Eva Pasco's Blog, page 28
August 6, 2020
Eva's Byte #275 - Powerless
I’m not referring to personal loss of power. Like most of you reading this blog, I power through adversity. I’m referring to the situation we all find ourselves in at one time or another—the impact from loss of electrical power.
At precisely 4:30 p.m. EDST on Tuesday, August 4th, my neck of the woods was rendered powerless.
As tropical storm Isiasis barreled along the east coast of southern New England, approximately 141,000 of National Grid’s customers experienced a power outage. Winds exceeding 50 mph toppled trees which downed power lines in their path.
Powerless, I began penning this blog in longhand on notebook paper.
Powerless, I couldn’t read because my extensive library consists of eBooks stored on my PC Kindle.
Powerless, I couldn’t resume where I left off writing chapter 53 of my Contemporary WIP because the draft is saved as a Word document.
Powerless, I couldn’t prepare a home-cooked meal. Under the circumstances, I didn’t want to open the fridge. Ends up I had to purge both the fridge and freezer. In my opinion, this is the worst of riding out any power outage.
Powerless to engage on social media and promote my work, boredom set in as darkness encroached. I worked on a crossword puzzle.
However, throughout this temporary imposition, I reminded myself that I had an intact roof over my head. Life as I know it, would eventually resume. And, it did at 12:30 p.m. EDST the following day.
*My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far. May you stay out of harm’s way during hurricane season.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
At precisely 4:30 p.m. EDST on Tuesday, August 4th, my neck of the woods was rendered powerless.
As tropical storm Isiasis barreled along the east coast of southern New England, approximately 141,000 of National Grid’s customers experienced a power outage. Winds exceeding 50 mph toppled trees which downed power lines in their path.
Powerless, I began penning this blog in longhand on notebook paper.
Powerless, I couldn’t read because my extensive library consists of eBooks stored on my PC Kindle.
Powerless, I couldn’t resume where I left off writing chapter 53 of my Contemporary WIP because the draft is saved as a Word document.
Powerless, I couldn’t prepare a home-cooked meal. Under the circumstances, I didn’t want to open the fridge. Ends up I had to purge both the fridge and freezer. In my opinion, this is the worst of riding out any power outage.
Powerless to engage on social media and promote my work, boredom set in as darkness encroached. I worked on a crossword puzzle.
However, throughout this temporary imposition, I reminded myself that I had an intact roof over my head. Life as I know it, would eventually resume. And, it did at 12:30 p.m. EDST the following day.
*My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far. May you stay out of harm’s way during hurricane season.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
July 29, 2020
Eva’s Byte #274 – The Door
“When one door closes, another opens."
(Partial quote by Alexander Graham Bell)
Not when the door you closed is stuck, and you’ve become a prisoner inside your own office!
Those of you who’ve read my weekly blogs know I’ve accepted the challenge to provide a better quality of life for Hope, my 15-year-old, black & white female. Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease, the buck stops at her pet parent to administer 1 Felimazole tablet and ¼ Cerenia tablet daily. And, until one of her symptoms is more manageable—1 ml. Amoxicillin, twice daily. So, for now, I’ve split the day in two by psyching myself up for 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
As surmised, each day entails a higher mountain to scale because Hope outwits, outmaneuvers, and outruns me. In addition, she can wedge herself into places a human can’t access.
Mind you, each pill-popping and syringe-squirting session is pampered with cuddles, croons, and kisses which she loves, lying in my arms like a limp noodle. Plus, I make a big deal of rewarding her with treats, afterward.
Well, this morning, when Hope was on the run, I managed to contain her in my office, shutting a door I’ve never had reason to before. When all was said and done with the task on hand—I could not, for the life of me, open the door.
The first thought entering my addled brain was that Hope would not be able to use her litter tray, located in an outlying area. The second thought revolved around my calling maintenance to push it open from the other side. At 7 o’clock, waiting an hour for them to report for work in my building, was not a viable option.
