A Sudden Cry

I was an elementary school classroom teacher in an urban school district for more than 30 years. Most teachers I know are clear about the instinct to protect our students. In our school, we protected them from aggressive dogs that wandered onto the playground, from bullies, and from some parents who wanted to give them physical discipline in the classroom. We teachers shielded them from shady persons who occasionally slipped into the building. We sometimes had to protect them from other students or the bigger siblings of other students. I've faced many circumstances in defending and shielding students, but I never had to face an assault rifle.
Yesterday, I thought I was dealing with the news concerning the little children and school staff tragedy in CT. I  prayed when I heard about it on Friday. At church on Sunday, we prayed for all involved. But yesterday, the event came across the television screen with the faces and names of those now stilled. Suddenly, this teacher burst into tears.
Still praying,
Sylvia

On The Receipt

There's a controversy about the notes a waiter supposedly wrote on his order tab to help him identify the customers at his tables. I don't know if this is a practice among wait staff; I thought they just went by the numbered tables in a section. I remember seeing something like room/table maps with numbers at some restaurants. I know I'd need help remembering tables if I was working as a server. I'd really need the numbers. Anyway, this waiter allegedly wrote FAT GIRLS on his order tab. The problem is it was printed on the receipt which was given to the three female customers. Needless to say, the women customers were not amused.
This made me wonder what a wait staff person would write on his/her receipt about me to help remember the group at my table in a restaurant.
Woman with Afro?
Eyeglasses?
Short Lady?
Laughing Lady?
FITB?  (This is an old term: Fly in the buttermilk, for when I'm with my friends who aren't African American.)
Water drinker?
What would the wait staff write on the receipt about you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Good Deeds

The other day, I was reminded of something very important. When you do something nice or helpful for another person, it feels good when that person recognizes your kindness and shows appreciation to you. However, even if the person doesn't show appreciation to you, don't be discouraged. Continue to do good anyway. It lifts your spirit and you'll be blessed.
Take care,
Sylvia

Hurricanes, Ice Cream, Faith

Right now, we're being visited by Hurricane Sandy. Major storms bring out interesting behaviors in people. Yesterday in between church services, I went to a local dairy, and the place was full of shoppers. What can I say?  I was there, too. My reason was not to get extra milk , bread, cheese, eggs, or other hurricane staples. I went to get three pints of ice cream because I only allow myself to eat ice cream on Sundays after dinner. I got three pints because it's Buy 2, get 1 free. This supply will last for a good while. Anyway, I heard one cashier say,"These people act like it's the end of the world!" 
I know the world will one day come to an end, and I live to be in the right position on that day. If  I'm living in obedient faith, it'll be okay if I'm at the dairy on that day.
Take care and be safe,
Sylvia

Mending

A young lady relative approached me with a pair of slacks. The inseam had come apart, so she wasn't able to wear them. She asked, "Do you think I should take these to a tailor shop and have them sewn?"
My reply was, "They just need to be stitched back together, the opening is only about 5 inches. A running stitch will do it, but a back stitch would hold better. Can't you just sew them yourself and save some money?"
She said, " I don't know how to sew them."
Her facial expression showed me that she was serious. Of course, I sewed them for her, and we'll soon have a date for me to teach her how to sew a couple of mending stitches.
This event made me think of how, long ago, mothers or grandmothers or junior high school home economics teachers prepared young people with basic life skills for when they were to be on their own. My sister knows how to stitch mend, and I think my brothers do also. (Of course, one of them is an exceptional clothing designer, so he knows more about it than the rest of us!)  My husband knows how to stitch mend, too. I wonder if it's a Baby Boomer thing. 
Do you know how to stitch mend?  Do your children know how?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Chicken Check

Some people are busy with ways to get around the law. A recent article reports about a person who was arrested at an airport because he smuggled in more than five pounds of cocaine into another country. What's unusual is that the cocaine was stuffed inside roasted chickens. An airport security scanner detected that oblong packages containing the drug were wrapped in foil and stuffed inside the cooked chickens. While many of us consider roasted chickens as tasty and low fat sources of protein, at least one person saw roasted chickens as drug containers.  From now on, when I see a roasted chicken, I may  think about this news article. Check your chickens.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Digital Immigrant

Last week, I was informed that I'm a Digital Immigrant. I didn't realize there was a name for those who weren't born into or who didn't grow up using technology. I was interviewed by a college sophomore for a Mass Media class.  The young interviewer wanted to know how today's digital technology has impacted my life. I had to confess that while I have sufficient  computer skills for writing and other communications, I don't feel the need to check in with social media every day. I also don't need the latest cell phone. I don't need to carry my cell phone everywhere with me. I don't take it from room to room and plug it in an available outlet so it stays charged all the time. I'm certainly not anti-technology. I simply believe I should be the one to determine how techy  I am, not society. All that said, I think the new pads are clever, and I wouldn't be opposed to one as a gift!
I also kind of like the term Digital Immigrant. Kinda catchy!
Smiles,
Sylvia

Traffic

While we were on a trip this summer, our bus driver four times pulled into a highway rest stop, the kind where you can use the restrooms, get fuel, and something to eat. As usual, the ladies' room had a line, and the men's room didn't.  That's a topic for another day.
What I found chilling were the signs posted prominently on the inside doors of the stalls in the ladies' restrooms.  They were about human trafficking. There was a phone number for the reader to call if she knew about someone who was being trafficked or if the readers themselves were the victims of this crime. The signs were written in both English and Spanish.  There were tips about how to escape and where to go for help if one was exposed to this crime. Interestingly, the signs were inside the individual stalls and not outside on the public areas of the restrooms. Was this to help victims privately get the HELP phone numbers in case their captors went to the restroom with them? After all, the stall is the only private spot in a public restroom. I pray for those females, often young, who are caught up in this dangerous situation.
Take care,
Sylvia

