Eva Pasco's Blog, page 10
December 27, 2023
Eva’s Byte #452 – It’s a Wrap
We’re careening around the corner of 2024. The here-and-now of 2023 will soon recede in our rearview mirror.
Not one to make any New Year’s resolutions, nor do I dwell on or in the past, I will give the fleeting year a moment of my time to reflect:
Parodying John Lennon’s “So This Is Christmas” - Another year just about over, and, a new one about to begin. Just what have I done?
Nothing that’d earn me a humanitarian award, or name me Time’s Person of the Year.
But, then again, aren’t most of us unsung heroes/heroines in our own right who make a difference by doing things for others without calling attention to ourselves?
I won’t elaborate with personal details as that would defeat my purpose for flying under the radar.
For blazing new trails in 2024, I did purchase a replacement pair of black Mary Janes with tire-textured soles for navigating slippery ground.
In the capacity of a writer, it’s just about a wrap for drafting chapter 48 (740 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us stay true to ourselves venturing along roads not yet taken in the New Year.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Not one to make any New Year’s resolutions, nor do I dwell on or in the past, I will give the fleeting year a moment of my time to reflect:
Parodying John Lennon’s “So This Is Christmas” - Another year just about over, and, a new one about to begin. Just what have I done?
Nothing that’d earn me a humanitarian award, or name me Time’s Person of the Year.
But, then again, aren’t most of us unsung heroes/heroines in our own right who make a difference by doing things for others without calling attention to ourselves?
I won’t elaborate with personal details as that would defeat my purpose for flying under the radar.
For blazing new trails in 2024, I did purchase a replacement pair of black Mary Janes with tire-textured soles for navigating slippery ground.
In the capacity of a writer, it’s just about a wrap for drafting chapter 48 (740 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us stay true to ourselves venturing along roads not yet taken in the New Year.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
December 20, 2023
Eva’s Byte #451 – Home, Sweet Home
“Regardless the destination, all roads lead home.” H.L. Balcomb
On December 11th, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation closed the westbound side of Washington Bridge on I-195 due to a critical failure of some bridge components. Severely limiting and hampering access to points north and south, and impacting residents in the East Bay area, I felt the Grinch pinch. So did thousands of others crawling along congested arteries heading to our destinations near or far as the clock ticked on the 12th.
What can you do but grin and bear it?
At one of our standstill intervals, my mother and I burst out laughing when the local radio station played. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. At that point in time—only in our dreams!
Despite the surreal traffic and new detours in addition to existing ones, those roads led us to home, sweet home in different cities on opposite sides of the bridge.
Mercifully, in record time on the 15th, two bypass lanes on the eastbound lane were opened, enabling two-lane traffic on the westbound side.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve reached my destination at the finish line in chapter 47 (1031words) along the draft of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m embarking along the journey of chapter 48 (252 thus far).
*Wishing everyone safe travels along roads not yet taken throughout the holiday season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
On December 11th, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation closed the westbound side of Washington Bridge on I-195 due to a critical failure of some bridge components. Severely limiting and hampering access to points north and south, and impacting residents in the East Bay area, I felt the Grinch pinch. So did thousands of others crawling along congested arteries heading to our destinations near or far as the clock ticked on the 12th.
What can you do but grin and bear it?
At one of our standstill intervals, my mother and I burst out laughing when the local radio station played. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. At that point in time—only in our dreams!
Despite the surreal traffic and new detours in addition to existing ones, those roads led us to home, sweet home in different cities on opposite sides of the bridge.
Mercifully, in record time on the 15th, two bypass lanes on the eastbound lane were opened, enabling two-lane traffic on the westbound side.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve reached my destination at the finish line in chapter 47 (1031words) along the draft of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m embarking along the journey of chapter 48 (252 thus far).
*Wishing everyone safe travels along roads not yet taken throughout the holiday season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
December 13, 2023
Eva’s Byte #450 - A Few of My Favorite Christmas Songs
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole spins (1945) me back in time to my adolescence during the mid-Sixties when my parents had gotten me a stereo record player for Christmas. When my sister and I rushed to the living room in the morning to check things out, the words to this classic song greeted us.
Although I have many more, I’ve limited my faves to four:
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love (1963)
“Little Saint Nick” (Alternate Version) by The Beach Boys (1964)
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Elvis Presley (1971)
“Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses (1982)
In the capacity of a writer, I’m hitting the gas and peeling rubber drafting chapter 47 (689 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the lyrics to our favorite holiday tunes brighten the season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Although I have many more, I’ve limited my faves to four:
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love (1963)
“Little Saint Nick” (Alternate Version) by The Beach Boys (1964)
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Elvis Presley (1971)
“Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses (1982)
In the capacity of a writer, I’m hitting the gas and peeling rubber drafting chapter 47 (689 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the lyrics to our favorite holiday tunes brighten the season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
December 6, 2023
Eva’s Byte #449 – Good Samaritans
Good Samaritans stand out in bas-relief on the landscape of humanity. One can’t attach a price tag to a stranger’s charitable deed which has a positive impact on the recipient.
Good Samaritans who crossed my path this week:
The woman who called out “Miss” as I wheeled a shopping carriage to my vehicle. “You left a bag at the checkout lane.”
