What brings a big smile to your face?

Hi all,

I was listening to WITF last evening and just left it on for awhile.  They were showing performances by the original singers from the 1950's and a few from the 60's.  I couldn't help but think that most of them are older than me and some have even passed away. 

That music takes me back to a time in my life, not connected to any one person.  Not a boyfriend or a spouse.  Just to a time when it was me and the music and dances.  I've been hooked on dancing and music since I was about ten or eleven years old.  My Sister, Carol, was three years older than me, so I assume I started by listening to what she listened to in music. 

Both my Sister and I grew up with Dick Clark and American Bandstand.  It meant so much to me.  Sure, I did all the normal things kids did:  play with dolls, play outdoors, do homework, did chores.  But, those things weren't who I was.  Music was the thing that took me away from any problems I had.  Both my Sister and I hurried home from school, did our homework and sat down in front of the television to watch American Bandstand.  We'd get up and dance the dances, right with the teenagers on the show.  We leaned all the dances and we were very good at them, if I must say so myself. 

As I laid in bed last evening, watching all these Do-Wop performers, I couldn't stop my mind from going back in time to those carefree days of music and dancing.  I felt so free and comforted by the music.  My husband doesn't know this, but I finally couldn't stay in bed any longer, so I got up and did the Stroll, all by myself, in the privacy of my bedroom.  The only light was coming from a tree which I have in my bedroom.  It has those teeny tiny lights that don't give much light and is decorated in the colors of tropical waters.  It's a very peaceful place for me to rest at the end of a tiring day when my body needs to be stretched out and totally at rest. 

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way about the music and dances of the fifties and sixties.  On the show, they had an audience.  I didn't see anyone who was young.  They were all oldsters, like me.  They were standing and dancing in place, all the while singing their hearts out. 

Why do we feel that way?  I truly don't know.  For me, it's about those days of sheer childhood.  I probably thought I had some difficulties, but as I grew up, I knew those troubles were nothing, compared to living in the real world, as an adult. 

I have to say, that I truly miss those days.  Those feelings of just pure joy and fun.  I'd already been diagnosed with a heart condition by the age of eight, but back then, I didn't worry about it.  But, today is another story.  My heart diseases rule my life, every day of it.  I'm not complaining though, life is good for me and I am so truly blessed with a wonderful family and good friends.  But most of all, a truly loving and wonderful  husband, who cares about me all the time. 

Do you ever let your mind go back to those young years in your life?  Let me know.  I hope you are having a good day and stay safe.
Susan

Good old Monday is right around the corner!

Hi all,

Just a few more hours and we'll be closing down yet another weekend.  They do go by so fast, don't you think?  Well, what have you been doing this weekend?  As for me, I usually don't do much on the weekends, especially anything classified as work.  But, this weekend I did.  I decided to get a little head start on this weeks cleaning., so I have half of my upstairs done.  Tomorrow I'll do laundry and finish up with the upstairs cleaning. 

I don't know about any of you, especially anyone in my age bracket, but I really don't fuss much with the cleaning anymore.  Actually the house doesn't get very dirty since it's just the two of us.  Well, it does get a bit more dusty during the winter months when the furnace is running, but there's very little dust with the air conditioner running.  Hurrah!  Cleaning is NOT one of my favorite things to do, even though I do have a Roomba, which I truly love.

This weekend, I spent a fair amount of time working on writing my novel.  I'm already up to about 280 pages and it's not quite half way finished yet.  This train trip is a very long one and a truly interesting one, to say the least.  I spent a lot of time yesterday, just working out all the details for the mystery, which I've incorporated into the story line.  Of course, that means more research and more notes to be typed up.  Yesterday when I was writing the mystery plot from start to finish, my husband said that he didn't know that I hand wrote the story before typing.  I told him I don't!  I was just making notes my hand so I could type up the plot for the mystery.  Since the mystery goes along throughout alot of the story line, it's too hard going back and constantly trying to see what and where I left off.  So, obviously, it's a heck of a lot easier to have it all planned out ahead of time. 

There is just so much more about writing a novel than I could have ever thought.  Sometimes I'm sorry that I didn't go on to college after high school, like my folks wanted me to.  I choose, instead, to get married.  I wouldn't ever change those facts, because I would never have wanted to do anything other than having my three daughters.  My daughters are my greatest accomplishment of my life, followed closely by my Grandsons, all six of them.  Of course, I'm also very proud of my Sons-in-law.

