Wet Streets

Someone submitted a question to a magazine's expert columnist.  The questioner wanted to know why television and movie programs always have the streets wet.  I never noticed that the streets in tv shows and movies were wet.   The expert explained that wet streets interest the eyes of the viewers because they add reflection and drama to the scenes, and make the scenes more intense.
I guess I was not paying close attention.   I plan to check for wet streets in the next  tv show or  movie I watch.  Even though I am pretty observant, I wonder how many other small things I miss on a regular basis.  Do you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Bleeps

 I check out current  entertainment because I taught children in public school and still work with them now.  I like to know what is going on with children, so I  follow their entertainment interests. I admit that I do not always like their entertainment, but that's another topic for another day.
 I  recently watched a musical performance that was constantly interrupted by what we used to call bleeps.  Except there was a slice of dead air instead of the bleep sound.  I knew the performer was still singing or rapping because I saw his lips moving and I heard the background music.  I also read the performer's lips and could make out the words he spoke. Some were profane.  Some were misogynistic.  I guess it is against the broadcast rules to let these words go out over the television and some radio airwaves, but they must be acceptable on the CDs and video downloads that are purchased.   This is why I am thrilled when parents tell me they monitor what music their young children listen to and the videos they watch.  It is a good practice.

P.S. I appreciate those of you who follow this nikolisthoughts blog, and I give thanks to all of you who read here.  Just thought I would let you know that!
Take care,
Sylvia

Lies Are Lies

"If you repeat a lie enough times,  it becomes the truth."
"If you tell the same lie long enough,  it becomes the truth."
For a long time, I have heard these statements and other versions of them.  I disagree with these statements.  Perhaps if a person repeats a lie over and over, it may become the truth to the lie repeater.  It won't, however, become the truth in fact.
For example, no matter how many times I repeat, "I am the same size I was on the day I was graduated from  high school,"  it will not become the truth.  Unfortunately.
Smiles,
Sylvia
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Respect For Parents

I listened to a talk radio segment today; the topic: children who get into physical fights with their parents.  The topic was lifted from a  news story in which a teen had a fight with his mother and attempted to strangle her with a car seat belt.  This was a strange concept for me, because such a thought was unheard of when I was growing up. Have a physical fight with our parents?  No way!  We could not even talk back to our parents without repercussions and consequences.  In fact, we learned to watch our facial expressions and body language to make sure we showed proper respect for our parents.  Back then, our parents were not obsessed with trying to be our friends.   They made it clear to us that they loved us by the way they provided for us and guided us.  The child who sassed  a parent or guardian was considered troubled and  not good friend material.   In fact, I had a childhood acquaintance who regularly talked back to her caretaker grandmother, and  it was not comfortable for me to witness, so that relationship faded.
Children and parents engaged in physical combat is not in the divine plan.
Take care,
Sylvia

Eat Your Salad?

This week, I received my first food product recall notice via phone.  An automated female voice told me that a bagged salad product was possibly tainted with some bacteria that could cause sickness if ingested.  I was contacted because the store receipt record showed I might have purchased the product.  I guess they determined that because I use a store courtesy card when I make purchases there. My first thought was to ignore the answering machine, but then I remembered I had a bag of that brand of salad in the fridge!  My plan was to make a chicken and tossed lettuce salad for family dinner. I scooted to the kitchen to check the bagged salad. Yes, it was the same brand, but the code and the expiration date were different from the ones mentioned by the automated voice.  I double-checked, of course. 
It is kind of weird to think that a store could pinpoint people and purchases like that, but this was for a good cause.  What if someone did not have a phone, or did not use a courtesy card? 
Oh well, we prayed over our food as usual, and ate the salad I prepared. All is well.
Take care,
Sylvia

My Talented Brother Michael

I have a brother whose name is Michael. He is a licensed minister, an author, an educator, and an engineer.  In Biblical teaching and studies, he is blessed with the ability to make the scriptures clear, as well as practical.  Perhaps you will check his site at http://michaelbrown.authorweblog.com/ or www.michaelabrownbooks.com    
I am impressed with his knowledge of the scriptures and the ministerial work he does.  I am also  impressed with the fact that he is a good brother with a great sense of humor.  He is another one of my blessings.
Take care,
Sylvia

