Eva Pasco's Blog, page 13
June 21, 2023
Eva’s Byte #425 – The Tastes of Summer READING
It’s time to roll out the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. More than soda, pretzels and beer cited in this seasonal song of cheer (“Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer” by Nat King Cole; released – May, 1963)—it’s:
Lobster rolls, barbecue, wine coolers, potato salad, watermelon, hitting the beach—and, the beach read.
Without getting into the history of the term’s emergence in 1990, a beach read is generally considered escapist reading while enjoying a day at the beach. Content is usually engaging and light. Even better if the book has a beach setting. The genre is open to speculation. Yet, me thinks, even the wide latitude probably rules out True Crime, for one.
Nowadays, my beach days entail being on the go trekking along the shore for sea glass. However, when I recall past years of sprawling on the sand, slathered in baby oil and soaking up the rays—my companionable books defied typecasting. They defined my year-round preferential reading tastes for dark fiction and true crime.
Don’t sugarcoat the lemonade, I say!
So, does the season of summer with its predilection for carefree days alter your taste in reading?
In the capacity of a writer who strives for unflinching realism, I’m rolling out the draft of Chapter 36 (755 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us enjoy the days of summer, savoring the tastes of good food and engaging books.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Lobster rolls, barbecue, wine coolers, potato salad, watermelon, hitting the beach—and, the beach read.
Without getting into the history of the term’s emergence in 1990, a beach read is generally considered escapist reading while enjoying a day at the beach. Content is usually engaging and light. Even better if the book has a beach setting. The genre is open to speculation. Yet, me thinks, even the wide latitude probably rules out True Crime, for one.
Nowadays, my beach days entail being on the go trekking along the shore for sea glass. However, when I recall past years of sprawling on the sand, slathered in baby oil and soaking up the rays—my companionable books defied typecasting. They defined my year-round preferential reading tastes for dark fiction and true crime.
Don’t sugarcoat the lemonade, I say!
So, does the season of summer with its predilection for carefree days alter your taste in reading?
In the capacity of a writer who strives for unflinching realism, I’m rolling out the draft of Chapter 36 (755 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us enjoy the days of summer, savoring the tastes of good food and engaging books.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
June 14, 2023
Eva’s Byte #424 – The Cufflinks
For the past 57 years since July 23, 1966, the anniversary of my father’s passing, many memories are still intact. Fifteen years old at the time, my mother asked me what personal keepsakes I’d like for my very own. I chose a handkerchief and two pairs of cufflinks.
Residing in one of my desk drawers, the folded handkerchief is inside a plastic sleeve along with my 1973 college freshman beanie. The cufflinks are in a case which I’d originally kept in a jewelry box on top of a bureau. I’ve since placed the case on top of my desk where there still seems to be room at the inn for treasures.
A master welder by trade, and an antique auto restorer in his spare time, my dad hardly wore a dress shirt requiring these fasteners for holding the cuffs together. He did make use of them when gussying up for Sunday mass and special occasions.
A wellspring of wisdom, I’d be remiss if I didn’t link one of his turns of phrase—“Whenever you’re inside a building, note the exit.”
A safety precaution in case of fire, I’ve often heeded his sound advice for walking away from situations which no longer serve my best interests.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve exited the draft for Chapter 35 (1151 words). I’m in the throes of composing Chapter 36 (65 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us have an exit strategy for escaping a toxic situation.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Residing in one of my desk drawers, the folded handkerchief is inside a plastic sleeve along with my 1973 college freshman beanie. The cufflinks are in a case which I’d originally kept in a jewelry box on top of a bureau. I’ve since placed the case on top of my desk where there still seems to be room at the inn for treasures.
A master welder by trade, and an antique auto restorer in his spare time, my dad hardly wore a dress shirt requiring these fasteners for holding the cuffs together. He did make use of them when gussying up for Sunday mass and special occasions.
A wellspring of wisdom, I’d be remiss if I didn’t link one of his turns of phrase—“Whenever you’re inside a building, note the exit.”
