Nor'easter

My book signing adventure this past Saturday was  wet, cold, windy, and muddy.  As I mentioned in Friday's post, a storm, actually, a Nor'easter paid the coast a sudden visit. The college didn't cancel the event, so I dressed warmly and drove in the rain to the site.  There were two large white tents set up outside, the signage was clear, and helpful college students were there to unload cars for vendors and organizations.  I was directed to my table and began to set up, but the rain began to blow into the tent on my side. The wet grass under my feet gave way to mud, so I got permission to move to a table more in the middle of the tent.  People actually came out to Community Fest, but not as many as had been expected.  I watched the rain turn to tiny snowflakes to big fluffy snowflakes to sleet to hail balls.  The crowd began to dwindle some.  After about four hours, my baby toes began to feel numb, so I knew it was time to pack it up.  For my treat, I bought a whiting fish po boy sandwich and some gumbo from a food vendor's truck and headed home to get dry and warm.
Although the event didn't turn out as expected, I still had fun and met some interesting people.  Part of going after a dream is enjoying the ride.
Take care,
Sylvia

Go For It

I am so excited to bring my novel, Behind Church Doors, to an event at The College of NJ.  It is to be held tomorrow in one of the college's outdoor lots, under 2 large tents, come rain or shine.  I have my books ready, my fliers, my posters, my banners, even my special book signing  pen.  However, as I type this, there is a weather broadcast about a storm advisory for tomorrow.  Heavy rain, wind, and some snow is expected.   This is unusual weather for this area in October.  The last such storm was in October 1979.
Well, what is one to do?  We do not have control over the weather.  My plan is to pray, take the necessary precautions, dress warmly, and make the most out of what may be another of life's adventures.
Have a great weekend!
Sylvia

Zip Lock Bags

I use zip lock plastic bags to certain keep foods fresh.  For example, when I open a box of cereal, I open the wax bag that holds the cereal and pour out some cereal.  Then, I use a twist tie to close the wax paper bag, put the wax paper bag in a zip lock bag, and put the bag back into the box.  That way, less air can get into the cereal and it stays fresh longer.  I do the same for almost any food that comes in a box and has to be stored after it has been opened. I also use zip lock bags when I slice part of an onion, pepper, cheese brick, or piece of fruit and need to store the remainder. The bags can also be reused.   My beloved spouse thinks I go to zip lock bag extremes, but that doesn't bother me.  He jokes that if he stayed still long enough (which is not likely with his high energy level) and if I could find a large enough zip lock bag, I'd put him in. We laugh about that one a lot!
Smiles,
Sylvia

Sounds

We live in a noisy world.  Today, sounds exist that were not thought of when we were children.  From inside your home you may be able to hear traffic sounds, fire truck sirens, police car sirens, and airplane sounds. There are telephone and cellphone sounds, the whir of the refrigerator and washing machine.  My kitchen timer rings as I type this because it's time to take the casserole out of the oven.  Even the fan in my computer makes a sound, as do the keys I  tap.   Some homes have the constant sound of the television, stereo, or radio. We have a cuckoo clock that makes noise but tells the wrong time.  Some homes have the sounds that children make.    You can probably think of other sounds in your home environment.
Sometimes, it's good to get still and quiet so you can listen to the sound of you - breathing.
Take care,
Sylvia

To Do's

When your daily task list seems longer than the hours in your day, breathe.  Sometimes we put more  "TO DO's"  in a day than we should.  We cannot always get things done when we want to get them done, no  matter how hard we try.  Do the best you can, and move some of those tasks to the next day, or the next.  Can you delegate a task or two?   When it comes to tasks, sometimes being  flexible can reduce stress.
Take care,
Sylvia

Turn Here

If you  have ever been the vehicle driver who relied on one of your passengers to give you directions, you probably recognize this scenario.
Driver: "Where do I make the turn?"
Passenger:  "Don't worry, we have quite a ways to go before we get to our turn."
Driver:  "Is it going to be a right turn or a left turn?"
Passenger:  "I think it's a left turn.  No, maybe it's a right turn.  I know we turn by the tire shop."
A few minutes pass.
Passenger:  "Here's the tire shop.  Turn here!"
Driver:  "Turn which way? Left or right? Say a direction!"
You can imagine, or from experience, you  know the rest of this conversation between the driver and the passenger.
Our takeaway?  Be careful who you let give you directions.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Purse Party

Have you ever heard of a Birken Party?  It's a gathering of people, usually ladies,  who have Birken purses and want to trade them with other Birken purse owners.  These events are so serious  that an authenticator is hired to inspect the Birken purses, so no fake purses are passed off as genuine.  It is reported that these purses can cost as much as $10,000 each!   Of course, I have never attended such a party and I don't know if I  have ever seen a Birken bag.  I don't travel in those shopping circles, but that's okay with me.    Dooney & Bourke is more my style, but I also have some bags from Burlington Coat Factory.  To each his/her own when it comes to shopping.  Different things are important to different people. 
Ladies, what's the highest amount of money you would spend on a purse? What's the highest amount of money you have spent on a purse?
Smiles,
Sylvia