Now, my husband is in a class all of his own.  He is my second husband and the love of my life.  He is a terrific spouse and a wonderful provider.  Since I have gotten sick, back in 2006, he has stood by my side, trying to take care of me as much as he can.  He runs errands for me and is always willing to do take-out, or go and pick up our dinner, if I'm especially tired.  He just truly makes my life so much easier, always.  Now you know why I love him so much.  Oh, he's also quite a good looking oldster.

I hope you all make the best of the last few hours of your weekend.  I know everyone pretty much hates the thought of returning to work on Monday mornings, but there's a lot of good in that, also.  After all, it pays the bills and takes care of food for your stomachs.  Actually, I believe that some repetition (like going to work five days a week) is good for us.  I guess that's why I'm such a creature of habit. 

Take care and stay safe.
Susan

And the excitement is growing...

Hi all,

Well, it's finally Friday.  I'm sure that's a super good thing for all of you who work full time jobs.  But, it's nice for those of us who are retired, too.  I hope you all have some plans for the weekend, which will include some fun time for yourself.  Or maybe you'd prefer just having some alone time, time to just curl up on the sofa with a good book.  That would probably be my choice.  I love to read and I read every day.  Who are some of your favorite authors? And, what types of books do you enjoy reading?

As for me, I'm sure many of you already know who my all time favorite author is.  If not, it's Stephen King.  Being a writer myself, I can't even imagine where his ideas all come from.  I do so envy him his ability to come up with one strange thing after another.  I don't know, but I think my brain must work a lot slower than his does.

I've been working steadily on my newest novel.  It's moving along very well.  I've added some of the paranormal to this one.  I've always had an interest in that sort of thing, although I've never witnessed any apparitions myself.  Maybe someday before I die, I will.  Who knows.  I love writing. It excites me and makes me feel good about myself.

I also like Debbie MaComber, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Harlen Coben and so many more, that I could use up this entire post naming them.  I have quite a library of my own.  Since the beginning of the year, I've donated about one hundred of them to the York Catholic High School Adult Library.  Ms. Murphy, the librarian, was so kind to me when she invited me to come to speak to some of the students about writing.  Can you imagine, me speaking to students about being an author.  To say the least, I was thrilled and so grateful for her giving me the honor.  I certainly loved being back in my almamater once again.

What have you all been up to lately?  As for me, I've been putting some craft supplies together so I can start working on my handmade Christmas cards.  I'm going to be creating some using a technique called 'Iris Folding'.  I really enjoy doing iris folding, but it sure does take a lot of time to just finish one item.  Then you still have to design and create the card.  My husband asks me if I think that the people who receive my Christmas cards appreciate all the time and effort I put into them.  My answer was, "I don't really know.  I think all of those people who do crafting, will appreciate the time and effort, as for the rest, I hope they do.  I know I've always enjoyed receiving handmade items.

Tomorrow morning my husband, Gerry will be playing golf, along with his boss and two of his sons.  He's been playing alot of golf this summer, but I'm not complaining.  I'm very happy that he gets to enjoy doing something that he loves to do, so much.  Actually, I think the summer's been going  very fast.  I can hardly believe that it will soon be the middle of August already.  I can honestly say that I won't be sorry to see the fall come.  The hot and humid weather we've had most of the summer has made it very hard for me.  I've been stuck indoors for most of the summer months. 

Well, I suppose I'm going to close for now.  I hope your weekend is a great one, as well as, a safe one.
Susan

I got an A-ok today!

Hi all,

How is everyone doing today?  For all of you who are working full time jobs, tomorrow is 'hump day'.  So, things are looking up for you! 

As for me, today I had an appointment with one of my cardiologist's PA's.  Everything looks good, with no big changes, so that makes me happy.  My defibrillator/pacemaker is working very well, and I'm doing about the same, where my heart is concerned.  I do know that when change occurs, it will probably not be for the good.  But, so far, so good!  She did tell me that I am still having a few PVCs, but not too many.  Hopefully it won't get any worse than it is now.  I suppose it's all in God's hands and that's the way I prefer to let it.

What have you been up too?  Have you been doing anything creative?  Perhaps you've been working in your flower beds?  That, too, is being creative.  You don't have to actually be doing drawing, painting or writing to be creating something. 

As for me, I've been steadily working on my new novel, "Train-Trekking" With A Capital "T".  It's moving along very nicely.  I've been trying to write for at least an hour and a half each day.  Although some days, it doesn't work out that way, but I do try.

