Eva Pasco's Blog, page 2
June 25, 2025
Eva’s Byte #530 – The Switcheroo
It’s like a heatwave, tearing me apart. Yeah yeah!
(To the gist of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Heat Wave” 1963)
Summers in New England can be fraught with an uncomfortable combo of heat and humidity. About to use my recently installed AC units for the first time this year, I pressed the remote’s On/Off button for my office unit. The temperature registered 24 degrees. Pressing the Up arrow several times, the buck stopped at 30!
Thinking the remote needed new batteries, I replenished them. I still could not get the degree to budge any higher. At this point, I’m thinking, when maintenance checked the filter and tested the unit, the remote got switched to Celsius mode.
Sure enough, a google search indicated 24 degrees C = 75.2 degrees F.
Certain I’d prefer navigating in Fahrenheit, and given my apprehension dealing with anything mechanical or technical, I sought out tutorials on remote control temperature conversion. A little too involved for my liking.
A Eureka moment occurred when I slipped on my stronger reading glasses. What do you know: a C/F button on the remote. The switcheroo was just a finger press away!
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m heating up the action in chapter 18 and pressing on from 968 words thus far.
*May each of us put the pedal to the metal using our independent thinking skills.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
(To the gist of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Heat Wave” 1963)
Summers in New England can be fraught with an uncomfortable combo of heat and humidity. About to use my recently installed AC units for the first time this year, I pressed the remote’s On/Off button for my office unit. The temperature registered 24 degrees. Pressing the Up arrow several times, the buck stopped at 30!
Thinking the remote needed new batteries, I replenished them. I still could not get the degree to budge any higher. At this point, I’m thinking, when maintenance checked the filter and tested the unit, the remote got switched to Celsius mode.
Sure enough, a google search indicated 24 degrees C = 75.2 degrees F.
Certain I’d prefer navigating in Fahrenheit, and given my apprehension dealing with anything mechanical or technical, I sought out tutorials on remote control temperature conversion. A little too involved for my liking.
A Eureka moment occurred when I slipped on my stronger reading glasses. What do you know: a C/F button on the remote. The switcheroo was just a finger press away!
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m heating up the action in chapter 18 and pressing on from 968 words thus far.
*May each of us put the pedal to the metal using our independent thinking skills.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
June 18, 2025
Eva’s Byte #529 – Channeling the Seventies
“Can you dig it?”
“Chill out!”
“Keep on truckin’!
“Catch you on the flip side.”
My Contemporary work in progress makes its debut in 1978. The time stamp rules out having to contend with advanced technology. This means I can devote more time to delving into the intricacies of nefarious activities my characters are engaged in without interference from smartphones.
Also, working in my favor, forensic DNA analysis was first used in 1984. This allows my characters plenty of leeway to get away with “things”.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m grateful for drafting my novel using Microsoft Word rather than a manual or electric typewriter, the standard contraption during the Seventies.
During my college years of 1969-1973, a Smith-Corona Selectric was my workhorse.
Correcting typos was a lot more tedious back then. If Wite-Out didn’t cut it, one resorted to tearing the page from the “platen,” located on the carriage of the typewriter.
At this point in time, I finished drafting chapter 17 at 1246 words. Chapter 18 has progressed to 570 words.
*May each of us keep on truckin’.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
“Chill out!”
“Keep on truckin’!
“Catch you on the flip side.”
My Contemporary work in progress makes its debut in 1978. The time stamp rules out having to contend with advanced technology. This means I can devote more time to delving into the intricacies of nefarious activities my characters are engaged in without interference from smartphones.
Also, working in my favor, forensic DNA analysis was first used in 1984. This allows my characters plenty of leeway to get away with “things”.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m grateful for drafting my novel using Microsoft Word rather than a manual or electric typewriter, the standard contraption during the Seventies.
During my college years of 1969-1973, a Smith-Corona Selectric was my workhorse.
Correcting typos was a lot more tedious back then. If Wite-Out didn’t cut it, one resorted to tearing the page from the “platen,” located on the carriage of the typewriter.
At this point in time, I finished drafting chapter 17 at 1246 words. Chapter 18 has progressed to 570 words.
*May each of us keep on truckin’.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Eva’s Byte #529 – Channeling the Seventies
“Can you dig it?”
“Chill out!”
“Keep on truckin’!
“Catch you on the flip side.”
My Contemporary work in progress makes its debut in 1978. The time stamp rules out having to contend with advanced technology. This means I can devote more time to delving into the intricacies of nefarious activities my characters are engaged in without interference from smartphones.
Also, working in my favor, forensic DNA analysis was first used in 1984. This allows my characters plenty of leeway to get away with “things”.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m grateful for drafting my novel using Microsoft Word rather than a manual or electric typewriter, the standard contraption during the Seventies.
