Autumn Bliss

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a beautiful, blissful weekend. 

Mine was really nice. The weather was perfectly autumn-like.

Vern and I were able to get out and have our routine walks, during which I marveled at the gorgeous colors of the trees.

I also decided that I must remember to take my camera on our walk today. I think the leaves must be at their peak and I don't want to miss taking some pictures. 

Speaking of Vern.....Here he is visiting his back-fence-neighbor! Although we've had Vern for a year and a half, we hadn't been letting him run around without being hooked to his chain. But...when he'd be out on the deck with us this summer, and notice that "Max" was out in his yard, he cried to go see him. The first couple of times, The Ronald took him on a leash to the fence. After that, Vern was allowed to run up to it on his own.

Max on left. Vern on right.

The two of them are so cute. Neither barks; they both run right to the fence, look and wag their tales, and do some sniffing. Then they walk away to take care of their business, and after a few minutes we call Vern back to our deck. It's just adorable.

Lastly, what better way to end this post than with a picture of a cute pooch enjoying himself amid falling leaves, and a beautiful quote for the season.  

Walking on the Sunny Side of Life

Finding the Music in Life

Today’s post is in participation with Women On Writing’s mass-blogging event, "Everybody is Talking About Finding the Music in Life."

We are celebrating the release of Sonia’s Song by Sonia Korn-Grimani. To read about the blogging event and follow the symphony of participating bloggers visit Wow - The Muffin. 
To read the Q&A with Sonia, visit Wow - The Muffin - Interview

Share your comments on any participating blog for a chance to win a copy of Sonia’s Song!
* I forgot to post the deadline to leave a comment here or at other participants, for a chance to win the book...print or e-book...winner's choice! Deadline: Thursday Oct 18, 11:59pm (Mountain Time)

Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in our daily struggles or traumatic events from our past that we feel like "poor, poor, pitiful me." But, instead, I think it's so important to not dwell on those things, and to start looking for the positives....to find the "music in our lives." 

As a participant in this Mass Blogging Event, I've been asked to share what helps me stay positive in this crazy world we live in. 

I love to listen to many styles of music!

(Below is taken from my blog post of October 4, 2011)

"There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is." ~William P. Merrill

When most people think of the The Beatles, I doubt if "prayerful music" comes to mind. We all have our favorite songs of theirs, ranging from the very first pop/rock tunes until the final more contemplative recordings. 

Somewhere in my past....maybe 15 or 20 years ago....two of those songs became prayer-like to me. The music and lyrics would pop into my mind, just when I needed them. I'd either sing out loud or only "in my head," depending on whether I was alone or not!

Those two songs are: 

The Long and Winding Road

Let it Be

I've read various so-called explanations about the lyrics of these songs, and it doesn't matter to me what the "real" meaning is or isn't. I know what they mean to me and that's all that counts.

Wind chimes make me happy.

I see beauty everywhere I look.

I'm crazy about Vern, especially when he smiles at me!

And I love my family.....every last one of them...

I believe in laughter, and kindness, and joy, and wonder, and forgiveness, and I think most of all HOPE.

Having hope has always gotten me through the saddest, most difficult days of my life. I always know that things will be better, and that I have the strength to get there. 

* If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that I always end with a relevant quote.

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death." -- Robert Fulghum All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

* 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