My Mom's Artwork

If you're from a family with a strong sense of humor and the ability to tease one another without hurt feelings, you'll get this.
Lately, I've been wearing my hair full and bushy, and although Mom likes my hair, it's also a source of amusement for her.
One day, she told me that she had a scare by a stranger who suddenly appeared at her door, but she handled it wisely. Turns out it was a wrong address scenario, but it unsettled her at the time. After she told me about it, I said (in my Superwoman voice), "I wish I had been here. I don't appreciate anyone scaring my Mom."
Mom later told my sister, who remarked, "What was Sylvia going to do to the stranger? Beat him with her hair?" Much laughter followed, I'm told.
One of Mom's holiday gifts to me was this work of art she created about the event. The stick figure on the left represents Mom, with her signature hairstyle (we call it a Puff). The figure on the right represents me with all my "weapon" hair. She actually used pipe cleaners to create my hair look! When I unwrapped this artwork at our family gathering, there was laughter everywhere. Mom said she laughed while she created it. I'm putting this Mom artwork on the wall of my study. It's precious.
Family. I thank God for them.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Upcoming Novel Release

This is a picture of the front design (soft cover version) of my 3rd novel. Coming soon!

Behind and Beyond Church Doors: Promises 

The novel continues the story of Nikolis McQuaige (NikkiMac). She's single and in her early 40's. She's also a teacher and has been a faithful member of a congregation for several years. NikkiMac's new and blossoming relationship with assistant minister Adam Greene brightens her days. For the first time in her life, she's dating a man according to God's boundaries.  However, even as she and Adam grow closer, NikkiMac wonders if marriage is in their future. Will some dark issues from the past stand in their way?    
               

Mom's Private Stash

Yesterday's  blog post was about Mom's favorite coffee: Maxwell House. When I told Mom what I wrote, she acknowledged it. Then she very softly mentioned another brand of coffee she sometimes brews, but she doesn't purchase this brand. This coffee is an occasional and special gift from one of my brothers (the one whose name starts with an M). She doesn't share this more expensive coffee with any of us. She keeps it in a hidden place. The brand name starts with a G and ends with an A. Since she won't share this gift coffee, I guess I'll have to splurge and one of these days buy some of my own.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Mom's Coffee

This is the brand of coffee my Mom brewed when I was growing up. I think it's still her favorite. It's been many years since my childhood, but I use this brand of coffee also. I may buy another occasionally, but I return to this brand. Remember the slogan on the can? It's interesting how the products our mothers used when we were growing up influence our product choices as adults.
Do you remember the brand of coffee your Mom used when you were growing up?
I enjoy good memories.

Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

A Right to Sit

I went into DD to order a multi-grain bagel. There was a customer sitting by the window. I would have paid no further attention to him, except he began talking rapidly. He seemed to be talking to no one in particular, but he sounded angry.
"I got a right to sit!"
"I shoulda snuck him!"
"Grabbing me by my right arm!"
He said each of these sentences about three times each, and then he repeated them. He took a sip from his iced coffee. He looked around. He repeated those sentences. He took another sip of coffee. He pulled his cap down over his eyes.
The DD staffers watched him with caution, but said nothing. I was careful not to stare, but I knew if he got out of his seat, I was going to stay out of his way. Other customers sat on the other side of the store, away from him.
I didn't know how to help. When I mentioned this episode to a counselor friend of mine, she reminded me that there are many people wandering around our cities with mental illness who don't get the assistance they need. So sad.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Now I see you. Now I don't.

