Lila Johnson's Blog, page 3
June 19, 2019
Adjusting and Accepting
Two months ago, I was hit with some shocking news. After experiencing several bouts of vertigo, a severe case sent me to the hospital for which I spent the whole day.
The news that rocked me was delivered by the ER doctor after I completed a MRI. "I have some bad news," he began. "You have a brain tumor."
All I could do was stare at him. Then I cried. Since then I have been told that the tumor is benign but as with anything that creeps into the body that shouldn't be there, the possibility of it growing is always there.
Since the diagnosis, I've moved forward with my life. After all, I have other books that I've begun to write besides my ongoing series, The Fat Girls Club. There are trips to be taken this fall and book signings in the works. I have a grandson that I must witness taking his first date to prom, his graduation from high school and college, his first heartbreak as well as road trips we have to complete.
In other words, I still have a life to live and I plan on living it well.
The news that rocked me was delivered by the ER doctor after I completed a MRI. "I have some bad news," he began. "You have a brain tumor."
All I could do was stare at him. Then I cried. Since then I have been told that the tumor is benign but as with anything that creeps into the body that shouldn't be there, the possibility of it growing is always there.
Since the diagnosis, I've moved forward with my life. After all, I have other books that I've begun to write besides my ongoing series, The Fat Girls Club. There are trips to be taken this fall and book signings in the works. I have a grandson that I must witness taking his first date to prom, his graduation from high school and college, his first heartbreak as well as road trips we have to complete.
In other words, I still have a life to live and I plan on living it well.
March 21, 2019
Thank You
Have I forgotten to say, "Thank You"?
To those of you who have read my posts or decided to follow me, thank you. In our work filled, technology saturated, family encapsulated world, you took the time to read my posts to find out what I had to say and that means a lot to me. Sometimes I have to put down the ink pen and shove the manuscript to the side and take a moment to show gratitude.
"You exist only in what you do."- Federico Fellini
To those of you who have read my posts or decided to follow me, thank you. In our work filled, technology saturated, family encapsulated world, you took the time to read my posts to find out what I had to say and that means a lot to me. Sometimes I have to put down the ink pen and shove the manuscript to the side and take a moment to show gratitude.
"You exist only in what you do."- Federico Fellini
March 3, 2019
Too Cold
I know I'm not the only one that is tired of the snow. So much snow and too many low temperatures. Although I was born during a snowstorm that doesn't mean this is my favorite time of the year.
Give me spring and summer! That's when I feel like a new bloom pushing through the dark, rich earth seeking out the sun. I enjoy the warmth and feel of it on my skin. To help me look forward to spring, I've begun to purchase beautiful silk flowers to brighten my work space as I draft new manuscripts. I've collected a large amount of discounted napkins rings from one of my favorite shops. They look like roses, posies and other flowers that I have to learn the names of.
This sudden burst of color has helped my mood despite all that white stuff. After all, if you can't find what you want you do the next best thing-create!
Give me spring and summer! That's when I feel like a new bloom pushing through the dark, rich earth seeking out the sun. I enjoy the warmth and feel of it on my skin. To help me look forward to spring, I've begun to purchase beautiful silk flowers to brighten my work space as I draft new manuscripts. I've collected a large amount of discounted napkins rings from one of my favorite shops. They look like roses, posies and other flowers that I have to learn the names of.
This sudden burst of color has helped my mood despite all that white stuff. After all, if you can't find what you want you do the next best thing-create!
January 15, 2019
14 Hours Later
THE FAT GIRLS CLUB
QUEEN OF HEARTS
When your mind and body has been on vacation, the last thing you want to do is return to the realities of life. The reality of work, family, home, bills and for some of us, relationships we would rather forget.
Angela’s soft snores distracted Sissy from her writing. She dropped her ink pen into the crease of the journal and looked up. Her eyes scanned the airplane cabin while taking in the activities of the other passengers who read, watched television or slept as her friend was doing. It had been a long and emotional day but a sense of restlessness kept her on edge. She put away the journal and looked up to find a rather handsome man staring in her direction. He gave a wink that startled her.
