What do you have in reserve? Becoming my mom.

I have renewed energy, vitality and drive in springtime. I'm excited and delighted to see all the rose buds blossoming; there are more each day. Looking at this little statue makes me count my blessings.

 

With the longer days, I write prolifically. Since January I have submitted 11 new pieces per month. I hope my submissions will be accepted and my writing will blossom like this little bush, but of course that's not realistic. I've received three acceptances since January. Such is freelance reality.

Hubby tosses his cooked egg yolks to a mocking bird that has been coming around for a couple years. It's so tame it lands on the patio table and waits for him to throw food. The other day Bill dropped the egg on the ground. A starling swooped in to snatch it, but a chipmunk darted out from under the shed and devoured it. The starling looks startled, doesn't it? Or maybe confused? I know the mockingbird perched on the fence was. The two birds thought it a sure thing. The little chipmunk showed them.

Writing and submitting can be confusing and disappointing when you believe you've written the perfect piece for a particular publication, and the editor rejects it. Almost immediately. Sometimes it's not about how swift you are and how clever your writing. It could be that someone else beat you to the punch. Or maybe your piece didn't suit editorial needs, wasn't the right tone or fit.

I've been trying to break into a new essay market which has a call out for personal essays on motherhood. I've submitted from three different perspectives: a mother's, a teacher's and a grandmother's. I was certain one of them would be a good fit, but so far I have received three rejections. "Not a good fit."

As an editor, author, and creator of an anthology, I know editors cannot respond to all inquiries.
I wrote and asked if they were seeking snarky or serious. I received a form letter rejection, not an answer.

Disappointing? Sure.

Will that stop me? of course not.

I now have three new essays which I can submit elsewhere.

Just like the chubby chipmunk who stores food, it's good for writers to have a reserve supply.

Do you have a folder filled with rejected material? Have you looked at it lately? Why not select something, revise it and send it out this week?

If it pertains to mothering, you might try Motherwell. I wish you success. 

My story about my mom and me is online for your reading pleasure. Please leave a comment. Thank you and enjoy.
/http://sasee.com/2016/05/01/becoming-my-mother/

Words are powerful. Are you ready to impact others?

COFFEEHOUSE FOR WRITERS RE-OPENS ITS DOORS!

Whether your goal is to start a blog, finish a novel, increase your social media savvy, or your bottom line, you'll find needed courses and resources at the Coffeehouse for Writers! Since 1999, Coffeehouseforwriters.com has provided quality, affordable, online classes for writers of all levels and genres. The upcoming session, which starts May 1st, includes classes on blogging, writing for Chicken Soup publishers and other publications, grammar boot camp, and how to quit your day job to freelance full-time.

 

Learn more at Coffeehouse for Writers at: http://coffeehouseforwriters.com/ (mentioned in Wall Street Journal)

 Personally, as a writer and instructor, I have heard and said it all:

·         I've always been interested in writing, but...

·         My life is harried, and I'm going in too many directions.

·         Nobody would be interested in my life experiences.

·         I don't have time for One. More. Thing!

·         I have students, spouse, parents and kids who need me.

·         I cannot write on demand, and class participation is not my thing.

·         I don't want to sit in class for two hours. I'd probably fall asleep.

Your personal story has the potential to earn you a writer's by line and/or extra bucks.

On line writing classes offer students the opportunity to work at their own pace and receive one on one attention. Students can sit at their computers in pajamas, sip their favorite beverages, and spend time tending to their own needs instead of everybody else's.

I look forward to assisting you or someone you know in crafting a personal essay that could possibly lead to publication and potentially change yours or someone else's life.   

I would so appreciate it if you could link to this post on your blog or website. Thank you for passing this information on to anyone you know who may be heading in the "WRITE" direction.

Thank you Cathy C. Hall for the following testimonial and shout out. 

 Linda, aka the Queen of Chicken Soup for the Soul Books, will be teaching the fine art of essay writing and I can’t think of anyone better suited for the task. If you’ve been trying and trying and trying to get your essays published, try taking this class. I promise you’ll improve with Linda leading the way to publication.

Thank you Sioux Roslawski for the following kudos and encouragement.
I've seen you--in a matter of minutes--deftly rearrange someone's essay, along with giving suggestions on how to rework the beginning and end. And it's all doled out as suggestions and padded with praise.

