Today my daughter posted the above... and it only seemed like yesterday when
they were babies...
Mother's Day 2014
Today my daughter posted the above... and it only seemed like yesterday when
they were babies...
_______________ is Perfect.
What, Whom, or Where is Perfect?
According to the Dictionary - having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be:
make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible:
Life is Perfect although I have to say some days I do find it a little difficult to be as good as it is possible to be...
When was the last time you spoke to your parents?
This is the question for July 10th from the 365 Questions book and the answer is a little difficult because both my parents have been dead for quite some time. But I do remember a couple of my last conversations with my mom. I was working full-time, had two preteen children at home and would stop by her house every night on my way home from work to check in with her and to have a cup of coffee - the coffee was a great way to spend sometime with my mom to unwind after work and also as a way to ramp up for an evening filled with driving my children to and from activities.
My mom had a number of aliments, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and emphysema. She was on oxygen and was finding it harder and harder to breathe and get around. She was unable to back her car out of the garage and unless someone turned her car around she could not drive. Which in my opinion was a good thing, so I conveniently forgot to turn her car around when she asked. She was also blind in one eye and the way she passed the vision test when I took her in to get her driver's licensed renewed was by lying. When the clerk asked what eye the light was shinning in my mom said her left eye, because she didn't see a light and figure it had to be flashing on her blind side.
The year was 2011 and the month was October. She hated the TV and all the news coverage and said she just couldn't live through another war. Wheel of Fortune had been replaced with continual coverage of the towers coming down. I tried to get her interested in old re-runs of I Love Lucy or Dick VanDyke Show, but she'd have none of that, she didn't find the slap stick humor funny, she was tired and depressed.
The one thing she still wanted to do was shop. She loved shopping. She didn't care clothes, groceries, or the hardware store. Sometimes she was so tried the most she could do was ride along and wait in the car while I ran in and did errands. One evening when I stopped she was insistent on getting a new coat, she had a doctor's appointment the following week and was bound and determined to get a new jacket. She had lost a lot of weight and wanted something new. She was persistent about needing a jacket and to appease her I told her I couldn't take her shopping the following day.
She had always had a very sharp mind but the last couple of weeks she had been forgetful so I grabbed the pad of paper sitting next to her chair and ashtray and wrote down. Shopping for jacket on Thursday at 5 o'clock.
She studied the paper and set it back down on the table, we finished our coffee and she seemed content. She reminded me to turn around her car and I told her I would and reminded her I'd be by tomorrow and we'd go shopping. Of course I rinsed out my cup and hustled out the door before she could remember she didn't give me her car keys so I wouldn't be able to turn her car around.
At 4 o'clock in the morning my sleep was interrupted by the jarring ring of the phone. Heart pounding I raced up a flight the basement stairs to the land line phone in the kitchen. I heard my mother's voice. "Are you coming?"
"Why?" I asked gasped for breath while trying to keep my voice down, I didn't want to alarm my children sleeping in the room next door.
"To take me shopping," she said.
"It's four o'clock in the morning. I'm not taking you shopping until after I get off of work," I explained.
"I have the note right here," she said. "Listen." She read the note back word for word and said, "Does this note say anything about am or pm?"
"No," I said
"Who's the crazy one here?" she said and disconnected.
My mom had a number of aliments, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, lung cancer, and emphysema. She was on oxygen and was finding it harder and harder to breathe and get around. She was unable to back her car out of the garage and unless someone turned her car around she could not drive. Which in my opinion was a good thing, so I conveniently forgot to turn her car around when she asked. She was also blind in one eye and the way she passed the vision test when I took her in to get her driver's licensed renewed was by lying. When the clerk asked what eye the light was shinning in my mom said her left eye, because she didn't see a light and figure it had to be flashing on her blind side.
The year was 2011 and the month was October. She hated the TV and all the news coverage and said she just couldn't live through another war. Wheel of Fortune had been replaced with continual coverage of the towers coming down. I tried to get her interested in old re-runs of I Love Lucy or Dick VanDyke Show, but she'd have none of that, she didn't find the slap stick humor funny, she was tired and depressed.