I know he’s not trying to flirt with me, she thought while giving him her sexiest smile. Sissy watched as he unfastened his seat belt and made his way in the semi-dark cabin to her row.
Leaning on the seat beside him he whispered, “Hello. My name’s Jonas. You caught my eye earlier and I was wondering if you’d join me. The seat next to me is empty as well as the next.”
“And how did you get lucky enough to have two empty seats?”
“I paid to have the whole row,” he said before straightening.
His smile was the finest thing she’d seen in a while. She drank in his 6’2” athletic frame dressed in a dark blue polo shirt tucked into indigo blue jeans held up with a dark brown belt. His body, devoid of any fat or flab, was taunt and muscular. His round, well-scrubbed, hairless face held a pair of luminous eyes that peered out from thick, black lashes and eye brows that caused her to suck in her breath and slowly release it. Her eyes landed on his slightly protruding upper lip that initiated sinful thoughts. His hair was cropped low and clean, while his skin was drenched in a russet tone that made Sissy’s toes curl in her shoes.
“Why not. It’s not as if you could kidnap me.”
“I would if I could,” his languid voice hummed. “So, is that a yes?”
She unfastened her seat belt, placing her hand in his as he helped her step over Angela’s legs. His cologne seduced her nostrils with the most enticing scent of spicy red saffron. For a brief moment she wanted to slide into his arms and stay there forever.
When they arrived at his row, he stepped aside, allowing her to move past his seat to take the next available one. He sat and re-positioned himself before fastening his belt.
Jonas turned and looked directly at her. “So, tell me about yourself.”
From then on, the flight didn’t seem so long as they talked and laughed the hours away.
That's the intro to the third book in the Fat Girls Club Series that will debut next month. After fourteen hours of revisions, I finally sent the manuscript to my editor. After a year of writing the story, with many edits prior to the final revision, it doesn't get any easier to present your work to your readers. As an author, we always hope and pray that the next book is just as good if not better than the last. The one thing we must remember is, when you love the thing you do, no matter what the job, the joy of it pushes fear aside.
QUEEN OF HEARTS
When your mind and body has been on vacation, the last thing you want to do is return to the realities of life. The reality of work, family, home, bills and for some of us, relationships we would rather forget.
Angela’s soft snores distracted Sissy from her writing. She dropped her ink pen into the crease of the journal and looked up. Her eyes scanned the airplane cabin while taking in the activities of the other passengers who read, watched television or slept as her friend was doing. It had been a long and emotional day but a sense of restlessness kept her on edge. She put away the journal and looked up to find a rather handsome man staring in her direction. He gave a wink that startled her.
I know he’s not trying to flirt with me, she thought while giving him her sexiest smile. Sissy watched as he unfastened his seat belt and made his way in the semi-dark cabin to her row.
Leaning on the seat beside him he whispered, “Hello. My name’s Jonas. You caught my eye earlier and I was wondering if you’d join me. The seat next to me is empty as well as the next.”
“And how did you get lucky enough to have two empty seats?”
“I paid to have the whole row,” he said before straightening.
His smile was the finest thing she’d seen in a while. She drank in his 6’2” athletic frame dressed in a dark blue polo shirt tucked into indigo blue jeans held up with a dark brown belt. His body, devoid of any fat or flab, was taunt and muscular. His round, well-scrubbed, hairless face held a pair of luminous eyes that peered out from thick, black lashes and eye brows that caused her to suck in her breath and slowly release it. Her eyes landed on his slightly protruding upper lip that initiated sinful thoughts. His hair was cropped low and clean, while his skin was drenched in a russet tone that made Sissy’s toes curl in her shoes.
“Why not. It’s not as if you could kidnap me.”
“I would if I could,” his languid voice hummed. “So, is that a yes?”
She unfastened her seat belt, placing her hand in his as he helped her step over Angela’s legs. His cologne seduced her nostrils with the most enticing scent of spicy red saffron. For a brief moment she wanted to slide into his arms and stay there forever.
