* A LITTLE BOOK NEWS *

Have you read any good books lately?

What are you reading now?

 

 

Although I still need to write reviews on my blog for two books I read recently: The Flying Circus, by Susan Crandall, and for Adventures of a Chilehead: A Mini-Memoir with Recipes, by Sharon Lippincott...I did leave reviews for them on Amazon. Loved them both!

I'm currently attempting to read a couple different books, which I've never been good at, especially if I'm really involved in one particular book! I'll have to decide which one to stick with for now, finish it, and then move on...

One of those books is due to having a fantastic day at Dollar Tree a week or so ago. If you're like me, you stop there for one or two particular items and end up spending more than a couple of dollars! I bought FIVE books and they all look like they'll be great reading material. I'll post more about them soon, including the titles and cover photos!

A couple of notes about my memoir, From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More...

Have you heard of The Fussy Librarian? My memoir is currently highlighted on it: $3.99 for the Kindle edition.
http://www.thefussylibrarian.com/for-readers/books/size/25?GenreID=18&ContentTypeX1=1&ContentTypeX2=4&ContentTypeX3=8


I'm also having a Goodreads give-away which ends October 26 Please stop by and enter if you'd like to win one of four free paperback copies of my memoir. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/157880-from-pigtails-to-chin-hairs-a-memoir-more 

* ARE YOU A "BOOK SMELLER"?

On June 18th, I wrote about winning a beautiful little charm of a bi-plane. http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2015/06/im-winner-im-winner.html 

To be eligible to win, I pre-ordered a hardcover copy of Susan Crandall's newest book, The Flying Circus. (If you missed that blog post, you can click on the link above to read about it.)



The beautiful book arrived the first part of July and I immediately fell in love with it the moment I opened it, without even reading one word. Why? It had an aroma similar to the books I read when I was young, especially those old, library books! Newer books these days just don't have that same scent. I think it has to do with recycled paper, or something. So, still today, every time I pick up a book that I'm interested in, whether I'm in the library, or a store, I must open it and take a deep sniff! (Don't worry, I don't actually put my nose ON the paper! I must say though that I've gotten some strange looks!)

Because of being a bit overwhelmed this month, (so what else is new?!) I haven't finished Susan's book yet, but I am LOVING it! I will definitely post a review when I've completed it.

And just why did I want to write about this today? Because when I e-mailed Susan to let her know I received the book, I also shared with her that I've been a "book smeller" all my life, and when she replied, she said she loved the term "book smeller!"

What about you? Do you sniff books? Or other inanimate items?? And if so, why?




"I stepped into the bookshop and breathed in that perfume of paper and magic that strangely no one had ever thought of bottling." -- Carlos Ruiz Zafon
 

* I'M A WINNER! * I'M A WINNER! *

I am one of three winners of a beautiful, little silver charm......of a biplane! And those of you who've read my blog for quite a while, or have read my memoir, know what a special meaning prop planes have in my life. Whenever I hear the distinctive engine noise, I never miss the opportunity to look up into the sky, searching for it. And when I do see it, it always makes me smile!

picture of biplane from Susan Crandall's website/blog

Cover of Susan Crandall's newest book: The Flying Circus





I happened to come across Susan's offer to enter to win the charm by pre-ordering her newest book. I haven't purchased any new, hardcover books in a LONG time, but The Flying Circus sounded like a novel I'd enjoy, and with the chance to win the adorable charm, too, I jumped on the bandwagon. It comes out in early July, which unbelievably, is right around the corner.

*Note: As soon as I received my charm, I tried taking photos of it to post here, but couldn't get any that weren't blurry. (It's about 1/2" x 1/2". So cute!) And when I got out my "real" camera, (as opposed to cell phone camera) the battery was dead and would not charge, either. I happen to know I've been asking Santa for a new, really good camera for about 10 years now.....Looks like I better just go and buy it myself, huh?!

I'll be sure and post my thoughts about The Flying Circus as soon as I finish reading it!

~ ~ ~

Did you ever have a charm bracelet? Do you have one now? I'd forgotten that I had one until just the other day. I found it while digging through some old jewelry! It was such fun to look at again and remember why and where I got certain charms.


Thank you again, Susan Crandall! I can't wait to receive your newest book and begin reading it!

Have any of you read Susan's books? Please share your thoughts.

* INTERVIEW UPDATE *

If anyone would like to listen to all or part of the 45 minute interview, please contact me by e-mail:  beckypovich (at) G mail (dot) com.

Thanks again to everyone who has encouraged me

along this writing and publishing journey,

and to those who continue to do so.

You're the wind beneath my wings! J

Becky and pilot preparing to take off into the wild blue yonder!