Has this ever happened to you?
Today I saw a lady in a store who I'd just seen earlier at a place we both attend on a regular basis. Let's call the place the library. When we're at the library, we greet each other. However, if she sees me in any place other than the library, she looks at me with a blank stare, like she has no idea who I am. If I greet her outside the library, she acts as if she doesn't hear me. Today was the third time she's done this. If it bothered me, I'd ask her why she only appears to recognize me when she sees me at the library. It doesn't bother me. I just think it's a little odd. Oh, well. Onward and upward.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Real Woman Magazine Fall 2015

In an earlier post, I shared

a selfie of me at a photo shoot for an article about me and three other women breast cancer survivors. Here's the cover of the Fall 2015 issue of Real Woman magazine. It's a foldout, when opened, all of us are visible. This was a meaningful experience for me. Please view the digital issue of the magazine at
realwomanonline.com

Thanks,
Sylvia

Waiting

Why is it that I can think of so many places I need to go when I have to wait at home for a delivery or a service repair?
My latest patience assessment has come in 2 forms: a furniture delivery and a washer repair appointment. One day last week, a furniture delivery scheduler gave me a 4-7 pm wait window. I wanted to attend a gospel meeting at 7:30 pm that evening, so I hoped the delivery would be closer to 4 pm than 7 pm. I waited until 7:30 pm, no furniture delivery. I wasn't happy with the non-delivery, but I knew hearing the gospel would be good for me. I left a phone message with the delivery service and went to church. I'm glad I did.
The next day, I negotiated another delivery (after making a few phone calls and calmly stating my case.) The following day, the furniture was delivered promptly in the morning.
Today, my wait window is 12-4 pm for the washer repair person. So far, so good. I'm working at my computer, like I should be. My mood is positive. I thank God that He's growing more patience in me.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Pork Roll

On Saturday, I had a new experience. My sister and I went to Arm & Hammer Park for the Case's Pork Roll Eating Championship. It's funny, because my sister doesn't eat much, but we wanted to spend some time together, the park is nearby, and it was a beautiful day.

I've never been to a live food eating contest before. 12 contestants had 10 minutes to see who could eat the most pork roll sandwiches. I was amazed at the strategies they used to get those sandwiches swallowed down! I think the winner ate 32 sandwiches! 

So many types of sandwiches were available. I had the Oink,Cluck&Moo sandwich. My sister had The Classic sandwich. I was full after my one sandwich. Clearly, I don't have food eating contestant skills. LOL!

Check out the pork roll person on the left!   That's my delicious sandwich below.

Women Warriors

About a week ago, I was in a studio in Fishtown in Phila. for a photo shoot. I'm one of four women  to be featured in the October 2015 issue in an article about women and breast cancer.  The magazine name is REALWOMAN (engage.share.bond)  You can visit them online at REALWOMANONLINE.COM
They also have a Facebook page REALWOMANONLINE
You might want to check it out and "Like" their Facebook page. It's a positive publication.
I'm excited to see how the article comes out. I'm thankful to be a breast cancer survivor.
Here's my cell phone selfie from the photo shoot that day. I had finished my pictures and was chatting and and waiting for the other ladies and the group picture session. The professional makeup artist does good work! You'll see in the article. Please look for it.

Best wishes,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Playing House

This is my month to teach the little ones in Sunday School. We're going to build a house using blocks and role play a faithful family. The objective is for the children to learn how God wants the family to live and how family members should interact with love. I have most of the figures for the boys in my class. Today, I picked up 2 little brown female dolls. The girls in my class will decide if they're going to be mother and daughter, or 2 sisters. The problem is there were only 2 female dolls left at the store, and since they aren't identical, I know both of my girl students will want to work with the same doll. Which doll do you think that will be? The doll with the black hair or the doll with the pink hair?

Oh well, I'd better go to another store and find some more little female dolls.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Mom Blessings

Grace upon grace upon grace...
That's a favorite statement our minister makes. It helps us remember how God liberally gives to us. It helps me more appreciate my abundant blessings from God. They come every single day. We all woke up this morning, our first blessing for today.
Yesterday, I was blessed to experience my octogenarian mother receive anesthesia, undergo an operation, and wake up in recovery talking, according to her surgeon. When  my sister and I laid eyes on her in post-op, she was munching cheerfully on saltines, and smiling. She even asked for some more saltine crackers. She was hungry and happy and thankful. All of us who love her are thankful for this blessing also.

