* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday.

If you're like me, you're probably hoping life will get back to normal sometime soon. 

(And as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that.")

Today I'm going to post just a couple of my favorite quotes. 

I love all kinds, especially depending on what mood I'm in. 

Some make me pause and ponder. 

Some make me smile within my soul. 

&

Some move me to tears, while others make me laugh. 

"Back on its golden hinges, the gate of memory swings. And my heart goes into the garden and walks with the olden things." -- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

"All those who believe in psychokinesis - raise my hand." -- Steven Wright

“Each of us is a book waiting to be written, and that book, if written, results in a person explained.” -- Thomas M. Cirignano

"The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but the long and winding road has the better soundtrack." -- Robert Brault

"We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are." -- Anais Nin

I hope you enjoyed them, and I'll see you next week!

* COUNTDOWN TO THANKSGIVING *

* Countdown to Thanksgiving *
This is a reprint from a previous Thanksgiving post.

 

 

One of my Four Freedoms plates, by Norman Rockwell

 

I never spent Thanksgiving at my grandparents' home when I was a little girl. I'm sure it was because they lived hundreds of miles away from us and time just didn't allow it. I sometimes wished we could be there with them, and would go around our house singing the song in the You Tube video.

 

And of course, my wishes also included

the snow and the horse-drawn sleigh! 

 

 

 

 

"I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it." ~Robert Brault

https://rbrault.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

(Ahh, my friend Robert Brault has written more amazing words of wit and wisdom than anyone else I know! His books can be purchased on Amazon, and of course many other places.) https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=robert+brault 

* I'M HANGING IN THERE, AND STAYING STRONG *

Can you believe it is already June 2016?

 

I don't know why, but it seems to be part of human nature that as every month and year goes by, we all say, "I can't believe it is.....fill in the blank...already!"

 

Although I really do enjoy all the little things in life (Mr. Robert Brault!) and savor as much of each day that I can, life just gets in the way sometimes of our "plans." It's kind of like watching or listening to the weather forecast for the upcoming week. Don't bother making your outdoor plans according to those predictions. They usually change.....

 

Case in point: About six weeks ago, neither Ron nor I could have predicted what our lives would be like during these first few days in June. About a month ago, Ron had part of his right lung removed due to a cancerous "nodule." The surgery was successful and there was no chemo or radiation involved. Thank goodness! But during his recovery at home, he wasn't getting much better, and had trouble breathing. But when he went for his follow-up appointments to his lung surgeon and lung doctor (yes, two separate ones) both said things like: It takes time. You're doing all the things you're supposed to, etc.

 

Then, over the weekend of May 14th and 15th, Vern rapidly got sicker and our vet said without a doubt we were making the right decision to say goodbye to our sweet, beloved, senior guy. As most of you know, we'd had Vern just over five years and he would've been 15 years old this August. Although Vern was our third dog, Ron bonded with him much more than he ever did with the first two, and it really hit him hard. For me...I'm grieving about the same as I did for our other two, much-loved fur babies. I have my good days and my bad days.

 

So, a couple more weeks went by, and I kept telling Ron I thought he had pneumonia. I've had it enough times in my life to know the sounds and symptoms. It's not "normal" to wheeze and rattle when you breath! But, did that happen when the doctors listened to him with their stethoscopes? Of course not. One of them looked at me a bit patronizingly at that point, because I had voiced my "knowledge" but he wasn't "hearing" it.

 

....................................................... To Be Continued ...................................................

 



* OUR REHAB CENTER *

*Note: I just realized this is my 1,000th post!

I haven't posted anything about the craziness going on here, which began on June 30th when The Ronald had total knee-replacement surgery on his right knee. He came home two days later and has been doing amazingly well ever since.....which is exactly the way I envisioned he would.

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

The hardest part for me has been keeping track of all his medications. I made a chart listing them all, what they were for, and at what times he needed to take them. Some were once a day, others were every 12 hours, others were twice a day...but with meals, etc., etc.