Some days it depends which side of the counter you are on.

When I was young and worked in a film company, we had an entire department devoted to customer service. Times sure have changed.

Hubby and I went to a different car dealership than the one I previously wrote about. We drove in his car. A very young man invited us into his office and we discussed a trade in. I asked for a ballpark figure for trade in value on my make and model. He said, "You don't have your car here. So I can't answer you. We have appraisers who decide that."

I said, "A rough estimate? A blue book figure?"

He looked at me very suspiciously, then said, "FINE! But if you take me to court for what I am quoting you, I will sue you!" He glared. "Believe me. I will! Both of my parents are attorneys."

I laughed, thinking he was joking, and I said, "Then they probably would tell you not to be so contentious."

He said in a very staccato voice, "No, my parents do not say that to me."

Then I realized, this young man is probably on the autism spectrum. Wonder how many cars he's sold for dealership? 

So I bought this car instead. Can't you see me zipping around town in it? Waving like the queen?

Not really! I saw it and had to pose beside it. The saga of poor customer service continues...

Midday, I went to a thrift store. Two young women cashiers worked an aisle apart.

# 1 says loudly to #2,"You really made $500  for one night bartending? Dang, soon as I turn 21 next year, that's what I'm going to do."

#2  "Yep, made $500 last night. Nothing to it."

#1 "No you did not, girl! I cannot believe that kind of money for pouring drinks."

# 2 "Well you better believe it... blah-blah-blah"

A man wishing to check out asked #2 if her register was open.
#2  "Hey, there are only three people in that line. Go over there with her."

He cursed under his breath as I stepped in line behind him.

Meanwhile the four people in line ahead of me were getting more and more upset at the girls bantering. Why would #2 be working at a thrift shop if she earns $500 a night?

First customer in line checking out had a cart full. Cashier #1 started talking about the customer's merchandise, holding items up and showing them to #2 who was popping anti-theft tags off used clothing, probably bound for the rag pile.

I bristled for five minutes, and then I could take it no more. I tossed my merchandise and murmured to the guy in front of me, "And this is why I no longer shop at this store."

He called them a few choice derogatory names and said loudly to me, "I don't blame you!"   

You think I should have called for a supervisor?

Kids are bosses. Many are running fast food restaurants, goofing around with one another in front of customers. Customer service is not what it used to be.

In the evening, we went to Taco Bell for dinner. We were the only customers inside. The young man waited until we sat down and then started mopping the floor area right where we were seated, not across the room. I don't understand it. I suppose that yellow caution cone that announces WET FLOOR is supposed to prevent a law suit.

Hey, I know a guy whose parents are both attorneys.

Have you had any customer service concerns lately?

Check out his name tag

 

I saw a sign for a church rummage sale and decided to stop. I was a bit over dressed in black slacks, blazer and lacy white blouse. I was on my way to the memorial service for a woman I went to college with. I worked with her daughters who are teachers, and her granddaughter who did her practicum with me in my class.

 

I saw this little cutie with a rather expensive  $5.00 price tag, since most things were a dollar or less. When I saw the shirt embroidered with his name, I KNEW I had to have Little Ricky Ricardo. He is an original 1953 vintage American Character doll, with rubber body, fixed straight legs, jointed arms, and original clothing, including a felt diaper with  old pins. He drinks and wets, too. Ricky, Jr. has been loved very much as you can see. Do you remember when Lucy was really expecting Little Ricky? This baby doll takes me way back.

 

I wonder what his value is. I am certain my granddaughter, Nicole will inherit him from me someday, unless someone can tell me he's worth a mint...and then I may sell him and move to the beach where I can hide my embarrassed face.

 

I drove to the memorial service in the inner city. Wondered why the church parking lot was empty. Tried the front doors. Locked. Saw a group of men congregating near the rear entrance. Wondered if Evie had a very colorful past, but didn't dare head that way. Got back in my car, checked the information and realized the service is 3rd Saturday in May and the men were homeless, waiting for a food handout. 

 

 

 

 

 

You too could be a winner with Automotive Experts

When I opened the scratch off ticket that came in the mail and noted that my ticket was eligible for the $5,000 prize, I screeched. We rushed to South County Dodge Chrysler Jeep, at 7127 South Linbergh Blvd. in St. Louis.