Thankfully,

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Never

This is my favorite magnet because it expresses one of my strong beliefs. If the cause is right and my efforts meet with God's approval, this is my marching order. It's not always easy, but with His grace it can be done.

Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Battling Fowl

It didn't register in my mind that having roosters fight was a legitimate sport until I visited San Juan. I saw a building for that purpose. Then I saw a television broadcast of this activity. I've heard about dog fights for money before, but I think people would sneak and have them. When I was growing up, some of the neighborhood tough boys would let their dogs fight one another.

I felt sorry for the creatures. I don't like to see people or animals fight.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Dollar Tree

Does this happen to you?
I went to Dollar Tree, where every item costs one dollar. I needed a lint brush. I never leave Dollar Tree having spent just a dollar, so I allowed myself a five dollar budget. Of course I

spent more than five dollars. Of course, I have an explanation. Here are the pictures of my items and the receipt and my reasoning.
Readers! Where else can you get them for $1? I always need sticky notes. Lint brush-that's what I went for in the first place. Cooking covers- so my microwave doesn't get food splatters. Cough drops-good price. Round facial swabs-need these. Paperclips- I've been looking all over for them. Zipper bags-kitchen essential. Animal crackers-great snack. Antacids-travel size containers are nice for trips. Tuna salad kit-good snack with everything in the container. Goblet- I don't have one like this at home.
I rest my case.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Task List

My day began with my usual list of tasks to perform and my usual energy to get stuff done. From my prayer and devotional time until late morning, I was on task. But somewhere this afternoon, I got sidetracked.
Zumba class was canceled today, but I didn't know that until I was outside the gym pulling on the door handle and reading the "Closed" sign. After I sat outside in my car for 15 minutes, I accepted the fact that I couldn't cross Zumba class off my task list for today. Back home to make some business phone calls and write emails. I was about 50% successful with that before interruptions to provide health insurance info for family coverage. After that, I got hungry, so I stopped to eat leftovers. This caused me to miss the time I was supposed to call the doctor to reschedule an appointment. I have to move that task to tomorrow. I tried to download some pictures, but my camera decided not to cooperate. Daydreamed about the salmon dinner my husband promised to prepare later. Thought about the laundry and put in a load. Little has gone according to my plan, so I guess I'll read some more of  Revival, by Stephen King until dinner is ready. Then, off to song practice with Joyful Noise.
I'll make a new task list for tomorrow. It's all good. Smiles!

Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Again With the Money?

Not too long ago, I ended up  with a fake $10 bill. Of course, I started paying more attention to my change after that. I guess I wasn't careful enough, because somehow I got a weird $20 bill. I was straightening out the bills in my wallet, looking for signs of counterfeit, when I noticed that Andrew Jackson's eyes on a $20 bill looked odd. I held the bill up to the light and could see clear through Jackson's eyeballs! Someone had either poked or burned out the eyes on the bill! It's not a fake bill, but can I spend it? Who would take it from me if they noticed? Isn't there a law against defacing legal tender? Here's a picture of the  bill against a white background. Some people have too much time on their hands...
Shaking my head but never giving up,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

When We Meet Again

Some weeks, you breeze through life. Some weeks hit you in the back of the head. Most weeks have their ups and downs.
Earlier this week, I participated in the home-going service of one of my dearest friends. She had been battling illness and we were all praying for her recovery and a return to her normal life. The Lord called her home. It took many people by surprise. She struggles no more. She's at rest in the Lord. That brings me comfort.
I miss her. I will miss her for the rest of my life, but it's going to be okay. Right now, I'm remembering all the good times we had together, the road trips, the school and church projects we worked on, our book club events, the loads of laughter we shared. We laughed a lot.
She had my back, even when I told her I had things under control.
She encouraged me in my writing and attended practically all of my book signing events.
I plan to power up my writing energy and finish

my 3rd novel in recognition of her. She wouldn't have it any other way.
Rita, maybe we'll talk about it when we meet again.
In loving memory,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