And along with those chores as The Ronald's caretaker, Vern was a bit more "needy" in the early stages of Ron being back home, too. There were strange, new things around the house: a walker, an exercise contraption, a large bandage on daddy's knee, etc.

Things were settling down pretty well when just a week after Ron's surgery, I became aware of some major tooth pain in one of my back molars. Long story short, I had to have oral surgery because it was cracked, couldn't be saved, and wasn't a "typical" tooth-pulling. I came home looking like a chipmunk with a huge bruise. Still today, I have a smaller, multi-colored bruise on my right jaw, but no swelling.

Vern looking at me when I first came home as if he's thinking...
"Who IS that? It can't be Mom!"

 

After he looked at me in the above photo, I kept talking to him and calling him by name,
 and he wouldn't even look back at me!
 (Besides the swollen cheek and huge bruise,
I still had gauze in my mouth and didn't sound like myself, either!)

This was taken on Friday, I think.

So, I've been trying to catch up on "normal" household chores such as laundry (but we have also acquired a bit of a plumbing problem,) so things are piling up....so to speak! (The plumber is supposed to be here later this afternoon.)

 

 

I'd like to leave a final thought from my friend, the brilliant Robert Brault. This is from his book, The Second Collection: Thoughts and Other Writings. It is currently unavailable, but his first book can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Round-Up-Usual-Subjects-Everything/dp/1499593783/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436850854&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+brault&pebp=1436850934412&perid=1GBZTDDRX8A0BQ30EHWJ

 

"Some mornings you wake up to the smell of the coffee, and some mornings you wake up to the smell of the halibut from last night's supper." - Robert Brault

* MORE...LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

In spite of time flying by every day, I'm managing to get a few important things accomplished.

 



Papers, notes, printed e-mails, bills, pencil holders, and stapler, etc. Oh, and the much needed diet soda. I think there's also a cup of coffee hiding behind my laptop!

(I really must get my desk painted (the one with all the drawers!) and brought into my office/spare bedroom.) 

~~~

1) On June 16th, I mentioned: The Royal Nonesuch National Humor Writing Contest, Deadline June 30, 2014  https://twainhouse.submittable.com/submit/26632

Well....I'm happy to say I've been working on something to submit to this. Just hope I can get it completed in time!

2) I hadn't said anything yet about another contest I entered last month, but receiving an e-mail today prompted me to do so now. No, the e-mail didn't contain any exciting news! At least, not what some of y'all might be thinking! BUT, it was exciting to me. Here are the first couple of sentences:
 
Greetings!
We wanted to give you a quick status update on your entry in the 22nd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards. Your book has been processed and has now shipped to the judge!  

I'm pretty sure I first heard about this contest from my friend, Marcia Gaye. (Thank you, Marcia!) I was in a panic to get my entry form mailed on the deadline date of May 30th, and a few days later I noticed it was extended to June 13th. That didn't bother me, though, I was just glad I got it sent in! The factor that held me back was the entry fee. It was exorbitant!! But I emptied my piggy bank and dug under the couch cushions and collected enough money for it. Winners will be notified by October 17th, which sounds like a long way off, but it's only four months. Please keep your fingers crossed! 

3) I've been reading some of the books my author friends wrote and I will be posting a review of sorts as soon as I can. Also, if anyone would like to be highlighted on my blog, please e-mail me. (Even if we already discussed it, because I might need a reminder!)

Myrna, this photo is for you!

(I'll explain it on another blog post.)

~~~

One of the books I've been reading is a pure gem: Round Up the Usual Subjects: Thoughts on Just About Everything, by Robert Brault
(Robert is the amazing author of many sayings, some of which have been posted over the years on his blog, and particularly a very famous one: "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

Here is another new favorite I just discovered in his book. The chapter is "Perseverance," and it's the Keynote Thought:





"How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it." -- Robert Brault

* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

It's Time for Another Living the Writer's Life

 

 

Tomorrow, Sunday June 22nd, I'm being highlighted on Linda Austin's blog, Moon Bridge Books. Please stop by and leave a comment if you have a moment! Linda is an awesome writer and editor, among many other talents. She's written two books, one is a memoir, Cherry Blossoms in Twilight and a book of poetry, Poems That Come to Mind.