Happy Feet

A news report today detailed a new trend: foot surgery that allows women to better wear the high heeled shoes that are so popular with many these days. Three procedures were described.
One woman had her second toe shortened surgically because it was longer than her big toe and in the way in the front part of her high heels.
One woman had a solution inserted into the balls of her feet so there will be more comfortable padding when she wears her high heels.
One woman had Botox inserted into her feet to keep them from sweating so much.  It seems the sweat was ruining her expensive high heels.
This is a trend I will not be following. I like good shoes, but I don't normally wear heels higher than 3 and a half inches. I also choose not to suffer for fashion, and I like to keep my feet happy.
Smiles,
Sylvia

I See

This post probably won't make a lot of sense if you have never worn corrective lenses.  I have worn glasses since the fifth grade, and I was excited when I got contact lenses during my college years. Even though I got the contact lenses, the eyeglasses never went away.  In fact, I wear them more than I wear the lenses these days. However, I have my going-out eyeglasses and my favorite pair of old eyeglasses that I wear at home.  For some reason, I prefer the old eyeglasses at home for working at the computer or reading.  Maybe it's because they aren't as strong a prescription as the newer ones. They are also more comfortable, although the frames are truly dated, with a  little crack at the top.
Anyway, I dropped the old eyeglasses this morning, and one of the lenses popped out. I can't put it back in because the little crack in the frame became a break. The lense won't stay in.  I guess I'll call the optician, but in the meanwhile, I'm looking for my tube of Crazy Glue.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Business

I recently dropped two different businesses. I did this because I found  the products, services, and prices of  another business to be more suited to my current needs.  Interestingly enough, I now get discount offers and other perks from the two companies I left. They want me to return my business to them.  Perhaps if I had received these perks earlier,  I might have stayed with the former companies for a longer period of time. We consumers work hard for our income, so it's great when companies realize it and give us good deals and service.
Take care,
Sylvia

Progress

According to a recently read article, several items formerly in our daily use will become out of use in my lifetime. Some people who forecast future trends list these items as becoming extinct:
1. old-fashioned light bulbs- I only have a few left and will replace them with the newer ones when they stop working.
2. answering machines- I hate to admit that I still have one, but I do.
3. tube televisions-I have one, but only one.
4. Rolodexes- I have one, and I actually use it several times a month because I don't yet have all my contacts in my cell phone.
5. subway tokens-I don't use the subway.
6. printed encyclopedias- I knew about this, but it's kind of sad. I remember when the salesman came to our house and my parents made the sacrifice to get a set so their children could do well in school.  Their answer to many of our questions was, "Go look it up in the encyclopedia."
Take care,
Sylvia

Deodorant

It's interesting how we lock into certain products.  We may gravitate to them because the adults in our childhood home used them when we were growing up.  We may like them because they work best for us or appeal to our taste buds. We may simply like the packaging.  When we run out of our preferred product, we promptly go to the store and buy more of  that same product.I bought the wrong anti-perspirant/ deodorant the other day. I grabbed the correct brand from the drugstore shelf, but it was the incorrect form of the brand.  I prefer a gel roll-on to a solid.  I prefer the shower fresh fragrance to the  powder fresh fragrance. At least, I correctly bought the women's version of the product. Because I'm too cheap to discard the product, and I can't give it away because I've started using it, I continue to apply it.   The product works, but it's not what I'm used to.  However, if this is the biggest problem I face for the next few days, I consider myself ahead of the game.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Monticello

A tour of Monticello, the famous home of  Thomas Jefferson, America's 3rd President, was part of a recent trip.  The grounds were remarkable, as were the features of the mansion. President Jefferson made many contributions to the country, ( especially the Declaration of Independence) and was innovative in so many ways. It was interesting to note, however, that at least one of the presenters appeared to be uncomfortable with the significance of the slave Sally Hemings and her role in the Jefferson family. Here's the thing: history is what it is. It's not always wrapped up in a cute little box. We should find the truth of it, tell the truth of it, and learn from it.
Take care,
Sylvia

Your Ex

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a lady who told me she'd just run into her ex.  This was a man she thought she'd eventually marry. Things did not work out, and they parted ways several years ago as friends. She remarked," I am so glad we didn't get married, because now I know it wouldn't have worked out. We really weren't right for each other after all."
The conversation made me wonder, "How many women or men feel that way about one or more of their exes?"  Just a thought.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Sugar

I just read an article about the damage caused to Americans who eat major amounts of sugar. The article referenced how our government initiated taxes on alcohol and tobacco, as well as informed citizens about the dangers of these non-essential-to-life products.  These efforts impacted alcohol and tobacco consumption. Now, there is a movement to fight the overconsumption of sugar, because candy and soft drinks are wreaking havoc on our nation's  waistlines.  Obesity has become a major problem. Some propose a stronger fat tax.  From my side of the fence, that's not a problem.  I've mostly avoided sugar and totally avoided soft drinks since I learned what too much of either can do to my body. We Americans generally don't like to be told what to do.  However, given the health facts, many of us have adjusted to a healthier lifestyle. Now, it's up to us to guide the children.
Take care,
Sylvia