My Rita Cup

This is a special gift cup. I drink a soothing cup of tea from it before bedtime. It's from one of my best sister friends. She gave it to me during the 2014 Christmas and Kwanzaa season. We were at a book club meeting. At the last meeting of the year, members exchanged gifts. She gave each of us a different cup, complete with lid and stirring spoon. Unfortunately, she became ill not long after this joyous event and has been battling for her health for most of 2015. Every time I look at this cup, I think of her and say another prayer to God for her health and total well being. We love you, Rita.
Keeping the faith,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

I'm Lost

Many years ago,  negotiating highways used to be a thrill, but not now.
Nevertheless, I drove for the first time to a friend's house in another city not far away. Success!  I parked my car and we traveled in her car to DE for an event. When we returned to her house, I got in my car. A little anxious to make the drive home before darkness set in, I quickly waved goodbye and set off, reversing the directions in my head. All went well until I turned off the highway 2 exits before I was supposed to. I found myself wandering around in small towns, trying to get back on the highway. I stopped to ask for directions twice, but it turns out the sign for the highway wasn't clearly marked. I drove past it twice before I prayed for help. Then, I remembered some of my late father's life logic. Don't keep going back and forth the wrong way in opposite directions. Take the turn at the sign, and you'll figure it out. The way you keep going back and forth isn't getting you anywhere.
I took the turn. It worked.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

My Purse

I went for THAT annual exam, ladies, but we won't discuss those details.( I encourage all to get their routine exams.)
Anyway, you know the first thing they do is weigh you. When I stepped on the scale, I did my usual silent shriek. The nurse noticed my purse and did a louder shriek, followed by, "That's a gorgeous Dooney & Bourke tote bag. You really have it stuffed. I'm curious. Let me hold it for a second. I want to see something."
I warned her about its weight, but she accepted my bag from me and put it on the scale.
It weighed 8.5 pounds. I wasn't surprised. I know I carry  too much stuff.
Some of you probably do the same.
Maybe we can start a support group.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

What?

Sometimes I wonder why people say certain things...
I was at the gym exercising with a small group of women I know, some white, some black. A woman we didn't know came through the door and waved a coupon from a nearby sweet treats business. She said she wasn't going to be in this area tomorrow to use it while it was valid, so she asked if any of us went there. I said I sometimes frequented the sweet treats business; she gave me the coupon.
(I think our workout coach rolled her eyes at me. What can I say? I enjoy a sweet treat from time to time, but I do work out regularly.)
On her way out, the coupon lady stopped and said to me, "My name is on the coupon paper I gave you, and it's a black person's name. When people read my name, they think I'm a black person until they meet me. My name is P....... Williams."
All of us looked at her. "What?" I asked, puzzled. She looked like she'd said something to me that I should identify with. She left without giving me a response. The other ladies and I looked at each other, shook our heads, and kept exercising. I didn't keep the coupon.
Keep the faith,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts

Capital City Book Fair 2015

I'm looking forward to chatting with people about my Church Doors novels on May 2nd at the Capital City Book Fair in downtown Trenton, NJ.

