Preferred

I have a preferred pen that I use when writing stories on my yellow pad.  I'm not famous, but like some famous writers, I don't always write using my laptop. I've blogged here about my newest preferred coffee mug. I began to think about other items I prefer: a certain pair of black rubber house shoes from the almost-always-a-dollar store. These shoes mimic the expensive ones in the department stores. I prefer a certain recliner in my sun room, which is a preferred room for my relaxation and reading. I own many Bibles, but I prefer to use a certain one when I study. Its pages  are much worn from years of use. I prefer a certain drinking glass and a certain robe. A certain cooking spoon and a certain kitchen knife aid me when I prepare meals. That's 10 preferred items, and I could go on. But I won't. Instead, I ask you to think about 5 preferred items of yours. Items of which you have more than one, but you prefer THAT one.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Put Some Tape on It

This is a recent picture of me sitting in an aisle seat on an airplane. I have on a red coat. Notice the seat belt, properly fastened. Notice the armrest. Wait, there is no armrest! Notice the silver tape with the writing on it where the armrest should be. I joked with the flight attendant, "May I have the rest of my seat, please?" Thankfully, everything else went well with the flight. I've heard about economy class, but really?!?!?

Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Cold Strike

One week ago today, I was sidelined by a cold. This is rare for me. I taught elementary school for so many years that I encountered most cold viruses and bacteria via my students. My body had a chance to grow lots of immunity. Since retirement from teaching, I've had much less exposure to children's sniffle germs. I guess I've gotten soft in that department. Last week, I didn't get lots of writing done, missed 3 gym workouts. My singing voice lacked the higher register. No energy. Not cool. Yet, blessings abound, and I feel pretty much like myself today! Pictured is my home regimen, accompanied by lots of rest and prayers: tissues, cough drops, water, vitamin-packed (C and others) fizz-making tablets, ginger tea with honey.

 

What works for you when you have a cold?

Take care,

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com 

Family Authors

I had the opportunity to work with a fellow author who's also my brother: Dr. Michael A. Brown. We shared a table at the Southside Church of Christ Homecoming 2014 in Huntsville, AL on 4/26/2014. He's a minister, and his 2 books are  Get Thine House In Order and Life in the Holy Spirit.
My 2 books are Behind Church Doors and Beyond Church Doors.
It was a great experience! Next time, though, I'll have a larger poster on display. Can't let my younger brother upstage me! LOL! www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Security

The other day, I had to go through an airport security checkpoint. I was in AL en route to NJ by way of DC. I had no apprehension because I 'd prepped- discarded my bottle of water, taken out my hand sanitizer and bottle of lotion. I was ready.  When I walked into the machine I call the xray machine, stood on the yellow footprint marks, and raised my hands over my head, I wasn't expecting any questions. I was directed to walk through.
Then the screener asked, "I'm detecting an item in your right rear pants pocket. Do you have anything in that pocket?"
I remembered my prepackaged vitamins I usually take in the morning and replied, "Oh, it's my vitamin pack."
Screener: "Please reach into your pocket and take what's in there out." I did that and showed her the package of vitamins.
She took the pack in her gloved hand, looked at it and gave it back to me. "Please step over here. I have to swab your hands." It dawned on me that until my hands were determined to be free of whatever residue she was checking me for, there was a question about me.
Of course, I quickly passed this inspection. Then, she swiftly inspected my hair bun, which had 4 large hairpins in it. I passed this inspection and she pleasantly waved me through. We live in a time when security measures are necessary.

CHURCH DOORS Road Trip Pic @ the airport after my successful security check!
Smiles from Sylvia@ www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Honoring Ms. R

Most of us have people we associate with on a regular basis. They may be co-workers, fellow commuters, fellow shoppers, fellow gym members. We often chat with these people, but we may not spend any time with them outside of the place where we regularly see them. We know their first  names. We may know whether or not they're married or if they have children.
We lost a person like this from our gym not too long ago. She was suddenly gone, with not a lot of explanation. We simply stopped chatting with her at the gym because she was no longer there. Later, we found out she had passed away awhile back.
 There was no opportunity to send a card. We don't know her family. There's a required confidentiality on the part of the gym. She was a familiar presence who we now realize asked more friendly questions about us than she gave answers about herself. She often quizzed me about the characters in my writing and offered suggestions about my stories. In fact, she chatted so much on the exercise circuit that we'd often remind her to go to the next station in order to keep things moving. She accepted this with good humor and grace. One of the brief characters in my 2nd novel, Beyond Church Doors, reminds me of her. We still speak fondly of  Ms.R and her antics on the circuit. We miss her.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Talking to the Moon

I have some items that stimulate my imagination and point me in the direction of daydreaming and

writing my thoughts on paper. This statue is one of those items. It's called "Talking to the Moon." A lady sits on a quarter moon and appears to tell the understanding moon her thoughts. They are perched on what I think is a cloud. The artist's name is Alice Heath. I've had this piece of art and another one for about 18 years, but I don't remember where I bought the two of them. They're heavy and they are from the Austin Sculpture Collection.  I'll show you the other statue later this week.
What item(s) do you have that serve as your Muse?
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com