Soul Sing

Last weekend, I joined a few members of the church as we visited a local residential residence for seniors. We sang  hymns a cappella, read scripture, and prayed with the residents. It reminded me of when I was a teen and I tagged along with my mom and the other church sisters to sing at nursing homes and hospitals.  This Saturday past,  the residents enjoyed the gathering, and several of them took part in the singing. One woman, who appeared to speak  only Vietnamese, got so excited when we sang, Jesus Loves Me.  She sang this song with gusto, in her native language, while the rest of us sang in English. It's amazing what  a spiritual song can do for the soul, no matter what the language. I gained as much from this visit as did the seniors in residence.
Take care,
Sylvia

Embrace It

I heard a beautiful model say on television, "I have really large hands!" in a way that sounded like she was apologizing for them. It made me think that many of us have a feature or features that may not be our favorites because they aren't "perfect."  Maybe it's a crooked smile, bushy eyebrows, a generous backside, knock knees, a dental overbite, a pigeon-toed walk, bowed legs, a big nose, a high waist, skinny legs, etc.
Whatever you think your imperfection is, why not embrace it?  You were made that way, so why let others' rules for cosmetic perfection impact how you feel about how you were made?  Besides, as far as looks go, what appeals to one may not appeal to another.  It's really what's inside that counts.
And now, I'm patting my knock knees, and thanking them for working so well for me all these years!
Smiles,
Sylvia

May I Take Your Order?

I was at a takeout restaurant one day this week because my schedule was cramped, so I didn't have time to cook dinner. I noticed something with a couple of the other customers. Not only were they extremely particular about their orders, they also wanted to get extras regardless of what the posted menu offered. One man got a drink out of the freezer case and began drinking it while his food was cooking, but not yet paid for. One man refused to accept his prepared food because the cook put the gravy on the turkey leg and the rice, instead of only the rice. He angrily told the cook to prepare it again, "I told you to put the gravy on the side; I don't like gravy on top of my turkey. I like to dip my turkey in the gravy!"
One man tried to convince the cook that the rice and gravy should come with the meat instead of being charged extra as a side order, "The other restaurants give you the rice and gravy with the meat!"
The cook spoke a limited amount of English and humbly explained during all of this. I thought, "What patience this man has."
It's good when we remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Take care,
Sylvia

Dating Tip

Just a note: I haven't forgotten about this space.  I have a publishing deadline for my second novel that is fast approaching, so I'm trying to wrap up story lines, complete characters, and edit.

Today, I recall a conversation with a young lady. She was distressed because no matter what she did to win the consistent attention of a certain young man, he would not commit to her.  He accepted the invitations, favors/gifts, but he did not reciprocate. I told her what many wise mothers used to say to young ladies years ago, "Don't chase after any man. If a man wants you and sees your value, he'll pursue you. Remember to make sure you treat him the way you'd want to be treated."   How many of you ladies were offered this advice long ago?  How many of you benefited from it?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Stepping Out

This is almost a guaranteed fact: whenever you throw caution to the wind and step outside your home without looking all pulled together, you will be seen by someone.  That someone will want to say "Hello" to make sure it's you looking like you look, in public.  So, the next time you have the idea to run around the corner to the post office, or scoot to the nearby store, or go to your mailbox, or step outside to fetch the daily newspaper, make sure your hair looks halfway decent.  Make sure you have on street shoes and not your house shoes. Make sure you have on a shirt and not just your undershirt. Make sure you have on real pants and not your lounge/pajama pants.
You never know who you might run into.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Birthday 2012

I had the most fun birthday this week.  On birthday morning, I slept late and had a leisurely cup of coffee in our quiet house, because my family members were at school and work.  Then, I had a brilliant idea: I went to the movies and saw The Avengers.  It was a matinee, so the admission cost was reduced and there were only about fifteen people in the theater. Great nostalgia for me, because, along with my brothers, I read the Marvel comics when I was little.  There I was on my birthday afternoon, at the movies, cheering for Thor, HawkEye, Iron Man, The Black Widow, The Hulk, and Captain America.  I even splurged and bought the pretzel bites with cheese sauce! Fun!
Later, my husband treated me to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant.  I received lots of lovely cards/remembrances/phone calls from friends and other loved ones.
What blessings. I am thankful.
Take care,
Sylvia

Break Time

I was in a strip mall parking lot when I heard a lot of chatter, so I looked in the direction of the noise.  There were about 20  people standing together in a  group. They were mostly females, but I think I saw at least one young man. What stood out at first was that they were all dressed in white jackets and pants.  They appeared to be students from the independent nursing school housed in a building on the mall's campus. I guess they were taking a break. What stood out next is that most of them, if not all, were smoking cigarettes, and yet they were nursing/health care students. Seems kind of ironic that they are learning to take medical care of others.  What about their own health?
Take care,
Sylvia

Consider

Want to make a smile on your face today?  Take a moment to remember when someone did something nice for you.  Maybe this person did something nice you didn't request, but what that person did helped you in some way. Maybe this person did you a favor, or lent you some money, or let you borrow some item of theirs, or cooked for you, or babysat for you, or put in a good word/recommendation for you.  You get the idea. It's nice to have a thankful thought about these acts and do whatever this thought leads you to do for that person.
My dear father used to say, "You should be grateful when someone does something nice for you, because no one has to do anything for you."
Take care,
Sylvia