My 3rd novel is being edited now, after that, it goes into the pre-publication and publication process. Doing a little nail-biting because I want it to be released before October 2015. I'm doing the work and praying, and I appreciate your prayers also. Speaking of doing the work, gotta go!
Keep the faith,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

ABC Jr. Event

I had a recent book signing table at a unique event. It was for the ABC, Jr. ( Andrew B. Crawford, Jr.) Memorial Scholarship Fund. The annual event is headed by Catherine Crawford, and she is the mother  of the young man we honored. He was taken from this earthly life on November 28, 2002. I didn't know him, but was quite impressed by the outstanding life he led before his departure. His mother founded this scholarship endeavor to help other students achieve their academic goals like her son Andrew did. What a wonderful tribute to her son, to help other young people in such a manner. I was touched by the sincerity and support of the attendees. Some of the award recipients were in attendance. They were very grateful for the help. It's a wonderful effort. Founder and Director Catherine Crawford welcomes tax deductible donations so she and her team can continue to aid more students to meet their goals. Her website is: www.singleparentfellowship.vpweb.com
Keep the faith,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

In The Elevator

There may be nothing to this, but here goes.
You know how you realize you may have been spared from danger, but it doesn't click in your head until you're safely away from the situation?
Last week, I walked into the front entrance of a hospital. As I entered, I heard a person say, "Get out of the car," to a man who looked to be in his mid to late 20's. He got out silently and walked into the lobby. Before going to the elevators, I stopped to check my planner to confirm the floor and office number of my doctor's office: 3rd floor.  Then I got on. I was the only passenger. At the second floor, the same man got on the elevator. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, AND I FEEL WEIRD, I USUALLY GET OFF BEFORE THE DOORS CLOSE. He stood across from me and faced me. I nodded to acknowledge his presence. He didn't respond. When the doors closed, I felt a bit uncomfortable. He rubbed his nose a couple of times and appeared tense. When the doors opened for the 3rd floor, I dashed out. I put the uncomfortable feeling out of my mind. When I left the doctor's office, the same man was in the hallway. When he saw me, he abruptly entered another office waiting room.
Nothing happened, and I'm thankful.
I wish I'd handled it differently, though.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Help from the Sister Circle

Lately, I've been going back and forth about a title for my 3rd novel, so I decided to get some feedback from people I trust before frustration arrived. I'm glad I did that. Like many writers, I work in isolation, but I'm part of a circle of friends who know me and know my work. When I get stuck chasing around in circles, they provide a few words of clarity and reminders about  my characters and themes. They correctly note that I'm so close to the story that I sometimes need fresh eyes and ears to see and hear about it.
Thank God for my literary circle. Thank you, my sisters.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com
BEHIND CHURCH DOORS
BEYOND CHURCH DOORS

Random Act of Kindness

I'm in the checkout line at a drugstore today. When it's my turn, the cashier looks at me, smiles, and gives me a cheery, "Hello." I respond in kind. She sees my bracelets and compliments me on them.
"Your bracelets are lovely. Do you take them off when you go to sleep?"
"No, I sleep with them on."
She pulls her sleeve back, takes a bracelet off her arm, and says, "Here, add this to your bracelet collection."
She hands me the bracelet and tells me it's a gift to me from her. The words on the bracelet are:  EXPECT MIRACLES. I'm stunned. The cashier next to her smiles and says, "She gives things away all day; she's sweet like that."
I try to give it back, but she insists. Her only requirement to me is, "I want you to always expect a miracle."
I thank her. I'm so touched that a stranger would treat me to such a random act of kindness.  The good intention toward me is more valuable than the actual bracelet. Then, I realized I'm often so busy doing for others that I don't know I sometimes need a kindness myself. I didn't know I was in "random kindness" need until this happened to me today. Here's a picture of the bracelet.
Thank you, Lady at the drugstore.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

 Learning begins in the home. It's powerful when our children enter school with this thought: 

My education is important, so I'm going to pay attention and learn today.

A caller on a radio show said a major problem with public schools these days is that many students come to school, but not for the purpose of learning. 

He said, "Some students treat school like a six and a half hour social event."

Initially,  I wanted to disagree with his remark, but as a veteran public school teacher, the faces of some students with that attitude flashed in front of me. I recalled the many strategies I used to motivate those students to learn. Some strategies worked, others didn't. It was always worth the try.