When they arrived at his row, he stepped aside, allowing her to move past his seat to take the next available one. He sat and re-positioned himself before fastening his belt.
Jonas turned and looked directly at her. “So, tell me about yourself.”
From then on, the flight didn’t seem so long as they talked and laughed the hours away.
That's the intro to the third book in the Fat Girls Club Series that will debut next month. After fourteen hours of revisions, I finally sent the manuscript to my editor. After a year of writing the story, with many edits prior to the final revision, it doesn't get any easier to present your work to your readers. As an author, we always hope and pray that the next book is just as good if not better than the last. The one thing we must remember is, when you love the thing you do, no matter what the job, the joy of it pushes fear aside.
December 29, 2018
Yikes! A New Year
Yikes! A New Year is just around the bend. In fact the last time I looked up from my keyboard, I saw Father Time heading to the left, his coat tails dragging behind him.
Didn't I just ring in the year 2018 a few months ago? I tried to be careful and account for my days as a responsible person would do. I made sure to give thanks for the mornings that I drew in a breath of air and released the worries of the day before.
I gave hugs, words of praise and thanks to those who deserved them; co-workers, store clerks, patients and strangers. If I missed one or two it wasn't on purpose.
In this outgoing year I learned that if I did not take care of myself no one would. I forgot that message along the way and became very ill for which I thank my primary care doctor for being on her toes and referring me to the right specialists.
Now I must start again with my exercise program and weight loss plan. I don't like being sick and I hate being overweight hence my books, The Fat Girls Club.
And that's another thing. I want to thank all the people in Kansas City who attended my book signings over the past three months. Their kind words of support as well as their book purchases, made setting up those elaborate table settings worth it!
Finally, I want to thank my 275,000 readers on Tripadvisor and over 400,000 viewers on Google Maps that pushed the numbers where they are now. And to you my supporters on Goodreads, "Thank You." You didn't have to read my messages but you did. You took time out of your busy day to read what I had to say. With a full and grateful heart I say, Many blessings to you today and well into the New Year. Cheers!
Didn't I just ring in the year 2018 a few months ago? I tried to be careful and account for my days as a responsible person would do. I made sure to give thanks for the mornings that I drew in a breath of air and released the worries of the day before.
I gave hugs, words of praise and thanks to those who deserved them; co-workers, store clerks, patients and strangers. If I missed one or two it wasn't on purpose.
In this outgoing year I learned that if I did not take care of myself no one would. I forgot that message along the way and became very ill for which I thank my primary care doctor for being on her toes and referring me to the right specialists.
Now I must start again with my exercise program and weight loss plan. I don't like being sick and I hate being overweight hence my books, The Fat Girls Club.
And that's another thing. I want to thank all the people in Kansas City who attended my book signings over the past three months. Their kind words of support as well as their book purchases, made setting up those elaborate table settings worth it!
Finally, I want to thank my 275,000 readers on Tripadvisor and over 400,000 viewers on Google Maps that pushed the numbers where they are now. And to you my supporters on Goodreads, "Thank You." You didn't have to read my messages but you did. You took time out of your busy day to read what I had to say. With a full and grateful heart I say, Many blessings to you today and well into the New Year. Cheers!
December 4, 2018
Death of Two Trees
One late fall morning, I awoke to the sound of power saws-silence-then the roar of machines. I assumed that my fathers next door neighbor to the left of him, was up to his usual end of the season gardening and care taking. I closed my eyes, trying to return to the dream that included a handsome stranger, but it was of no use. After watching an episode of Perry Mason, I dressed and ran downstairs to take a peek outside to see what his neighbor was up to.
My heart seized when I found tree branches, chunks of tree trunks and then a stump in my father’s driveway. I couldn’t move. I was in shock. When did he decide to commit murder on the Ash trees? Didn’t we discuss just a month or so ago that we would wait on cutting them down, allowing them another two years to live out their lives?
