Those Broken Boot Moments

This is my broken boot. I tried to put it on in a hurry because I needed to go somewhere on a snowy day. The sole suddenly separated from the bottom! I had to search for other footwear to wear outside. This wasn't in my plan so it held me up a bit. I have  time issues. I don't like to be late. God is working on me with this, so I'm better than I used to be😊. I took a breath, and then I had a laugh at my situation. 

 Life sometimes gives you a "Broken Boot" moment. You don't see it coming and you think you don't have time for it because you have other things to do and it slows you down. When that moment appears, try a deep breath, a prayer, some laughter. Don't allow a "Broken Boot" moment to set a negative tone for your day.

Smiles from Sylvia,

Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Making that Drink in Mom's Kitchen

 One of Mom's adult grandchildren recently told her that he clearly remembered this designated green pitcher and pink cup from her kitchen long ago. He  remembered how she taught him to measure out the sugar and the water to put in the pitcher and stir so the drink would taste just right. What a precious memory that most of Mom's grandchildren likely share! In fact, even Mom's adult-plus children can tell you about a designated pitcher and cup for this drink from when we were growing up. We all spent our young years watching and learning from Mom in the kitchen. I won't print the name of this tasty drink that came in powder form in a packet and required one to mix it in water and add sugar, but I will say my favorite flavor was the red one. 

Smiles from Sylvia!

Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

My Cell Phone Died

"Goodbye, old friend."

I was late to the party when it came to getting a cell phone, but once I got the hang of it, I saw the need for one. I've had at least five of them over the years, but I don't like to switch from one cell phone to another. After sending me several notifications that she was ill, my five year-old cell phone died yesterday, so I got a new one. Buying a newer version of Samsung was the easy part. Figuring out how to switch the data from my old Samsung was not as easy for me, but that was because I had an attitude about the process and the necessity of it. Plus, I had gotten so used to the old phone that I could use some apps without paying much attention. I knew where everything was. The letters and numbers on the old one were bigger. All my settings were just where I like them. The old one fit perfectly in my hand. 

Well, as they say, "I'll go get some cheese to go along with this WHINE😀!" In a few weeks, I'm sure the new one and I will be getting along quite well.

Smiles from Sylvia😊

Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Sylvia Brown Roberts talking about her book Behind Closed Doors

My Dad's Basement Shelves

 

A few days ago, Mom asked me to replace a screw in her mailbox door. I looked around on the ground near the curbside mailbox for the screw and the screw nut, but couldn't find them. Mom reminded me of Dad's shelves in the basement, where he diligently organized his stuff. He could fix just about anything. He was neat with his basement stuff and always put stuff  back where he could find it. He could describe exactly the place in the basement where I could find whatever he stored. This is a pic of one of the shelves. I became nostalgic as I picked through Dad's old jelly jars. I could almost hear him say in a soft voice, "Not that one, Sis. The screws in that jar are too small for this job."  I smiled. Dad went to glory in 1999, but I can still remember the gentleness in his tone when he taught me life skills. I found the screw and the screw nut and fixed the mailbox door. Thanks, Dad.

Sylvia

Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Try Not To Get It In Too Fast!

 I thought I still had it all going on like in this video, but this week my body reminded me that pulled muscles aren't as forgiving in the 6th decade of life as they were in the 3rd decade of life. A little rest and lots of ointment will put this author back in the game. LOL!

Smiles from Sylvia😀😊 Visit me at:

www.sylviabrownroberts.com 

Behind Church Doors Movie Update

https://www.behindchurchdoors.com

Have you visited our website for the Behind Church Doors movie lately?

Please click the link above to see our progress with actor selection and filming!

Thanks!

Sylvia

For Crying Out Loud

 While driving, I listened to a talk radio station caller. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, she hasn't had a paycheck in about 2 weeks. The safety precautions (social distancing, outdoor seating, limited amount of customers allowed, etc., at her restaurant job make it impossible for her employer to keep the restaurant open and pay employees. Her boss may lose the business. The caller's husband is on disability. This woman is running out of money to pay bills. She doesn't want to ask family for help, because most people around her are involved in their own pandemic struggles. The talk show host encouraged the caller to let family members know her plight so they can offer what assistance they can. The caller's voice broke when she said softly, "I'll ask my Mom." In my car, I prayed for her out loud through my tears. I don't cry easily. I understood why she didn't want to ask for help. I can be like that. Sometimes, we do the best we can, but we still need help. In faith, I turn to God, but my tears weren't for me that day. They were for the caller, as was the prayer.  Be kind, and please VOTE today.

