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

Thought from a Teacher

A few months ago, I toured our new high school. Like all the others I spoke with on the tour, I was impressed with the beautiful state-of-the-art  building. Also, this very large wall hanging caught my eye. The message touched the heart of this retired teacher. All I can say is, "Yes, and if you teach children and don't believe this, I wonder if you should teach children." -Sylvia-
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

White Porcelain Cups

Sometimes items appeal to me for many little reasons. Like these white porcelain cups that I got at a flea market fundraiser. I like that they have corners instead of just curves. I like that they are made of  porcelain. I like that I can sip from the corner of the cup or the straight side of the cup. I like that my brother and I split a set of four into two for me and two for him. He liked them also, but neither one of us has available storage space for the set of four. I like that the two of us always negotiate well. I like the shininess of my mugs. I like when they hold coffee and I like when they hold tea.
That is all.
Smiles,
Sylvia
Visit me at www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Authors and Readers

It was a pleasure to participate in the "Authors' Area" at the NJEA (New Jersey Education Association) Convention last week. Of course, authors want people to purchase and read their work, but I also get a charge out of discussing my writing and my writing process with readers. Before I know it, I get a rush when I speak of a character's thought process in response to a question from a reader. It's great when readers provide fresh ideas and viewpoints that are valuable to authors. The live author-reader relationship is a good thing!
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Save The Children

This art on our city's Artworks building is expertly done. It  makes me catch my breath. A view of any child suffering anywhere calls to the heart. Let's each do what we can to end the suffering of children everywhere.
Thanks,
Sylvia
Visit my website at www.sylviabrownroberts.com