When I asked my father about the trees, he lowered his newspaper and answered in a calm and casual voice, “They were old. They’re only cutting down the two trees in the front.” Then he returned to his paper. Just like that, he made up his mind. Death to the Ash trees.
I returned to the window and stared at the two men, dressed in safety gear, helmets and goggles. I watched as the long power saw in the hands of one of the men, sliced through the branches while yellow leaves fell and limbs, like arteries laid in the driveway dying away. One tree down, one to go. My heart couldn’t take the mutilation. I wanted to yell, “Stop! Leave and don’t come back!”
But it wasn’t my tree, nor my yard. “Those trees have been here since your mama and I moved here,” I heard my father say. That was thirty years ago. Translation, “Nothing lasts forever.” After grabbing my 35mm camera and snapping a few photos, I went outside to have a closer look at the first tree. It looked healthy to me when I saw the inner rings. I placed my hand on it and felt the moisture it still held. Yes, it still had two or more years of life in it and now…
As I walked back to the house, I couldn’t help but to feel a sense of loss, some pain for the two trees, the trees that once held beauty, shade and color in the fall. The trees that were once a part of the cycle of life, were no longer.
My heart seized when I found tree branches, chunks of tree trunks and then a stump in my father’s driveway. I couldn’t move. I was in shock. When did he decide to commit murder on the Ash trees? Didn’t we discuss just a month or so ago that we would wait on cutting them down, allowing them another two years to live out their lives?
When I asked my father about the trees, he lowered his newspaper and answered in a calm and casual voice, “They were old. They’re only cutting down the two trees in the front.” Then he returned to his paper. Just like that, he made up his mind. Death to the Ash trees.
I returned to the window and stared at the two men, dressed in safety gear, helmets and goggles. I watched as the long power saw in the hands of one of the men, sliced through the branches while yellow leaves fell and limbs, like arteries laid in the driveway dying away. One tree down, one to go. My heart couldn’t take the mutilation. I wanted to yell, “Stop! Leave and don’t come back!”
But it wasn’t my tree, nor my yard. “Those trees have been here since your mama and I moved here,” I heard my father say. That was thirty years ago. Translation, “Nothing lasts forever.” After grabbing my 35mm camera and snapping a few photos, I went outside to have a closer look at the first tree. It looked healthy to me when I saw the inner rings. I placed my hand on it and felt the moisture it still held. Yes, it still had two or more years of life in it and now…
As I walked back to the house, I couldn’t help but to feel a sense of loss, some pain for the two trees, the trees that once held beauty, shade and color in the fall. The trees that were once a part of the cycle of life, were no longer.
October 28, 2018
Dusty Love
Middle of the week shopping is made for new discoveries in neighborhoods. During my big birthday year of travel, the Dusty Bookshelf is a wonderful, clean, spacious feast for the eyes. As an author, I would enjoy just hanging out here to write.
The store reminded me of a movie set as tomes peeked out from the shelves or sat like small towers piled up on the floor. With a resident cat that can throw an attitude, I found the black ball of fur curled up in a cushy chair. At a nearby table, sat an old typewriter in need of use. It was love at first sight.
The staff was kind and helpful, leaving me to wander and ask questions. In my search to read a different genre, I found myself in the children’s section looking at the Nancy Drew series, (don’t judge!) one I never read before.
Just as I was about to pay for the books, postcards and bumper stickers that I gathered in my hands, stacks of books that hadn’t made it to the shelves were at my feet! The clerk allowed me to go through a few of them like an out of control child.
Overall: If I lived here, the staff would know me on a first name basis. Stopping at the Dusty Bookshelf was one of the highlights of my day.
The store reminded me of a movie set as tomes peeked out from the shelves or sat like small towers piled up on the floor. With a resident cat that can throw an attitude, I found the black ball of fur curled up in a cushy chair. At a nearby table, sat an old typewriter in need of use. It was love at first sight.
The staff was kind and helpful, leaving me to wander and ask questions. In my search to read a different genre, I found myself in the children’s section looking at the Nancy Drew series, (don’t judge!) one I never read before.
