I've cleaned the house, bathed the dog, and curled my hair. Yesterday I roasted a turkey, sliced it and am now letting the white meat soak in its own juices. This morning I'll make a chocolate cream pie and be sure to have a variety of beverages in the refrigerator from which to choose. Although it's rather cold outside, the sun is shining brilliantly. Even Mother Nature cooperates when royalty visits.
Prince William and his wife, Kate, are too busy with the new baby to come by any time soon. And, no, Mr.and Mrs. Obama aren't making an appearance today. I'm sure none of the gubernatorial candidates in PA will show up either since they're diligently crafting their pie-in-the-sky promises for the upcoming election.
But the folks mentioned above don't hold a candle to the elitists who will grace my humble home today with their presence. Having my first-born grandson, Brady, and my only-born granddaughter, Brenna come and stay for a day or two is an honor my hubby and I breathlessly hope for and ardently embrace. I suspect all grandparents feel the same way, yet there are those who either seldomly or tragically never realize such an honor. For you who are members of this sad group, you have my deepest sympathies.
I've drawn up a tentative agenda of activities for Prince Brady and Princess Brenna. They include breakfast at Pamela's, a hole-in-the-wall Strip District eatery, that is famous for its unmatched pancakes and crepes. Afterwards they have the option to try out the newly-opened tube sledding track at Kerber's Dairy, a local attraction noted for its ice cream delights as well.
Another choice on my agenda is for them to accompany me to a few of my old childhood haunts.
While doing research for my first ever chapter book, Playing Hooky, which hopefully will be ready for publication next month, I recently went back to my hometown to talk with people I hadn't seen in sixty years and to the places I still remember with great fondness. Believe it or not, even though change is inevitable, most of what I heard and saw was remarkably untouched by the hands of time.
Taking my grandchildren to these "holy icons" of my past, would mean a great deal to me, and give Brady and Brenna a greater understanding of their royal heritage. They need to know that they were born into a family whose history is rich in deep commitment to each other and to their religious beliefs. I also want them to realize that the generations that came before possessed an outstanding work ethic that led them out of the Great Depression whole and unscathed. By showing them that the men in our family unselfishly fought for our country in World War II, and that my dad died in the steel mills that supplied our forces with the necessary tanks and artillery to ensure a positive national outcome, I hope to impress upon them the fact that they come from a royal line of true heroes.
If we actually do everything on my list, there won't be much time for anything else. But I believe that it will be time well-spent for both the young and the old, and will have provided all with a wealth of memories fit for royalty.
My hope is that from their visit, Prince Brady and Princess Brenna will wear their family crowns with pride. And, even more importantly, as they mature, that they will emulate those kingly qualities their ancestors reflected throughout their lives.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Yes, You CAN Go Back!
Last week I made a journey back in time. While doing research for a new book, it became necessary to visit my home town. Although I drive through the place of my birth quite often, I've never actually stopped in any of my old stomping grounds. But last Friday I did just that and am so very glad I did.
The John Munhall Neighborhood House was our town's community center where everybody gathered to learn, laugh, and love. It was a place where everybody knew each other by name and most likely was related to in some way. As a kid, I learned to tap dance, make fudge, do somersaults, master the game of chess, and a gazillion other things. It was there that I made my first real friends and had the first crush of my life. My mom learned to sew there, my dad made us a kitchen set and cornices for the house there, my uncle Paul was the woodshop instructor there. It was from there that many families left for a week they'd spend together at summer camp.
Today the JMNH is an antiquated building that shows its age and no longer opens its doors to children. I parked in what was once the playground area and began snapping photos of all the familiar outdoor areas.
As I was about to leave, a woman approached me with a smile and an extended hand. She said she was the owner and wanted to know if she could assist me in any way.
After telling Lee Ann Sommerfeld that I was born and raised in Munhall, and that I had spent all of my childhood in the building she now owned, and was writing a book using the area as a backdrop for my story, she invited me in to have a look around.