The one thing she still wanted to do was shop. She loved shopping. She didn't care clothes, groceries, or the hardware store. Sometimes she was so tried the most she could do was ride along and wait in the car while I ran in and did errands. One evening when I stopped she was insistent on getting a new coat, she had a doctor's appointment the following week and was bound and determined to get a new jacket. She had lost a lot of weight and wanted something new. She was persistent about needing a jacket and to appease her I told her I couldn't take her shopping the following day.
She had always had a very sharp mind but the last couple of weeks she had been forgetful so I grabbed the pad of paper sitting next to her chair and ashtray and wrote down. Shopping for jacket on Thursday at 5 o'clock.
She studied the paper and set it back down on the table, we finished our coffee and she seemed content. She reminded me to turn around her car and I told her I would and reminded her I'd be by tomorrow and we'd go shopping. Of course I rinsed out my cup and hustled out the door before she could remember she didn't give me her car keys so I wouldn't be able to turn her car around.
At 4 o'clock in the morning my sleep was interrupted by the jarring ring of the phone. Heart pounding I raced up a flight the basement stairs to the land line phone in the kitchen. I heard my mother's voice. "Are you coming?"
"Why?" I asked gasped for breath while trying to keep my voice down, I didn't want to alarm my children sleeping in the room next door.
"To take me shopping," she said.
"It's four o'clock in the morning. I'm not taking you shopping until after I get off of work," I explained.
"I have the note right here," she said. "Listen." She read the note back word for word and said, "Does this note say anything about am or pm?"
"No," I said
"Who's the crazy one here?" she said and disconnected.
Today was delightful because...
Well, I still haven't found a job, but I did get up and walk for 30 minutes today. I also worked on a short story, these are all good things. It's raining outside and I'm nice and dry inside. I love the sun and warmth but I also delight in rainy days - the overcast skies, dripping clouds, and rhythmic splat of fat drops against the concrete, relax and calm me.
May 16, 2012
"What was your favorite day this week?" Considering it is only Wednesday... I would say Tuesday. We rode our bikes from La Crosse to Sparta - round trip 54 miles... Aha moment...need to buy bike shorts.
May 15, 2012
"What Do You Consider To Be Your Biggest Achievement?" Well, today it would be getting out of bed to write...but overall I would say it's letting go of fear. It is easier for me to do what I did yesterday, which is why I worked at one company for 27 years, and owned the same house for 25 years. It is much easier to repeat a previous day then to blaze a new trail.
It has been a year since I've sold a house, quit a job, and headed back to school. So now I no longer fear change, I fear thing staying the same.
It has been a year since I've sold a house, quit a job, and headed back to school. So now I no longer fear change, I fear thing staying the same.
May 14th
"What Make A Good Enemy" A friend, if good is to mean a strong adversary. Who knows your weakness better than a friend or an 'ex.'. 'Good' enemy might also mean the person who puts up road blocks and generally makes life difficult which in turn only strengthens your desire to succeed.
A Good Enemy is an antagonist with a pencil bar mustache.
A Good Enemy is an antagonist with a pencil bar mustache.
May 13th
Romancing The Book ...
Had this to say about Looking for Henrietta...
His twenty-fifth high school reunion is in less than thirty days and Henry still has no date. Not willing to be the object of his classmates’ sympathy after his divorce, he turns to an online dating service for help. But things aren't looking good.
Rita has been there for Henry for a long time, hoping their relationship might change, but he only sees her as his friend the bartender. Now Henry has this crazy notion that the answer to his dilemma is a dating service. After watching several unsuccessful attempts—in her bar, no less—Rita decides it's time to take Henry's love life into her own hands.
Maybe all Henry needs is a little push in the right direction to fall in love...
Review: Ms. Columbus gives brief insight into the world of computer dating. A light hearted search for your soul mate along with the many things that actually could and do happen when setting up dates, only to find the one you want has been there right in front of you all along.