* Sunday 10:15AM, CDT --- Oops, I guess I forgot to find out what time my piece  would be on Linda's blog! When I know, I'll come back here and post it. *

* Sunday 5:00PM, CDT --- Hello All ~ I was mistaken concerning the time Linda would post her interview with me! It is now available. Please stop by!

~~~

 

I'm very proud to have two new reviews for my memoir that I posted at the top of my blog. One is from Robert Brault and the other is C. Hope Clark. I'm very grateful to both of them.

 

 

 

 

 

“Each of us is a book waiting to be written, and that book, if written, results in a person explained.” -- Thomas M. Cirignano



* Another Trip Around the Sun *

It's finally here.... A Really BIG Birthday. 

image: www.kauffmanpost.com

I didn't have to buy my own birthday cake. The Ronald bought one for me! Plus helium balloons! 

Happy Birthday, also to my blog friend Rachel Cotterill.

"Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened." -- Jennifer Yane

"In childhood we yearn to be grown-ups. In old age we yearn to be kids. It just seems that all would be wonderful if we didn't have to celebrate our birthdays in chronological order." -- Robert Brault

"I'm 60 years of age. That's 16 Celsius." -- George Carlin

Yep, those quotes just about say it all!

Winner of "Sort of a Blog Hop"

Good evening everyone! I apologize for being so late in posting the Winner of my Sort of a Blog Hop, but today was our family Thanksgiving and I was a bit tired when everyone left! Whew! We had a great time and thanks for all the well wishes.

(courtesy: Google)

So, without further adeui, the Winner of either the equally beautiful set of note cards or calendar is..............Becky Dunham of Bloglessinutah!

Congratulations to Becky and a heartfelt thanks to the other fabulous seven bloggers who participated. I truly appreciate your kindness for joining me in my first "Hop."  (And I must add a special note to Miss Sparkle Farkle: Your blog post for this was just awesome! Thanks so much for being your usual creative, crazy, wacky self!) The random-number-drawing-thingy chose number four, Branching Out, which was Becky's post title.

And don't forget, these are very reasonably priced....so buy some for yourself and for Christmas gifts!

To those of you who don't know what Becky won, she will be choosing from the following: A Robert Brault wall calendar for 2012, with beautiful pictures and quotes of his.

Or a set of 12 note cards with the same beautiful pictures and quotes.





Becky, please e-mail me with your mailing address and I'll get your order placed asap! Congrats, again!

I'll end this post as I always do, with a quote, and obviously it's one of my favorite Mr. Brault quotes!

"Looking back you realize that a very special person passed briefly through your life - and it was you. It is not too late to find that person again." -- Robert Brault







A Sort of Blog Hop & Give Away!

This is my first "sort of" Blog-Hop and it's for my friend, Robert Brault. Please join in to have a chance at winning one of the brand new 2012 Calendars or a Set of 12 Note Cards. (And if you don't win here, you can purchase them at very reasonable prices!)

1)  Visit Robert Brault's blog and read some of his fabulous thoughts and quotes. Don't just read the first page, there are months and months of archives....all full of gems!

2) Then add your blog in Mr. Linky,

3) Post something on your blog about Robert, or his quotes, which one(s) you like the best, etc.
   
     ** This is not a typical Blog Hop where people are expected to go around and comment on everyone else's. Just write about one of Robert's sayings/quotes on your own blog, and then add your blog in the Linky, and then you are included in the drawing. **



On November 19th, one lucky winner (chosen by random drawing) will receive either Robert's calendar or one of the note card sets. What a neat gift for just reading some inspirational or humorous quotes that will enrich your lives! This Give-Away is available to everyone no matter where you live!
*Or buy some as Christmas gifts for those special people in your lives.

"Looking back, you realize that a very special person passed briefly through your life -- and that person was you. It is not too late to become that person again. "  -- Robert BraultOn November

* Nostalgic Sundays *

It's time for another Nostalgic Sunday.

Today's post isn't technically about nostalgia,
 but it's about little things that make me happy.

Writerly coffee mugs!
(Saturday Writers is the local writing group I've been the president of this year.)

Chocolate covered strawberries - Yum!

Beautiful fall foliage, even on a rainy day.
I took this picture from inside my laundry room.
I purposely wanted to capture the rain drops on the window.

"Cheapie" earrings from Walmart -- $2.88. (no kidding)

Same as above: $2.88

These photos don't do the earrings justice. They are really beautiful. I've never seen such nice ones for such a small price! I just happened to notice different earring displays as I walked down the aisle and couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the price. 

I've told girlfriends over the years that whenever I'd feel a little down and needed an inexpensive pick-me-up, I'd head to the earrings in various department stores at the mall. I'd usually find a pretty pair on sale for less than $10.00 and I'd be a happy gal! BUT, to find such gorgeous ones for $2.88!...Well, I just had to go crazy and buy TWO pair!

(All photos taken by me except for the Taylor family in Mayberry. That was found in Google.)

Aunt Bee would be so proud of me and my frugality!

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Brault

*I'm so proud to say that Robert Brault is a friend of mine. He is a genius, yet kind and humble, and so encouraging to others. Click on his name to go to his blog. Read some of his hundreds of quotes and sayings and maybe purchase his new calendar and/or note cards. I have them both and they are delightful.*

* This 'n That on a Tuesday *

Good morning! Happy Belated Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends! I was sure I'd be able to post something yesterday, but time sped by. I hope everyone had a lovely day!

Every year, I look forward to our Thanksgiving in November. There's just something about that time of year: Aromas. Friends. Family. Pretty table settings. No commercialism! Just scrumptious food!