A safety precaution in case of fire, I’ve often heeded his sound advice for walking away from situations which no longer serve my best interests.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve exited the draft for Chapter 35 (1151 words). I’m in the throes of composing Chapter 36 (65 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us have an exit strategy for escaping a toxic situation.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
June 7, 2023
Eva’s Byte # 423 – Fob, Fob, Fobbin’ Along
Last Friday on June 2nd, all things were in accordance to my planetary alignment for foraging on the beach: Sabin Point’s tide at .8 feet @ 11:00 A.M., my time of arrival, and ebbing to .2 feet by 12:30 P.M., my time of departure; temperature hovering in the 70s at the shore; sunshine and a light breeze.
Bob, bob, bobbin’ along I went along the stretch of beach collecting nature’s bounty: a variety of seashells; obsidian—shiny, black, volcanic glass; assorted pieces of sea glass.
Having filled my satchel, I prepared to leave.
Fob, fob, fobbin’ along with the key fob, I could not for the life of me, unlock the door on my vehicle. Panic set in. All keyed up, I sat on one of the benches overlooking the ocean and called for roadside assistance. While engaged in conversation, I “fobbed” the unlock function on the key fob. Lo and behold, it worked, so I cancelled the call.
Of course, somewhat calmer returning to my vehicle, I discovered what I’d overlooked due to relying on a remote device—I could have unlocked the door on the driver’s side with the key itself.
Ruh-roh!
Conducting preliminary research, I’ve learned the battery in a key fob lasts 3 to 4 years at best. This has prompted me to replace the battery in order to avoid another rude awakening when I least expect it. The store clerk said the battery’s shelf life was more like 2 to 3 years, depending on usage.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m bob, bob, bobbin’ along drafting Chapter 35 (622 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*When it comes down to safeguarding our well-being, may each of us build in periods of relaxation to recharge our batteries.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Bob, bob, bobbin’ along I went along the stretch of beach collecting nature’s bounty: a variety of seashells; obsidian—shiny, black, volcanic glass; assorted pieces of sea glass.
Having filled my satchel, I prepared to leave.
Fob, fob, fobbin’ along with the key fob, I could not for the life of me, unlock the door on my vehicle. Panic set in. All keyed up, I sat on one of the benches overlooking the ocean and called for roadside assistance. While engaged in conversation, I “fobbed” the unlock function on the key fob. Lo and behold, it worked, so I cancelled the call.
Of course, somewhat calmer returning to my vehicle, I discovered what I’d overlooked due to relying on a remote device—I could have unlocked the door on the driver’s side with the key itself.
Ruh-roh!
Conducting preliminary research, I’ve learned the battery in a key fob lasts 3 to 4 years at best. This has prompted me to replace the battery in order to avoid another rude awakening when I least expect it. The store clerk said the battery’s shelf life was more like 2 to 3 years, depending on usage.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m bob, bob, bobbin’ along drafting Chapter 35 (622 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*When it comes down to safeguarding our well-being, may each of us build in periods of relaxation to recharge our batteries.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 31, 2023
Eva’s Byte #422 – Stage of the Game
At this stage of the game drafting my Contemporary work in progress, authenticating a scene necessitated researching TV programs that aired on the evening of June 5, 1975.
Fitting in with my staging of a death scene, I settled upon two consecutive ABC shows: The Streets of San Francisco (9:00 p.m.) and Harry O: Second Sight (10:00 p.m.)
It’s just part of the daily grind to elevate every day, mundane happenings to a work of literary art.
Incidentally, the top-rated TV show for 1975-76 was All in the Family:
“Edith, somebody’s gotta be dead; that’s life.” (Archie Bunker)
As for making progress at this stage of the game along Part 2, I’ve finished drafting Chapter 34 (1036 words) and I’m staging Chapter 35 (265 words thus far).
*May each of us be at the top of our game, playing by our own rules.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Fitting in with my staging of a death scene, I settled upon two consecutive ABC shows: The Streets of San Francisco (9:00 p.m.) and Harry O: Second Sight (10:00 p.m.)
It’s just part of the daily grind to elevate every day, mundane happenings to a work of literary art.