The driver who held up traffic so I could merge onto a busy roadway.
The server at a local restaurant who made it his point to hold open the door for my mother and me during our exit.
Good Samaritans empower us to pay forward an act of kindness. A neighbor in my building expressed her appreciation as I held the door open for her to proceed with a laundry cart.
In the capacity of a writer, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel for completing the draft of chapter 46 (1249 words) along my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting chapter 47 (242 words thus far).
*May each of us aspire to extend kindness when an opportunity presents itself.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Good Samaritans who crossed my path this week:
The woman who called out “Miss” as I wheeled a shopping carriage to my vehicle. “You left a bag at the checkout lane.”
The driver who held up traffic so I could merge onto a busy roadway.
The server at a local restaurant who made it his point to hold open the door for my mother and me during our exit.
Good Samaritans empower us to pay forward an act of kindness. A neighbor in my building expressed her appreciation as I held the door open for her to proceed with a laundry cart.
In the capacity of a writer, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel for completing the draft of chapter 46 (1249 words) along my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting chapter 47 (242 words thus far).
*May each of us aspire to extend kindness when an opportunity presents itself.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
November 29, 2023
Eva’s Byte #448 – Electrifying!
This inquiring mind wanted to know if rising residential electricity rates would darken the prospects of displaying outdoor holiday decorations.
According to a survey conducted by Today’s Homeowner (Nov. 17, 2023):
Nearly 70% of Americans plan to electrify: display outdoor holiday decorations. Nearly 60% of Americans decorate with colorful lights, while only 22% prefer white lights—my decorating preference.
Now, that’s not to say the average homeowner is planning to lampoon the exterior of their house with thousands of lights like Clark Griswold.
One of my favorite holiday pastimes is beholding the magic of the season illuminated by festive lights.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m illuminating my way to the tunnel’s end of drafting chapter 46 (1011 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the spiritual essence of the holiday season electrify our goodwill toward others.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
According to a survey conducted by Today’s Homeowner (Nov. 17, 2023):
Nearly 70% of Americans plan to electrify: display outdoor holiday decorations. Nearly 60% of Americans decorate with colorful lights, while only 22% prefer white lights—my decorating preference.
Now, that’s not to say the average homeowner is planning to lampoon the exterior of their house with thousands of lights like Clark Griswold.
One of my favorite holiday pastimes is beholding the magic of the season illuminated by festive lights.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m illuminating my way to the tunnel’s end of drafting chapter 46 (1011 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the spiritual essence of the holiday season electrify our goodwill toward others.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
November 21, 2023
Eva’s Byte #447 – Do You Hear What I Hear?
And, do you read between the lines of dialogue?
It’s the writer’s social conscience to delve below the surface of the human condition.
The other day:
Turned off by the commercialization of holidays which capitalizes on spending as opposed to the rightful emphasis on spirituality and extending goodwill to humankind, I overheard a supermarket conversation that roasted my chestnuts over an open fire.
Insensitive to the narrow dividing line between the haves and have-nots, two people in a checkout lane expounded, loud and proud, over the number of people expected to gather at their respective Thanksgiving feasts.
In stark contrast to the illusion of abundance for all, food pantries can’t stock supplies fast enough to accommodate those in need. Then, by choice or by circumstance, many will spend Thanksgiving Day alone.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting chapter 45 (1787 words) along the last lap of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun composing chapter 46 (200 words thus far).
*In gratitude, may each of us be thankful for life’s bare-bones necessities which are hard to come by for many.
All the other stuff is just gravy.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
It’s the writer’s social conscience to delve below the surface of the human condition.
The other day:
Turned off by the commercialization of holidays which capitalizes on spending as opposed to the rightful emphasis on spirituality and extending goodwill to humankind, I overheard a supermarket conversation that roasted my chestnuts over an open fire.
Insensitive to the narrow dividing line between the haves and have-nots, two people in a checkout lane expounded, loud and proud, over the number of people expected to gather at their respective Thanksgiving feasts.
In stark contrast to the illusion of abundance for all, food pantries can’t stock supplies fast enough to accommodate those in need. Then, by choice or by circumstance, many will spend Thanksgiving Day alone.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting chapter 45 (1787 words) along the last lap of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun composing chapter 46 (200 words thus far).
*In gratitude, may each of us be thankful for life’s bare-bones necessities which are hard to come by for many.
All the other stuff is just gravy.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
November 15, 2023
Eva’s Byte #446 – Downsizing
my handbags…
For years, I’ve carried oversized totes going hither, thither, and yon about my business—color-coordinating my brown or black arm candy with what I’m wearing.
The other day, it dawned on me that I don’t need “no stinkin’” oversized handbags. Nor do I need to switch over my brown and black handbags as often as I do. With this new outlook in mind, I weeded out my existing herd and donated most of my totes to Savers. Those that I’ve kept are like old friends you can’t part with—my Calvin Klein leopard tote, for one.
I purchased two downsized satchels of different styles in versatile colors: dark wine for this season’s use; neutral tone for spring.