~~~~                                           ~~~~~                                                        ~~~~~  
On October 6th or 7th, I received the Robert Brault calendar and note cards I ordered. They are just as beautiful or even more so than the posted photos. I haven't decided which note card to use first, or who to snail mail it to. I really like the size of the cards, too. They are 5x7, blank inside, and so there is plenty of room for writing. Most note cards are TINY and there's never enough space! So, I can honestly say I LOVE THEM. They are beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. And how cool is it to tell others that I am a Robert Brault Blog Buddy?! And so can you...hop on over and check them out. Both the calendar and note cards would make thoughtful gifts for any occasion.
~~~~                                        ~~~~~                                                           ~~~~~   

I've come to the realization that I cannot keep up with all the delightful blogs I attempt to read and comment on. Therefore in an attempt to keep my sanity, I won't be leaving comments on any blogs, nor do I expect to receive comments from any of my readers. I hope everyone understands and won't be offended. By taking this action, plus my term ending December 31st as president of Saturday Writers, I hope to have the time, energy, and desire to WRITE.

“We're running out of time babe. The dream will come no closer by itself. We got to run after it now..." -- Gaelic Proverb

* I WONDER... ABOUT ROBERT BRAULT *

It's Friday....time for another I Wonder!

 

I am extremely grateful and happy to know Robert Brault. Some of my blog friends also know Robert and his writing genius. If you think you don't know him, you've probably read one of his hundred (or thousand?) quotes, and just didn't realize who the author was. If you Google Mr. Brault, you'll see what I mean.

Not too long ago, he let us in on some BIG news. Northern Sun is publishing a 2012 wall calendar and a set of note cards, with Robert's amazing thoughts and quotes, plus some beautiful photos. Oh my goodness. Can you say, "Christmas Gifts?!"

I've already placed my online order for one calendar and one set of note cards....for now. I'll buy more, as soon as I figure out how many I need!

I Wonder: How many of his 2012 calendars, and note card sets will be purchased online  just today?

Please click on the Northern Sun link and take a look, and maybe place an order!

What would be more fitting than to close with a Robert Brault quote today??

 "I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar." -- Robert Brault

* I WONDER *

Today's "I Wonder" is all about writerly things!

First of all, the hugely talented Mr. Robert Brault has a special request. If you don't already know who he is or what he writes, then do not hesitate....run, hop & jump right over to his blog by clicking on the link below. 

 I Wonder: How many hundreds/thousands of letters can we generate?

http://www.robertbrault.com/2011/07/appeal.html?showComment=1311909485319#c5676262546187323761


On July 8th, I posted about trying to write two stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and have them submitted by the 31st. I am very pleased to report that I have indeed sent two stories and have a third one that will probably be ready to submit before August 7th, which is the deadline.

 I Wonder:  How many of you will submit a story or more? If you're afraid....don't be! You can't be published, if you don't submit something!

Addendum: I just checked the website (7:20 am CDT) and quite a few new books have been added! I don't think they were listed yesterday, so the site has been updated with a few deadlines having passed.  Click HERE to go straight to the page of new books, new deadlines! Good Luck!

2nd Addendum: It's now 1:30 pm CDT and I recently received a new Call Out for Submissions e-mail from Chicken Soup concerning the deadline for the Caregiver book. It's been extended until August 31st. That is a good sign for those of you wanting to send something, because it means they haven't rec'd enough quality stories. So sharpen up those pencils, crack those knuckles and get going!! ☺