This is a really nice short story that has you laughing at Henry sense of humor as he tries to find a date for his class reunion, so that he isn’t toted as poor Henry. Although there isn’t much romance the story is still entertaining as we follow Henry as he goes on his blind dates.
We find out that Henry’s a sweetheart, down to earth and someone you could find yourself befriending. He has a cat left over from his divorce and co-workers who like to mess with his head. Henry goes to the local bar on his way home from work and tells Rita, the bartender everything. Rita we find is secretly in love with Henry and feels that he should now that. She watches as he sets up these dates and at times she almost seems childish in her actions as she storms off.
I enjoyed how Ms. Columbus made you actually care what happens with the bumbling antics of loveable Henry. It is nice that he ends up with his own happy-ever-after.
Series: An ’85 Class Reunion Book
Release Date: June 22, 2011
File Size: 100 KB
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Source: ebook provided by the publisher
Did You Exercise Today...
June 14, 2011
Yes, not only did I exercise my muscles on the thread mill for twenty minutes ... I exercised my mind with school and trying to design a postcard...A&P is not going as well as I would like but I know I'll do better.
Something that made me worry today...
June 13, 2011
Today was my first test in Anatomy & Physiology. I had good reason to worry it is hard to remember what I learned in chemistry 30 years ago. But it is better to fail a test that to be afraid to take the test.
Today was my first test in Anatomy & Physiology. I had good reason to worry it is hard to remember what I learned in chemistry 30 years ago. But it is better to fail a test that to be afraid to take the test.
June 10, 2011
How Many Cups of Coffee Did You Drink Today?
One and it wasn't until after 10 am, it sure is nice being retired and having no classes on Fridays.
One and it wasn't until after 10 am, it sure is nice being retired and having no classes on Fridays.
What makes a good friend?
June 9, 2011
What makes a good friend?
Sometimes it is a person who can listen more than they talk and for some people that’s a pet. But my experience as a pet owner has me believing otherwise. Ruth a jack-a-poo had selective hearing, she could hear me eat a marshmallow and appear within an instant, but if I said, “Want to go for a walk and hear about my day?” The dog disappeared and even the sound of additional marshmallows being eaten couldn't coax her from her hiding spot. So, sometimes a good friend is just someone who is willing to hang out with you.
June 8, 2011
What makes you miserable?
Gossiping, no good ever comes from telling another person about someone else’s flaws or short comings. I love to hear stories and I love to tell stories, but when the main point of the story is show another person in a negative light, or to feel better about yourself, or to gain favor with the listener … it’s wrong – unless of course it’s fiction.
All is fair in fiction.
What does it take?
To sell your house…
My story… I listed my house on March 7, 2011, received a purchase agreement on March 31st for $5,000 less than my list price and I closed on May 26, 2011.
Of course I de-cluttered my home, painted the walls and removed personal items…interviewed 4 real estate agents and went with the one who offered the most free stuff: home warranty, professional stagger and professional photographer.
I listed my house for sale using the price listed on my 2011 Property Tax Statement, $155,000.
I buried St. Joseph in the front yard. St. Joseph is a Catholic Saint and the story goes if you bury him in your yard, say a pray and have faith, St. Joseph will sell your home.
I also said a pray to St. Anthony who is the patron saint of lost or stolen items. In the past whenever an item is missing I say, “Tony, Tony, turn around and help me find __________it lost and can’t be found.” Sure enough the item appears. So, I asked Tony to help me find the lost buyer.
And lastly I placed “For Sale” signs on my vision board. Ten years ago I took a ‘one day’ management class where the teacher spoke of vision boards and how if you have a “vision” and add “Passion” you would create a realty…not sure what vision boards had to do with management but I’ve been using vision boards for the past ten years and I believe they work just like prayers to St. Joseph and St. Anthony.
But the reason I started blogging… was not just because I have a new story coming out…”Looking for Henrietta” which will soon be released by The Wild Rose Press…
I received a great gift from my good friend Joe, a five year journal with 365 questions…
So, it is here that I begin:
June 8, 2011
What makes you miserable?