Stubborn, frantic, desperate, and of slight build—I mustered every ounce of strength to prevail in this tug-of-war.
*Goes to show, you never know when a door of opportunity will open.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
(Partial quote by Alexander Graham Bell)
Not when the door you closed is stuck, and you’ve become a prisoner inside your own office!
Those of you who’ve read my weekly blogs know I’ve accepted the challenge to provide a better quality of life for Hope, my 15-year-old, black & white female. Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease, the buck stops at her pet parent to administer 1 Felimazole tablet and ¼ Cerenia tablet daily. And, until one of her symptoms is more manageable—1 ml. Amoxicillin, twice daily. So, for now, I’ve split the day in two by psyching myself up for 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
As surmised, each day entails a higher mountain to scale because Hope outwits, outmaneuvers, and outruns me. In addition, she can wedge herself into places a human can’t access.
Mind you, each pill-popping and syringe-squirting session is pampered with cuddles, croons, and kisses which she loves, lying in my arms like a limp noodle. Plus, I make a big deal of rewarding her with treats, afterward.
Well, this morning, when Hope was on the run, I managed to contain her in my office, shutting a door I’ve never had reason to before. When all was said and done with the task on hand—I could not, for the life of me, open the door.
The first thought entering my addled brain was that Hope would not be able to use her litter tray, located in an outlying area. The second thought revolved around my calling maintenance to push it open from the other side. At 7 o’clock, waiting an hour for them to report for work in my building, was not a viable option.
Stubborn, frantic, desperate, and of slight build—I mustered every ounce of strength to prevail in this tug-of-war.
*Goes to show, you never know when a door of opportunity will open.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
July 22, 2020
Eva’s Byte #273 – A Whisker from Heaven
My heartfelt appreciation should you read this blog to the end.
Whether you embrace or dismiss my story, it is based on my belief that our dearly departed pets are just across the Rainbow Bridge—young, healthy, and carefree once more. Not far away, but hovering here, vibrating at a different frequency.
Last week I blogged about the challenges of administering medication to my geriatric female cat, Hope. At 15 years of age, she’s still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed which behooves me to go the distance for her in my capacity as a pet parent.
This past Sunday, Hope’s symptoms worsened so I brought her to Mass-RI Veterinary ER, a 24-hour practice. Subsequent care and tests involved a stay of 48 hours. Although necessary in Hope’s best interests, it was heartbreaking to leave her behind. I imagined her thinking I abandoned her. It wasn’t long ago she was upset when Misty never returned home by way of pet taxi.
So, believer that I am, I made several pleas to Misty, across the rainbow bridge, to communicate with Hope and convey I’ll be back for her.
Let it be known, that prior to taking Hope to the ER, Sunday afternoon, I had vacuumed the upholstery on my furniture in the living room. No one lounged on that sofa. Not feeling well, Hope had found her own hidden sanctuaries, discouraging me to find her. When I returned from the ER, I busied myself with writing at the computer in my office.
Yet, on Monday, when I went in there to adjust the blinds, I espied a white whisker on one of the sofa cushions. I interpreted this as a sign from Misty signifying—“Done!” In my mind, dismissing the whisker as poppycock, would have been an insult.
Now, when I called the ER to check up on Hope, the doctor informed me that she was very quiet, but heard a purr. Could it be further proof of Misty’s reassurance? I can’t really speculate, though I’ll go along with the notion of Divine Intervention.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve advanced to chapter 52 in Part 3 of my Contemporary work in progress. The whisker from heaven is resting on a seashell near my desk.
“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.” Walt Whitman
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Whether you embrace or dismiss my story, it is based on my belief that our dearly departed pets are just across the Rainbow Bridge—young, healthy, and carefree once more. Not far away, but hovering here, vibrating at a different frequency.
Last week I blogged about the challenges of administering medication to my geriatric female cat, Hope. At 15 years of age, she’s still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed which behooves me to go the distance for her in my capacity as a pet parent.