 

 

 

 

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing. That's why we recommend it daily." -- Zig Ziglar

Ponderings On a Monday Morning

Vern and I spent some time on the deck this morning, and as he snoozed I sipped coffee from one of many favorite cups! 

Within the first few minutes we were there, five different prop planes puttered across the sky above us. I've never seen that many in such a short period of time. I noticed they were different too, so it wasn't a couple of planes flying in circles, tricking my mind.  

If you're new to my blog, you're probably wondering What's so special about propeller planes? I don't just "notice" them, I'm kind of obsessed with them! They carry a very special meaning to me. You can learn more about it from these two blog posts: 

http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012_02_18_archive.html

http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012_02_19_archive.html

This time along with the instantaneous, "memoir reminders," other thoughts came to mind.

I don't know if there is any kind of afterlife, but I remember being taught as a young child that when we got to Heaven, we would find out and understand all those unknown marvels; all those mysteries in life that I couldn't understand then....or now. 

As I sat and wondered about those countless prop planes I've seen and heard during the past year, a new thought came to me. IF there is a Heaven, and IF I get there someday, I don't need or want to know all those mysteries of the universe. All I want is to know everything about my parents. But I have some guidelines... (I don't dare refer to them as "rules" in Heaven!) I won't want to know everything right away. No, I want to be able to talk with them individually and hear in their own words why they made the decisions they made, all through their lives. 

Why? Because I never asked the difficult questions when I had the chance....after my parents' divorce.The ones I did attempt to ask my mother were usually shot down with, "Oh, I don't remember about that." -or- "I don't want to talk about that." 

And when I was in my dad's presence, rare as it was, I never had the guts to ask those persistent questions that haunted me for so many years, and still do at times.

If you have the time and opportunity to ask your parents, or any other relatives or friends, those important questions you need and want answers to, please do it while you still can. I wish I had.


“You can find something truly important in an ordinary minute.” 
― Mitch Albom, For One More Day


(Quote from my favorite Mitch Albom book)

* 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.......

* One Year Ago Today *

I find it hard to believe that it was one year ago when I wrote the following poem and posted it on my blog, February 18, 2012. At the time, it was Untitled, but later I named it "Daddy's Girl."

I'd been seeing prop planes everywhere I went, whether walking or driving, and that particular afternoon the words just came to me. I sat at my laptop and this is what I wrote:

Daddy's Girl

I strolled along the pavement,
the sound of quiet surrounding me
like a quilt. The stillness was deafening
until I heard the engine of a prop plane 
flying overhead. Pausing and shading my eyes,
I squint and watch it putter across
the powder blue sky.
Memories flood my soul,
immediately tugging my mouth
into a wide grin.

The next day I walk the 
same path. A distant cardinal chirps,
most likely believing it's already spring.
Why shouldn't he?
These past few days have been nothing
but glorious.
Just the calendar page declares
it's only early February.
I turn, searching for his brilliant crimson color
among the vast bare branches
but my eyes cannot find him.

I notice the sky is full of vapor trails.
Those wispy, cloud-like streaks also 
carry memories for the child within me. 

I think back. All those years ago.

The newness of jet airplanes and the

thundering explosions of sonic booms.

My dad explaining the magic & mystery.
I close my eyes, and for a moment
I'm standing motionless in my front yard again.
Staring up, marveling at the sight above,
taking it all in and thinking as profoundly as
a five-year-old possibly can.

Blinking, I hesitate for a moment, then

become aware of my present surroundings.

I begin my walk back home.
Tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow 

I'll return to the same path,
thinking back and I'll
reminisce once more.
Sentimental journeys.
Always bittersweet.

©2012 Becky Povich

Although I'm amazed that I wrote poetry, what's even more amazing is that it was a breakthrough day. From then on, I began to write more often, felt more confident, and had very little writer's block. 

If you're not familiar with my love of prop planes, the following post will help.

http://beckypovich.blogspot.com/2012/02/nostalgic-sundays_19.html

* Welcome to my newest follower Pat. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 

"I don't believe that life is supposed to make you feel good, or make you feel miserable either. Life is just supposed to make you feel." -- Gloria Naylor

Busting Through Writer's Block

I don't remember exactly when I finally busted through my writer's block. 

*You would think I'd remember the exact day of such a momentous occasion, wouldn't you? And it hasn't really been that long ago. But, as I've mentioned before, my long-term memory is wonderful....and thank goodness, since I'm writing a memoir! But, my short-term memory...Sheesh, I don't even know half the time why I walked into or out of a certain room.*


This morning as I was getting ready for my day, it hit me. And so, you know what I did? I immediately grabbed my handy-dandy pencil and paper, jotted it down, folded it and put it in my pocket. *Yay for those simple writers' tools!* 

And so, in case I haven't already done so, I just had to share my little revelation in hopes it might help someone else:

* I realized I was writing the chapters of my memoir as if they were Chicken Soup for the Soul entries. 

