* Nostalgic Sunday *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

These cooler autumn temperatures always make me sentimental. Going back to school every fall was one of my favorite things; shuffling along side streets and purposely walking where I could crunch through dried leaves, the chill in the morning and night breezes, and some warmth in the sunny afternoons.

And the smell of the first burst of furnace air.... Ahhhh.... I was given that gift this weekend. There's only a couple of odors that immediately carry me back in time and this is one of them. 

The house we lived in until I was seven had a coal furnace in the basement. I remember seeing the delivery truck come by and unload a bunch of loose coal down a chute, and also seeing my dad shovel coal into the furnace.

Microsoft Clip-Art

What about you? Do you have any memories of furnaces or fireplaces? 

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October." --  Nathaniel Hawthorne

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

It's October 1st, So Where's Becky?

Be back soon...gotta get back to writing as many hours a day as I can!

Thanks for stopping by here and over at Jen's blog. 

I'm guest blogging today at Jennifer Daiker's fabulous blog:Unedited

Grab your coffee or tea, stop on by and say hello, okay?

photo taken by Becky: one of my Maxine sticky-notes!

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." -- Erma Bombeck

* Nostalgic Sunday *

It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday

I didn't realize it had been such a long time since I last posted a Nostalgic Sunday, but it looks like it was July 22nd. (Time to get back into my routine again.)

Since it's almost October, let's talk about purchasing Christmas cards!

A couple of years ago I somehow stumbled upon the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, in Jolly Old England! Yes, it's THAT Oxford University! The library sells truly unique items and two of my favorites are their Christmas cards and wrapping paper. That first year I wasn't aware of the store until really close to Christmas, but the sales staff is so competent and good to their customers that I received my cards in time. The design below is what I bought that first year.

Jolly Girls Christmas cards. Aren't they adorable? 

Last year, I ordered much earlier and bought three designs of cards and two designs of wrapping paper. All of the items are made of such quality, heavy-weight material.

Last year, besides Jolly Girls, I bought this design and one other.

This is one of the wrapping paper designs. It comes folded, so it's easy to ship and it's such good quality.

Also: All profits from your purchases help fund the conservation, collection and care of the Libraries' important papers and manuscripts.

I honestly don't remember how much my total was, including shipping, but I didn't think it was that bad, considering everything! Please check out their site and browse their online store. And if you have any questions, just e-mail Wendy at sales@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. Tell her "Becky sent me!" (Wendy or other staff members can calculate the cost in American dollars, of course!)

Since this is Nostalgic Sunday and I'm writing about Christmas, I must take a moment to mention how sad I was to hear that Andy Williams passed away last week. When I was growing up, I watched his TV show every week, bought a couple of his record albums, especially the Christmas ones, and his family Christmas show was by far my favorite all year.

Image Courtesy Wikipedia

So, both of my favorite "Andys" are gone now: Andy Williams, and of course, Andy Griffith. But, how fortunate we are to have them on film, and vinyl, and tape, and CDs, etc. They will  never really leave us.



"Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times."  ~Kate L. Bosher

* This and That on a Wednesday *

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I've been feeling a bit "autumnly" for a few days, but our weather is wacky, and today was warmer and more humid again. Yet, October is right around the corner, and the beginning of my favorite time of the year....October, November and December. The aromas of traditional meals and desserts, seeing family and friends, drinking those yummy flavored coffees, and burning lovely scented candles. Ahhh, heavenly!

I thought I'd share some photos from around my house. Even though they are from past years, many of you may not have seen them before.

From November 2010

From October 2011

My fireplace in September 2010

Are you reading anything really great right now? Do you have any favorite books for particular seasons....like favorite movies?

I'm rereading "Crazy Ladies: A Novel" by Michael Lee West. (The chapters progress though quite a few years and aren't about any certain seasons or holidays, although they certainly are mentioned.) I first purchased and read it in 2006. (I know this because I wrote my name and the date inside! And that reminded me of my excitement when receiving brand new books at the beginning of each school year!) If you click on the title, it will take you to its page on Amazon where it averaged 4 out of 5 stars in 118 reviews! I loved it in 2006 and I'm loving it again in 2012!

 ~~~~ 

Besides being an author of about a zillion books...well, maybe not quite that many, Ms. West also cooks and bakes and decorates. I have no idea where she gets the energy! Click Here to visit Rattlebridge Farm. AND please click Here to visit her website. She's awe-inspiring!