At the Window

Recently, I read a column in which people wrote about fast food drive up windows. I smiled in agreement at one of the remarks. There were complaints that the worker who took the order over the intercom box was rude, or that the speaker box was not clear, or that the worker didn't speak English well and was hard to understand.  None of these are true to my experience, but this one was: too many of these drive up windows have the menu board too close to the intercom box. One has little time to read the items on the menu before the worker asks you what you want to order.  I'm not a fast food regular, so I'm often unfamiliar with their menu offerings (other than a salad), so it takes me a minute to decide.  But I don't get a minute, it's Welcome to......May I take your order please?  There's only one drive up window in my area where the menu board is several feet away from the intercom order box.  I can read the menu, decide on the fast food least detrimental to my health, and make an unrushed choice.  It's probably good that this is so.  I don't need to eat fast food anyway.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Neighbor Care

If I pay attention, I find out new facts on a regular basis.  Today, I listened to two women who know more about senior residential living than I do.  They told me about a couple of safety strategies employed by the medical care services at some senior condo residences. These aren't assisted care places, but residential homes/condos for active seniors.  If a resident is assumed to be at home, and not on vacation or something like that, and:
If the toilet of  a resident does not flush for an entire day, a health aide visits the residence to check on the senior citizen.
If a certain pre-selected meal time comes, and the senior is not in the dining hall,  a health aide visits  the residence to check on the senior citizen.
Interesting. I never thought about these particular safety measures, but they do make sense.  It makes me think of the long ago days when people in a community looked out for the welfare of each other without a second thought. Does the following sound familiar to anyone?
Anybody seen old Miss Clara today? She's usually sitting on the front porch by now. Son, go on over to her house and check on her; see if she's okay.
Take care,
Sylvia

Mom and Sis

Every day that God sends us is a blessing, but some days have an extra cherry on top.
Today, I had lunch with my lovely, hard-charging, but big-hearted sister. Lunch was not fancy, but it was rich in quality. After that, my sister and I went to visit our Mother. When we arrived, she was in the kitchen icing one of her famous coconut-pineapple cakes. A chicken was roasting in the oven, so you can imagine the wonderful aromas in the house. My sister had to return to work, so I stayed and watched General Hospital with Mom. We chatted during the commercials and during the show.  Mom, as usual, fussed at the characters named Sonny, Carly, and Sam.  I chuckled,as usual, and agreed with her. Today, we both sided with the character named Jason. After the show, I kissed Mom and returned home to do my work.  I may have to work a little later this evening to make up for the 2 hours I spent with my Mom and my sister, but that time today was well spent.
Smiles and good wishes,
Sylvia

Haggling

I am not good at haggling, the verbal art of getting the lowest price or getting extra perks because the business wants to keep the customer satisfied.  That way, the business keeps the customer.  I have heard that for  some companies, it costs more to get new customers than to keep existing ones, especially customers who've been with the company for a long period of time.  I have a friend who is great at this; she asks for the supervisor right away, mentions that some other cable provider, or auto dealer, or department store, or service department with another company,  has offered her a deal. She usually gets what she wants.  I also have a brother who excels at this. I listen to his haggling strategies with awe.  Neither of these two are unscrupulous; they just pleasantly ask and tell the truth about what has been offered them elsewhere. It seems that the company/business representatives won't volunteer these bargains, but if a customer asks for them, they may get a positive response. I have to practice this art so I can get better at it, because I enjoy a good bargain. Don't you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Before and After

In many print ads or television ads for cosmetic, skin care, hair care, and weight loss product advertising, there is a  similar strategy employed: the Before and After picture.  In the Before picture, the model does not smile, and wears a  sad, confused, or angry facial expression.  The After picture shows the model with a million dollar smile and I suspect, some makeup enhancement.  Look at yourself in the mirror.  At first, don't smile; look sad.  Aww...Next, smile your best, include your lovely teeth.  Do you notice that your eyes brighten with your smile and that your cheeks lift?
In the weight loss ads, the model often seems to wear clothes that are a size too small in the Before picture, but have the correct fit in the After picture.
In the hair care ads, the model appears to have just gotten her head out of the bed in the Before picture.  No wonder she looks so great in the After picture.  Have you ever checked out your bed head in the morning? Mine looks like the Before picture.
I'm just saying...
Smiles,
Sylvia

Devotion

I just read a news article that reported on a new trend.  In the last 15 years, twice as many men are caring for their ailing wives. The article cites a couple in their late eighties; the wife has Alzheimer's disease.  When she was diagnosed, she began to train her husband to do the household tasks she regularly performed: washing dishes, doing the laundry, shopping for groceries, cooking, housecleaning, and other necessary maintenance tasks.  He willingly learned and is now her main caretaker. What stood out in the article was the husband's gentle care of and devotion for his wife.  He made reference to the fact that she took care of him for more than 60 years, and he's thankful for the ability to take care of her now.  He said his generation meant the in sickness and in health vow they made when they got married. It's something to think about.
Take care,
Sylvia

Keep At It

I am at my computer. I have completed my daily writing assignment instead of browsing in a store for which I have post-holiday discount coupons.  I am blessed with many helper/encouragers.  Most of the ladies at the gym or members of the church I attend have read my first novel or are aware I'm a writer. They know I'm working on the second book, so at least one person each gym session  or church gathering asks, So, Sylvia, how's the next book coming along?  Are you working hard on it?  I can't wait to read it. Did you do your writing today?
Today, it was Annette with these questions, so although I had a mind to play hookey at the store after I left the gym, I am at my computer.  I have done my novel writing assignment for this day.
I am thankful for those who encourage me to keep at it.
You probably have some of those people in your life, too.
Sylvia