* They weren't quite personal enough. 

* They didn't sound like me. 

* I know all about "Voice" in writing, and I know what mine is.

* But I also think there are various levels of that voice. 

* I needed to write more like I really talk. 

* There I was, sharing events of my life in my writing, and it just didn't sound like "me."

THAT did it. THAT was my answer. THAT was my breakthrough. 

It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Yes, in hindsight it is. But that's how it happened to me. And when I finally realized it, 

I began to write! 

The words poured out of me and I felt like I'd been hit with Writer's Lightning! 

Image: Microsoft Word Clip Art

Those of you who've read my posts involving prop planes and my writing, will get a kick out of this! I can't believe there even is a Clip Art like this.

I know this is blurry, but I love this picture. See Vern's paw on his rawhide chew bone?
Awwww, isn't he adorable?? 

When my beloved, pal Vern, and I went on our walk today, I saw prop planes fly over, again, just as they always do...just for me.


"We shouldn't forget that the universe moves with us, is at our back with everything we do." -- Natalie Goldberg

Encouragement and Approval from the Sky

(I'm still on my Blog Break, but felt the urge to share the following. Please don't feel the need to comment, because I'm still not reading other blogs, and that just wouldn't be fair.)

It doesn't seem possible that it was three months ago when I wrote the following poem. The weather was magically warm and I walked in wondrous thoughts and visions. That's when it began to sink in. The cosmic, overwhelming sense that now was the time to get serious about my writing. Now was the time to continue on with my memoir. Jump over those hurdles standing before me. And burst through anything or anyone (including myself) who got in my way.

Since that profound February day, I see and hear prop planes almost every single day. And the most Cosmic & ♫♪ Twilight Zoney ♫♪ thing about it is.....WHEN I see them. 

• When Vern and I are doing our daily walk. (at various times of day)
• When I just walk out onto our deck, with my pen and tablet in hand.
• When I'm driving, and all of a sudden one is flying over my car. 
• When I walk out to our mailbox. 
• When The Ronald and I are sitting on our deck, just talking and resting. 
• When I'm in a parking lot, walking into or out of a grocery store.

The point is: There is no particular time of day or night!!

It's become such a regular occurrence, it makes me smile and laugh every time. 

After looking up at the plane, and then further up into the sky, I said out loud: " I see it. I see it! I'm getting it! I'm getting it! Thanks! I'm getting it!"  ☺

That's me, during a visit to Parks Airport, 2009.

Now, just what do prop planes have to do with my memoir? The short version is this: I didn't really write until my *estranged father* became seriously ill and wasn't expected to live. My feelings about him poured out of me and were printed in a local newspaper (and later in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book). That's when I decided I was a writer and would write my memoir: From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More

* (When I was a little girl, dad was a professor at a local aeronautical college. I've loved planes and everything to do with flying ever since. If you check my archives of dad, Parks Colleges, prop planes, etc. you can find out more.) *

So, there you have it. I'm getting help completing my book in what I'd call blissful and spiritual ways! 

Untitled               February 18, 2012


I strolled along the pavement,
the sound of quiet surrounding me
like a quilt. The stillness was deafening
until I heard the engine of a prop plane 
flying overhead. Stopping and shading my eyes,
I squint and watch it putter across
the powder blue sky.
Memories flooded my soul,
immediately tugging my mouth
into a wide grin.

The next day I walk the 
same path. A distant cardinal chirps,
most likely believing it's already spring.
Why shouldn't he?
These past few days have been nothing
but glorious.
Only the calendar page declares
it's just early February.
I turn, looking for his brilliant crimson color
among the vast bare branches
but my eyes cannot find him.

I notice the sky is full of "airplane smoke,"
those cloud-like wispy lines also 
carry memories for the child within me. 
I close my eyes, and for a moment
I'm standing motionless in my front yard again.
I stare up, marveling at the sight above,
taking it all in and thinking as profoundly as
a five-year-old possibly can.

Blinking, I become aware of 
my present surroundings and
begin my journey
back home.
Tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow 
I'll think back and 
reminisce once more.
Sentimental journeys.
Always bittersweet.

©2012 Becky Povich

"My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living." -- Anais Nin

* Nostalgic Sundays *

Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

I took a break this past week from everything that was stressing me out and it truly did me a world of good. I even stayed away from my laptop most of the time, so I wouldn't be tempted to start my sometimes-addictive-blog-hopping. When I took a good look at myself and my life, I finally saw what was mentally paralyzing me, and I said, "No more!"

