Sylvia Brown-Roberts's Blog, page 9

Catching Up To Myself

Here's the ground I covered since last Wednesday:
Went on annual sisters birthday bonding trip with my only biological sister on Wednesday through Friday. On Thursday, we had Swedish massages at a wonderful spa. YES!
Drove back home on Friday in time to join our brother, who visited from ALA, for a seafood meal at Eat at Joe's. YUM!
After our Friday meal, I went home to complete writing and practicing my speech.( I'd been asked earlier this month to be the keynote speaker at the church Graduates Brunch on Saturday.)
On Saturday, I attended the Graduates Brunch (3 precious high school graduates)  and gave my speech and ate a delicious cupcake creation from Sister P. YUM!  I just missed a visit and movie time with my other brother who visited from upstate NJ.
On Sunday, attended Sunday School, morning church service, had early dinner at Mom's with her, my sister, and my 3rd brother. Attended Ladies Bible Class and evening worship service.
Monday (today), slept in, did morning Bible devotional. Went  to Zumba class. Wrote a chapter in my new novel. Treated to curry chicken dinner by spouse, writing this blog post before I run off to church singing group practice.
Gotta slow down. I'm a woman of  a particular age.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Agree/Disagree

Life is a series of lessons. You know the saying, "We can disagree, but we should  disagree agreeably."  I first heard it from a professor, and I refer to it from time to time. Sometimes, it's easier to say it than to do it.
The other day, a colleague and I had a disagreement. The colleague saw a situation one way. I saw it a different way.  On principle, I could not agree but I could not dismiss the colleague's view, because that view was valid to the individual. I simply didn't see it the same way from my experience with the situation. We'll both make a concession for the good of all concerned. And life will go on.
Peace,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Bust You Up

While in a waiting room last week, I sat near a mother, a grandmother, and two children. One of the children was in a stroller and was quiet. The other girl, who looked to be about 5 or 6 years old, was very boisterous. She ignored her mother and grandmother. Against their warnings, she sat on a toy chair that was too small for her. She pounded the toys in the play area.
"Get off that chair. You're too big for it, the legs are bending!"
"Stop talking so loud."
"Leave the baby alone. She's trying to sleep."
"Cut it out. You know better."
The older girl's response to all these words: laughter and sassy words.
The grandmother finally took the older girl by the arm and sat the child on her lap.The child began to make slapping motions at the grandmother's face. At first, the grandmother blocked the girl's hands, then she became annoyed and said, "Just 'cause I let you mess with me, that don't mean I won't bust you up! Keep it up and I'm gonna punch you in the..."
Just then, the nurse assistant called my name. As I walked to the examination room, I wondered if the little girl was still laughing and slapping at her grandmother's face.
I do know this, if  I  had tried to slap my grandmother or my mother when I was little, it would have only happened once. There also would have been some serious consequences.
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Sister Survivors

Have you ever decided to skip an invitation to an event, but changed your mind at the last minute?
Did you attend and come away glad that you did attend?  This happened to me last Saturday. Capital Health Systems for Oncology Services held a 2014 Cancer Survivors Day: Finding Your Source of  Strength event. I waited until the last minute to register. I've had a  blessed first year as a survivor. I know the Lord Jesus is the source of my strength. Why should I attend? I found out why.
Interaction with women who have walked the same path is powerful. I hugged a woman who had radiation appointments the same mornings as me a year ago. We could not remember first names, yet on Saturday we reconnected like long-lost sisters. Neither of us had to discuss how we felt sitting in the waiting room in our lovely cancer robes. We knew, no words necessary. I listened to female survivors who had many more challenges than I did, and they are still standing.