Goodbye Friend

I just returned from the funeral of a dear friend.  Actually, I attended the viewing and left before the funeral started.  I do not like to attend funerals, but I know they are necessary for the family and friends of the departed. My friend had been fighting illness for many years, but did so with determination, grace, and faith.  She always had a smile and was a mother figure to so many people.  She loved children and they loved her back. She loved to talk.
I am thankful for the privilege of knowing her for so many years, and I smile as I think of so many of the funny words and wise words she said in our times together. 
That's the way I choose to remember her: animated, caring, and warm.  She and I had a close conversation not so long ago, and it was good.  Her familiar parting words were, "Sylvia, God loves you, and so do I."
I am sure she would not mind that I left the service early.  She knew I cared about her.
Is there an ailing loved one you plan to visit soon?
Keep the faith,
Sylvia

Two Needles At Once

Yesterday, I took my teen to the doctor's office.  She had to have two vaccinations because she is college summer program -bound.  It appears the law requires these shots for those entering colleges, camps, and other sites where there are a large number of young people living in close proximity.  These vaccinations guard against  certain illnesses.  My teen is needle-phobic, so I was not sure this would be easy.  In the hope of minimizing the drama, I gave her a  pep talk before the staff entered.  When the staff entered with two needles in hand, they asked my teen if she would  prefer one in each shoulder at the same time; it would be easier.  My teen looked at me with trust in her eyes, and said, "Okay."  I faced her and hugged her knees for comfort and reassurance, and before we knew it, it was over!  My teen did not holler, cry, or flail!  She did, however, roll her eyes at the two ladies with the needles.  I allowed her that, and gave her a big hug.  I was proud of her courage.
Take care,
Sylvia

My Talented Brother Ray

My younger brother Ray is truly a multi-talented individual.  He designs clothing that  is so unique!  His style has been described as eclectic and edgy.    He does not design "cookie cutter"  clothing, and I like that fact.  Each of his pieces makes a distinct statement. He designed initially for women, and now he has branched out with his menswear line. You can learn more about his work on his website:  http://www.rayvincentefashion.com/
As if that were not enough, he is also a fine photographer.  His fashion photography makes me pause in awe!  He did my author photo for my novel, Behind Church Doors. 
But wait, there is more!  He is a talented vocalist, song writer, and the  director of the Trenton Disciples, an  a cappella gospel group.
Most importantly, Ray is also a great Christian man.  I am proud to be his sister. He is another one of my blessings.
Take care,
Sylvia

Lesson From A Turtle

Imagine my surprise this morning when I looked through my second floor window and saw a large turtle laying her eggs in my back yard!  She moved slowly, yet consistently, as she used her feet to spread the dirt and to dig. 
I got a lesson from the turtle this morning. I was running around the house trying to multitask and get out in time to attend noon prayer service.   I think I was talking to myself, as if that would get things done more quickly.  At one point, I stopped moving and  watched the turtle.  She continued dropping her eggs into the hole.  She was slow. She was steady.  She concentrated on one thing: the careful delivery of her eggs to a safe place.
What an example from one of God's creations to another.
Take care,
Sylvia

Different Addictions

When you think of addictions, you might first think about alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, and food.  I was about to turn in for the night recently and I pushed the wrong button on the television remote.  It tuned to a show which depicted addictions that are unusual.  The topic caught my attention, and I was curious to see if the addictions covered anything I had not heard about.  Well, I had never heard about these.
One person was addicted to  her hair blow dryer; she needed it on in order to fall asleep. She placed it right next to her in bed, all night.  Of course, it is a hazardous addiction that can result in skin burns and fire. There was another person addicted to tanning salons and she tanned 3X a day.  The third segment showed a woman who ate the couch cushion foam as an addiction. Fortunately, these people were assisted  by some experts, and the addictions are reportedly now  more under control.  That news made me feel better.  That and prayer for them and for all who are under the control of harmful behavior.
Take care,
Sylvia

Blessings

I deeply appreciate life's little treats.  They are really blessings from above.
I went to see my mother this afternoon, and encountered a delightful aroma as I entered the house.  It is not unusual to smell great food when you enter Mom's kitchen; you can even smell the delights as soon as you get to the front door!  She was frying fresh fish, using cornmeal batter as a coating.  We do not eat much fried food anymore, but every now and then we indulge.  You can imagine my joy as I ate a piece of the hot, golden tilapia while sitting in the kitchen with Mom. 
This evening, I look forward to a concert by my sister, soprano Peggy Brown.  She will perform Broadway, jazz, and spirituals at Trinity Cathedral.  I enjoy listening to her marvelous voice.  Her website is www.peggyleebrown.org