Incidentally, the top-rated TV show for 1975-76 was All in the Family:
“Edith, somebody’s gotta be dead; that’s life.” (Archie Bunker)
As for making progress at this stage of the game along Part 2, I’ve finished drafting Chapter 34 (1036 words) and I’m staging Chapter 35 (265 words thus far).
*May each of us be at the top of our game, playing by our own rules.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 24, 2023
Eva’s Byte #421 – Spin-Off
This blog is a spin-off sequel from a previous one where I digressed about my trending dinner salads for the evening meal. Since the trend is still going strong, I decided to purchase a lettuce spinner.
Supposedly, a spinner will clean greens better than handwashing the leaves, and it will dry them more efficiently so the dressing will hold up much better.
One who still uses a handheld can opener and hand-cranked pencil sharpener, the rotary handle on the spinner should “turn” out fine.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m turning phrases as I finish the spin on drafting Chapter 34 (877 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
A work of pure fiction evolving from the windmills turning in my mind, one could say I’m spinning a web of lies.
*May each of us be able to put a positive spin on prevailing winds heading in our direction.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Supposedly, a spinner will clean greens better than handwashing the leaves, and it will dry them more efficiently so the dressing will hold up much better.
One who still uses a handheld can opener and hand-cranked pencil sharpener, the rotary handle on the spinner should “turn” out fine.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m turning phrases as I finish the spin on drafting Chapter 34 (877 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
A work of pure fiction evolving from the windmills turning in my mind, one could say I’m spinning a web of lies.
*May each of us be able to put a positive spin on prevailing winds heading in our direction.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 17, 2023
Eva’s Byte #420 – The Keys
Not 9 ½ weeks—but, for each of the 52 weeks in a year, I’ve managed to come up with a weekly blog topic. Hence, the # symbol represents just how many weeks I’ve pulled through.
This week’s topic was a no-brainer. Literally!
Rummaging through my handbag while wheeling a grocery cart out of the supermarket and through the parking lot toward my vehicle, I couldn’t deny the keys to my apartment building and unit weren’t in there.
During the drive home, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach because I have a place to live with no means to get inside.
Theoretically.
In actuality, I was able to enter the mail room/lounge area without a key, and buzz the manager to let me inside the building. From there, I went to her office and explained what had happened. Together, we walked to my apartment for her to unlock the door. She, good-naturedly. Me, feeling foolish. My own harshest critic when it comes to writing, I’m a Type A personality who hits the ground running without allowing myself a margin for error.
“When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way…” (West Side Story)
By the way, the keys were on the kitchen counter.
There’s a first time for everything, but I’ll be darned if it happens again. I stowed a spare set in my handbag. I’d just better not leave the original set behind when I go out for my daily walks around the property.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting Chapter 33 (531 words) in Part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting Chapter 34 (208 words thus far).
*May each of us pay attention to the devil in the details during creative endeavors and mundane tasks.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
This week’s topic was a no-brainer. Literally!
Rummaging through my handbag while wheeling a grocery cart out of the supermarket and through the parking lot toward my vehicle, I couldn’t deny the keys to my apartment building and unit weren’t in there.
During the drive home, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach because I have a place to live with no means to get inside.
Theoretically.
In actuality, I was able to enter the mail room/lounge area without a key, and buzz the manager to let me inside the building. From there, I went to her office and explained what had happened. Together, we walked to my apartment for her to unlock the door. She, good-naturedly. Me, feeling foolish. My own harshest critic when it comes to writing, I’m a Type A personality who hits the ground running without allowing myself a margin for error.
“When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way…” (West Side Story)
By the way, the keys were on the kitchen counter.
There’s a first time for everything, but I’ll be darned if it happens again. I stowed a spare set in my handbag. I’d just better not leave the original set behind when I go out for my daily walks around the property.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting Chapter 33 (531 words) in Part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’m currently drafting Chapter 34 (208 words thus far).
