You're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's a signpost up ahead. Your next stop: The Erma Zone. On New Year’s Day, son Jimmy threw down this gauntlet: Mom, what are YOU going to do this year to get out of YOUR comfort zone? He was just off to graduate school and I had asked him this same question. FYI, you are an official occupant of the middle-aged … [Read more...]
Is Bigger ALWAYS Better?
It used to be true that bigger was considered better. Big bank accounts, big cars, big houses were the battle cry. The pendulum seems to now be swinging back the other way. Financial independence is great, and being poor is no picnic, but the excessive wealth and greed of the 80’s and 90’s (see “Wolf of Wall Street”) is making way for a generation who doesn’t necessarily aspire to be part of the 1%. Gas-guzzling Hummers and SUVs are transitioning into fuel-efficient hybrids. McMansions have … [Read more...]
7th Sign of the Apocalypse
“Human sacrifice, dogs and cats, living together... mass hysteria!” Movie, please? That’s right, the great Bill Murray aka Dr. Peter Venkman, in that cinematic masterpiece: Ghostbusters.Why yes, Dr. Venkman, it could have been the end of the world, but a year later we’re still here, and we’ve morphed into dogs and cats peacefully cohabitating. Who knew? I am not a cat person – my friends and family know this. I have been a solid member of “Team Canine” all of my life. Yet, it’s been … [Read more...]
Shout-Outs for “I Was In Love With a Short Man Once”…
Orangeberry Book Tours 2012 Hall of Fame: http://www.orangeberrybooktours.com/ The Authors Show, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading, Winner, 2012: http://50greatwritersyoushouldbereading.com/winners-previous-years/ The Five-Star Reviews Book Corner: Where readers go to find books with at least twenty-five 5-star reviews - http://www.victoriatwead.com/i-was-in-love-with-a-short-man-once/ AUTHORSdb selects "I Was In Love With a … [Read more...]
How Do You Know She’s a Witch?
We have found a witch, may we burn her? How do you know she is a witch? She looks like one! “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” Hmm… what exactly does a witch look like? The sad truth is that by most estimates, up through the 1700s, 40,000 or more people were executed under suspicion of practicing witchcraft; based primarily upon their religious beliefs, independent or rebellious behaviors, and some interesting physical characteristics including… left-handedness. Being a … [Read more...]
Gone Fishin’
Back in 2005, I shocked the majority of my gal pals with my announcement that I would be heading to Alaska to go… wait for it… salmon fishing. This crazy southern Irish gal is a bit of a weird hybrid: love pretty pedicures, but will also happily get downright muddy in the garden. I’ll rabidly watch a football game, followed by my favorite DIY show on HGTV. I am as comfortable wearing a frilly dress as I am relaxing in torn jeans and a sweatshirt. However, fishing?! Here’s a little … [Read more...]
For the Love of Gal Pals
I’ve often been called a “guy’s gal.” This is usually – I think – meant as a compliment. There are some stereotypically masculine pursuits that I do enjoy and which often lead me to rattling around in the boys’ club house. For example, I LOVE football. I’ve followed the Dolphins since 1972 and as many of you know, I am a somewhat crazed FSU fan – GO NOLES! I can fish, tell jokes (yes, especially dirty ones), and have been known to go shot for shot with the gentlemen at the bar. I have yet to … [Read more...]
The Art of the Middle-Aged Swimsuit
Here we are in mid-June, firmly pressing into summer. The annual ritual of warming up, slowing down, and taking time off is upon us. Sunscreen: check. New summer read: check. I-Pod loaded with beach-themed music: check. Well-fitting yet comfy swim suit: Ugh. Damn. This happens to me every year. I’ve promised myself in the winter months I’ll work out more, eat less, shed a few pounds and buy myself a new swimsuit. And, if I’m being honest, every June I look at myself in the … [Read more...]
Club Fifty
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 4 million of us in the United States who claim 1963 as the year of our birth. We just squeaked into the “baby boomer generation” which officially includes those born between 1946 and 1964. Our sub-group (and many millions more world-wide) will collectively be joining “Club Fifty” this year; finishing our fifth decade here and realizing the not so shocking reality that we are now officially the older generation. A … [Read more...]
Know Your Audience: Stellar Advice or Sexist BS?
Awhile back I was having coffee with a fellow who I consider to be one of my writing and networking mentors. We were discussing this past year, my book, and the future of this blog. As we were sipping our lattes and talking about our latest projects, he noted that he admired how I’ve been able to really drill down to my target audience: women; of a certain age; who like to laugh and share their wisdom. I agreed and noted how much I was enjoying this creative work. I shared that I’ve been … [Read more...]