~~~~

One More Thing about Michael Lee West: She also wrote a book blurb for my memoir, of which I will be forever grateful, but that is not the reason I rave about her or her writing. That all comes straight from my heart and I know she knows that, too. 

Lastly, the fabulous Jennifer Daiker over at Unedited is hosting Guest Bloggers and I will be the featured guest next Monday, October 1st. Please stop by and browse all through Jen's blog. She is amazing!


*Welcome to my newest followers, Riet and Lady Cat. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *   


"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." - George Eliot

* Climb Every Mountain *

An old girlfriend and I got together today for lunch. Old as in we've been friends since grade school, AND old as in she's my age. Well, actually I'm the older one.....by 10 months!

It was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful time as always. She's excited about my book,too. The support and excitement of other people is magical. 

Before I left home, I grabbed a couple of CDs to listen to since I was driving farther than my usual 5 mile radius. I was able to hear the entire soundtrack of The Sound of Music. I think it was the first time I've listened to it in my little car, and it surrounded me as if the orchestra and actors were riding along. I turned the volume way up and sang my little heart out, using my perfectly beautiful god-awful-opera-singing-voice. The song that meant the most to me today was Climb Every Mountain. 

image courtesy: Milagros Boutique Online

How long has it been since you've heard it? Do you know all the words? I found these on Let's Sing It.

Climb every mountain,

Search high and low,

Follow every byway,

Every path you know.

Climb every mountain,

Ford every stream,

Follow every rainbow,

'Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need

All the love you can give,

Every day of your life

For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,

Ford every stream,

Follow every rainbow,

Till you find your dream

A dream that will need

All the love you can give,

Every day of your life,

For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain,

Ford every stream,

Follow every rainbow,

Till you find your dream.

These words really spoke to me today. I've been following my dream, and blogging about it, for so long, and to know I've almost reached it is an amazing feeling. 

What about your dreams? Are you following the paths to reach them? I hope you are!


Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -- Henry David Thoreau

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR MY MEMOIR

I am thrilled to post my first book blurb!

"Becky Povich has a light and whimsical way with words, and a knack for making the everyday seem a bit more special."  -- Philip Gulley 

(image: Philip's website)

Seeing the above words written by the fantastic author Philip Gulley, makes me feel as if I'm dreaming! I'm so excited and I can't imagine what I'll actually do when I'm holding my book in my hot little hands, reading Philip's recommendation. Wow! 

I borrowed the following from his website: Philip Gulley is a Quaker pastor and beloved writer and speaker from Danville, Indiana.  An eclectic writer, Gulley has published 17 books, including the acclaimed Harmony series..... and the best-selling Porch Talk series... Philip has also written four books on Christianity. 

      

I've read quite a few of the fictional Harmony Series books and I just love them. It's small town life at its best.

Thank you, Philip, from the bottom of my heart. This means the world to me. 

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

  

"A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing."

 - Eugene Ionesco

The Splendor of Clouds and Sky

I think I've mentioned before how much I love to take pictures, and how I keep asking Santa to bring me a really good camera for Christmas. I guess he actually does know if I'm good or bad, because it's been three years now, and I still haven't gotten one! Oh well. I can make do with my cheapie camera until the real thing comes along. La Di Da...La Di Da....

Below are some of my favorite clouds photos. 

These first two were taken from my front porch. Beautiful dark clouds along with the sunset.

The next two were taken from my deck. I don't know why, but that afternoon, these white, puffy clouds were bright white, so bright they hurt my eyes to look at them very long.

I thought these next two were so unique, like pulled taffy, or paint strokes.

Dark, ominous clouds but nothing developed. The first one looks like the Loch Ness Monster is on the left. I love the second one because it appears as if there are dark mountains behind the houses, and weird clouds above them. 

This is one of my favorites. I took it from my window seat in an airplane .

This was just a few days ago. It was after some storms and the sky was this gorgeous color of violet and the street reflected it, too, just as it shows. It was unbelievable.  

Last, this picture is from tonight. I was on the deck with The Ronald and Vern. It was close to sunset and I walked over to the edge and saw these clouds, ran into the house, grabbed my camera, and took this. 

"You must not blame me if I do talk to the clouds." -- Henry David Thoreau