Eva Pasco's Blog, page 3
July 16, 2025
Eva’s Byte #533 – A Turn-Down Day
Inspired by the song “Turn-Down Day” (1966) by the Cyrcle:
Far from “lyin’ around doing nothing,” not how I prefer to spend my day, I certainly can dig the notion of carving time for myself.
While my typical turn-down day might entail forsaking it all to forage for sea glass on the beach, the lingering tropical humidity has enticed me to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of home, reading a book.
On that subject, I’ve surpassed my goal to read 25 books in the 2025 Goodreads Reading Challenge. At this point in time, I’ve read and reviewed 32 books written by Indie authors.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary, I’ve made some reapportioned chapter revisions: Chapter 18 = 950 words. Chapter 19 = 841 words. Chapter 20 has 663 words thus far.
*May each of us lay claim to a leisurely turn-down day whenever we see fit.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Far from “lyin’ around doing nothing,” not how I prefer to spend my day, I certainly can dig the notion of carving time for myself.
While my typical turn-down day might entail forsaking it all to forage for sea glass on the beach, the lingering tropical humidity has enticed me to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of home, reading a book.
On that subject, I’ve surpassed my goal to read 25 books in the 2025 Goodreads Reading Challenge. At this point in time, I’ve read and reviewed 32 books written by Indie authors.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary, I’ve made some reapportioned chapter revisions: Chapter 18 = 950 words. Chapter 19 = 841 words. Chapter 20 has 663 words thus far.
*May each of us lay claim to a leisurely turn-down day whenever we see fit.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
July 9, 2025
Eva’s Byte #532 – The Outage
Foremost, my heart goes out to all those who’ve lost family members and homes during the catastrophic Texas flooding. My situation does not compare. It’s merely a narrative of a point in time:
On July 3rd, 7:30 p.m., a powerful thunderstorm with wind gusts up to 60 mph, passed through southern New England. Numerous downed trees and power lines caused an outage affecting approximately 50,000 Rhode Islanders. I was one of them.
Drafting my Contemporary up until the moment things went dark, I’m appreciative the habit of saving my document every couple of minutes to accommodate changes incorporated during the writing session.
Until power restoration at 3:30 p.m. on the Fourth, I grappled with the minor inconvenience of boredom, making do with solving challenging crossword puzzles to keep my mind engaged.
Then, there’s fretting over the possibility of food spoilage. On that front, I did not open doors to either the fridge or freezer. I made do eating crispbread sourdough crackers with peanut butter, and drank room-temperature bottled water from my storage stash. If the outage persisted through dinner, I would have opened a can of tuna and eaten its contents plain.
Turns out, and I’m squeamish about this stuff, my frozen goods in the freezer were fine, along with perishables in the fridge. I’m living proof after the fact of having helped myself to food items and beverages in both compartments.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting chapter 18 at 1779 words. I’m in the process of drafting chapter 19 (125 words thus far).
*May each of us be prepared to hunker down at any time, and survive with the bare necessities of life.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
On July 3rd, 7:30 p.m., a powerful thunderstorm with wind gusts up to 60 mph, passed through southern New England. Numerous downed trees and power lines caused an outage affecting approximately 50,000 Rhode Islanders. I was one of them.
Drafting my Contemporary up until the moment things went dark, I’m appreciative the habit of saving my document every couple of minutes to accommodate changes incorporated during the writing session.
Until power restoration at 3:30 p.m. on the Fourth, I grappled with the minor inconvenience of boredom, making do with solving challenging crossword puzzles to keep my mind engaged.
Then, there’s fretting over the possibility of food spoilage. On that front, I did not open doors to either the fridge or freezer. I made do eating crispbread sourdough crackers with peanut butter, and drank room-temperature bottled water from my storage stash. If the outage persisted through dinner, I would have opened a can of tuna and eaten its contents plain.
Turns out, and I’m squeamish about this stuff, my frozen goods in the freezer were fine, along with perishables in the fridge. I’m living proof after the fact of having helped myself to food items and beverages in both compartments.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting chapter 18 at 1779 words. I’m in the process of drafting chapter 19 (125 words thus far).
*May each of us be prepared to hunker down at any time, and survive with the bare necessities of life.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
July 2, 2025
Eva’s Byte #531 – Rethinking Yogurt
Trying to stay the course of independent living with a sharp mind, sense of adventure, routine exercise, and healthy diet, I’ve done some rethinking vis a vis yogurt.
There are many benefits resulting from eating yogurt such as improved digestion, strengthened immunity, and better bone health. Yogurt can contribute to weight management and skin health.
Aware of this, I’ve tolerated eating vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt. Adding my own frozen blueberries has enabled me to endure what I imagine is an Elmer’s glue consistency and taste.
Lo and behold, during my annual physical examination, my doctor informed me that for how I roll, I’d benefit more by eating regular yogurt. With its thinner and creamier consistency, and higher calcium content, I’m all for it.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m closing in on chapter 18 (1451 words thus far).
*May each of us proceed according to taste.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
There are many benefits resulting from eating yogurt such as improved digestion, strengthened immunity, and better bone health. Yogurt can contribute to weight management and skin health.
Aware of this, I’ve tolerated eating vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt. Adding my own frozen blueberries has enabled me to endure what I imagine is an Elmer’s glue consistency and taste.
Lo and behold, during my annual physical examination, my doctor informed me that for how I roll, I’d benefit more by eating regular yogurt. With its thinner and creamier consistency, and higher calcium content, I’m all for it.
In the capacity of a writer drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m closing in on chapter 18 (1451 words thus far).
*May each of us proceed according to taste.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
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