This past Sunday, Hope’s symptoms worsened so I brought her to Mass-RI Veterinary ER, a 24-hour practice. Subsequent care and tests involved a stay of 48 hours. Although necessary in Hope’s best interests, it was heartbreaking to leave her behind. I imagined her thinking I abandoned her. It wasn’t long ago she was upset when Misty never returned home by way of pet taxi.
So, believer that I am, I made several pleas to Misty, across the rainbow bridge, to communicate with Hope and convey I’ll be back for her.
Let it be known, that prior to taking Hope to the ER, Sunday afternoon, I had vacuumed the upholstery on my furniture in the living room. No one lounged on that sofa. Not feeling well, Hope had found her own hidden sanctuaries, discouraging me to find her. When I returned from the ER, I busied myself with writing at the computer in my office.
Yet, on Monday, when I went in there to adjust the blinds, I espied a white whisker on one of the sofa cushions. I interpreted this as a sign from Misty signifying—“Done!” In my mind, dismissing the whisker as poppycock, would have been an insult.
Now, when I called the ER to check up on Hope, the doctor informed me that she was very quiet, but heard a purr. Could it be further proof of Misty’s reassurance? I can’t really speculate, though I’ll go along with the notion of Divine Intervention.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve advanced to chapter 52 in Part 3 of my Contemporary work in progress. The whisker from heaven is resting on a seashell near my desk.
“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.” Walt Whitman
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
July 15, 2020
Eva’s Byte #272 – The Challenge
“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” (George S. Patton)
Last Thursday, my 15-year-old, black&white female cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Since then, like so many other pet owners doing their best to follow their veterinarian’s instructions, I’ve accepted the challenge of administering medication.
For several days, the regimen has involved prying Hope’s mouth open to squirt 1 ml. of Amoxi twice daily until gone; popping 1 tablet of Felimazole once daily for the next 14 days prior to her follow-up visit.
Mercifully, there’s only one more dose of the liquid antibiotic to give. Yet, it’s a given I’ll be administering a pill every day for the rest of her life. So be it.
Each day involves a sparring of wits between cat and human because the previous day’s ploy to lure and grab Hope have grown stale. Manipulating a manipulator is going to be a continuous challenge I’ve accepted in order to improve her quality of life. Thus far, placing two treats far enough away for her to crawl out from under the bed, has been working for me.
In my capacity as writer, I began drafting chapter 52, Part 3 of my work in progress. Since this section involves back stories taking place during the Sixties, I’ve challenged myself to infuse just the right amount of information pertaining to the Vietnam War as it relates to one of my characters.
A writer who sets the bar high for every turn of phrase, I hope to meet the challenges posed by my characters along their journey to the finish line.
Hook or by crook, by golly—I will meet the daily challenge of popping a pill down the hatch of my beloved furry companion, and feel the exhilaration of victory.
*Thank you for reading to the end.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Last Thursday, my 15-year-old, black&white female cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Since then, like so many other pet owners doing their best to follow their veterinarian’s instructions, I’ve accepted the challenge of administering medication.
For several days, the regimen has involved prying Hope’s mouth open to squirt 1 ml. of Amoxi twice daily until gone; popping 1 tablet of Felimazole once daily for the next 14 days prior to her follow-up visit.
Mercifully, there’s only one more dose of the liquid antibiotic to give. Yet, it’s a given I’ll be administering a pill every day for the rest of her life. So be it.
Each day involves a sparring of wits between cat and human because the previous day’s ploy to lure and grab Hope have grown stale. Manipulating a manipulator is going to be a continuous challenge I’ve accepted in order to improve her quality of life. Thus far, placing two treats far enough away for her to crawl out from under the bed, has been working for me.
In my capacity as writer, I began drafting chapter 52, Part 3 of my work in progress. Since this section involves back stories taking place during the Sixties, I’ve challenged myself to infuse just the right amount of information pertaining to the Vietnam War as it relates to one of my characters.
