroo! See her feet(foot) at the bottom, her tummy with pouch, her face and her ear(s)??

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and I wish you much success with your writing! I am definitely making 2011 MY YEAR for publications....especially my memoir!