During my college years of 1969-1973, a Smith-Corona Selectric was my workhorse.
Correcting typos was a lot more tedious back then. If Wite-Out didn’t cut it, one resorted to tearing the page from the “platen,” located on the carriage of the typewriter.
At this point in time, I finished drafting chapter 17 at 1246 words. Chapter 18 has progressed to 570 words.
*May each of us keep on truckin’.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
“Chill out!”
“Keep on truckin’!
“Catch you on the flip side.”
My Contemporary work in progress makes its debut in 1978. The time stamp rules out having to contend with advanced technology. This means I can devote more time to delving into the intricacies of nefarious activities my characters are engaged in without interference from smartphones.
Also, working in my favor, forensic DNA analysis was first used in 1984. This allows my characters plenty of leeway to get away with “things”.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m grateful for drafting my novel using Microsoft Word rather than a manual or electric typewriter, the standard contraption during the Seventies.
During my college years of 1969-1973, a Smith-Corona Selectric was my workhorse.
Correcting typos was a lot more tedious back then. If Wite-Out didn’t cut it, one resorted to tearing the page from the “platen,” located on the carriage of the typewriter.
At this point in time, I finished drafting chapter 17 at 1246 words. Chapter 18 has progressed to 570 words.
*May each of us keep on truckin’.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:
http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
June 11, 2025
Eva’s Byte #528 – A Blessing in DisgEYEse
The revolting development of a stye inside the upper lid of my left eye put the kibosh on waving my magic mascara wand over my long, curly lashes. I not only tossed the tube, but got rid of a jar of cold cream makeup remover and a jar of night cream.
A stye can develop from bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash when one of the small glands lining the eyelid gets plugged. As suggested, applying a warm compress to the area helped to relieve the discomfort during the reddish swelling which lingered for a few days.
For years, mascara and lipstick have been my only go-to cosmetics. The stye may have vanished, but not my misgivings over applying mascara. Perhaps, this abstinence is a blessing in disgEYEse for warding off another unsightly and annoying infection.
Let’s face it, pun intended, I’ve subtracted two-three minutes from my morning grooming routine. I’m saving money by not spending any on mascara, cold cream, and makeup remover towelettes.
A New England summer with its fair share of heat and humidity is the perfect time for me to quit my addiction, cold turkey. I no longer have to check for smudges and rings around the eyes.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’ve split a chapter into two. Chapter 16 has 632 words. I’m at the tail end of chapter 17 (1519 words thus far).
*May each of us eliminate risks with potential to undermine our health and well-being.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
A stye can develop from bacterial infection at the base of an eyelash when one of the small glands lining the eyelid gets plugged. As suggested, applying a warm compress to the area helped to relieve the discomfort during the reddish swelling which lingered for a few days.
For years, mascara and lipstick have been my only go-to cosmetics. The stye may have vanished, but not my misgivings over applying mascara. Perhaps, this abstinence is a blessing in disgEYEse for warding off another unsightly and annoying infection.
Let’s face it, pun intended, I’ve subtracted two-three minutes from my morning grooming routine. I’m saving money by not spending any on mascara, cold cream, and makeup remover towelettes.
A New England summer with its fair share of heat and humidity is the perfect time for me to quit my addiction, cold turkey. I no longer have to check for smudges and rings around the eyes.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’ve split a chapter into two. Chapter 16 has 632 words. I’m at the tail end of chapter 17 (1519 words thus far).
*May each of us eliminate risks with potential to undermine our health and well-being.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
June 4, 2025
Eva’s Byte #527 – The Manic Microwave Oven
One who burns a candle at both ends:
Bizarre, to say the least—a strange encounter on my kitchen counter was accounted for at 12:37 a.m., whereby the microwave oven was running amok without my having switched it on. Frantic to take charge of the situation, I pressed the switch to turn it off. Nothing. As though having a mind of its own, the microwave was determined to run its course for the duration of 12 minutes and 38 seconds, a minute later, according to the built-in clock.
I pulled the plug to stop the madness. Then, I plugged in the wire again and reset the clock. Once more, the microwave proceeded to run itself ragged. I repeated the procedure of plugging and unplugging the wire, setting the clock anew. The microwave persisted in micromanaging its operation. I needed no further convincing to toss it.
I have a theory as to what provoked the microwave’s manic state:
When transporting the carcass in a shopping cart through the hallway, I noticed one of the emergency fire doors in the pairing had closed, suggesting my building may have experienced a power outage for a quasi-second. The surge from the electricity powering back on must have disrupted the circuitry in the microwave’s control board.
In the capacity of an imaginative writer drafting my Contemporary, I’ve finished chapter 16 (633 words), and I’m progressing along chapter 17 (1017 words thus far).