A writer who sets the bar high for every turn of phrase, I hope to meet the challenges posed by my characters along their journey to the finish line.
Hook or by crook, by golly—I will meet the daily challenge of popping a pill down the hatch of my beloved furry companion, and feel the exhilaration of victory.
*Thank you for reading to the end.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
July 8, 2020
Eva’s Byte #271 - Breakthroughs
Big breakthroughs happen when what is suddenly possible, meets what is desperately needed. (Thomas L. Friedman)
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic became a stark reality in March, strict mandates have been in place for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Other than conversing over the telephone and Skyping, I have not visited my mother.
A breakthrough:
Beginning on Wednesday July 8th, my mother’s place of residence started accepting calls to schedule appointments for visitation. I scheduled my 30-minute visit for Friday morning. As expected, Orwellian guidelines must be adhered to in order to safeguard the health of a vulnerable population. Aside from being screened at the front desk, I must put on a gown before entering the visitor’s room. No gift exchanges are allowed. Social-distancing shall be maintained throughout the “monitored” visit.
It’s a sign of the times!
Although my mother and I were accustomed to bi-weekly outings to breakfast or lunch, we’ll take what we can get. As the virus surges out of control, I can’t even imagine how we’ll celebrate her 90th birthday in August.
Another breakthrough:
In my capacity as writer, I finished ch. 51 (2406 words), Part 3 of my Contemporary work in progress. Envisioning the necessary chapters to complete part 3, and head into Part 4’s territory, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
*My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic became a stark reality in March, strict mandates have been in place for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Other than conversing over the telephone and Skyping, I have not visited my mother.
A breakthrough:
Beginning on Wednesday July 8th, my mother’s place of residence started accepting calls to schedule appointments for visitation. I scheduled my 30-minute visit for Friday morning. As expected, Orwellian guidelines must be adhered to in order to safeguard the health of a vulnerable population. Aside from being screened at the front desk, I must put on a gown before entering the visitor’s room. No gift exchanges are allowed. Social-distancing shall be maintained throughout the “monitored” visit.
It’s a sign of the times!
Although my mother and I were accustomed to bi-weekly outings to breakfast or lunch, we’ll take what we can get. As the virus surges out of control, I can’t even imagine how we’ll celebrate her 90th birthday in August.
Another breakthrough:
In my capacity as writer, I finished ch. 51 (2406 words), Part 3 of my Contemporary work in progress. Envisioning the necessary chapters to complete part 3, and head into Part 4’s territory, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
*My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
July 1, 2020
Eva’s Byte # 270 – Going FOURTH with Change
With the Fourth soon coming forth, Americans will celebrate Independence Day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress. This 244-yr.-old document, particularly its second sentence, makes a profound statement about human rights—more self-evident than ever after black American, George Floyd, was killed during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota (May 25, 2020):
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Addressing inequalities which have persisted throughout history, many Americans have gathered to protest. On one count, they’ve made their voices heard to affect change for removing offensive statues and monuments, such as:
Christopher Columbus - for the pain and terror he and other European explorers brought to indigenous peoples.
Robert E. Lee, a Confederate, Commander of the Confederate States army during the Civil War – a racist symbol of African-American oppression.
On the local level in my state of Rhode Island, the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country, inaugurated in 1785, will celebrate its 235th as a drive-by along its traditional route through Bristol. Social-distancing and mask-wearing mandatory, a reflection of the changing times.
“For the times they are a-changin'” (Bob Dylan)
In my opinion, it’s about time we’re going fourth/forth with long overdue changes that should reflect the tenets of our Constitution, the foundation upon which this country was founded.
*Thank you for reading this far!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Addressing inequalities which have persisted throughout history, many Americans have gathered to protest. On one count, they’ve made their voices heard to affect change for removing offensive statues and monuments, such as:
Christopher Columbus - for the pain and terror he and other European explorers brought to indigenous peoples.
Robert E. Lee, a Confederate, Commander of the Confederate States army during the Civil War – a racist symbol of African-American oppression.