I have to say that the weather for the last three days has been superb.  The temperatures have been in the mid seventies with low humidity.  This morning, when I went to my Cardiologist's appointment, I actually thought it was a bit chilly.  I felt that I should slap myself for actually thinking it was chilly outside.  Although, I understand that starting tomorrow, the temperatures are to be in the low eighties with the humidity, once again, going higher.  Ugh!  That means that we'll probably be having some storms passing through, also.    Oh well, there's not a single thing I can do about the weather. 

This summer is passing very quickly, don't you agree with me?  But then, the years have been flying by for me.  Sometimes, it seems that one or two days drag on by, but then when I turn around, the entire week has gone by.  I could understand it, if I was as busy as alot of you out there are.  But, I lead a very sedentary lifestyle because of my medical conditions.  Oh well, I'm just happy to still be alive to see how fast the times goes by.

Has anyone out there been watching America's Got Talent?  My husband and I watch it every week.  It's one of the only reality television shows that we watch.  It's on tonight, so that means I have to try to make myself stay awake until eleven o'clock tonight.  That's very hard for me, because I usually an fast asleep by ten o'clock.  Actually, I'm in bed by nine o'clock and it always makes me feel so good to stretch out in my nice comfy bed.  My body is quite tired by the time nine o'clock rolls around.

If anyone out there is interested, I have all thirteen of my books for electronic reading at www.amazon.com.  You can purchase them for a Kindle, Ipad, Ipod, laptop, PC or any other electronic reading device, including many cell phones.  You can check them out, right here on my Blog.  All the individual pages are listed a the top of my home page. 

Well, I do hope the rest of your week goes well.  Try to get some time just for yourself.  We all need and deserve time alone, once and a while.
Take care!
Susan

This is one of the books available on Amazon.

And, once again, it's over, or is it?

Hi all,

Of course, what I'm referring to is the weekend.  Officially, it is over, but since Sunday is the first day of the new week, last week ended on Saturday night.  Anyways, I do hope your weekend held some fun times, some relaxation, and some family time.  It always seems that the week days go very fast, even if it doesn't seem that way at the time.  Most of you will be going to work every day, coming home after work, working around the house, and running kids around. 

I understand that many schools will soon be starting.  It seems that many of them are starting earlier this year than last year.  I truly don't get it!  It used to always be that all schools started after Labor Day weekend.  Then, ten or so years ago, they started returning to school the week before Labor Day weekend.  Then for a few years, many of them went back to returning after Labor Day.  And now, it's earlier than ever.  What's up with this???  I just don't understand why they can't make up their minds. The whole time I was in school, we returned right after Labor Day.  There were never any problems with starting at this time.  I wish someone could tell me why it keeps changing every couple of years.
Of course, it really doesn't affect me one way or the other, since I have no one returning to school.  My children are grown ups and four of my Grandsons have now graduated from high school.  Sorry, perhaps I have no right to complain, but I simply don't understand!

How was your weekend?  Mine was fairly good.  I got to visit, for a short time, with a few of my friends.  What great weather we had Saturday and today.  I went to an outdoor church service this morning, and the air blowing across the open space was a bit chilly on my arms.  But, I didn't complain, I felt that if I did, I would need to punch myself!  I was able to sit outside most of yesterday, which I haven't been able to do very often this summer, so far. 

I hope you got the chance to be outside this weekend, as well.  Perhaps it wasn't the most perfect pool weather, but I loved it.  It certainly would have been good weather for laying in the sun or playing outdoors.  And, for all those who were at beach areas this weekend, the weather was great:  not too hot and not too chilly.  If you haven't done anything fun this weekend, you only have a few more hours to get it done.  So, don't waste anymore time and get to it.

I can only say that I can not believe that today is August 4th already.  It seems like we just started the summer a week or so ago.  I was just thinking about Christmas.  You do know that it's only four months and twenty days away.  Personally, I can not wait!  I ordered some of my Christmas ornaments on Friday.  Every year, for many years now, my husband and I have given my children and grandchildren a Christmas ornament.  When my Grandsons grow up and move out, they will have a box full of ornaments to remind them of all the Christmases throughout their childhood.  We decorate our Christmas tree with the ornaments which my Mom and day used many, many years ago.  Some of them aren't in the best shape anymore, but I love using them on our tree.  It means so much to me.  Both my parents passed away many years ago now, and I miss them every day, but especially at Christmas.  It was from them, that I got my love of Christmas.