Just as I was about to pay for the books, postcards and bumper stickers that I gathered in my hands, stacks of books that hadn’t made it to the shelves were at my feet! The clerk allowed me to go through a few of them like an out of control child.
Overall: If I lived here, the staff would know me on a first name basis. Stopping at the Dusty Bookshelf was one of the highlights of my day.
September 12, 2018
Getting My Kicks At the U-Drop Inn
Any one that knows me, knows that I love taking the side roads, the unexplored paths or memory lanes of America. For my birthday, I returned to the highways of Route 66 in the direction of New Mexico. I had to release the tensions of the city and learn to have fun before the big birthday (and no I won’t say what age) rolled around.
I made a pit stop in Shamrock, Texas to the Tower Conoco and U-Drop Inn that was built in 1936. This beautiful Art Deco styled building with its ceramic tiled walls and neon accent lights make you want to shake the dust off and slide on in. Since my last visit some years ago, the original café is open and it looks great. Although there is no functioning kitchen, they have restored it to its original appearance while offering snacks for purchase, coffee and tea.
The gift shop and tourist information center has expanded, offering many fun items for purchase.
The host that was working that Saturday morning was very kind and presented a lot of information on the café’s history. You can see the booth that Elvis and his entourage sat in during their stop in Shamrock.
On September 18, 1997, the U-Drop Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
If you have the time, it’s worth making a stop here to check out the old gas pumps and buildings before you continue your journey.
I made a pit stop in Shamrock, Texas to the Tower Conoco and U-Drop Inn that was built in 1936. This beautiful Art Deco styled building with its ceramic tiled walls and neon accent lights make you want to shake the dust off and slide on in. Since my last visit some years ago, the original café is open and it looks great. Although there is no functioning kitchen, they have restored it to its original appearance while offering snacks for purchase, coffee and tea.
The gift shop and tourist information center has expanded, offering many fun items for purchase.
The host that was working that Saturday morning was very kind and presented a lot of information on the café’s history. You can see the booth that Elvis and his entourage sat in during their stop in Shamrock.
On September 18, 1997, the U-Drop Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
If you have the time, it’s worth making a stop here to check out the old gas pumps and buildings before you continue your journey.
August 13, 2018
The Case of Ms. Riley
A recent trip to New York City placed me in it’s underbelly, the subway system. This typical Friday afternoon had its share of passengers seated and standing upright while holding on for dear life to prevent flying into the arms of a stranger as I did just minutes ago. At one particular stop, a light skinned, petite girl, possibly seven or eight-years-old with numerous braids stepped on board.
She was a determined little thing. With an air of confidence that I hadn’t seen in someone so young in years, a blinged out tote bag swung from one shoulder. In her hands she held a clear, green plastic folder containing pictures. Riley (I would learn her name later) set about, one person at a time, presenting her items for sale. In a polite and confident tone, she would say, “Excuse me, would you like to buy my art work?”
I was fascinated by her behavior as she approached each adult. Some reacted with kindness in turn, saying “No thanks,” if they chose not to engage. One passenger pulled out his wallet and gave her some money but refused the hand colored artwork that she tried to give him. Then it was my turn.
I held the folder as she explained the prices of her work starting at two dollars and as high as twenty. When asked if she did all the work herself, Riley confessed that she and her sister worked on the project. I told her to pick out a picture that she colored. It said, “I Love You” surrounded in brilliant colors. How could one not smile at something so simple? I held out three dollars to pay for my purchase. She said, “That’s a two-dollar picture.” Impressed with her honesty, I told her it included a tip. Her big smile warmed my heart. I asked for a hug which she did not hesitate in giving.
Placing the money in the blinged out bag, Riley continued, business as usual. A maternal need to protect her came over me as I watched a man purchase a picture with an ocean scene and afterward a lady paid five dollars for her purchase then shook Riley’s hand. I continued to watch the little entrepreneur handle her business with a smile, filled with determination, one person at a time until she disappeared from my view.