On the local level in my state of Rhode Island, the oldest Fourth of July parade in the country, inaugurated in 1785, will celebrate its 235th as a drive-by along its traditional route through Bristol. Social-distancing and mask-wearing mandatory, a reflection of the changing times.
“For the times they are a-changin'” (Bob Dylan)
In my opinion, it’s about time we’re going fourth/forth with long overdue changes that should reflect the tenets of our Constitution, the foundation upon which this country was founded.
*Thank you for reading this far!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
June 24, 2020
Eva’s Byte #269: The Tyranny of Petty Things
“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
Other than rolling with the punches thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic, my spirits soar in gratitude for many blessings. Generally, when petty things weigh down my wings, it’s due to the tyrannies associated with being a published author. I blog about many of them.
This week:
In 2014, I republished my debut novel (1st edition: 2008; 2nd edition: 2009) in Kindle format only.
Someone recently informed me of wanting to purchase a paperback edition, and questioned the price. Lo and behold, the non-existent paperback is retailing for $455.11! (Free shipping w/ $32.60 estimated tax)
Let the investigation begin!
Two more “used”/”like new” copies are purportedly floating around:
$458. 92 w/ free shipping - $32.12 estimated tax
$560.27 w/ free shipping - $39.22 estimated tax
I contacted the appropriate author channel for the anaconda of book retailers, and this is the gist of the gracious reply I received:
Please be informed that marketplace sellers are free to set their own prices for their sales on xxxxxxxx and we will not request they change it.
Having tried to rectify what cannot be undone, I choose to let this go in order to release my mind from the tyranny of this one petty thing.
Hardee har har—what are the chances anyone will purchase a paperback?
Free of tyranny, I am flying!
Propelled by the windmills of my mind, I am drafting chapter 51 of my Contemporary work in progress.
*Thank you for your time and attention.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Other than rolling with the punches thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic, my spirits soar in gratitude for many blessings. Generally, when petty things weigh down my wings, it’s due to the tyrannies associated with being a published author. I blog about many of them.
This week:
In 2014, I republished my debut novel (1st edition: 2008; 2nd edition: 2009) in Kindle format only.
Someone recently informed me of wanting to purchase a paperback edition, and questioned the price. Lo and behold, the non-existent paperback is retailing for $455.11! (Free shipping w/ $32.60 estimated tax)
Let the investigation begin!
Two more “used”/”like new” copies are purportedly floating around:
$458. 92 w/ free shipping - $32.12 estimated tax
$560.27 w/ free shipping - $39.22 estimated tax
I contacted the appropriate author channel for the anaconda of book retailers, and this is the gist of the gracious reply I received:
Please be informed that marketplace sellers are free to set their own prices for their sales on xxxxxxxx and we will not request they change it.
Having tried to rectify what cannot be undone, I choose to let this go in order to release my mind from the tyranny of this one petty thing.
Hardee har har—what are the chances anyone will purchase a paperback?
Free of tyranny, I am flying!
Propelled by the windmills of my mind, I am drafting chapter 51 of my Contemporary work in progress.
*Thank you for your time and attention.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
June 17, 2020
Eva’s Byte #268 – The Eff Word: FRAUDSTERS
Social upheavals are prime time for cockroaches to crawl out of the woodwork to riot and loot, blending in with those exercising their freedom to assemble and petition.
Mandated or self-imposed social-distancing and isolation during a pandemic invite fraudsters to set up shop online. Raking in credit card payments for nonexistent merchandise, you’ll receive a shipping notification for “nothing”. I fell victim twice through purchases made for hand sanitizer and face masks never received from vendors affiliated with two large, reputable online retailers. Both issues were resolved in my favor.
I never expected to encounter a fraudster in the Indie author community. Happy to say, no one on my FB Friends List. Just someone crawling out of the woodwork for personal gain at the expense of integrity.
The incident occurred the other day via one of my ad posts in a promotion group where the author commented on how much she enjoyed one of my books. As I would to anyone stating such, I replied with sincere gratitude.