Upon entering the huge wooden doors, I suddenly became six-years-old again. I could see and hear the faces of people that were so instrumental in my growth and development. Once inside, I began telling Lee Ann about every room in her facility, what it was used for, and what changes had been made since I last walked out of those same wooden doors. Lee Ann was already aware of some of its history, but was amazed at what I'd told her that she hadn't heard before.
Lee Ann Sommerfeld is the chief, cook, and bottle-washer of the Stay Tuned Distillery. Yes, I said distillery.
She and Eric make whiskey and gin. How appropriate I thought, being a place where families gathered to learn, laugh, and love, to a place where beverages are made for families who gather to learn, laugh, and love.
What struck me most was how committed Lee Ann is to keeping the JMNH structure as close to what it was in its hayday than changing it to something totally different. Even though she is too young to have enjoyed the experiences I had there, she seems to understand the importance this old relic had in the lives of our community and believes it deserves to be refurbished rather than reinvented.
As I prepared to take my leave, Lee Ann invited me to visit again if for no other reason than to say hi. Walking back to my car, I felt my heart both heavy and exhilirated at the same time. Heavy because I missed those happy days with folks that are no longer with me, and exhilirated because I got a chance to relive those happy days and meet a person who embraces the mission to keep the JMNH alive.
Yes, you CAN go back! And take good advice from one who did, not only CAN you go back, but you definitely SHOULD!
For further info.on the Stay Tuned Distillery, contact Lee Ann at: leewines160@gmail.com and staytunedstills.com
The John Munhall Neighborhood House was our town's community center where everybody gathered to learn, laugh, and love. It was a place where everybody knew each other by name and most likely was related to in some way. As a kid, I learned to tap dance, make fudge, do somersaults, master the game of chess, and a gazillion other things. It was there that I made my first real friends and had the first crush of my life. My mom learned to sew there, my dad made us a kitchen set and cornices for the house there, my uncle Paul was the woodshop instructor there. It was from there that many families left for a week they'd spend together at summer camp.
Today the JMNH is an antiquated building that shows its age and no longer opens its doors to children. I parked in what was once the playground area and began snapping photos of all the familiar outdoor areas.
As I was about to leave, a woman approached me with a smile and an extended hand. She said she was the owner and wanted to know if she could assist me in any way.
After telling Lee Ann Sommerfeld that I was born and raised in Munhall, and that I had spent all of my childhood in the building she now owned, and was writing a book using the area as a backdrop for my story, she invited me in to have a look around.
Upon entering the huge wooden doors, I suddenly became six-years-old again. I could see and hear the faces of people that were so instrumental in my growth and development. Once inside, I began telling Lee Ann about every room in her facility, what it was used for, and what changes had been made since I last walked out of those same wooden doors. Lee Ann was already aware of some of its history, but was amazed at what I'd told her that she hadn't heard before.
Lee Ann Sommerfeld is the chief, cook, and bottle-washer of the Stay Tuned Distillery. Yes, I said distillery.
She and Eric make whiskey and gin. How appropriate I thought, being a place where families gathered to learn, laugh, and love, to a place where beverages are made for families who gather to learn, laugh, and love.
What struck me most was how committed Lee Ann is to keeping the JMNH structure as close to what it was in its hayday than changing it to something totally different. Even though she is too young to have enjoyed the experiences I had there, she seems to understand the importance this old relic had in the lives of our community and believes it deserves to be refurbished rather than reinvented.
As I prepared to take my leave, Lee Ann invited me to visit again if for no other reason than to say hi. Walking back to my car, I felt my heart both heavy and exhilirated at the same time. Heavy because I missed those happy days with folks that are no longer with me, and exhilirated because I got a chance to relive those happy days and meet a person who embraces the mission to keep the JMNH alive.
Yes, you CAN go back! And take good advice from one who did, not only CAN you go back, but you definitely SHOULD!
For further info.on the Stay Tuned Distillery, contact Lee Ann at: leewines160@gmail.com and staytunedstills.com
Monday, March 10, 2014
Writers Are A Rare Breed
Every now and again writers hit what seems to be a brick wall and can't find a way to get passed it. Even the best of them run out of ideas and are stymied by their inability to move forward. My first children's chapter book flowed onto paper like a swollen creek after the Spring rains. The story literally wrote itself.