Gossiping, no good ever comes from telling another person about someone else’s flaws or short comings. I love to hear stories and I love to tell stories, but when the main point of the story is to show another person in a negative light, or to feel better about yourself, or to gain favor with the listener … it’s wrong – unless of course it’s fiction.
All is fair in fiction.
My story… I listed my house on March 7, 2011, received a purchase agreement on March 31st for $5,000 less than my list price and I closed on May 26, 2011.
Of course I de-cluttered my home, painted the walls and removed personal items…interviewed 4 real estate agents and went with the one who offered the most free stuff: home warranty, professional stagger and professional photographer.
I listed my house for sale using the price listed on my 2011 Property Tax Statement, $155,000.
I buried St. Joseph in the front yard. St. Joseph is a Catholic Saint and the story goes if you bury him in your yard, say a pray and have faith, St. Joseph will sell your home.
I also said a pray to St. Anthony who is the patron saint of lost or stolen items. In the past whenever an item is missing I say, “Tony, Tony, turn around and help me find __________it lost and can’t be found.” Sure enough the item appears. So, I asked Tony to help me find the lost buyer.
And lastly I placed “For Sale” signs on my vision board. Ten years ago I took a ‘one day’ management class where the teacher spoke of vision boards and how if you have a “vision” and add “Passion” you would create a realty…not sure what vision boards had to do with management but I’ve been using vision boards for the past ten years and I believe they work just like prayers to St. Joseph and St. Anthony.
But the reason I started blogging… was not just because I have a new story coming out…”Looking for Henrietta” which will soon be released by The Wild Rose Press…
I received a great gift from my good friend Joe, a five year journal with 365 questions…
So, it is here that I begin:
June 8, 2011
What makes you miserable?
Gossiping, no good ever comes from telling another person about someone else’s flaws or short comings. I love to hear stories and I love to tell stories, but when the main point of the story is to show another person in a negative light, or to feel better about yourself, or to gain favor with the listener … it’s wrong – unless of course it’s fiction.
All is fair in fiction.
Where have you been?
Busy...tonight I buried St. Joseph and I have faith that he will sell my house. But what I have started contemplating is...Do you think St. Joseph will work on selling stories?
Happy To Announce
I'm so thrilled to announce - The Perfect Country and Western Story is a finalist for the Booksellers' Best Award.
The judges are booksellers and librarians and the contest is sponsored by the Greater Detroit chapter. In July the winners will be announced at the RWA (Romance Writers of America) National Conference in Orlando.
What fun it is to see other Midwest Fiction Writers: Helen Brenna and Ann Hinnenkamp Congrats to Everyone!
TRADITIONAL
Helen Brenna
From The Outside
Lucy Gordon
Italian Tycoon, Secret Son
Fiona Harper
Invitation to the Boss's Ball
Glynna Kaye
Dreaming Of Home
Joselyn Vaughn
CEO's Don't Cry
SHORT CONTEMPORARY
Christine Columbus
The Perfect Country and Western Story
Robyn Grady
The Billionaire's Fake Engagement
Sandra Hyatt
Having The Billionaire's Baby
Geri Krotow
What Family Means
Lynne Marshall
Temporary Doctor, Surprise Father
Cara Summers
Twin Temptation
Cara Summers
Christmas Male
LONG CONTEMPORARY
Lisa Dale
Simple WIshes
Susan Gable
A Kid To The Rescue
Elaine Grant
No Hero Like Him
Janice Maynard
Hot Mail
Terry McLaughlin
A Small Town Reunion
Kay Stockham
Simon Says Mommy
Linda Warren
Caitlyn's Prize
SINGLE TITLE
Toni Blake
One Reckless Summer
Marilyn Brant
According To Jane
Robin Kaye
Breakfast in Bed
Susan Mallery
Hot On Her Heels
Karen White
The Lost Hours
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Kylie Brant
Waking The Dead
Marilee Brothers
Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam
Ava Gray
Skin Game
Sandy James
Free Falling
EROTIC
Jaci Burton
Riding On Instinct
Red Garnier
The Satin Sash
Lara Santiago