 Our guest speaker: an Oncology Social Worker, Psychotherapist, Cancer Guide, and Cancer Survivor. We  had a delicious and healthy lunch. Plus, I won a candle basket!I left feeling more energized, resolved to continue caring for my health, and thankful to my sisters and as always, God.
Sylvia @www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Please and Thank you

Like many Baby Boomers, I was raised during the days of Please and Thank you. Back then, if someone gave us something or did something for us and we didn't respond, our parents would ask, "What do you say?" Prompted, we'd respond, "Thank you." Even then, our parents would give us a look that said we shouldn't have needed to be prompted to speak our appreciation.
Our elders often said, "You should show appreciation when something is done for you, because no one has to do anything for you."  Adults routinely taught children to say Please , when the children made a request.
It seems this prompt show of appreciation has diminished in today's time, both in adults and children. It can be annoying when you go out of your way to do a  niceness and the recipient acts as if you've done nothing or that you should have done it anyway.
A remedy for the annoyance: when you do a niceness, thank God that He gave you the grace to do a niceness. He sees what you do and He knows your heart. Give God the praise, even if the recipient does not thank you.
Take care,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Preferred

I have a preferred pen that I use when writing stories on my yellow pad.  I'm not famous, but like some famous writers, I don't always write using my laptop. I've blogged here about my newest preferred coffee mug. I began to think about other items I prefer: a certain pair of black rubber house shoes from the almost-always-a-dollar store. These shoes mimic the expensive ones in the department stores. I prefer a certain recliner in my sun room, which is a preferred room for my relaxation and reading. I own many Bibles, but I prefer to use a certain one when I study. Its pages  are much worn from years of use. I prefer a certain drinking glass and a certain robe. A certain cooking spoon and a certain kitchen knife aid me when I prepare meals. That's 10 preferred items, and I could go on. But I won't. Instead, I ask you to think about 5 preferred items of yours. Items of which you have more than one, but you prefer THAT one.
Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Put Some Tape on It

This is a recent picture of me sitting in an aisle seat on an airplane. I have on a red coat. Notice the seat belt, properly fastened. Notice the armrest. Wait, there is no armrest! Notice the silver tape with the writing on it where the armrest should be. I joked with the flight attendant, "May I have the rest of my seat, please?" Thankfully, everything else went well with the flight. I've heard about economy class, but really?!?!?

Smiles,
Sylvia
www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Cold Strike

One week ago today, I was sidelined by a cold. This is rare for me. I taught elementary school for so many years that I encountered most cold viruses and bacteria via my students. My body had a chance to grow lots of immunity. Since retirement from teaching, I've had much less exposure to children's sniffle germs. I guess I've gotten soft in that department. Last week, I didn't get lots of writing done, missed 3 gym workouts. My singing voice lacked the higher register. No energy. Not cool. Yet, blessings abound, and I feel pretty much like myself today! Pictured is my home regimen, accompanied by lots of rest and prayers: tissues, cough drops, water, vitamin-packed (C and others) fizz-making tablets, ginger tea with honey.
  What works for you when you have a cold?Take care,Sylviawww.sylviabrownroberts.com 

Family Authors

I had the opportunity to work with a fellow author who's also my brother: Dr. Michael A. Brown. We shared a table at the Southside Church of Christ Homecoming 2014 in Huntsville, AL on 4/26/2014. He's a minister, and his 2 books are  Get Thine House In Order and Life in the Holy Spirit.
My 2 books are Behind Church Doors and Beyond Church Doors.
It was a great experience! Next time, though, I'll have a larger poster on display. Can't let my younger brother upstage me! LOL! www.sylviabrownroberts.com

Security

The other day, I had to go through an airport security checkpoint. I was in AL en route to NJ by way of DC. I had no apprehension because I 'd prepped- discarded my bottle of water, taken out my hand sanitizer and bottle of lotion. I was ready.  When I walked into the machine I call the xray machine, stood on the yellow footprint marks, and raised my hands over my head, I wasn't expecting any questions. I was directed to walk through.
Then the screener asked, "I'm detecting an item in your right rear pants pocket. Do you have anything in that pocket?"
I remembered my prepackaged vitamins I usually take in the morning and replied, "Oh, it's my vitamin pack."
Screener: "Please reach into your pocket and take what's in there out." I did that and showed her the package of vitamins.
She took the pack in her gloved hand, looked at it and gave it back to me. "Please step over here. I have to swab your hands." It dawned on me that until my hands were determined to be free of whatever residue she was checking me for, there was a question about me.
Of course, I quickly passed this inspection. Then, she swiftly inspected my hair bun, which had 4 large hairpins in it. I passed this inspection and she pleasantly waved me through. We live in a time when security measures are necessary.
CHURCH DOORS Road Trip Pic @ the airport after my successful security check!
Smiles from Sylvia@ www.sylviabrownroberts.com