*May each of us pay attention to the devil in the details during creative endeavors and mundane tasks.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 10, 2023
Eva’s Byte #419 – Mama Said
Mama said there'll be days like this
There'll be days like this, mama said
(“Mama Said” - The Shirelles, 1961)
“Be a leader, not a follower!”
Not the first time my mama said this during my adolescence or thereafter.
Regardless, I got swept up in following the latest fads adopted by my classmates during the early 1960s. Such as:
Sporting a Vidal Sassoon haircut with mop-top bangs
Owning a pair of white go-go boots
Slipping chunky lucite rings on my fingers
Boasting one high-waisted Mama dress with ruffled-cuff sleeves in my closet
But, I followed Mama’s advice when it counted, meaning not to compromise my integrity or do something stupid just to fit in. It was easy. Back then, I was an introverted bookworm. Nowadays, I’m an introverted Indie author who writes according to my own dictates rather than following the whims of what’s trending.
I know I’m in good company.
In regard to forging my own literary path along part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress, I finished drafting chapter 32 (719). I’m plotting through the trenches of chapter 33 (122words thus far).
*May each of us forge life’s paths by adhering to our own principles.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
There'll be days like this, mama said
(“Mama Said” - The Shirelles, 1961)
“Be a leader, not a follower!”
Not the first time my mama said this during my adolescence or thereafter.
Regardless, I got swept up in following the latest fads adopted by my classmates during the early 1960s. Such as:
Sporting a Vidal Sassoon haircut with mop-top bangs
Owning a pair of white go-go boots
Slipping chunky lucite rings on my fingers
Boasting one high-waisted Mama dress with ruffled-cuff sleeves in my closet
But, I followed Mama’s advice when it counted, meaning not to compromise my integrity or do something stupid just to fit in. It was easy. Back then, I was an introverted bookworm. Nowadays, I’m an introverted Indie author who writes according to my own dictates rather than following the whims of what’s trending.
I know I’m in good company.
In regard to forging my own literary path along part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress, I finished drafting chapter 32 (719). I’m plotting through the trenches of chapter 33 (122words thus far).
*May each of us forge life’s paths by adhering to our own principles.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 3, 2023
Eva’s Byte #418 – Spoiled Rotten!
“The rotten apple spoils his companion.” (Benjamin Franklin, 1736)
‘Tis the season for salad days!
During my latest trend to prepare a tossed dinner salad with all the trimmings, I had the misfortune of coming across a rotten mini pepper in a 16-oz. package. Transporting the bag from the fridge to the counter, the vegetative culprit leaked out—most naturally, spoiling its companions, while dripping on the kitchen floor.
Stinking to high heaven, never mind the adage, “Something is rotten in Denmark!”
Having an aversion to any horrible odors, I proceeded to scour the vegetable bin with dish detergent, and scrub the kitchen floor with disinfectant. I also removed the trash liner from the wastebasket, doused it with disinfectant, and rinsed it out.
Preparing a daily dinner salad demands constantly replenishing produce. For me, this involves a bi-weekly supermarket trip. You can be sure, I will avoid any packaged contents and opt for a single, large bell pepper. It will yield enough sliced rings to last me until the next veggie foray.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve reaped the spoils of toil, having finished drafting Chapter 31 (1081 words) in Part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting Chapter 32 (299 words thus far).
*Let us not allow one rotten thingamajig in the bunch to spoil our outlook on life.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
‘Tis the season for salad days!
During my latest trend to prepare a tossed dinner salad with all the trimmings, I had the misfortune of coming across a rotten mini pepper in a 16-oz. package. Transporting the bag from the fridge to the counter, the vegetative culprit leaked out—most naturally, spoiling its companions, while dripping on the kitchen floor.
Stinking to high heaven, never mind the adage, “Something is rotten in Denmark!”
Having an aversion to any horrible odors, I proceeded to scour the vegetable bin with dish detergent, and scrub the kitchen floor with disinfectant. I also removed the trash liner from the wastebasket, doused it with disinfectant, and rinsed it out.
