Thursday, April 23, 2020

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

Monday, April 20, 2020

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

Thursday, April 16, 2020

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

Friday, April 10, 2020

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