Thursday, April 28, 2022

Who needs laughing gas!

Time to visit the dentist. 

Those words used to strike fear in my heart. I could feel the remembered pain from childhood dental experiences.

Visiting Dr. Holly Ellis, DDS and her team is always such a positive experience. Dr. Ellis is personable and fun and makes her patients feel at ease. 

I gave her a copy of my Chicken Soup for the Soul, Too Funny book. Her staff looks forward to reading a story here and there during their workday or at lunch. This one will have them showing THEIR pearly whites.

I was in the chair when Dr. Ellis walked in and asked me about my eyes. I wondered which of us was more confused. Then it dawned on me. She had read my story. We both had a good laugh.

My hygeniest, who I have known for many years, mentioned she was going to eat a light lunch. I told her she didn't need to worry about dieting. "You are so petite."

Denise said, "Yes I am. My brother is big; he got it all, the height, the weight, even the boobs."

Never laugh when you have a rinse device in your mouth.  

Visiting my dentist is like reuniting with girlfriends. We always pick up right where we left off. 

Ellis Dental
10296 Big Bend Rd.
Suite 207
St. Louis, MO 63122
314-965-1334

Monday, April 25, 2022

Is she or is she not a friend?

Whenever I read something aloud from my phone, my dear husband has a habit of asking WHO's that?

I have told him so many times, "I don't know. Just a friend."
He then quizzes me about FRIENDS I don't know.

I've tried telling him their names, but then he asks how WE know them. It gets to be a real Who's On 1st.

Finally I say, "They are Facebook friends, and YOU do not know them. They're from the WWW."
First time I said that he thought I meant World Wide Wrestling.

Anyway, it was a pleasure to actually hear my FB friends' voices and and see them on screen. 

Last week I participated in a ZOOM meeting with Amy Newmark, Editor-in-Chief of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I also met D'ette Corona Executive, and Shelby Janner, publicist, folks I have interacted with for many years. This was in celebration of the Chicken Soup for the Soul, TOO FUNNY release. Looks like it is heading for the Best Seller's List! Yay!

It was a real thrill to hear and see many of the contributors. Several of the Chicken Soup writers and I share publishing credits for other books and magazines, and it is always a thrill when we find our names in the contributor's section of a new CSS book.

Each contributor had 90 seconds to do a biography and tell about their story in the Too Funny book. 
It was like being privy to a secret discovering how the story began. Nice to hear the voices and see the faces of the friends I  know, (but don't really KNOW.)  

I used to participate in monthly IN PERSON Open Mic meetings, but since the pandemic stopped that, I've missed my literary "friends."

By the way, if you are reading this, just know that I consider YOU a friend and I thank you for your readership.

Proceeds from the sale of MY contributor copies will be donated to Chef Andre`s World Kitchen, which was bombed and destroyed in Ukraine, but has since been reestablished elsewhere. Everytime I look at the CSS, Too Funny book, I imagine a Ukrainian having a bite to eat thanks indirectly to Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC. Proof that one person CAN make a difference.

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Be careful out there!

 I was at WalMart the other day standing near the frozen foods when a young, caucasion, clean-cut, wild-eyed guy, came storming up the center aisle shouting a female name. He was in a frenzy and screamed, "When I find you, I'm going to shoot you!" He did not display a weapon as he went running up and down the aisles.

 I hustled to the front and paid for my chocolate cake. 

It is getting dangerous out there.

Monday, April 11, 2022

It's just my style!

 Have you ever been amazed at the choice of strong words you've used in your old essays or writings? 

I came across a stack of my older printed essays. After reading some, I realized that the frequent comment from members in my very first adult writing class confirmed it: "You have a writer's knack for using strong, powerful, and effective verbs." That's just my writing style. I am pretty much self-taught although twenty + years ago I was learning the ropes and paying attention to reading material and classes. 

I was shocked by the heading on one: Cut your babies and leave them on the floor. (Yuck! Ugh!) But that was a most valuable class. I learned that the action should be prompt and prominent. Don't lead the reader astray. Your character doesn't have to slip into her coat, grab her purse, open the door, get in the car, insert the key, start the engine... place her in the scene faster. 

On this rainy day I am reminscing about and thankful for the many publications that have published my work over the years, and the many people who have helped me along the way.

Whether you are a writer or a reader, it is nice to leave your legacy in print. Write a love letter to a family member, recall a memory, or write about your fears, fantasies, and future plans. When you look back in a few years you will be amazed, too.  


Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Breakfast with the former president

In our town, Panera is known as St. Louis Bread CO. I dined there with a dear friend, who happens to be the former prez of St. Louis Writer's Guild. It has been a long gloomy winter for me, and fpor months I have set aside my literary aspirations. I have been lax in participating in Open Mic nights and critique meetings. 

Maybe it's the lush grass and spring flowers that have awakened my need to connect with other writers and friends. I enjoyed great conversation and even particiapted in a ZOOM Open Mic which has lifted my spirits. I hope the bounty that spring brings uplifts you, too. 

Friday, April 1, 2022

Which came first the chicken or the egg?

I am a  firm believer in making accomodations that help children feel successful. This activity requires a hot glue gun and large box lid. Big box stores have boxes and lids etc. Glue a few dozen tops and bottoms of plastic eggs on inside of the lid. Give children the other halves and have them match by stacking the correct top and bottom and sizes together. No difficulty and low frustration for little ones who cannot yet connect the eggs. I "accidentally" drop them and say, "Oh no!" Charlie and Alex race to connect them. 

Bought a wind up chick from the $1.25 store. Made a BINGO game and then let the boys wind up the chick and watch it hop down the alphabet eggs and predict in which letter it would stop. Then we discovered FOR SURE which letter it stopped on and we made the beginning letter sound. They don't know they are learning to read. They think they're having fun playing games with Nana.