Jeans Audition

I'm pretty certain that I'm not the only woman who periodically does a search for the perfect-fitting pair of jeans.  Jeans that fit perfectly while you're in your twenties often do not fit so well when you're in your thirties or forties, or beyond. As a result, the quest for the perfect jeans fit begins, probably about every few years. There are more choices now than there were years ago.  Now, jeans have spandex, lycra, and other fabrics besides the denim.  Also, a woman can choose jeans that are straight leg, boot cut, skinny, low rise, bell bottom, jeggings, and other styles.
Today, I held an audition for a new pair of boot cut jeans that are made by a popular designer, and although I'm not totally into brand names, these jeans passed the audition.  They fit well in the waist, the knees, and in the seat.  I was able to bend down without fear of cutting off my circulation. They made me look slimmer and taller.  They were a little pricey, but worth it.  I plan to put aside some money so I can soon purchase another pair.
Smiles,
Sylvia

GIT Monday

Today is what I call a Get It Together Monday.  For the past few days, I've been what we used to call rippin' and runnin' : a two day getaway with beloved spouse, tax session with  my accountant, preparation and distribution of party invites for a precious parent,  the preteen girls' Sunday School class, worship, valuable time with family, and so on, and so on...
So, on this Get It Together Monday, I gave thanks, unpacked my travel suitcase, cleared the clutter off the chair in my workroom, cleared 100 emails and my closet floor.  I even found a pair of cool sandals I'd forgotten about!  Then, I sat still for still for a while and breathed before I started my outside-the-house tasks.
Is this your GIT Monday also?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Company

I sometimes like to have company over at the house for a meal or a meeting.  The only thing is, I feel the need to prepare for company.  I was raised that certain things have to be tidied up before one invites guests to the home.  For example, items should be cleaned and dusted.  I have no problem with the clean part.  However, one might find some dust somewhere in my house, so they should not come over with the intent to do a white glove test. There are two tasks I perform if I know company's coming:  I check the powder room to make sure it's presentable.  I remove the family-comfy throws from the two chairs in the sun room.  These print throws are fine for protecting the pastel chairs from our family's spills, but when company arrives, they get folded and put away.
What is one task you always complete before your company arrives?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Texting & Talking

Have you had a good old-fashioned conversation with someone today?  You know, the kind where you look at another human and the two of you take turns speaking and listening to one another.  A recent news story predicts that we are losing the art of verbal communication because we text  and email each other more than we speak with each other.  Verbal conversation provides cues that text does not. Even when we speak over the phone, the message is more clear than in tech print. I was kind of late to the texting party, but I do use it, especially when I send info to one of my wonderful sister friends.  If I'm in a hurry, I text instead of call her because she never wants to get off the phone.  
Smiles,
Sylvia

Mom's Cakes

My mother is a great cook.  She also makes delicious, down-home cakes and pies from scratch.  Her popular cakes are German Chocolate Cake, Coconut Cake-with or without pineapple filling between the layers, and Chocolate Cake.  She also makes a mean Banana Pudding and Sweet Potato Pie. Over the years, she has scaled down her dessert repertoire, because we no longer eat as many sweets.  However, when there's a special family event, Mom whips up one or two of our favorites.  Most family members will have a slice/serving, and we get any leftover dessert out of the house so we won't be tempted.  Well, I let her Coconut/Pineapple Cake get me in trouble this week because I took some long ago promised cake to a fellow church member.  The problem: some people in the church lobby heard me tell the church member that I had the cake in my car.  Several other people lobbied me for cake slices, and there were some looks of disappointment when I couldn't satisfy their requests. Maybe next time.
My Mom's cakes rule!
Smiles,
Sylvia

Good Job

I'm often impressed with the creativity and endurance of  some mothers.  I saw one at Aldi's the other day.  This woman held an adorable, chunky, and sleeping toddler with her left arm.  His round head rested on her left shoulder. She held her child all the while she picked her groceries off the shelves and placed them into her shopping cart. When it was time to put the groceries on the conveyor belt, she did so without putting the child down.  When it came time to pay, she got the money out of her purse and still held onto the sleeping child.  She wheeled the groceries to the area where customers bag their purchased food items and began the bagging process.  She did all this with one arm.  Before I left the store, she shifted the toddler to her right arm and he stirred a little.  She spoke softly to him in Spanish, and he went back to slumber land.  She didn't appear stressed at all.  It seemed she knew she had a task to complete and wanted him to get his nap in while she did so.  She did a good job.
Take care,
Sylvia

Play Date

I returned this morning from a one day/overnight getaway.  I'm so glad I broke my routine.  My husband and I went to a different city, saw different sights, ate dinner at a restaurant, and took a long energetic walk near the ocean.  Now, I'm refreshed and ready to tackle my tasks for the next few days. 
Sometimes, it's good for grownups to have a play date.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Popping Gum

Every now and then I see something  that reminds me of  stuff that was important to me long ago.  Today, it was Gum Popping.  I was in a store today when I heard the sharp, fast, and rhythmic sound of someone popping their chewing gum.  It took me back to my preteen and early teen years, when it was cool to be able to make your chewing gum pop. The louder and faster the pops were, the better.  Back then, girls were the ones who did most of the gum popping.  As I grew older and got more fillings in my molar teeth, I lost the ability to pop gum without first blowing a small bubble. The thrill was mostly gone then, and  I was also told by someone that popping gum was not considered polite or sophisticated.  However, every now and then, when I'm alone, I still make small gum bubbles and pop them.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Little Things

Two things that are irritants, even though I don't let them send me into a tailspin.
When I attempt to insert a pierced earring in my earlobe and the earring back falls on the floor.  I don't want to wear the post earring without the back because the chances of the post slipping out and getting lost are high.  So, I usually search diligently until I find it.  However, the search must also be gentle, because if I step on the earring back, I may bend it to the point that it can no longer be used.