Hubby said, "There's a catch. Nobody gives you anything for free. If you won $5,000, you will likely receive a check to apply to the purchase of a car. There's always a gimmick."

I knew he was probably right, but I put the brochure under his nose and tapped on the words, $5,000. CASH. I was already spending my big bucks.

When we noticed traffic control people wearing neon shirts, directing drivers into parking spots, I knew something was up. There was already a line of winners at the white tent. You guessed it. They too had winning scratch offs, and all were eligible to win the monetary prizes. A lot of them were excited, showing each other their cards and imagining aloud how they would spend their five grand.

We entered the tent and talked to a very nice retired gentleman, originally from NY, so you know we had fun conversation. He asked if we were interested in purchasing or trading in a car. We talked business. He gave us a good trade in price. He had our attention.

He asked when we'd be ready to purchase, and I said, "When I am handed my cash winnings." Then he was needed by someone at the computers, so a young fellow, Josh Redden, came to assist us. He was courteous, pleasant, helpful, a real gentleman. He walked us to the dealership where he checked our wining code number against those posted on the window. Needless to say, we did not walk away with $5,000.00. He offered us a another scratch off, with the possibility of winning $25,000. I told him we'd talk business if  I won that amount.

He pointed out the enlarged copy of the brochure's disclaimer, THE FINE PRINT. The rules specifically said, even if we had a winning scratch off, our code had to match.

Fair and square, it was not a bait and switch, but it was a baited enticement. With the economy tanking, all businesses use gimmicks to draw customers. Plain and simple, that's what was going on.

Reputable representatives from Automotive Experts are at the dealership through the weekend, and they are wheeling and dealing. If you or someone you know is in need of a good new or used car, stop by and ask for Audra or Josh Redden; one is in sales and the other in finance. They are a great team.

ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT

Admittedly, some folks were irate and rude, but the sales reps were all polite and engaging. 

Seeking a caption

Liam is 22 months old and talking up a storm. He walked into our kitchen and pointed to fruit on the counter, and labeled each correctly: apple, orange, banana.

 

When he saw his favorite zoo family he shouted, "Dada, Mama, Baby Elephant." When the baby elephant left a pile, Liam shouted, "Poop! Poop!" He's a wise one, this little guy.

He squealed with excitement when the penguin swam underwater at his eye level.

He enjoyed being so close to the "Buhd, BIG Buhd."

But this photo below is my favorite.

 

I don't really know how I happened to take a black and white photo on my phone, but I am glad I did.

It's sort of like writing. You can be verbose and over-describe people, places and events colorfully, using fifty cent words, in minute detail; or you can speak simply and plainly, and allow your reader to use his or her imagination.

I could tell you all about this last picture, but the story you imagine might be better than the real one: the keeper threw a fish to a penguin, and Liam watched with interest.

Does this photo transport you back to another time?

Care to caption this picture for me?

Goodbye, old friend

Take a look at these photos and try to figure out how they are associated.

 

 My dad used to have a panel truck like this one. When I was little girl, I knew we would be traveling the Mother Road when he placed my mattress in the back of his truck for my brother and me to sleep on. We travelled wherever Dad's rambling soul led us.

  

Notice food trucks lined up in the background? They surrounded the perimeter of the parking lot.

 

The farewell party which went from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. was breaking up, and the band was unplugging when we arrived, but prior to this there were thousands of people in attendance.

The demolition of Crestwood Mall, on historic, Old Route 66 will begin soon. Crestwood Plaza opened in 1957 and closed it's last door in 2013. The property has become a neighborhood eyesore, a testament to tax increment financing battles, brouhahas, failed wheelings and dealings.

There is a Chicago-based developer now for this St. Louis landmark, which will entail a 104 million dollar redevelopment, retail and eating establishments, and talk of housing.

Generations of St. Louis inner city families travelled out Chippewa, which turned into Watson Road at the county line, to shop and dine indoors, visit Santa Claus, listen to politicians. Many watched movies at the theater, played video games in the arcade, or celebrated the Fourth of July with magnificent fireworks displays.

Good-bye Crestwood Mall/ Plaza located on historic Old Route 66, the Mother Road. The memories abound. Out with the old...in with the new. A bittersweet occasion as folks strolled the grounds, ordered from food trucks, danced to live music...
reminiscing.