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Mask Washing Day and Voting Day

Recently, while washing some of my face masks that I now wear when I leave home because of  the Covid-19 panic, I watched "The Way I See It." It showcases the work and wisdom of  a presidential photographer named Pete Souza. When I was growing up, we children wore masks for fun like, "Trick or Treat" and costume parties. We didn't wear them to protect ourselves and others.  Before, 220,000 people (and counting) would not have died in this pandemic. Remember compassion and care for your fellow humans. Please vote.

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

"Church Doors Book 4: Won't Quit!" is available NOW!

 The fourth novel in my Church Doors series

has been published! It's available NOW in soft cover at www.amazon.com and www.barnes&noble.com and other online book retailers. Contact me  at my website: www.sylviabrownroberts.com for autographed copies. E-book format will be available soon!

Church Doors Book 4: Won't Quit! follows the first three novels:

Behind Church Doors

Beyond Church Doors

Behind and Beyond Church Doors: Promises

Get the novels and join the journey! Thanks!

Sylvia Brown-Roberts

Show Them How to Do It.

 At the print shop, a pleasant young man with a lilting accent prepared to laminate my poster. His supervisor watched closely, arms crossed, not offering any assistance. I could tell the young man wanted the job to be perfect. I didn't want to look over his shoulder. I left and returned 15 minutes later. When I returned, the supervisor rushed over. I asked the young man, "How did the poster turn out?"

 

"It's okay," he whispered. I took the poster and saw there were a few bubbles on the rear. The supervisor opened his mouth. The young man's eyes pleaded with me. I didn't have the heart to get him into trouble by pitching a fit over a few bubbles, especially since I know how to fix the bubbles. (Elementary school teachers often know how to fix lots of stuff.) I thanked the young man and paid. On my way past the supervisor, I suggested, "Instead of waiting for him to fail, show him the best way to do it, and let him practice." The supervisor must have read the words at the bottom of the poster, because he didn't say anything back to me.

Smiles,

Sylvia

www.sylviabrownroberts.com

A Clothing Story Starter

This bunch of clothes on the ground in a strip mall parking lot caught my attention. Was this intentional?  Did an angry partner toss the other partner's clothes from a car window? Why are there no shoes in this pile?

Is that rectangular item a seat pad? Did the clothes fall off the back of a pickup truck without the driver noticing? Were they left near the collection box for a clothing donation and someone decided to pick through to see if  she or he could use some of the clothing? Did someone dig them out of the collection box just to be mean? Was someone searching for a treasured item in one of the pockets?
Scenes like this can stimulate a writer's imagination for a story. A writer can make the story from this picture ominous, joyous, or funny. I think I'm going to work on this and see what I can come up with. Any ideas?
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Now We Wear Masks

The CoronaVirus pandemic has brought many changes our way. We're encouraged to stay home in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Supermarkets often have limited amounts of select products and many have signs on the floor that remind us to stay six feet apart. We have virtual worship services and meetings, virtual workouts, drive by parades to celebrate birthdays, promotions, and graduations. We think twice before we let others outside of family members enter our homes. We get several calls from doctors' offices because they want us to schedule our routine checkups. Many of us don't want to go to these offices right now, and we truly don't want to go to the hospital emergency room. When someone walks by us and coughs, we pay attention.
"Is that you, 'Rona? Please stay away from me."
One of my friends says she holds her breath and turns her head when someone walks past her in the store. No more family/friends hugs and kisses. The last time I posted, I wore a mask to the store, and it was optional. It's not optional anymore. Businesses have signs outside that tell us we need masks to enter. We will likely face more changes. Prayerfully, things will get better. I believe they will, in time.
For now, we wear our masks.
Be safe. Be kind. Please pray for those on the front line in this battle and those who are ill and those who mourn.
Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

New Day, New Rules

Thanks to the coronavirus,we have new rules and practices, but I realized yesterday that all of us don't cooperate. My first compliance was to put on my mask before entering the supermarket. I wore my gold one. My new normal means I have a mask wardrobe.😊
I purchased the needed items and practiced the rule of 6 feet of space behind the lady in front of me. A lady got in line behind me and did not. She wanted to chat with me, but I politely cut it short. We both had on our masks, but she was too close to me, according to the new rules of social distancing.
Outside the store, a man in front of me stopped, took off his mask, sipped from a water bottle, and spat on the ground. I got 6 feet away from him in a hurry.
Finally, I saw a man leaning on his car which was parked near my car. He had his mask off while he dragged on a cigarette and blew the smoke into the air. I went to my car door farthest away from him and entered my car.
It was time to get back inside my house. Stay safe.
Smiles,
Sylvia
Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Edit, Edit:Book 4