I'm not going to quit blogging, but I'll be sticking to a strict schedule, as with a few other things. Okay, enough of that..... It's time for another Nostalgic Sunday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just keep having those Cosmic Connections, those Twilight Zoney Moments.....
On February 18, I posted a poem I'd written which mentioned prop planes
On February 19, I wrote about prop planes again, and my dad, and Parks College.
I haven't been consciously thinking about that lately, but yesterday in one of those round-about ways, I somehow landed (Ha! Get it?!) on Ebay and in an aeronautical memorabilia section. I bought what I think is an amazing item, for an amazingly low price! I tried posting a couple of pictures of it, copyed from the Seller's page, but they didn't work. You'll just have to wait until I receive it to see photos. (And no, it's nothing with my dad's name on it, etc. Wouldn't THAT be awesome?!)

So, until then.....I leave you with two airplane photos I found on Google.

Well, would you look at that?? It's my Nostalgic family.....in an airplane!

I wonder if they were looking at the Flying Nun, too!?

~~~~~~~~

Have a fabulous, blissful week! I intend to!

Welcome to my newest followers, Rae and Shirley. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you! 

"Never stop being a kid. Never stop feeling and seeing and being excited with great things like air and engines and sounds of sunlight within you." — Richard Bach author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull

* Nostalgic Sundays *

Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

I'm feeling especially nostalgic today and I know it's because of the poem I posted yesterday. Those memories of prop planes and of being a little girl also pertain to my dad. Some of  you may remember my posts about his years as a college professor at a local aeronautical college - Parks College. 

(Parks has always been part of SLU - St. Louis University. Back in those days, it had its own buildings and wasn't physically connected to SLU.) Whenever I'd be outside playing, it was normal for a prop plane to fly over our neighborhood. If I would've actually known that a student might be the pilot, I may have been a bit scared to be standing there, looking up at it!

This is how I'll always remember my dad.

Those were the happiest years of my childhood. The summer after I finished 2nd Grade, though, we moved to Nebraska because my dad wanted a different job. Maybe those early years are so special because they didn't last very long.....and our family life changed.

What do you think? Do you have vivid childhood memories? Happy or sad?

Welcome to my newest follower, Julie Hedlund. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see. Thank you!

"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes." ~ Gloria Naylor

Searching for Bliss

A few days ago I wrote the following. Originally it was going to be a "regular" chapter in my memoir but as I typed, the words felt more like a poem to me. It was one of those special moments when the words just flowed. (If this isn't poetry, please forgive me. It's my very first one.)

Untitled


I strolled along the pavement,
the sound of quiet surrounding me
like a quilt. The stillness was deafening
until I heard the engine of a prop plane
flying overhead. Stopping and shading my eyes,
I squint and watch it putter across
the powder blue sky.
Memories flooded my soul,
immediately tugging my mouth
into a wide grin.

The next day I walk the
same path. A distant cardinal chirps,
most likely believing it's already spring.
Why shouldn't he?
These past few days have been nothing
but glorious.
Only the calendar page declares
it's just early February.
I turn, looking for his brilliant crimson color
among the vast bare branches
but my eyes cannot find him.

I notice the sky is full of "airplane smoke,"
those cloud-like wispy lines also
carry memories for the child within me.
I close my eyes, and for a moment
I'm standing motionless in my front yard again.
I stare up, marveling at the sight above,
taking it all in and thinking as profoundly as
a five-year-old possibly can.

Blinking, I become aware of
my present surroundings and
begin my journey
back home.
Tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow
I'll think back and
reminisce once more.
Sentimental journeys.
Always bittersweet.

©2012 Becky Povich

Oops...re: Year of the Piper Cub

I just discovered that I've been saying the wrong year for the Yellow Piper Cub airplane I took a ride in last month. I thought it was a 1949, but fortunately someone at the Iowa Aviation Museum corrected me.

It's a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub.

(I have corrected it on the post for Wednesday, July 22, 2009.)

Thanks, Lee Ann!

** Flying in a 1946 Piper Cub **

Anyone who knows me very well, knows that the thought of me flying in a tiny, 2-seater 1946 Piper Cub prop plane, would be totally unbelievable! BUT, during my visit to the RAGBRAI Event in Greenfield, Iowa, I thought it sounded like a fun, adventurous thing to do!! As you can see by the photo, the pilot is helping me into my seat, in the front of the plane.....no right side door or window....and he sat directly behind me, somehow controlling the plane!

We flew around the town of Greenfield, population 2100, for about 20 minutes. We saw many of the bicyclists riding into town, plus some of the support crews in their campers, buses, etc. I was also able to pick out the house my grandma and grandpa lived in all those years ago when I visited as a young child!!

It was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to do it again!

(I'm also ready for those hot-air balloon rides and wild roller coasters!!)