When I drop a contact lense on the floor, especially if the floor is carpeted. This is another gentle search.  Also, when I drop a contact lense in the sink, but I haven't put the stopper in position.  I don't want the lense to go down the drain, so I have to be very  careful about retrieving it from the sink.
Life's little challenges...
Smiles,
Sylvia

Future Nurse

While I was at the mall this week, I heard a young lady call me, "Miss Brown."  When that happens, it's usually one of my former third grade students. The older ones still refer to me by my maiden name because I wasn't married when they were in my class.  Out of necessity, long-time teachers usually have great name recall.  We need it because we have to memorize the first and last names of  about 15 -20  or more students each school year.  We have to match those names with the children's faces and voices, too. However, when you retire from classroom teaching and meet up with one of your former students, it may take a minute or two before you can call a name correctly.  At this week's encounter, I didn't get the name right off, but as I looked at the young lady's face and listened to her voice, her name came to me.  She seemed pleased to know that I could remember and call her name correctly. She's in  her early twenties now and is studying for a nursing career. She was on a lunch break with some of her nursing candidate colleagues.  It's so nice to see her on a successful path.
Take care,
Sylvia

Elusive Coffee

Have you ever noticed that it's nearly impossible to get all of the ground coffee out of the aluminum or plastic coffee cans?  Every time I set up to brew a pot of coffee using my old drip coffee carafe and I am at the end of a can, I struggle to get those straggling coffee ground remnants out of the can. 
Oh well, maybe it's just me.
The cool thing is that my brother gifted me with the newer single cup coffee machine that has individual brewing cups, so I  have options.  Nice...
Smiles,
Sylvia

Tucked Away

Do you ever discover items you forgot about or didn't know you had?  Maybe you decided to tidy your bookshelf and found a  book you placed there years ago.  Maybe you checked a coat pocket and found some money you didn't know was there.  Maybe you looked under your car seat and discovered the pen you'd already replaced because you thought it was long gone. 
Recently, I unexpectedly found a novel I'd borrowed from a friend long, long ago.  Actually, I didn't ask to borrow it; she had insisted I read her copy so I didn't have to purchase it myself.  When I opened the cover of the novel, I saw her familiar signature.  She always wrote her name in her books.  As I flipped through the pages, a photo of her fell out.   Her face wore a confident and fun loving smile.  In that photo, she was enjoying life.  At first, the book and the photo made me catch my breath, because she passed away a couple of years ago. It was sudden.  I'm thankful to have many good memories of our friendship; that tucked away photo ended up making me smile.
Take care,
Sylvia

Good Actions

While at the supermarket today, I was approached by a  man who was lovingly and patiently shopping with his elderly mother. I had noticed them earlier and we  had greeted each other.  When he approached me again, he asked, "Miss, can you talk with my mother?"  I said I would.  It turned out that she was looking for a product that her son preferred she discuss with a female.  I spoke with his mother and then she chose what she wanted from the shelf.  She was so sweet as she said, "Before I got sick, I used to be able to do this kind of shopping for myself, but now I  need help.  Thank you for helping me."  Then, she hugged me.
I felt tenderness for her and her son, who stood at a respectful distance while his mother and I discussed the different products for women.  As I left the store, I said to him, "You're a good son; you take care of your mother."  He thanked me in a modest manner and smiled. 
It is so nice to see good actions.
Take care,
Sylvia

Cousin

A day ago, family and friends said a ceremonial goodbye to a dear member of our clan.  Some people spoke at her service, and several points were consistent:  her welcoming spirit, her friendliness and concern for the people she met.  I remember her sparkly eyes, slightly mischievous smile, and the fact that she always seemed glad to see me...
Take care,
Sylvia 

Cake Batter

While reading a magazine, I saw a picture of a little girl and her mother. They appeared to be happily baking a cake together. I smiled when I saw that the little girl licked the batter-coated agitator part of the mixer.  What I call the agitator parts are the chrome spinning parts that can be disconnected from the hand mixer.  These parts stir the batter faster than a human hand can. This reminded me of baking cakes with my mother. We ( her children) were so excited to lick the sweet batter from the mixer's agitator parts. We also enjoyed licking the stirring spoon. It was fun to hang out and help out in Mom's kitchen. 
Good thoughts, right?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Mild Weather

Quick thought:
In our area, we've been blessed with atypical mild weather lately. This saves us money on our home heating. Perhaps, we can use these savings to better cope with the current rocketing vehicle gasoline prices!
Hang in there!
Smiles,
Sylvia

Unclaimed

While cleaning out my notes file, I found a Public Notice from a newspaper.  These are often found in the back of newspapers and are possibly not read unless one has a need to look for such information.  I must have cut this section out of the newspaper and  put this in my notes file because the title caught my eye:
                  "Intent to dispose of UNCLAIMED CREMATED HUMAN REMAINS"
The notice, from several funeral homes, goes on to inform those concerned that they have had these remains for more than a year and that unless someone claims them, they'll be placed in a crypt along with other unclaimed remains.  It goes on to explain that the funeral homes have made every attempt to contact the families/agents, but to no avail.
I think it's sad that someone can die and be cremated and no one is there to claim or take care of their remains. So sad.
Take care,
Sylvia

Neighborhood Memories

I did a book reading at a residence for seniors last week. The residents who attended made interesting comments and were quite receptive.  There were two women present who are 93 years old, and they have sharp minds.  Each one  has a  great memory and  a great sense of humor.  An extra treat for me was that one of these woman grew up on the same street I grew up on, only, she was there years before my parents moved to the street. We happened to talk about that because one of the settings in my novel is my old street.  She told me about the  neighbors and buildings that were on the street before my family arrived there.  It was a joy to hear that kind of history from someone who was there.  I plan to meet her again so we can talk more about the old days on a street in a Trenton neighborhood.