Okay, okay, so much for Christmas.  But, it will be here before we know it!  Have you noticed that it now is getting dark a bit earlier now?  In another month, it will be getting dusk around 7:30.  You do know what comes after that, don't you?  Of course you do, it's fall and then winter.  Then it's Christmas!  Sorry, that just flew into my head and I couldn't resist. 

I hope this week holds many good things for all of you.  Make every day count and do something creative every day, even if it's at your job.  Many of you have jobs where you have to be creative.  Stay safe and God bless you.
Susan

Here We Are Again, Hump Day!

Hi all,

Well, here we are in the middle of the week, once again.  How's your week progressing?  I hope it's going well.  Mine has been fairly good, so far.  What have you done exciting, fun or new for you?  I can't honestly say I've done anything new, but I have been moving right along with my novel and that's exciting and fun for me. 

Yesterday I had a dentist appointment for teeth cleaning.  That went okay and I sold another copy of my novel, "Crafty-Cruise With A Capital "C".  I only have 14 copies left.  So, if you'd like to purchase one, please let me know.  Otherwise, you can purchase an electronic copy by going to www.amazon.com and putting my name (Susan Lapp Mellott) into the search block and click 'search'.  This will bring up all of the books I currently have available for electronic reading. 

I'm rather excited about this new novel.  It will be a bit different from the other two, as I've introduced some new phenomenon into this one.  It's something that I've always taken an interest in and I hope you will, also. 

I just don't know what I'd be doing if I wasn't able to write.  Oh, I suppose I could be cleaning my house more often, but then life's too short for me to worry about a clean house.  Don't get me wrong, it's not filthy, just sometimes a little dusty.  Actually, during the summer it doesn't even get that dusty, because we have central air conditioning.  It's just the two of us here and my husband's still working part time, so he's up in his office alot of times.  Really, how much dirt do I make!

I believe that as you grow old, you don't worry about the little things; about everything being just perfect, about having name brand clothes, the newest hair style, about making a good impression on everyone you meet, or any of the things that were so important to you when you were young. 
At least that's how it is for me now.  How about you?

What plans do you have for the upcoming weekend?  Anything special?  Perhaps you'll be leaving for vacation on Saturday, or heading out to a park or swimming pool, or many a neighborhood or family get-to-gather.  Whatever it is, I hope you have a great time and stay safe.

Susan

Your Hands!

Hi all,

I was just reading a post on Facebook.  It was the story of an elderly man and his Grandson who was visiting with the old man.  It seems the Grandpa was just staring at his hands and finally the Grandson asked if he was okay. 

He went on to explain how, all during his life, his hands were always there for him, even as his body started giving out on him.  This story made me think, brought tears to my eyes and yes, made me look at my own hands. 

The skin on my hands is all wrinkled, the veins all pop up and are blue.  Four of my fingers and my two thumbs are bent out of shape from osteoarthritis.  Sometimes they ache from the pain.  But over the past sixty five years, my hands have done so much for me.  Like right now,  I'm typing and they just seem to know where all the letters are without me looking. 

How about all the times they've dressed me, feed me, tied my shoes, combed my hair, washed my body, zipped up my zippers, ironed my clothes, loaded clothes into both the washer and the dryer.  I could go on and on, but I'm sure by now, you've got the picture.

What would I have done without my hands?  Not much I assume!  And, no matter how old we become, we still need our hands to work for us.  How would I prepare our meals, and place them on the plates or eat, without my hands?  How would I dust my house, how would I have diapered my daughters when they were little? 

I believe the problem with us humans, is that we never stop to thank God for giving us all that He has blessed us with.  The human body is phenomenal; every part of our anatomy is needed to give us a good chance at life.  Of course, there are people who loose a leg, an arm, or any other malady, who learn to live either without them, or receive an attachment of a leg or arm. 

Come on, be honest, none of us usually ever think about our hands.  We just use them, day in and day out.  Where would we be without them?  I truly hope I never need to find out. 

I've been giving my hands a good workout lately, working on my current novel, "Train-Trekking" With A Capital "T".  It's moving right along and I'm getting very excited about it.  I've added a new twist to this one.  I hope you'll all be anxious to read it once it's complete.  I'm not pushing for any particular deadline date.  The writing is going well.

This weekend is soon coming to an end.  I hope yours was a good one.  Stay safe and be happy.
Susan