The exchange continues:
In the next comment, I’m informed that she was not able to post a review on Amazon. I let it go because that happens.
In her following comment, heaping more praise, she asks me what other books I’ve written so she can purchase one. I respond with blurbs and links. Her next comeback is telling me the title of the book she purchased.
Now, far from being a best-seller—yet—I see no evidence of a sale in my reports. I take it with a grain of salt because sometimes there are delays in reporting.
No said sale ever materialized!
The following day, she lays the flattery on thicker, this time valuing my opinion so much, she’d like me to purchase her book and let her know what I think. She posts a link.
Not one who is full of myself, I’m getting uncomfortable with what I perceive is “smarminess” and bad form. I deleted my entire post. Gone in under sixty seconds!
There’s a distinct line between sincerity and disingenuousness. She crossed it through fraudulence to procure a book sale. Some marketing strategy, eh?
*Regarding the Indie Community: In my capacity as writer, I’ve met so many talented authors who are also fine human beings. As much as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading their books, I am especially grateful to those who have read and reviewed mine.
If you’ve read this far, thank you!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Mandated or self-imposed social-distancing and isolation during a pandemic invite fraudsters to set up shop online. Raking in credit card payments for nonexistent merchandise, you’ll receive a shipping notification for “nothing”. I fell victim twice through purchases made for hand sanitizer and face masks never received from vendors affiliated with two large, reputable online retailers. Both issues were resolved in my favor.
I never expected to encounter a fraudster in the Indie author community. Happy to say, no one on my FB Friends List. Just someone crawling out of the woodwork for personal gain at the expense of integrity.
The incident occurred the other day via one of my ad posts in a promotion group where the author commented on how much she enjoyed one of my books. As I would to anyone stating such, I replied with sincere gratitude.
The exchange continues:
In the next comment, I’m informed that she was not able to post a review on Amazon. I let it go because that happens.
In her following comment, heaping more praise, she asks me what other books I’ve written so she can purchase one. I respond with blurbs and links. Her next comeback is telling me the title of the book she purchased.
Now, far from being a best-seller—yet—I see no evidence of a sale in my reports. I take it with a grain of salt because sometimes there are delays in reporting.
No said sale ever materialized!
The following day, she lays the flattery on thicker, this time valuing my opinion so much, she’d like me to purchase her book and let her know what I think. She posts a link.
Not one who is full of myself, I’m getting uncomfortable with what I perceive is “smarminess” and bad form. I deleted my entire post. Gone in under sixty seconds!
There’s a distinct line between sincerity and disingenuousness. She crossed it through fraudulence to procure a book sale. Some marketing strategy, eh?
*Regarding the Indie Community: In my capacity as writer, I’ve met so many talented authors who are also fine human beings. As much as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading their books, I am especially grateful to those who have read and reviewed mine.
If you’ve read this far, thank you!
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
June 10, 2020
Eva’s Byte #267: A Taste of Nostalgia
Seizing a golden opportunity to savor a repast from the past.
In retrospect, I view life through the lens of pre-Covid-19 and during-Covid-19, wondering when I’ll be able to reference post-Covid-19.
Following social-distancing protocol, my cousin and I enjoyed a brief long-time-no-see visit outdoors the other day. We conducted an exchange: I handed over a package of seeds and pods for her to plant in her garden. She handed me a bag of fresh goodies obtained from her neighborhood Italian bakery.
Pre-Covid-19, I’d been in the habit of stopping at that same bakery once or twice each week to purchase their spinach calzones. I’d foregone this ritual when the pandemic struck mid-March, having to rethink my daily lunches.
A taste of nostalgia rekindled love at first bite into the delicious crust of a calzone stuffed with spinach and sliced black olives. Just one of several coveted goodies inside the gift bag.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve rekindled the taste of nostalgia through various references to the Sixties as they tie in with the plot throughout my Contemporary Work in Progress. In the throes of composing chapter 50, I’m delving into the protagonist’s liberal attitude and her bohemian, Hippie attire. She’s a spunky gal who defies conventions, remains true to herself, and idolizes Janis Joplin.