But now that I'm working on the second one of the series, things aren't going as smoothly. I outlined my thoughts and, in the beginning, writing chapters one and two came off without a hitch. But then I experienced a conflict with my outline and took another road. That seemed to resolve the slow-down for the moment. Then, lo and behold, it happened again when I tried to start chapter five.
I call this start and stop issue, "sputtering." To see if this was a phenomenon particular to myself, I contacted my good friend, Mimi Barbour, a gifted author of Romance novels. She assured me that every writer sputters from time to time and not to worry.
But Mimi's advise didn't end there. She encouraged me to talk about the story with other writers and family. She said that doing so would yield a plethora of ideas that could be used immediately and even have a few left over for future projects.
Mimi also suggested that by working backwards from the end of the story oftentimes facilitates the writing and identifies paths that otherwise might not have emerged.
Lastly, Mimi offered to help by asking for a synopsis of my book to-date. She's willing to read it and tax her brain for possible suggestions that might lead to a happy conclusion.
Writers like Mimi are a rare breed. They are hardworking, creative individuals who love to tell stories for the pleasure and education of others. But they are just as giving when it comes to helping new authors get going in the business and are their biggest supporters.
Last Friday I was approached by a nana who told me of her nine-year-old daughter's love for writing. She asked if I could spare some time to look at the child's work and offer any advise regarding her budding talent. I read Amanda's stories and told the girl that the best way to become a good author was to write constantly. I also pointed her in the direction of IlluStory A+ found online or in bookstores that would allow her to complete a book from beginning to end resulting in a hardcover edition. Seeing her efforts materialized in that manner would be a great confidence builder. Finally I gave her one of my children's books to solidify a writer-to-writer connection.
Professionals like Mimi Barbour make me proud to be a writer. My hope is that I will reach her status someday and that I will continue to reach out to others that share our passion for the printed word.
But now that I'm working on the second one of the series, things aren't going as smoothly. I outlined my thoughts and, in the beginning, writing chapters one and two came off without a hitch. But then I experienced a conflict with my outline and took another road. That seemed to resolve the slow-down for the moment. Then, lo and behold, it happened again when I tried to start chapter five.
I call this start and stop issue, "sputtering." To see if this was a phenomenon particular to myself, I contacted my good friend, Mimi Barbour, a gifted author of Romance novels. She assured me that every writer sputters from time to time and not to worry.
But Mimi's advise didn't end there. She encouraged me to talk about the story with other writers and family. She said that doing so would yield a plethora of ideas that could be used immediately and even have a few left over for future projects.
Mimi also suggested that by working backwards from the end of the story oftentimes facilitates the writing and identifies paths that otherwise might not have emerged.
Lastly, Mimi offered to help by asking for a synopsis of my book to-date. She's willing to read it and tax her brain for possible suggestions that might lead to a happy conclusion.
Writers like Mimi are a rare breed. They are hardworking, creative individuals who love to tell stories for the pleasure and education of others. But they are just as giving when it comes to helping new authors get going in the business and are their biggest supporters.
Last Friday I was approached by a nana who told me of her nine-year-old daughter's love for writing. She asked if I could spare some time to look at the child's work and offer any advise regarding her budding talent. I read Amanda's stories and told the girl that the best way to become a good author was to write constantly. I also pointed her in the direction of IlluStory A+ found online or in bookstores that would allow her to complete a book from beginning to end resulting in a hardcover edition. Seeing her efforts materialized in that manner would be a great confidence builder. Finally I gave her one of my children's books to solidify a writer-to-writer connection.
Professionals like Mimi Barbour make me proud to be a writer. My hope is that I will reach her status someday and that I will continue to reach out to others that share our passion for the printed word.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Tooth Fairy Files Bankruptcy
Liam, one of my six precocious grandsons, lost his first tooth yesterday, According to his squeamish mother, while in the bathtub fiddling with the tooth that was holding on by a hair, the sucker finally let go. Liam was ecstatic; his mother, ready to puke. But I'll save her story for another Monday.
