Happy New Year 2015!
Just reminder to nikolisthoughts.blogspot.com followers that my new blog SisterSylvia.blogspot.com is up and running. Please join/follow me there, since that's where most of my 2015 posts will be. (I needed to consolidate my writing under my name.)
Hope to see you there. I will miss you if I don't see your icon/pictures on my blog's home page!
Sincerely,
Sylvia Brown-Roberts

Author's Alley 2014

On November 7th and 8th, I was part of Author's Alley at the New Jersey Education Association 2014 Convention in Atlantic City, NJ.  I was able to be a vendor and to discuss with many attendees the writing process from drafts to publication to marketing.
A great thing happened: several people who bought and read my first 2 novels Behind Church Doors and Beyond Church Doors stopped by to chat with me. They wanted to know what's going on with some of the characters in the novel and when the 3rd novel in the Church Doors series will be published.
That gives me even more incentive to  wrap up this yet-untitled 3rd novel and get it to the publisher!

Good Lines

Whenever I hear or read a good line, something that makes me think and rethink, I jot it down or put it in my mental file. Of course, my mental file isn't as reliable as it used to be, so  it's best if I write good lines in my notes. These good lines serve as springboards for me in my writing, speeches, and workshop presentations.
I found this one while cleaning off my desk. Unfortunately, I only wrote the initials of the speaker and a paraphrase of the idea. I heard it about 4 years ago. I think the speaker was making a good bye speech to his /her work team:

There are things that happen we don't like, but we have to live with it.

There are people we don't want to live without, but  have to let go.

This is a good line. It probably makes you think of some event or someone.

Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Authors and Readers Rock Weekend

https:///www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Sylvia-Brown-Roberts/173724495987225I had the joy of participating in the Reading Divas Authors and Readers Rock Weekend, October 17-18, 2014 in Bowie, MD. There were Author panels, an Author Expo, a Luncheon, and other social events. The best part for me was meeting with fellow authors and learning from them. There were so many talented authors and writing industry people in attendance, and many genres were represented. This event inspired me to push harder to finish my 3rd novel and to increase my networking with others in the writing business. This is me posing at the sign before attending the 2 Friday night panels.  Great job, Reading Divas!
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Flaws

A woman colleague and friend complimented me on my hairstyle.
My immediate response,"Thanks, I like it too. My hair in the top is thinner, but I really like the fullness of my hair on the sides and in the back."
She checked me,"Sylvia, never point out what you think are your (physical) flaws, because you notice them more than others do. Besides, most people don't notice them until you point them out. That's when their eyes go right to the area you mentioned."
I've been turning her remarks over in my head. I wonder  if women do this more often than do men.
What do you think about pointing out your flaws?
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Reading Divas Event

I am thankful and excited to be one of the authors participating in The Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend on October 17 & 18, 2014!  This will be my first time at this literary conference.  I found about the Reading Divas  from a lady I used to discuss books with while we worked out at the gym. Here are some views of the event brochure. Maybe you can join us in Bowie, MD.  If so, please stop by my table and say, "Hello!"  Sylvia @ www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Last Station

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I took this picture while riding on a NJ Transit train to NYC. It was a fun shopping trip, as we parents took our daughter to buy school clothes before she returned to college. Much laughter and joy.  

However, something struck me about the words in red on the sign at the top of the train car as we reached our Manhattan destination: LAST STATION. 

At first, it reminded me of a Twilight Zone moment.  Then, I thought about the Last Days, as in the Bible. If our next stop right now is our last station, will it be a good stop for us?

Take care,

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Head Math

I'm a Baby Boomer, and when I was growing up, I counted my pennies before I went to the corner store. I needed to be sure I could afford those 5 pretzel sticks at 2 cents each, or that piece of bubble gum at 1 cent each, and that licorice twirl at 1 cent each. Money was tight, so when our parents gave us a few pennies or a whole dime, it was a big deal. My friends and I learned to count our pennies carefully. We hated for the store clerk to say, "You don't have enough money for this."
I found myself counting my pennies again today because I forgot to put shopping money in my wallet before I went to the farm market. I needed kale, nectarines, apples, and bananas to make my green smoothies this week. I put each piece of fruit into my cart and was about to splurge on a basket of fresh strawberries. A small voice in my head said, "Sylvia, check how much money you have." I did. I only had 10 one-dollar bills in my wallet. So, I reverted to my growing up shopping habit. I did head math and counted my pennies to determine if I could pay for the fruit in my cart. I figured that my bill was under 5 dollars. I could afford the strawberries. Nice!
Do you also use head math when you shop?
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Writing & Chocolate

This author is mulling over a chapter rewrite. I have to bring a character back to life, because writing her out isn't necessary to make the plot flow well. It's not that she's a pivotal character, but there's another way.
Wait a minute, is that a miniature box of chocolates on my lap top's screen, distracting me from my writing task?  Are those new flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Carrot Cake, and Wedding Cake? Who dares sabotage my progress for today? Excuse me, people in my story. I'll be right back after a sweet chocolate break...

Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Catching Up To Myself

Here's the ground I covered since last Wednesday:
Went on annual sisters birthday bonding trip with my only biological sister on Wednesday through Friday. On Thursday, we had Swedish massages at a wonderful spa. YES!
Drove back home on Friday in time to join our brother, who visited from ALA, for a seafood meal at Eat at Joe's. YUM!
After our Friday meal, I went home to complete writing and practicing my speech.( I'd been asked earlier this month to be the keynote speaker at the church Graduates Brunch on Saturday.)
On Saturday, I attended the Graduates Brunch (3 precious high school graduates)  and gave my speech and ate a delicious cupcake creation from Sister P. YUM!  I just missed a visit and movie time with my other brother who visited from upstate NJ.
On Sunday, attended Sunday School, morning church service, had early dinner at Mom's with her, my sister, and my 3rd brother. Attended Ladies Bible Class and evening worship service.
Monday (today), slept in, did morning Bible devotional. Went  to Zumba class. Wrote a chapter in my new novel. Treated to curry chicken dinner by spouse, writing this blog post before I run off to church singing group practice.
Gotta slow down. I'm a woman of  a particular age.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Agree/Disagree

Life is a series of lessons. You know the saying, "We can disagree, but we should  disagree agreeably."  I first heard it from a professor, and I refer to it from time to time. Sometimes, it's easier to say it than to do it.
The other day, a colleague and I had a disagreement. The colleague saw a situation one way. I saw it a different way.  On principle, I could not agree but I could not dismiss the colleague's view, because that view was valid to the individual. I simply didn't see it the same way from my experience with the situation. We'll both make a concession for the good of all concerned. And life will go on.
Peace,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Bust You Up

While in a waiting room last week, I sat near a mother, a grandmother, and two children. One of the children was in a stroller and was quiet. The other girl, who looked to be about 5 or 6 years old, was very boisterous. She ignored her mother and grandmother. Against their warnings, she sat on a toy chair that was too small for her. She pounded the toys in the play area.
"Get off that chair. You're too big for it, the legs are bending!"
"Stop talking so loud."
"Leave the baby alone. She's trying to sleep."
"Cut it out. You know better."
The older girl's response to all these words: laughter and sassy words.
The grandmother finally took the older girl by the arm and sat the child on her lap.The child began to make slapping motions at the grandmother's face. At first, the grandmother blocked the girl's hands, then she became annoyed and said, "Just 'cause I let you mess with me, that don't mean I won't bust you up! Keep it up and I'm gonna punch you in the..."
Just then, the nurse assistant called my name. As I walked to the examination room, I wondered if the little girl was still laughing and slapping at her grandmother's face.
I do know this, if  I  had tried to slap my grandmother or my mother when I was little, it would have only happened once. There also would have been some serious consequences.
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Sister Survivors

Have you ever decided to skip an invitation to an event, but changed your mind at the last minute?
Did you attend and come away glad that you did attend?  This happened to me last Saturday. Capital Health Systems for Oncology Services held a 2014 Cancer Survivors Day: Finding Your Source of  Strength event. I waited until the last minute to register. I've had a  blessed first year as a survivor. I know the Lord Jesus is the source of my strength. Why should I attend? I found out why.
Interaction with women who have walked the same path is powerful. I hugged a woman who had radiation appointments the same mornings as me a year ago. We could not remember first names, yet on Saturday we reconnected like long-lost sisters. Neither of us had to discuss how we felt sitting in the waiting room in our lovely cancer robes. We knew, no words necessary. I listened to female survivors who had many more challenges than I did, and they are still standing.

 Our guest speaker: an Oncology Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Cancer Guide, and Cancer Survivor. We  had a delicious and healthy lunch. Plus, I won a candle basket!

I left feeling more energized, resolved to continue caring for my health, and thankful to my sisters and as always, God.
Sylvia @www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Please and Thank you

Like many Baby Boomers, I was raised during the days of Please and Thank you. Back then, if someone gave us something or did something for us and we didn't respond, our parents would ask, "What do you say?" Prompted, we'd respond, "Thank you." Even then, our parents would give us a look that said we shouldn't have needed to be prompted to speak our appreciation.
Our elders often said, "You should show appreciation when something is done for you, because no one has to do anything for you."  Adults routinely taught children to say Please, when the children made a request.
It seems this prompt show of appreciation has diminished in today's time, both in adults and children. It can be annoying when you go out of your way to do a  niceness and the recipient acts as if you've done nothing or that you should have done it anyway.
A remedy for the annoyance: when you do a niceness, thank God that He gave you the grace to do a niceness. He sees what you do and He knows your heart. Give God the praise, even if the recipient does not thank you.
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

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