More Than You Think

"I don't have any ground coffee.  I want my morning cup of freshly brewed coffee.  Now, I've got to go out and buy some." 
These were my thoughts one  morning last week.  Then, I had another thought which prompted me to search more carefully in my kitchen cupboard.  There it was,  a previously-opened can of dark ground roast with just enough to brew a full carafe of java.  It turns out I had more coffee than I first thought; I didn't have to rush out and buy more.  I simply had to search for and find what I already had. 
This reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend about a jacket she needed to go out and buy.  I suggested she look in her closet first, because I thought she told me before about such a jacket purchase.  She went home, checked her closet, and she did have the jacket hanging in her closet already.  Sometimes, we have more than we at first think we do.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Advice From Mrs. V

While at the grocery store on Tuesday, I saw a senior citizen acquaintance.  I'll call her Mrs. V.  I know her from the gym, and she has a delightful disposition.  She's pleasant and upbeat, and she has a wealth of wisdom from her 81 years of living.  I know her age because she tells us at the gym, and we who are younger are impressed with her drive and positive spirit.  She does the exercise routines that are appropriate for her, and she reminds us that her emphasis is to "keep on moving."
On Tuesday, Mrs. V gave me some advice at the grocery store, "Plum tomatoes are on sale today. They're only 99 cents a pound."  So, I began to pick some out. She said, "No, Honey, you don't want that one.  Look at all the bumps in it.  Hold it up to the light.  I know lots about buying groceries because I raised seven children and cooked for nine people every day for many years."   I put back the less than perfect tomato and followed Mrs. V's expert advice.
Smiles,
Sylvia

ABS Challenge

We are having a February ABS Challenge at the gym I attend.  This is Day #6.  The challenge consists of sit ups, push ups, and planking for increasing time periods.  Each day, more reps are added, and at the end of the month, the person who has lost the most inches in the waist and belly is the winner.  I don't know why I accepted this challenge; maybe it's a last-ditch attempt to get back a version of my college track team and cheerleader midsection.  It's likely my middle-aged folly, and I don't care whether or not I win.  I will be happy to see and feel results.   What I do know after Day 6 is that I feel muscles in my abdomen that I haven't recognized in awhile, and they are becoming stronger.  This is really hard work, but hopefully it'll get easier!
Hanging in there,
Sylvia

2012 Checks

Okay. Fess up.  How many of us have not yet mastered writing 2012 as the  date year on our checks?  I'm told that we get a grace period of one month into the new year to do so.  If this is true, and some of us are still writing 2011 on our checks ( yes, there are some of us out there who have not graduated to online banking), we may have some challenges ahead.  One tip I got was to write the new year's date on the first ten blank checks in my checkbook.  That way, my eyes would get used to seeing the new date and this would make my transition easier. This tip has worked for me in the past.  However, I have the feeling that my creditors will accept my mistakenly 2011-dated checks past February 2012.  Now, I just  have to find out where I put my checkbook...
Smiles,
Sylvia

Telemarketing

Lately, I've been receiving more calls from telemarketers.  Although I registered for the Do Not Call list some years ago, I guess it must be time to re-register.  I've been thinking about how to handle frequent calls from  these people who are just doing their jobs.  Should I hang up on them while they're in mid-speech?  Should I listen to the entire speech, and then decline politely?  Should  I accept most or all of these requests for the good causes?  Well, I know I'm not going to  respond to all the causes; I can't afford to do that.  But, I don't like to  be rude to the telemarketer person.   I often say, "No, thanks", and hang up before a conversation can start.  I do hang up on the computer-generated voice telemarketers, because they're not humans. This week, I'll look for and call the Do Not Call registry again.  How do you  handle these calls?
Smiles,
Sylvia

National Freedom Day

Today, February 1, is National Freedom Day.  In 1865, President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which outlawed slavery in the USA.  Later, Major Richard Wright, Sr., a former slave, pushed to have a day in this country when the ideal of  freedom and opportunity for all citizens is honored.  The bill was signed in 1948 by President  Harry Truman. 
It's a good thing. There's been progress and more is being looked forward to and fought for.  Let's all do our part for equality, harmony, and opportunity.  May God continue to bless America. 
Keep the faith,
Sylvia

Women Warriors

Although you may not know it, you may have spoken with a woman warrior this week.  She may be battling fibroids, breast cancer, or cancer of another type. The reason you did not know about her battle is because she is upbeat and continues to try and do as much as she did before her diagnosis. She is undergoing challenging treatment, but she doesn't complain. She even tries to encourage others.  I spoke with a woman warrior at the gym this past week.  Even though she was going for another radiation treatment after leaving the gym that day, she was able to encourage me. As she told me of her battle, she repeatedly gave praise to Jehovah for his blessings.  If you know a woman warrior, take a minute to ask her how she's doing.  She may feel like talking. May God continue to bless these women warriors.
Take care,
Sylvia

Bottoms Up

It's been reported that too much sitting makes the rear end big, because sitting too much shrinks the rear end's muscle cells while it increases fat cells. Some expert has proposed a treadmill desk to combat this rear end problem.  A worker can stand and walk on the treadmill which is attached to the worker's computer desk.  That way, the worker is able to work on the computer keyboard while walking, burning calories, and not sitting. Perhaps this device can combat the big read end problem.  However, I don't even want to think of me walking on a treadmill while attempting to work on a computer. For one thing, no one would be able to decipher anything I typed.  I guess I'd better stick with the gym.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Lint