Preparing a daily dinner salad demands constantly replenishing produce. For me, this involves a bi-weekly supermarket trip. You can be sure, I will avoid any packaged contents and opt for a single, large bell pepper. It will yield enough sliced rings to last me until the next veggie foray.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve reaped the spoils of toil, having finished drafting Chapter 31 (1081 words) in Part 2 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun drafting Chapter 32 (299 words thus far).
*Let us not allow one rotten thingamajig in the bunch to spoil our outlook on life.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
April 26, 2023
Eva’s Byte #417 – My DIY Hack
In this day and age where the free-standing ironing board has become the ignored elephant in the room for lack of use, I’m the exception to the rule for relying on it. Venturing to go out on a limb, I’ll admit that I iron every day—even workout clothes not worn in public.
My DIY hack—a long time coming:
When I moved to my current residence fifteen years ago, I purchased a new ironing board. Removing it from the box, I discovered one of the slip pads was missing. So, I removed the other three for aesthetic balance. Type A individual that I am, the hollow legs bugged me.
Lo and behold, out of the blue, while acting in the capacity of a writer pounding the keyboard, a solution occurred to me in the guise of duct tape.
Grabbing a roll of black duct tape from my office cabinet, I cut an approximately 2 in. piece off the roll. Testing it out, I wrapped the tape around the bottom of the leg, covering the hollow space. Having created the perfect “pseudopod,” I repeated my procedure for the other three legs.
As for writing progress, I’m working my way through Part 2, Chapter 31 (924 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us open our mind to envision what may not be apparent at first glance.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
My DIY hack—a long time coming:
When I moved to my current residence fifteen years ago, I purchased a new ironing board. Removing it from the box, I discovered one of the slip pads was missing. So, I removed the other three for aesthetic balance. Type A individual that I am, the hollow legs bugged me.
Lo and behold, out of the blue, while acting in the capacity of a writer pounding the keyboard, a solution occurred to me in the guise of duct tape.
Grabbing a roll of black duct tape from my office cabinet, I cut an approximately 2 in. piece off the roll. Testing it out, I wrapped the tape around the bottom of the leg, covering the hollow space. Having created the perfect “pseudopod,” I repeated my procedure for the other three legs.
As for writing progress, I’m working my way through Part 2, Chapter 31 (924 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us open our mind to envision what may not be apparent at first glance.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
April 19, 2023
Eva’s Byte #416 – A Good Day
At this point in time, the film title, As Good As It Gets, has become my mantra in greeting the dawn of each new day.
Consequently, it doesn’t take much for me to label any given 24-hour lifespan “a good day.”
For instance:
Since the recent surge of COVID cases at my mother’s place of residence, it’s always a good day when she tells me her test was negative. Until it wasn’t.
Last Friday was a good day when I topped off my gas tank before the price went up 10 cents per gallon the day after.
It’s a good day when I can find an abundance of fresh produce at my local supermarket.
It was a good day when a lottery ticket given to me as a gift, netted $20!
I’ve found that good days are all the more precious when they represent victories
achieved from winning a battle no one knows you’re fighting.
A long time coming, it was a great day in the capacity of a writer when I finished drafting chapter 30 (1782 words)—the end of Part 1 in my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve now begun drafting Part 2, chapter 31 (202 words thus far).
*May each of us have a good day that exceeds our expectations.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Consequently, it doesn’t take much for me to label any given 24-hour lifespan “a good day.”
For instance:
Since the recent surge of COVID cases at my mother’s place of residence, it’s always a good day when she tells me her test was negative. Until it wasn’t.
Last Friday was a good day when I topped off my gas tank before the price went up 10 cents per gallon the day after.
It’s a good day when I can find an abundance of fresh produce at my local supermarket.
It was a good day when a lottery ticket given to me as a gift, netted $20!
I’ve found that good days are all the more precious when they represent victories
achieved from winning a battle no one knows you’re fighting.
A long time coming, it was a great day in the capacity of a writer when I finished drafting chapter 30 (1782 words)—the end of Part 1 in my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve now begun drafting Part 2, chapter 31 (202 words thus far).
*May each of us have a good day that exceeds our expectations.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