Citing a Janis Joplin “pearl” of wisdom—“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.”
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
In retrospect, I view life through the lens of pre-Covid-19 and during-Covid-19, wondering when I’ll be able to reference post-Covid-19.
Following social-distancing protocol, my cousin and I enjoyed a brief long-time-no-see visit outdoors the other day. We conducted an exchange: I handed over a package of seeds and pods for her to plant in her garden. She handed me a bag of fresh goodies obtained from her neighborhood Italian bakery.
Pre-Covid-19, I’d been in the habit of stopping at that same bakery once or twice each week to purchase their spinach calzones. I’d foregone this ritual when the pandemic struck mid-March, having to rethink my daily lunches.
A taste of nostalgia rekindled love at first bite into the delicious crust of a calzone stuffed with spinach and sliced black olives. Just one of several coveted goodies inside the gift bag.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve rekindled the taste of nostalgia through various references to the Sixties as they tie in with the plot throughout my Contemporary Work in Progress. In the throes of composing chapter 50, I’m delving into the protagonist’s liberal attitude and her bohemian, Hippie attire. She’s a spunky gal who defies conventions, remains true to herself, and idolizes Janis Joplin.
Citing a Janis Joplin “pearl” of wisdom—“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.”
*My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
June 3, 2020
Eva’s Byte #266: Going the Extra Mile
Geographically and figuratively speaking, there comes a time to go the extra mile.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve had no reason for journeying along the highway. My outings have basically entailed a weekly run for groceries at the local supermarket at a distance of 3.7 mi. away from my residence, with an allowance of 8 minutes or less to get there.
From mid-March up until the last week of May, the needle on my gas gauge didn’t budge from “full”. At ¾ of a tank, I stopped at a gas station and pumped regular, priced at $2.72 per gallon. Filling up the tank on my mid-size SUV cost me $4.91!
This week, on a full tank of gas, I traveled the extra mile on the interstate—20.8 to be exact, heading to the dealership for a routine 21-point inspection. I made the round trip without the needle on the gas gauge moving at all. The last time I’d driven on the interstate was in February to the same destination.
Between social-distancing precautions and curfews in response to rioting and looting, I’ve no desire to go the distance beyond what is absolutely necessary. I’ve become self-sufficient in my ivory tower.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve gone the extra mile in my Contemporary work in progress. Meaning, I’m one chapter further than last week, now nearing the finish line of chapter 49.
I’ve many miles to go before reaching the end of the line.
*May each of us go the extra mile in extending kindness to one another. It doesn’t cost a penny.
My sincere appreciation If you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve had no reason for journeying along the highway. My outings have basically entailed a weekly run for groceries at the local supermarket at a distance of 3.7 mi. away from my residence, with an allowance of 8 minutes or less to get there.
From mid-March up until the last week of May, the needle on my gas gauge didn’t budge from “full”. At ¾ of a tank, I stopped at a gas station and pumped regular, priced at $2.72 per gallon. Filling up the tank on my mid-size SUV cost me $4.91!
This week, on a full tank of gas, I traveled the extra mile on the interstate—20.8 to be exact, heading to the dealership for a routine 21-point inspection. I made the round trip without the needle on the gas gauge moving at all. The last time I’d driven on the interstate was in February to the same destination.
Between social-distancing precautions and curfews in response to rioting and looting, I’ve no desire to go the distance beyond what is absolutely necessary. I’ve become self-sufficient in my ivory tower.
In my capacity as writer, I’ve gone the extra mile in my Contemporary work in progress. Meaning, I’m one chapter further than last week, now nearing the finish line of chapter 49.
I’ve many miles to go before reaching the end of the line.
*May each of us go the extra mile in extending kindness to one another. It doesn’t cost a penny.
My sincere appreciation If you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