Rogue's Run
Shelli Stevens
Take Me
Tracy Wolff
Full Exposure
SHORT HISTORICAL
Jennifer Ashley
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Caroline Fyffe
Where The Wind Blows
Carolyn Jewel
Indiscreet
Margaret Mallory
Knight of Pleasure
Elizabeth Rolls
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride
Christine Wells
Wicked Little Game
LONG HISTORICAL
Anna Campbell
Captive of Sin
Hannah Howell
If He's Wicked
Hannah Howell
If He's Sinful
Regina Jeffers
Darcy's Temptation
PARANORMAL/TIME TRAVEL/FUTURISTIC
Sharon Ashwood
Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten
Maureen Child
Vanished
Lisa Childs
Immortal bride
Gail Dayton
New Blood
Cynthia Eden
Midnight's Master
Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams
Sharon Sala
The Warrior
INSPIRATIONAL
Sandra Bricker
Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida
Amanda Cabot
Paper Roses
Irene Hannon
An Eye for an Eye
Trish Perry
Sunset Beach
Marlo Schalesky
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Missy Tippens
His Forever Love
BEST FIRST BOOK
Marilyn Brant
According To Jane
Red Garnier
The Satin Sash
Ann Hinnenkamp
Dyad Dreams
Glynna Kaye
Dreaming Of Home
Living The Dream
I am happy living the dream, enjoying everyday and all the people I meet along the way.
The Wild Rose Press Retreat - Silver Spur Ranch and Longhorn Saloon in Bandera Texas.
New Wheels....
So, after much research and indecision…I decided on purchasing a car. I don’t know why it is – some decisions are so easy – after 27 years at the gas company – I walked away with no regrets…giving my favorite car to my son…no big deal… Purchasing a Car…Tough. I test drove 27 cars… and No I don’t love my new vehicle… it’s more like a marriage of convenience. I needed a car… and I thought this one will work…no fireworks in the sky, no thrill, just an okay – I will take you home.
I really thought I’d find a car that thrilled me… I wanted to find a car that made a statement about who I am. Instead I got a car that says…who I’m not.
A Night Owl Top Pick
The Perfect Country And Western Story
Review by Melinda from Night Owl Reviews on May 4, 2010.
Alexandra is ready for a second chance. Not just any second chance but one that will change her life forever. She’s changed from head to toe and in and out. Everybody has known her as grease monkey Alex always under the hood of a car except this time she is in for a big surprise. She’s tired of always being a third wheel and wants true love in her life. Her mother always believed good things would happen for her. Imagine her surprise when a cowboy hat and Toby Keith brings her a true prince in the form of Ben. Well at least she thought he was a prince. Meeting him again backfires on her and instead of finding happily ever after she is dodging people’s looks of thievery. Everyone is accusing her of thievery, which is not true yet she is determined to prove to Ben that her love is real. Can she change his mind that what they shared before is real and not fake like everyone thinks it is?
Ben found real love last summer at least he thought it was love. He never expected that the woman of his dreams would steal his Toby Keith signed hat. One minute he saw a future with her then he saw hatred. A beautiful woman like Alexandra bewitched him like no other woman yet he is confused. He knows she is unlike any woman he has known but something about her speaks of a second chance. Each time he sees her Ben remembers the passion he shared with her. The couple of days he shared with her proved that no other woman can compare to her. Is he crazy to give Alex a second chance? Is there more to the theft?
The Perfect Country and Western Story is truly a romantic story of two people getting second chances in an unusual way. Two people who only had one summer to get together find out that it is a summer of unforgettable memories. Alex has waited all summer to get her man and won’t let anything stand in her way. I liked that Ben had all these doubts all year long and when he sees Alex the chemistry explodes between them. I loved it. Great job to Christine for showing a reader that everybody deserves a second chance and Alex is definitely one woman who deserves all the love she can get.