I also noticed that Thin Threads  has Calls for Submissions on their anthologies. I highly recommend them, too. Look at the two books below with the nearest deadlines! Oh my gosh, I just have to write something for the Pets & Companions book! I'll be burning the midnight oil Saturday night, I think!

Thin Threads of Pets & Companions - July 30th, 2011
Thin Threads of Babies & New Parents - September 30th, 2011
 If you go to their website, you'll find other upcoming books that don't have deadlines yet.

I Wonder: How many stories can be written in a few days? It depends on the author! It takes me many drafts just to write a short 900 word essay! Others can think, type, and submit within mere hours!

"Failure? I never encountered it. All I ever met were temporary setbacks."-- Dottie Walters

* Uptight, Twitchy & Disturbed *

First of all I'd like to thank my three newest followers: Aine Tierney, Marissar and Jan! Thank you so much. I hope you'll continue to stop by from time to time and enjoy what you see.

As I wrote in the previous post, my life has been crazy busy, and I was feeling a bit....agitated. I laughed at some of the synonyms Mircosoft Word 2010 offered for agitated: Uptight, twitchy and disturbed were my favorites! Just reading the word disturbed made my mind break into song... Gee, Officer Krupke from "West Side Story". See how I am?? My brain jumps from one subject to the next. I'm typing about life being crazy busy, and I start singing in my head!

The Wise, Witty & Wonderful Mr. Robert Brault left a comment on that previous post of mine: "Becky, You describe a thoroughly involved life that many would kill for. Enjoy it to the hilt. You can do as many do -- catch a few winks while driving." Well, then I'm sure I'm living an almost perfect life and I'm following my bliss. Thank you, Robert, for pointing that out to me.

One more thing. Yesterday morning, since I was already in the Land of Uptight, Twitchy & Disturbed, and I was talking to The Ronald while putting on my socks, I wasn't quite paying attention to what I was doing:

Oooh, my feet are so embarrassed!

"Before I speak, I have something important to say." -- Groucho Marx

* Contest Give-Away for November *

First of all, I'd like to say welcome and thank you to Mr. Robert Brault for becoming my 130th follower! If you don't know Robert Brault, than you definitely are missing out on some fabulous quotes and other greatness! Thanks, Robert....I'm honored!

As promised, here's my contest give-away for November. I have 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card! I decided to wait and buy the gift card after the winner has been chosen. That way, the lucky person can choose from a few suggestions and not be "stuck" with something they can't really use.

Here's the descriptions: 

A package of 12 file folders in a blue & white floral pattern.

A "Create Your Own Calendar" that can be colored in and comes with 500 small stickers. When opened, it measures 19" long by 12" wide. It's not just for kids, either! I've had fun creating one for myself!

A small weekly planner; great to go in your purse.

A "My Daily Journal". This is a hardcover book with spiral binding and nice sturdy pages.

A hardcover book, "Don't Get Scrooged", by Richard Carlson (author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff")

And, a small, hardcover book, "what i read". This little gem keeps track of the books you've read and gives you room to rate each book and write other thoughts about it.

All 6 items, PLUS a $25.00 Gift Card will be yours, if your name is chosen! I think this time, instead of using random.org, I'll let The Ronald pick a name out of a basket.

All items are brand new and would make great gifts, too!

This is the inside of "what i read"

I apologize for the photos. My camera doesn't take the best pictures!