Why is it that when you put on your black or navy blue outfit at home and then inspect yourself in the mirror, all looks well until you get to your destination?  Too often, when you get to your destination, you do another quick outfit inspection, and that's when you see all the lint on your dark-colored outfit that you did not see at the house.  Where is a lint brush when you need one!?!
Smiles,
Sylvia

Hanging in There

At the bank ATM, there was an elderly lady ahead of me.  She stood very close to the screen and adjusted her eyeglasses repeatedly as she read the ATM  prompts.  She banged the screen as if she didn't know that a light touch would do.  It took her awhile,  but she got her money from the machine.  As she turned to leave the ATM area, she saw me and apologized for taking so long.  I assured her it was no problem. When she left the bank, I heard a car horn blow.  There was a woman in the car who resembled the elderly lady. The elderly lady was at the wrong vehicle waiting to be let inside.  The lady who blew the car horn said, "Over here," to the elderly lady, and smiled at me.  The elderly lady turned toward the correct car and laughed.   It was so cute.  I give the elderly lady credit for still attempting to handle her bank business and the ability to laugh at herself.  She may have moved slowly and gone to the wrong car at first, but at least she's still trying to do things for herself. She sets a good example.
Take care,
Sylvia

Something in Common

While reading an article about blood and organ donation, I was struck by the remark of one recipient.  She noted that her organ donor was of a different race, but that race made no difference in the success of the procedure, because we all have human blood in common. There may be different blood types, but race has nothing to do with the blood.  It's something to consider when we think about our human similarities, not our racial differences.
Take care,
Sylvia

Best and Nicest

Stop. Think. What was the best thing that happened to you today?  What was the nicest thing you did for someone else today?  What was the nicest thing you did for yourself today?  Are you smiling?  Good.
Take care,
Sylvia

Catalog Warnings

It tickles me when I get catalogs in the mail that have this warning highlighted across the front cover: This may be your last catalog!  I guess this is supposed to prompt me to stop whatever I'm doing, review the catalog, and place an order, right away. Sometimes these warnings are on catalogs I haven't even requested, so why would I care if I no longer receive them? The funniest part is when I keep on getting the catalogs from the same companies, with the same warning, for years.  Well, whenever they do drop me from their mailing lists, at least I can't say they didn't warn me.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Planning Ahead

Lately, we've been getting calls from a local cemetery.  They want us to come in for a consultation. Maybe they have sales/discounts for funeral plots and services.  I have not yet made a commitment to meet with the cemetery people, and I don't know why I'm dragging my feet.  Maybe because it's something people really don't want to think about, even though it's probably practical to have this taken care of.  This reminds me of the preacher's words: Everybody wants to go to heaven. They just don't want to go right now.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Shopping Couples

This is so cute!  During the recent shopping season and again today, I saw approximately 4 elderly couples on separate occasions.  They were shopping together and they bickered continuously.  At first, just listening to their conversations (which were all loud, by the way) I thought they were angry and having arguments.  But when they turned into the store aisle where I was, I saw that  they had pleasant facial expressions. The various remarks went something like this:
SHE:  "I didn't tell you to get that color shirt.  Put that back; our grandson hates red."
HE:  "I'm ready to go.  How long are you gonna stay in this store?"
SHE:  "Stop telling me that same story.  I heard it a million times already."
HE:  "That costs too much.  Put it back."
HE: "I'm going to get the car."
SHE:  "Don't get those cakes, we already have some at  the house, and you don't even eat them."
These elderly couples seemed to have an easy comfort and real caring.  Whatever the words said between them in the store, each couple belonged together. I guess that's just the way they roll.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Talk

There's an old saying: Talk what you know.  Unfortunately, some people talk as if they have all the facts or are experts on a topic, but you later find out they are not.  This does not upset me, but I tend to remember those who talk only what they know.
There's another old saying: You can take that to the bank.  Back in the day, when a person said that to you, they guaranteed the validity of the fact they told you.  Mind you, this is not about gossip.  It's about requests for helpful information.  What do you say when you don't have the answer to an inquiry?  Who is one person you know that you can say talks what he or she knows?  Is it you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Tasks

When faced with several tasks, do you start with the most challenging task, or do you tackle the easiest tasks first? Do you start with the task that takes the longest amount of time to complete?  Do you chunk your time-consuming tasks and do sections of these tasks over a period of days? Are you a person who does not chunk tasks because once you begin a task, you must see it through to the end on that very day?
I tend to tackle my most challenging tasks first, when my mind is the freshest.  As a writer, I have had to learn to chunk tasks; I cannot always finish a chapter in one sitting.  I am sure there is some personal styles inventory that analyzes why we attack our necessary tasks the way we do.  The most important thing is that we get the tasks done in a way that works best for us.  Right now, I am going downstairs to wash the dinner dishes.
Smiles,
Sylvia

2012

Welcome to the year 2012!   It is truly a blessing to be at the opening of a brand new year.  It seems like 2012 arrived so fast.  Remember all the hoopla when we went from 1999 to the year 2000?  Some folks were panicky about the year's date changing on some master clock, others planned to stock water, food, and alternative energy sources.  We humans are interesting.  The thing is: we are bound by time, but God is not bound by time. I am thankful for the lessons learned in 2011, the warm memories of joyous events in 2011, and the healing from the 2011 events that were not joyous, but were bearable, by grace.  As we turn the page of a new year, I wish us all the best as we continue to become our best, by grace.
Keep the faith,
Sylvia