After showing everybody in the family not only the tooth, but the cavernous hole that remained, he diligently placed it under his pillow. By 8:30p.m. Liam was fast asleep and the tooth fairy made her way through the heavens to claim and pay up for yet another coveted acquisition.
I wonder if any of these toothless kids ever think for one minute about what the fairy actually does with all the rotten teeth she collects from virtually every household in the world!
Liam awakened unusually earlier today and, of course, lifted his pillow with reckless abandon. Lo and behold! Two crisp one dollar bills were there for the taking. Without any thought as to whether or not such a steep price for one measley tooth could have devastating consequences for the generous tooth fairy, Liam ran through the house shouting joyously that he was now a rich man! Brings to mind another famous person in storytelling lore by the name of Ebenezer!
In 1949 I lost my first tooth. I can't say I remember exactly what the circumstances were, but I do know what the tooth fairy paid me. Ten cents, a mere pitance compared to today's standards. That's an increase of 2000% over 65 years! At this rate, the poor tooth fairy will undoubtedly have to file for bankruptcy within the next day or two. She'll now be penniless, her home in foreclosure, and find herself out on the streets without promise or pension. After all the years bringing surprise and happiness to so many youngsters, the tooth fairy will be alone and broke.
Will anybody give a damn? Actually there are two entities that will be concerned. Namely, the IRS and the children who have yet to experience the lost of their first tooth.
The government will be looking into the tooth fairy's tax filings for over the past 100 years or so. Since I'm quite sure she's never even heard of the April 15th deadline, chances are her fines are going to be in the millions plus a stint in the pokey! Not paying taxes is a crime, tooth fairy, and if you do the crime, you'll have to do the time!
And as far as the kids go, lifting their pillows only to discover the absence of any sort of monetary gain for such an irreplaceable keepsake, their belief in the legendary fairy will be dashed forever! Sadly, Liam's two younger brothers will never experience the joy of being rich courtesy of the infamously bankrupt tooth fairy.
Bah humbub, tooth fairy! Oh, sorry, that's the other guy!
After showing everybody in the family not only the tooth, but the cavernous hole that remained, he diligently placed it under his pillow. By 8:30p.m. Liam was fast asleep and the tooth fairy made her way through the heavens to claim and pay up for yet another coveted acquisition.
I wonder if any of these toothless kids ever think for one minute about what the fairy actually does with all the rotten teeth she collects from virtually every household in the world!
Liam awakened unusually earlier today and, of course, lifted his pillow with reckless abandon. Lo and behold! Two crisp one dollar bills were there for the taking. Without any thought as to whether or not such a steep price for one measley tooth could have devastating consequences for the generous tooth fairy, Liam ran through the house shouting joyously that he was now a rich man! Brings to mind another famous person in storytelling lore by the name of Ebenezer!
In 1949 I lost my first tooth. I can't say I remember exactly what the circumstances were, but I do know what the tooth fairy paid me. Ten cents, a mere pitance compared to today's standards. That's an increase of 2000% over 65 years! At this rate, the poor tooth fairy will undoubtedly have to file for bankruptcy within the next day or two. She'll now be penniless, her home in foreclosure, and find herself out on the streets without promise or pension. After all the years bringing surprise and happiness to so many youngsters, the tooth fairy will be alone and broke.
Will anybody give a damn? Actually there are two entities that will be concerned. Namely, the IRS and the children who have yet to experience the lost of their first tooth.
The government will be looking into the tooth fairy's tax filings for over the past 100 years or so. Since I'm quite sure she's never even heard of the April 15th deadline, chances are her fines are going to be in the millions plus a stint in the pokey! Not paying taxes is a crime, tooth fairy, and if you do the crime, you'll have to do the time!
And as far as the kids go, lifting their pillows only to discover the absence of any sort of monetary gain for such an irreplaceable keepsake, their belief in the legendary fairy will be dashed forever! Sadly, Liam's two younger brothers will never experience the joy of being rich courtesy of the infamously bankrupt tooth fairy.