*May each of us delve below the surface to find a logical explanation for bizarre occurrences.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Bizarre, to say the least—a strange encounter on my kitchen counter was accounted for at 12:37 a.m., whereby the microwave oven was running amok without my having switched it on. Frantic to take charge of the situation, I pressed the switch to turn it off. Nothing. As though having a mind of its own, the microwave was determined to run its course for the duration of 12 minutes and 38 seconds, a minute later, according to the built-in clock.
I pulled the plug to stop the madness. Then, I plugged in the wire again and reset the clock. Once more, the microwave proceeded to run itself ragged. I repeated the procedure of plugging and unplugging the wire, setting the clock anew. The microwave persisted in micromanaging its operation. I needed no further convincing to toss it.
I have a theory as to what provoked the microwave’s manic state:
When transporting the carcass in a shopping cart through the hallway, I noticed one of the emergency fire doors in the pairing had closed, suggesting my building may have experienced a power outage for a quasi-second. The surge from the electricity powering back on must have disrupted the circuitry in the microwave’s control board.
In the capacity of an imaginative writer drafting my Contemporary, I’ve finished chapter 16 (633 words), and I’m progressing along chapter 17 (1017 words thus far).
*May each of us delve below the surface to find a logical explanation for bizarre occurrences.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 28, 2025
Eva’s Byte #526 – A Walk on the Mild Side
Pivoting from the premises of “never have I ever” lived dangerously, hither come I. There’s a glimmer of truth in the old adage, “slow and steady wins the race”.
While some health nuts fizzle out from raising the bar too high—er uh, dumbbells—I’ve remained steadfast with my exercising and walking routines for days on end throughout the years. My daily regimen includes a short series of Pilates, weightbearing exercises with a pair of 5-lb. weights, and two brisk daily walks around the scenic grounds of my apartment complex.
Let none of us overlook keeping up the pace walking the supermarket aisles, and lifting bags of groceries.
Low-impact exercising and walking on the mild side are equated with attaining success through consistent effort and persistence. Benefits include: improved cardio health; strengthened bones and muscles; reducing risks for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
In the capacity of a writer who advances through slow and steady pacing along my Contemporary work in progress, I’m rounding the bend drafting chapter 16 (986 words thus far).
*May each of us adopt a pace beneficial to our health and autonomy.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
While some health nuts fizzle out from raising the bar too high—er uh, dumbbells—I’ve remained steadfast with my exercising and walking routines for days on end throughout the years. My daily regimen includes a short series of Pilates, weightbearing exercises with a pair of 5-lb. weights, and two brisk daily walks around the scenic grounds of my apartment complex.
Let none of us overlook keeping up the pace walking the supermarket aisles, and lifting bags of groceries.
Low-impact exercising and walking on the mild side are equated with attaining success through consistent effort and persistence. Benefits include: improved cardio health; strengthened bones and muscles; reducing risks for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
In the capacity of a writer who advances through slow and steady pacing along my Contemporary work in progress, I’m rounding the bend drafting chapter 16 (986 words thus far).
*May each of us adopt a pace beneficial to our health and autonomy.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 21, 2025
Eva’s Byte #525 – A Virtual Earful
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to forego publishing an audible audiobook with virtual voice, an innovative feature offered by Amazon for qualifying books. My reasons for opting out represent my own opinions which are not criticisms of this handy publishing tool.
First and foremost, I’m not keen on lending an ear throughout an entire audiobook for each of my publications to check for possible pronunciation edits.
Also taken into consideration, the suggested average pricing based on book length. Keeping in mind my two latest publications, ‘Aileen’s Guesthouse’ at 347 pages, and ‘Etta’s Fishing Ground’ at 429 pages:
Most audiobooks range from 10 to 15 hours in length for a typical novel around 300-400 pages, recommending a price of $18 - $25. This strikes me as cost prohibitive for prospective readers.
Therefore, I’m sticking with my Kindle and Paperback editions.
In the capacity of a writer in the trenches of drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’ve just finished chapter 15 (1376 words).
*May each of us make wise decisions reflecting our creative ambitions.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
First and foremost, I’m not keen on lending an ear throughout an entire audiobook for each of my publications to check for possible pronunciation edits.
Also taken into consideration, the suggested average pricing based on book length. Keeping in mind my two latest publications, ‘Aileen’s Guesthouse’ at 347 pages, and ‘Etta’s Fishing Ground’ at 429 pages:
Most audiobooks range from 10 to 15 hours in length for a typical novel around 300-400 pages, recommending a price of $18 - $25. This strikes me as cost prohibitive for prospective readers.
Therefore, I’m sticking with my Kindle and Paperback editions.
In the capacity of a writer in the trenches of drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’ve just finished chapter 15 (1376 words).
*May each of us make wise decisions reflecting our creative ambitions.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 14, 2025
Eva’s Byte #524 – Just Saying
“I look like the wreck of the Hesperus!”