Ms. Riley taught me two lessons that day; don’t let anything get in the way of business and if you have persistence and determination you will succeed. She was the kick in the pants, a blessing in disguise, that I and so many of us need when we feel like whining about how tired we are when goals or dreams don’t go our way. Yes, we all need a little Riley to make life worthwhile.
She was a determined little thing. With an air of confidence that I hadn’t seen in someone so young in years, a blinged out tote bag swung from one shoulder. In her hands she held a clear, green plastic folder containing pictures. Riley (I would learn her name later) set about, one person at a time, presenting her items for sale. In a polite and confident tone, she would say, “Excuse me, would you like to buy my art work?”
I was fascinated by her behavior as she approached each adult. Some reacted with kindness in turn, saying “No thanks,” if they chose not to engage. One passenger pulled out his wallet and gave her some money but refused the hand colored artwork that she tried to give him. Then it was my turn.
I held the folder as she explained the prices of her work starting at two dollars and as high as twenty. When asked if she did all the work herself, Riley confessed that she and her sister worked on the project. I told her to pick out a picture that she colored. It said, “I Love You” surrounded in brilliant colors. How could one not smile at something so simple? I held out three dollars to pay for my purchase. She said, “That’s a two-dollar picture.” Impressed with her honesty, I told her it included a tip. Her big smile warmed my heart. I asked for a hug which she did not hesitate in giving.
Placing the money in the blinged out bag, Riley continued, business as usual. A maternal need to protect her came over me as I watched a man purchase a picture with an ocean scene and afterward a lady paid five dollars for her purchase then shook Riley’s hand. I continued to watch the little entrepreneur handle her business with a smile, filled with determination, one person at a time until she disappeared from my view.
Ms. Riley taught me two lessons that day; don’t let anything get in the way of business and if you have persistence and determination you will succeed. She was the kick in the pants, a blessing in disguise, that I and so many of us need when we feel like whining about how tired we are when goals or dreams don’t go our way. Yes, we all need a little Riley to make life worthwhile.
August 1, 2018
Hey Baby Cakes!
I must confess, that when I walked or rather rushed into Nothing Bundt Cakes, I was a bull in a china shop. First of all, the store was about to close but the manager was kind enough to let me through the door. When I saw the cakes in the showcase, I was so impressed that I squealed with delight. Everything looked so good and I couldn’t wait to photograph them.
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers these decadent delights in 8 and 10-inch cakes, tiered or as bundtlets and bundtlets towers. I was drawn to the Bundtinis, bite-sized cakes. With nine classic flavors, I sampled the Red Velvet cake while in the store. Not only could I taste the freshness but it had such softness and spring to the texture that my toes curled as I sighed with happiness. I lie to you not, I could probably lure a man into my arms with these Bundt cakes!
The most popular flavor in this region is chocolate, chocolate chip. The taste is not overbearing and their famous buttercream frosting petals enhance the cake. If that’s too much, they offer a drizzle version.
The Olathe, KS location at 119th has been around over a year and half. How sad that I hadn't notice this place until I clicked my Ruby Red slippers to bring me home from Tennessee.
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers gluten free options. The shop has a gift display that offers whimsical or team spirit items. Many thanks to the staff for their kindness and patience during my visit.
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers these decadent delights in 8 and 10-inch cakes, tiered or as bundtlets and bundtlets towers. I was drawn to the Bundtinis, bite-sized cakes. With nine classic flavors, I sampled the Red Velvet cake while in the store. Not only could I taste the freshness but it had such softness and spring to the texture that my toes curled as I sighed with happiness. I lie to you not, I could probably lure a man into my arms with these Bundt cakes!
The most popular flavor in this region is chocolate, chocolate chip. The taste is not overbearing and their famous buttercream frosting petals enhance the cake. If that’s too much, they offer a drizzle version.
The Olathe, KS location at 119th has been around over a year and half. How sad that I hadn't notice this place until I clicked my Ruby Red slippers to bring me home from Tennessee.
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers gluten free options. The shop has a gift display that offers whimsical or team spirit items. Many thanks to the staff for their kindness and patience during my visit.