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

 

Satellite Radio

Okay. This Baby Boomer is late to the party, but I'm glad I finally made it. My latest discovery is SiriusXM satellite radio.  Joyce, my sister friend, told me about it quite awhile ago, but I didn't pay too much attention. I continued to listen to my FM and AM stations and was somewhat content. Still, I couldn't access enough talk radio, only National Public Radio. Then, I got a new radio with satellite access and Joyce showed me how to locate some stations. Wow! Every week I find another! Satellite Radio is a huge listening universe! Currently, I hang out on Urban View (#126) with Maggie Linton, Joe Madison, Sharpton, Karen Hunter, Lou Hutt, and others. I don't always agree with all of them, but they give me something to think about. For Jazz, I enjoy Watercolors (#66). Next for me is a search of Christian Radio stations for talk and gospel music.  CNN is #115. NPR is #122.  There's an Entertainment section, too.The search continues.
 I have to figure out how to customize my satellite radio listening experience. I'll be late to that party  too, but I plan to get there.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Here's a picture from a 2014 meeting of our Book Club, with the books we read and discussed for that cycle. I included postcards of my 2 novels in the photo just for fun. Although my loyal Book Club sisters did read and say they enjoyed my Behind Church Doors and Beyond Church Doors novels, I didn't want them to feel obligated to have the formal group discussion about them. 

Currently, we're reading Life in Spades, by Frances Frost. The 2nd picture is of me and Frances at a 2014 Literary Conference. Some of the Book Club members attended the event. We met Frances and her novel and put it on our 2015 reading list! Happy Reading! Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

iPod Gone

I don't lose things often. I guess that's why it nags me when I do. My latest lost-and- not-yet- found item is my iPod shuffle. It's not much bigger than a large postage stamp, and I've had it for almost 2 years. I lost it in October 2014, and it's been long past the time I usually find my lost things. When I stop looking for them, they usually turn up in an overlooked place.
My little iPod...I'd finally mastered the technique of downloading music from iTunes with my iTunes gift cards. My now-21 year old patiently walked me through the process.
I've looked all over for it. I believe it's somewhere in this house, so I'm going to relax and let it turn up.
Have you lost anything lately?
Always hopeful,
Sylvia
Website: www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Taking Chances

I was at a store today, and a young lady approached me. I'd already noticed her moving up and down the aisles, like she was looking for something. This is how it went:
Young Lady: "Excuse me, Miss. I want to buy a pack of cigarettes, but I don't have any ID on me. If I give you the money, will you buy them for me?"
Me: "My faith won't let me buy cigarettes for you. I can't, young lady." I was pleasant, but firm.
Young lady: "Oh, I'm sorry. I apologize for asking you." She seemed genuine.
She walked away. I finished shopping and went to my car. I saw her leave the store dragging on a cigarette and blowing out smoke. I guess another customer got the cigarettes for her. She drove past me in a car. I thought, "She's driving, so she can use her license as ID. And if she's driving without a license, she's taking another risk in addition to smoking."
Things that make you go, "Hmmm."
What would you have done?
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

The LOOK

Last week, our 21 year-old walked past me on her way out of the kitchen. She turned back and said, "Mom, there's a spill on the floor near the refrigerator, in case you didn't know."  She said this in a respectful manner that showed she thought she was doing a helpful thing by informing me of the spill.
I knew I had spilled some water while preparing food, but I hadn't yet grabbed a paper towel to get it up.
And now, instead of grabbing said paper towel and drying the floor, our 21 year-old let me know the floor was wet.
Suddenly, I realized why long ago, my mother occasionally used to look at me a certain way. The LOOK would cross her face when childhood Sylvia had a mind-burp and Mom didn't want to say what she actually thought. However, I usually got the message once I saw The LOOK on Mom's face, and I quickly tried to fix whatever I had done wrong.
I gave my 21 year-old The LOOK, and she got the message. Well done, my dear child.
Did your Mom use The LOOK with you?

Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com