“I feel like the wreck of the Hesperus!”
Two of mother’s favorite sayings. She often invoked these variants after toiling in the yard, or on days she didn’t like how her hair looked before leaving the house.
The buck didn’t stop there. If I looked the worse for wear from one of life’s travails: “You look like the wreck of the Hesperus!”
A state of disarray similar to the aftermath of a shipwreck bears in mind the poem, “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
In my capacity as a writer, I’m sailing along the ongoing draft of chapter 15 (856 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*When called for, may each of us apply a tried-and-true saying that fits.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
“I feel like the wreck of the Hesperus!”
Two of mother’s favorite sayings. She often invoked these variants after toiling in the yard, or on days she didn’t like how her hair looked before leaving the house.
The buck didn’t stop there. If I looked the worse for wear from one of life’s travails: “You look like the wreck of the Hesperus!”
A state of disarray similar to the aftermath of a shipwreck bears in mind the poem, “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
In my capacity as a writer, I’m sailing along the ongoing draft of chapter 15 (856 words thus far) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*When called for, may each of us apply a tried-and-true saying that fits.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
May 7, 2025
Eva’s Byte #523 – In Accordance With…
The setting of my Contemporary work in progress—the late ‘70s.
In accordance with the setting for the first half of the novel, the draft of chapter 14 which takes place inside a girls’ gym locker room, I’ve incorporated my own lasting memories. The last of which occurred in 1969, my senior year in high school.
In my quest for accurate depictions in accordance with the times:
During the late 60s to late 70s, mandatory showers after gym class were common in many schools. The practice was considered part of gym class routines, often enforced by teachers.
“Be True to Your School” (Beach Boys, 1963)
One of those memories I’ve retained vis a vis cavorting in the girls’ locker room at Lincoln Sr. High, springs to life in chapter 14:
On standby, leaning against a wall, Miss Cordeiro held a pen and clipboard with a class list attached. As each girl catapulted from a stall, wrapped inside runaway attire, she called out their name and put a checkmark next to it.
At this juncture in time, chapter 14 is a wrap at 1562 words. I’ve catapulted to the start of chapter 15 ( 315 words thus far).
*May each of us act in accordance with our own values and beliefs.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
In accordance with the setting for the first half of the novel, the draft of chapter 14 which takes place inside a girls’ gym locker room, I’ve incorporated my own lasting memories. The last of which occurred in 1969, my senior year in high school.
In my quest for accurate depictions in accordance with the times:
During the late 60s to late 70s, mandatory showers after gym class were common in many schools. The practice was considered part of gym class routines, often enforced by teachers.
“Be True to Your School” (Beach Boys, 1963)
One of those memories I’ve retained vis a vis cavorting in the girls’ locker room at Lincoln Sr. High, springs to life in chapter 14:
On standby, leaning against a wall, Miss Cordeiro held a pen and clipboard with a class list attached. As each girl catapulted from a stall, wrapped inside runaway attire, she called out their name and put a checkmark next to it.
At this juncture in time, chapter 14 is a wrap at 1562 words. I’ve catapulted to the start of chapter 15 ( 315 words thus far).
*May each of us act in accordance with our own values and beliefs.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
April 30, 2025
Eva’s Byte #522 – Bear in Mind
I’m bearing in mind my Rhode Island College bear. The 9-inch tall, sitting brown bear is a plush toy previously sold in the campus bookstore of my alma mater. The little tyke sported a white T-shirt with “Rhode Island College” emblazoned in gold lettering on the front.
In my keep for years, the brown bear still looks as new as the day I took him home. With the passage of time, the T-shirt had become threadbare and bared a hole which diminished the bear’s forbearance. Consequently, I removed his frayed apparel.
What to do?
Bearing in mind my possession of a brand-new pack of hair scrunchies, I extracted the blue velour elasticized ponytail holder and slipped it over the bear’s head and collared him. A perfect fit, my brown bear’s dignity has been restored for many more years to come.
In the capacity of a forbearing writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m bearing down on the finish line of chapter 14 (1282 words thus far).
*May each of us bear in mind our propensity to apply ingenuity.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
In my keep for years, the brown bear still looks as new as the day I took him home. With the passage of time, the T-shirt had become threadbare and bared a hole which diminished the bear’s forbearance. Consequently, I removed his frayed apparel.
What to do?
Bearing in mind my possession of a brand-new pack of hair scrunchies, I extracted the blue velour elasticized ponytail holder and slipped it over the bear’s head and collared him. A perfect fit, my brown bear’s dignity has been restored for many more years to come.
In the capacity of a forbearing writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m bearing down on the finish line of chapter 14 (1282 words thus far).
*May each of us bear in mind our propensity to apply ingenuity.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