Great blessings.  I am thankful.
Take care,
Sylvia

Please Wait Your Turn

Sometimes I am in  a checkout line when another person (who is not in the line) approaches the clerk/cashier and begins to ask the clerk/cashier several questions.  This causes the worker to stop checking out the person in the front of the line, and we all have to wait.  These people often preface their requests with, "Excuse me, can I ask you one question?" or "Can you tell me where you keep the plastic cups?"
I usually say a silent prayer for patience when this happens.  Sometimes the people waiting in the line grumble.  One time, I heard a man say, "Wait your turn like the rest of us."  I even heard a cashier say, "I will be glad to help you as soon as I finish with these customers who are waiting in line."  I almost cheered out loud when that happened.  Fair is fair. It is so refreshing when people are considerate of others.
Take care,
Sylvia

Senior Year Expenses

It has been a long time since my high school senior year.  However, this is the senior year for our teenager.  You can imagine my surprise as I found out how much more expensive the end of the senior year is in 2011 than it was in 19--!   This is a list, and it is not inclusive of everything.  Of course, our teen had to delete some items, because sometimes, one has to choose.  Like our elders told us, "Money does not grow on trees!"
Senior class hoodie, shirt, pants- $113.00
Class dues- $25.00
Senior class trip- $50.00
Prom dress- $300.00 (not including alterations)
Prom pictures-$ 25.00-$40.00
Class pictures- $200.00
Yearbook- $75.00
Senior Tee shirt- $15.00
Club banquet- $25.00
Hair- $100.00
Shoes- $30.00
Jewelry- $30.00
I wonder what the costs will be in ten years?
Smiles,
Sylvia

My Radio Interview

Happy Monday!
I  invite you to listen to my radio interview scheduled for today at 7:30 pm on station WIMG, 1300 AM.  The host is Genikwa Williams.  We are scheduled to discuss my novel, Behind Church Doors. 
I am excited  and thankful about this opportunity.  Maybe you will listen and email me your comments at  Sylvia@nikkimacproductions.com
Thanks,
Sylvia

Waiting For A Service Call

I wonder why it is easy to stay in the house all day if it is by your choice, but difficult to stay in the house all day when you are forced to do so.  I am waiting for a service tech and they scheduled the service between 12 noon and 5 pm.  Sometimes I wonder why they cannot give you a more precise time, like 2 pm.  With a  wide range of time like noon until 5, I am tempted to run out for a bit, but I might miss the service tech and have to reschedule.
So far, I have busied myself with housework and other projects, but now I am ready to get out of the house, even if it is just to go to the grocery store!  The weather is beautiful; the breezes and the sun are calling me out to play!  Oh well, at least I got a lot done today, inside the house.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia

Fun Rides

I received a text from a relative who is living it up in Orlando at Disney.  This dear relative is younger than I am and he loves the thrill and adventure of the amusement park and other rides.  I went to Disney a few years ago, and I enjoyed the more tame rides.  I watched as  my teenager and her father rode the more boisterous rides.  When I was younger, I enjoyed the double Ferris wheel and the roller coaster.  I even enjoyed the ride that you were strapped into; it spun and the bottom dropped out!  Long ago, the haunted house rides made me laugh.
That was then, and this is now.  Maybe as I got older, I realized how potentially dangerous certain amusement park rides could be for me.  When I was younger, I did not think about that because I was chasing the thrill.
Bring back any memories for you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Bad Hotel Behavior

Who would think that hotel housekeepers would have to be  fearful  of some hotel guests?  You are probably familiar with the recent New York (May 2011) case in the news, but I read another article in which female hotel housekeepers  related their fear of what they might find when they open the door to clean their assigned rooms.  Some of these workers tell about attacks from both human and animal hotel guests that have happened in various parts of the country.
When I have a hotel stay, I make it a point to get out of the housekeeper's way so she can do her job.  Until the recent news events, I never thought about guests actually waiting for the housekeeper to come to the room so they can bother the housekeeper!
I thought the most some guests would do was take all the little soap, lotion, and conditioner bottles.  Who knew?
Take care,
Sylvia