While I don’t consider myself a slave to fashion, I am a girly-girl who’s a pushover for designer handbags—on sale! And, my handbags must have at least one outside pocket, in addition to the typical inside slip pockets.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m on the downside of drafting chapter 45 (1409 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress. My characters come with excess baggage.
*May each of us have the wherewithal to unload our heavy burdens.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
For years, I’ve carried oversized totes going hither, thither, and yon about my business—color-coordinating my brown or black arm candy with what I’m wearing.
The other day, it dawned on me that I don’t need “no stinkin’” oversized handbags. Nor do I need to switch over my brown and black handbags as often as I do. With this new outlook in mind, I weeded out my existing herd and donated most of my totes to Savers. Those that I’ve kept are like old friends you can’t part with—my Calvin Klein leopard tote, for one.
I purchased two downsized satchels of different styles in versatile colors: dark wine for this season’s use; neutral tone for spring.
While I don’t consider myself a slave to fashion, I am a girly-girl who’s a pushover for designer handbags—on sale! And, my handbags must have at least one outside pocket, in addition to the typical inside slip pockets.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m on the downside of drafting chapter 45 (1409 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress. My characters come with excess baggage.
*May each of us have the wherewithal to unload our heavy burdens.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
November 8, 2023
Eva’s Byte #445 – Framed
The collapse of an 8 x 10 picture frame stand opened a portal to family history:
Until this week, my mother’s picture frame withstood the test of time. The last survivor of her immediate family, the faded photo inside the frame captured a moment when the whole gang was here celebrating at my sister’s wedding fifty years ago.
Every picture tells a story.
Dismantling the old frame to remove a cherished vestige, I came across a treasure trove of three pristine photos on the subject of my sister, one of which was taken during her adolescence. I’ve stored them for safekeeping until I hand them over during her annual summer visit.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m drafting the framework for chapter 45 (858 words thus far), part of the big picture for my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us look beyond the obvious to see the big picture.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Until this week, my mother’s picture frame withstood the test of time. The last survivor of her immediate family, the faded photo inside the frame captured a moment when the whole gang was here celebrating at my sister’s wedding fifty years ago.
Every picture tells a story.
Dismantling the old frame to remove a cherished vestige, I came across a treasure trove of three pristine photos on the subject of my sister, one of which was taken during her adolescence. I’ve stored them for safekeeping until I hand them over during her annual summer visit.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m drafting the framework for chapter 45 (858 words thus far), part of the big picture for my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us look beyond the obvious to see the big picture.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
November 1, 2023
Eva's Byte #444 - Purse Finds
Besides the essentials one might find inside a purse on any given day—cell phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, compact mirror, and hairbrush—all of which are ever present in mine—there are other staples I conceal and carry.
Here’s five more:
Tissues
Mints
Lipstick
Pen and self-stick note pad
A plastic bag, always handy for popping in a to-go box from a restaurant
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished drafting chapter 44 (967 words), and have begun drafting chapter 45 (125 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us carry what we need to get by away from home.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Here’s five more:
Tissues
Mints
Lipstick
Pen and self-stick note pad
A plastic bag, always handy for popping in a to-go box from a restaurant
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished drafting chapter 44 (967 words), and have begun drafting chapter 45 (125 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us carry what we need to get by away from home.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
October 25, 2023
Eva’s Byte #443 – Soup’s On!
‘Tis the season for enjoying a cup or bowl of hot soup!
Considered comfort food that’s not too complicated to prepare—especially if you pour it out of a can into a pan—soup can provide nostalgic or sentimental value to the one dipping a spoon into the brine.
Nostalgic for my mother’s homemade soup, these are a few favorites:
Escarole soup minus the beans. Besides the green, leafy stuff for fiber, and flavorings, she added pasta, small meatballs, chicken, cut carrots, and slivers of boiled eggs.
Stew made with red gravy
Pasta e Fagioli
Cabbage soup with ham
Chicken soup
Having the least bit of interest to prepare anything from scratch unless it’s a story I’m concocting, my soup is poured from a can. I’m still fond of the classic favorite, tomato soup, accompanied by a grilled cheese sandwich.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished the draft for chapter43 (1505 words) along part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting chapter 44 (305 words thus far).
*May each of us enjoy our favorite comfort foods to stave off the cold, cruel realities outside our door.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Considered comfort food that’s not too complicated to prepare—especially if you pour it out of a can into a pan—soup can provide nostalgic or sentimental value to the one dipping a spoon into the brine.
Nostalgic for my mother’s homemade soup, these are a few favorites:
Escarole soup minus the beans. Besides the green, leafy stuff for fiber, and flavorings, she added pasta, small meatballs, chicken, cut carrots, and slivers of boiled eggs.
Stew made with red gravy
Pasta e Fagioli
Cabbage soup with ham
Chicken soup
Having the least bit of interest to prepare anything from scratch unless it’s a story I’m concocting, my soup is poured from a can. I’m still fond of the classic favorite, tomato soup, accompanied by a grilled cheese sandwich.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished the draft for chapter43 (1505 words) along part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting chapter 44 (305 words thus far).
*May each of us enjoy our favorite comfort foods to stave off the cold, cruel realities outside our door.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