My fourth novel should be out into the world before too long. I submitted it to the publisher at the end of March and today I received the Editorial Review. I told myself I'd read it with fresh eyes tomorrow instead of reading it tonight.
Of course, I started reading it tonight. I agreed with some of the suggestions/corrections. Then I came across points I didn't agree with and started to explain my writing to no one in particular. My husband walked past my study and kept it moving.
Sometimes we authors are defensive of our work, even though we know constructive criticism is needed. It doesn't always feel good to me, but I've learned to vent a bit, then go back and reconsider the critique without bias. Before I got to that point tonight, I grabbed these miniature candies and the crunch helped level things out while I read. After five miniature candies, I put the candy away. I plan to read the rest of the review tomorrow and start the needed  work. BEHIND CHURCH DOORS BOOK 4: WON'T QUIT is the newest in my "Church Doors" series. I can't wait to get copies into readers' hands.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts,com

Valuable Paper

Another Covid-19 reality is the shortage of toilet paper and paper towels. Early on, many people rushed to the stores and bought lots of this stuff. Some folks hoarded it. Some bought it to make a profit by selling it to others at a marked-up price. For weeks, many stores had empty paper products shelves. When stores got paper products in, they had to limit how much each customer could purchase. Read the signs or get turned back at the checkout.
It's been jarring to see grocery store shelves with empty spaces. I actually stopped walking down the paper products aisle.
Imagine my surprise yesterday when I saw a woman at the store come out of the paper products aisle with a six-pack of paper towels! I backtracked, looked down the aisle. Lo and behold, I saw toilet paper and paper towels! I calmly picked up two of the four rolls allowed and one paper towel roll. No need to be greedy, I have some at home. Some other customer may have none at home. These are challenging times, but I believe we'll get through.
Stay safe, and please don't hoard the toilet paper.
Smiles,
Sylvia
Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Coronavirus Behaviors

Right now, the coronavirus pandemic makes us spend lots of time at home. It's for the safety of all of us. Here are some of my house behaviors this week:
I checked in on my Mom.
I participated in a virtual Sunday morning worship service.
I participated in a virtual Noon Prayer session.
I plan to sing hymns in a virtual Church Group Sing today at 6 p.m.
I deleted lots of old emails.
I did lots of laundry.
I did housework.
I ordered hair color because the hair salon is closed.
I did virtual workouts because the gym is closed.
I organized my "junk drawer" in my dresser.
I looked out of the window when I heard human voices outside my house.
I cooked food instead of ordering takeout.
I hung up on telemarketers, but in a pleasant way.
I increased my prayer time to remind me that God has this under control, no matter what we see now.
I thought about what we need to learn from this pandemic.
Next week, I plan to re-pot this cactus. I'm so excited it's growing so fast.
How are you using your time at home?
Stay safe.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Missing Mom's Hugs

We've all been affected by the current CoronaVirus: Covid 19 pandemic.  We are told to wash our hands, not touch our faces, cover our coughs and sneezes. We use lots of hand sanitizer. Another one of the recommended strategies for fighting this fast-moving, easily spread, and often deadly disease is called Social Distancing, where we try to stay at least 6 feet from each other. Many wear gloves and masks. Today, we were told we should stay home in order to stop the spread of this virus. We aren't supposed to partake in gatherings of more than 10 people. This affects church services, weddings, parties, etc.
Non-essential businesses have closed, as well as schools. This is a strange time, and I pray that God will deliver us from it. We humans have much to learn. However, this pandemic has brought out the good in some people.
I visit my Mom to check in on her. One of the things I miss most is that until this virus clears up, I cannot hug her. Neither I nor my siblings. We can't take the chance of making Mom ill, or making each other ill. Social distancing, you see. My family is big on hugs and warm greetings when we see each other, and I miss that.
Be safe, everyone.
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Always in the Way

While at the lab for blood work, I moved to let a frail elderly lady pass by. She held her cane, and moved gently, slowly. She looked weak and tired. I stood off to the side and smiled at her.
"Ma'am, I'll get out of your way."
She replied, "I'm always in someone's way."  She sighed and looked down.
"No ma'am, it's not a problem for me."
She walked by me and entered the cubicle to meet the technician. I didn't know what else to say, so I remained quiet. This touched me. How sad it must be to feel like you're always in someone's way. I  drew a sketch of her to remind me of how hard so many seniors have it in late life and pledge to find more ways to make it better for them.  Sylvia @ www.sylviabrownroberts.com

A Sweet Gift from Mom

One of Mom's annual holiday gifts to each of her children is a small container of holiday candy. When we were little, many moons ago, the candy would be in a stocking with at least one orange in the stocking. I think the orange with a small piece of candy inserted is a southern tradition.
Mom is in her 80's now, but she always remembers us in this special way.
There's something dear and comforting about our small container of holiday candy from Mom.
If you can, hug your Mom soon. Hug your Dad too, if you can. Or, hug your sweet memories of them.
Happy New Year 2020, everyone!
Sylvia
Visit www.sylviabrownroberts.com