This is the inside of the weekly planner. I like this kind the best because it has plenty of room for each day.

These are the stickers for the Create Your Own Calendar.

This is what every page in the My Daily Journal looks like. I think it has great prompts.

And, finally, the inside of one of the months in the Create Your Own Calendar!

Now, you are probably thinking....What do I have to do to be entered in this fabulous contest??

1) Be a Follower

2) Leave a comment

3) If you mention this on your blog, with a link to mine,

 you're name will be entered twice.

That's it!! The drawing will be held on Monday night, November 15th, at 6:00 pm CST.

Good Luck! And don't forget to start thinking about what gift card you'd like to have, if you're the winner!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Footnote*:  The cost to ship these prizes to another country never entered my mind, until someone mentioned it today. SO, since there's nothing in "the rules" about it, everyone is eligible to win!

Also, I've given it some thought, and the winner will be given this choice of gift cards to choose from: Borders, Barnes & Noble, Home Goods, Big Lots, Hobby Lobby or Kirkland's.

I think that should cover just about everyone's taste, don't you?!

Thanks again and tell all your bloggie friends to stop by and enter!

** If It's Thursday, I'm Way Behind On My To-Do List **

Okay! Here are various interesting tidbits, in no particular order.
Nick Nixon: Writer, singer, song writer extraordinaire, is on a local radio station every first Friday of the month. That would be tomorrow. KWRE, 730 ON THE AM DIAL. 3:00 to 5:00PM, CDT. I checked out their website yesterday. They are not streaming online yet, but it's coming soon. You'll definitely want to listen when it's available. And if you live "here", you can listen on your radio and enjoy Nick's easy going ways, good natured jokes, and beautiful singing. Nick is a memeber of Saturday Writers and the Coffee & Critique group. I'm proud to know him and call him my friend. Following are 2 links from the late 1970's (I'm pretty sure!): One is of Nick singing and the other is Barbara Fairchild singing "The Teddy Bear Song", a song Nick wrote. Even though I wasn't a big country music fan at that time, I certainly remember hearing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UugW9yo8Idg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeiA2XTca9g&feature=related 


Robert Brault has a new post on his blog and saying it has been worth the wait doesn't do it near justice! Jump on over there as fast as you can and see what I mean. I read and reread every quote and just savored them all. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your wondrous thoughts and words.

June Freaking Cleaver e-mailed me this morning to notify me of her very first acceptance, anywhere! And what's even better is that this was the first time she ever submitted anything, anywhere! Yay for June! I kept telling her how talented she was and how much I loved her writing, and that she should submit something....somewhere! And gosh, she actually took my advise! Go over to June's blog and congratulate her! I think it's just the start of an awesome writing career.

Patchwork Path has story call outs. I received an e-mail yesterday from the editor about this, plus the news that Treasure Box is being edited and due out this November, as scheduled. (That's the one I have a story in. I'm really looking forward to seeing it.)

Okay, that's going to be all for now. I don't want to make this too long and scare everyone off!

Thanks again to everyone who reads my blog, has become a follower, especially recently. It took me about a year and a half to just reach 50 followers, which was May of this year. In less than 3 months, the number has almost doubled! I am truly in awe of that, and I am touched and honored. Thank you!

And you know I must end with one of Robert Brault's newest quotes:

"Who does not wish to be beautiful, and clever, and rich, and to have back, in old age, the time spent trying to be any of them." -- Robert Brault