Bah humbub, tooth fairy! Oh, sorry, that's the other guy!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Playing Hooky
"Playing Hooky A Child's Path To Healing" is my first children's chapter book I plan to present to the public on March 15 or thereabouts depending on my cover illustrator. The story takes place in 1950 and centers around the Kolinski family: Mary and her two children, Betty Lou and Danny. Three years prior, Mary's husband was severely injured in the local steel mill where Frank worked as an operations supervisor. He died a few days later. Mary's compensation for her tragic loss was a matron's job, scrubbing floors and cleaning toilets.
After a particularly tough morning at St. Michael's Parochial School, the Kolinski Kids decide to play hooky.
However, if they had only known what awaited them down the road on that fateful day, perhaps they might have reconsidered. Without revealing more of the story, I can say that any negatives the children endured were nothing compared to the lessons they both learned, lessons that would impact them for the rest of their lives.
Believe me, I'm not advocating playing hooky, but oftentimes education is best served through actual experience.What this brother and sister discovered about the consequences of their actions, the loss of their beloved father, and the inner strength innate even to young children becomes the building blocks of their maturity and independence.
You may ask, how playing hooky could have possibly put these kids on the path to healing? As unlikely as it may seem, by taking the cinder path which leads to the creek running through their neighborhood, Betty Lou and Danny eventually realize the healing of their own bodies and spirits. Such lessons could have never been learned in any classroom whether in 1950 or today in 2014.
We find answers to our most difficult problems in the strangest of ways and places. As long as we stay open to possiblities in our lives, all things are just that, possible!
After a particularly tough morning at St. Michael's Parochial School, the Kolinski Kids decide to play hooky.
However, if they had only known what awaited them down the road on that fateful day, perhaps they might have reconsidered. Without revealing more of the story, I can say that any negatives the children endured were nothing compared to the lessons they both learned, lessons that would impact them for the rest of their lives.
Believe me, I'm not advocating playing hooky, but oftentimes education is best served through actual experience.What this brother and sister discovered about the consequences of their actions, the loss of their beloved father, and the inner strength innate even to young children becomes the building blocks of their maturity and independence.
You may ask, how playing hooky could have possibly put these kids on the path to healing? As unlikely as it may seem, by taking the cinder path which leads to the creek running through their neighborhood, Betty Lou and Danny eventually realize the healing of their own bodies and spirits. Such lessons could have never been learned in any classroom whether in 1950 or today in 2014.
We find answers to our most difficult problems in the strangest of ways and places. As long as we stay open to possiblities in our lives, all things are just that, possible!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Rocco, the Hero!
Two weeks ago, Rocco, a canine officer in the city of Pittsburgh, as well as a number of men in blue were in pursuit of a local thug. Rocco led the charge, was shot at and was stabbed many times defending his comrades. If it hadn't been for the courageous efforts of this German Shepherd, several of the police said they could have lost their lives.
Rocco died a day later as the result of his horrific injuries.
The city conducted a funeral for the downed officer with full honors. His handler and family along with hundreds of service men and canines attended. People from all over came, too. Many expressed their sorrow and felt the need to be present to applaud Rocco's selflessness in person even though they'd never met him.
As a dog owner myself, my heart goes out to all the folks touched by the loss of this magnificent animal. Dogs are incredible creatures who are capable of unconditional love, perhaps the only living beings who are. There only purpose in life is to serve their loved ones in any and all ways possible.
Surprisingly, there were a few people who thought that such a send-off was over the top and inappropriate. One commented that "he was only a dog." Only a dog? Evidently he or she has never experienced the love shared between best friends. All I can say is such people are depriving themselves of a truly awesome relationship. Too bad for them.
Rocco died a hero. He will be remembered for his strong adherence to duty and his willingness to die for the men he was commissioned to protect.
Rest in peace, valiant officer. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Rocco died a day later as the result of his horrific injuries.
The city conducted a funeral for the downed officer with full honors. His handler and family along with hundreds of service men and canines attended. People from all over came, too. Many expressed their sorrow and felt the need to be present to applaud Rocco's selflessness in person even though they'd never met him.