It’s Not Writer’s Block –
Although the last time I blogged was March 21st. and the last time I wrote was March 31st.
It’s Not a Mid-Life Crisis – although I did celebrate a birthday and I turned 51.
It’s Not Spring Fever…Although for the first time ever – Minnesota experienced a March with no snow.
It’s Not Lack of Time – I still have 24 hours in a day and my kids are no longer living at home.
No the only explanation I can find is … Parker’s Butt.
After 40 hours of sitting behind a computer and answering the phone, “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking,” I find the idea of sitting down distasteful. And when given a moment a free time, I hoola hoop, go to Pilates, pluck dandelions, go for long walks and occasionally do enough laundry to get me through another 40 hours of “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking.”
I even paid to have my Aura read, hoping to discover a cure for Parker’s Butt – but the only thing I learned was I’m yellow – very creative…but low on energy – which is the number one symptom of Parker’s Butt.
Now this isn’t the first time I experience Parker’s Butt – a long, long time ago I had a husband and he took one look at me and said, “You know what your problem is?”
Being Young and Naïve, I shook my head, opened my eyes wider and waited for enlightenment.
He voice was steady and sure. “You are afraid of success.”
For many years I thought that I had a strange defect and that I was afraid of succeeding…until the day I realized … I wasn’t afraid of success and I wasn’t afraid of rejection. I wrote and I submitted a number of writing projects – some were accepted and some were not.
Now a person who is afraid of success – would stick all of their writing in a drawer – or on an external hard drive…but not me I was submitting my work – clearly I was not afraid of success…
If my ex-husband had any insight fifteen years ago he would have said, “Honey, the only thing wrong with you…is a little Parker’s Butt.”
If I could park my butt down in a chair – I could write.
So, first thing tomorrow, I’m going to start looking for a cure for Parker’s Butt.
Tonight’s blog was accomplished with the following aids… Big Bowl of Popcorn and Little Glass of Wine.
Tomorrow, I might try Big Glass of Wine and Little Bowl of Popcorn…
Stayed tuned to see how this author cures her Parker’s Butt.
It’s Not a Mid-Life Crisis – although I did celebrate a birthday and I turned 51.
It’s Not Spring Fever…Although for the first time ever – Minnesota experienced a March with no snow.
It’s Not Lack of Time – I still have 24 hours in a day and my kids are no longer living at home.
No the only explanation I can find is … Parker’s Butt.
After 40 hours of sitting behind a computer and answering the phone, “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking,” I find the idea of sitting down distasteful. And when given a moment a free time, I hoola hoop, go to Pilates, pluck dandelions, go for long walks and occasionally do enough laundry to get me through another 40 hours of “Manager’s Office, Christine speaking.”
I even paid to have my Aura read, hoping to discover a cure for Parker’s Butt – but the only thing I learned was I’m yellow – very creative…but low on energy – which is the number one symptom of Parker’s Butt.
Now this isn’t the first time I experience Parker’s Butt – a long, long time ago I had a husband and he took one look at me and said, “You know what your problem is?”
Being Young and Naïve, I shook my head, opened my eyes wider and waited for enlightenment.
He voice was steady and sure. “You are afraid of success.”
For many years I thought that I had a strange defect and that I was afraid of succeeding…until the day I realized … I wasn’t afraid of success and I wasn’t afraid of rejection. I wrote and I submitted a number of writing projects – some were accepted and some were not.
Now a person who is afraid of success – would stick all of their writing in a drawer – or on an external hard drive…but not me I was submitting my work – clearly I was not afraid of success…
If my ex-husband had any insight fifteen years ago he would have said, “Honey, the only thing wrong with you…is a little Parker’s Butt.”
If I could park my butt down in a chair – I could write.
So, first thing tomorrow, I’m going to start looking for a cure for Parker’s Butt.
Tonight’s blog was accomplished with the following aids… Big Bowl of Popcorn and Little Glass of Wine.
Tomorrow, I might try Big Glass of Wine and Little Bowl of Popcorn…
Stayed tuned to see how this author cures her Parker’s Butt.
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