Borders Bookstore

My first novel, Behind Church Doors, was published in 2010. It was an exciting time for me because I'd finally realized the dream of writing a novel. I'd been writing notes for many years, but it wasn't until I retired from teaching that I gathered my notes, my thoughts, and the discipline to create a  lead character named Nikolis McQuaige (NikkiMac). She came alive to tell the story of her life before she became added to the church and after being in the church. The characters in the novel are described as "warm, spirited, and often humorous"- and other adjectives! Borders was one of the first local bookstores to grant me a book signing. I went on to write two more novels and am currently writing a fourth one.  Borders isn't here anymore, but I'll always be grateful they gave this (then) new author a chance.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

The Chemo Suite

About a month ago, I visited what I call the Chemo Suite for my 2nd injection of Prolia (to protect my bones). When one of the nurses gets to me, my procedure is real quick, in and out.
I admire the positive attitude of the staff and the quiet, calm, and determined manner of the chemo patients who nap, read, knit, tap on their cell phone screens, and chat softly with their family member(s) for hours while they get treatment. Even though the reason for being there is serious, the room is cozy.
Today's impressions: 
"If I remember, your port's on the right." "Yes it is, you remembered right."
"Shoot me up. $5.00 Regular. One more treatment after this. Then I'll be cured."
The sound of wheels rolling each time a patient pushes the pole that carries his/her chemo bag as they walk to the lavatory or around the room for something.
These are brave souls.
I pray for their complete recovery.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Stay on your mission.

This turtle came down from the canal bank, which is pretty unusual in the yard. The turtle caught my attention for a bit, but I figured she'd gotten confused and would soon backtrack to the canal bank. Imagine my surprise when I walked by later and saw the turtle's back legs and feet moving. She was digging a hole in the ground!  Later, many eggs came from her body and dropped into the hole one at a time. Finally, the turtle covered the hole. It took her a long time to complete her mission, but she slowly and methodically got the job done. She didn't turn her head from side to side in distraction. If she noticed my quiet watching from a distance, she didn't let on. She had total focus on her mission. Sometimes I have to remind myself of that total focus to my mission. Sometimes I multitask and temporarily lose some of the focus needed to complete my primary task well.
This is a lesson from a turtle.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com