As a dog owner myself, my heart goes out to all the folks touched by the loss of this magnificent animal. Dogs are incredible creatures who are capable of unconditional love, perhaps the only living beings who are. There only purpose in life is to serve their loved ones in any and all ways possible.
Surprisingly, there were a few people who thought that such a send-off was over the top and inappropriate. One commented that "he was only a dog." Only a dog? Evidently he or she has never experienced the love shared between best friends. All I can say is such people are depriving themselves of a truly awesome relationship. Too bad for them.
Rocco died a hero. He will be remembered for his strong adherence to duty and his willingness to die for the men he was commissioned to protect.
Rest in peace, valiant officer. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Monday, February 10, 2014
BE A CHARACTER IN AN ELVIS PRESLEY SONG TITLE BOOK CONTEST!
Who wouldn't want to be a character in a famous romance writer's novel? Pick me, pick me, pick me, I hear you screaming! Add to that that the new book is going to be dubbed with one of Elvis Presley's song titles. And finally, that you actually get to choose which of his many great hits it will be! Well, my very good friend and very talented author of tender love stories, Mimi Barbour, is offering you the chance of a lifetime. All during the month of February you can enter her contest by going to Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/
But rather than me going on and on and on about such a terrific opportunity, Mimi herself will give you all the details in my Monday morning blog. Take it away, Mimi!
After I listened to an old Elvis Presley hit called “She’s Not You”, I couldn’t get the words out of my head. Finally, it came to me. The sentiments were so beautiful that the story they told should be written. So, I wrote the first chapter and the song stopped haunting me. I released book #1 of the Elvis Series late in Nov. When it came time to decide which of Elvis’s song should be chosen for Book #2, I decided who better than the readers themselves to make the choice.
Hence “Make an Elvis song into a book contest!” was born.
http://freshfiction.com/
. HERE IT IS LIVE THE WHOLE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
Please let all your friends know about it! Tell your mom and her pals who grew up with the King!
Share the above link with your Facebook buddies and twitter followers. It'll be fun to see which of his songs will grace the cover of Book #2 in Mimi Barbour’s Elvis series.
HERE IS WHAT THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
1. The winner will have his/her favorite song chosen as the title and theme
for the next book in the Elvis series.
2. It will be dedicated to the winner.
3. And their name will be used for one of the characters.
Video of Elvis singing – Book #1 “She’s Not You”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Thanks, Mimi, for taking the time to clue us in with the specifics. I already have the song in mind I'd submit if I weren't one of your buds! Hope one of the crime writers takes the hint and runs an Elvis contest. I think 'JAILHOUSE ROCK' would make an awesome story. And I'd make an awesome warden! love ya'll
But rather than me going on and on and on about such a terrific opportunity, Mimi herself will give you all the details in my Monday morning blog. Take it away, Mimi!
After I listened to an old Elvis Presley hit called “She’s Not You”, I couldn’t get the words out of my head. Finally, it came to me. The sentiments were so beautiful that the story they told should be written. So, I wrote the first chapter and the song stopped haunting me. I released book #1 of the Elvis Series late in Nov. When it came time to decide which of Elvis’s song should be chosen for Book #2, I decided who better than the readers themselves to make the choice.
Hence “Make an Elvis song into a book contest!” was born.
http://freshfiction.com/
. HERE IT IS LIVE THE WHOLE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
Please let all your friends know about it! Tell your mom and her pals who grew up with the King!
Share the above link with your Facebook buddies and twitter followers. It'll be fun to see which of his songs will grace the cover of Book #2 in Mimi Barbour’s Elvis series.
HERE IS WHAT THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
1. The winner will have his/her favorite song chosen as the title and theme
for the next book in the Elvis series.
2. It will be dedicated to the winner.
3. And their name will be used for one of the characters.
Video of Elvis singing – Book #1 “She’s Not You”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Thanks, Mimi, for taking the time to clue us in with the specifics. I already have the song in mind I'd submit if I weren't one of your buds! Hope one of the crime writers takes the hint and runs an Elvis contest. I think 'JAILHOUSE ROCK' would make an awesome story. And I'd make an awesome warden! love ya'll
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