Scarlet Red Hatter's Meeting

      Went to my first Scarlet Red Hatter's meeting, so I finally had a chance to wear my red hat. This is all so new to me, I was not sure what to expect. What I found was a lovely group of women, good food, good and fun talk.  As Ms. M. promised there were balloons in front of the house. I still can't believe the welcoming feeling I got walking to the backyard, there was red and purple everywhere--you just had to smile. I was a little early, but was made to feel welcome immediately. As more women arrived the air took on a party feel; then we settled down to business. It turns out that this was really the first meeting, so I wasn't the new kid on the block afterall--we were all new :-) We were told that two people (Red Hatters) from another chapter had been invited to talk to us. Image our surprise when they showed up dressed in red and purple from head to toe. I just had to applaud them. The Queen Mother (she reminded me so much of my ex mother-in-law that I had to blink, very spooky) shared information and her photo album with us. Pictures of women having a good time. Meanwhile our chapter's own QM still busy gathering materials for our project. I am looking at the finished product as I sit here typing. It's a little red straw hat magnet, decorated with a slightly gaudy boa and a lilac ribbon--what fun :-).

I was reminded of the time my mother did make an effort to attend one of  the craft meetings held in her building. I was so excited because my mom was not a joiner. Later when I asked her to show me what she had made, she went to her bedroom and returned laughing with her hands behind her back. When she showed me what she had made I understood her laughter--she was a very bad crafter. That surprised me because there was a time when she could look at a dress and make duplicate it without a pattern. Go figure. Anyway I think that I am  much better at crafting than mom-probably because she did this under protest :-)  I must  confess that my magnet fell off when I tried to stick it to the fridge. Mmmm, maybe I am not that much better (LOL)

I dothink I'm going to like it here. The woman are at different stages in their lives and careers but all seem to get a kick out of life.  I took pictures but had a problem with the camera. Too late I remembered that this may be the one I meant to throw away. I'll keep my fingers crossed. 

I am working on our website. It is at the "It's o.k. to show folks" stage. What better place to start than with friends.  You can click here to see the Scarlet Red Hatter's website  www.orgsites.com/nj/srh/index.html 

Oh--did I mention that when you are a red hatter, you can be just a bit flashy (big grin!)     

Ramblings of The WeeK Past

     Picked up my mail this week. Nothing that really grabbed me. It's amazing how much junk mail I get. Maybe I should go into the business of selling names and addresses to businesses :-(   I guess that I can't complain too much because I have sent out direct mail in the past and probably will again at some point in the future. It's interesting, I can go a week or so without checking my home mailbox and if there are no magazines there is very little mail. I really do like that.  

UMDNJ Stuff    This morning my breakfast consists of leftovers from yesterday's lunch. Pastrami and chili-type fries, a nice hearty morning meal to get the juices flowing. Yum!!  Speaking of yesterday, I was delighted to see a UMDNJ employee who was lunching with her friend. My goodness, there was a time she and I talked at least once a month concerning her agreements. I do miss the interaction with people like her. She took advice and used it well.  And, I just now received an e-mail from a UMD friend that a former UMD alumni(?) retired recently. I am hopeful that the three of us can get in some healthy girl-time before the end of the year. Most UMDNJ folk will always be family.     

Winter Is On Its Way    I noticed yesterday that the days are getting just a bit shorter. Daylight savings time ends Sunday, October 30 :-(  I have read that things will change in a couple of years. DST will start in March instead of April and won't end until November. How odd, can you imagine that? But I'm not knocking it. I remember how much I hated leaving work at 5p or later and stepping out into darkness. Every year I went through what I always called "my winter of discontent" I wonder how it will be now that I am no longer a 9 to 5'er.  I was always curious about that phrase,  I wonder if  "my winter of discontent"  is the name of a novel or a phrase from a novel?  I keep thinking Steinbeck. Maybe it's just something that people say. Will look it up. 

Old Friends   Received an e-mail from my grammar school chum. She went to our towns annual reunion last Saturday. What started as a small get-together for school buddies years ago has turned into a huge yearly event. I am sooo jealous that I missed this. I know she had great fun. She saw friends from our childhood. Just talking about them brought back nice memories. She saw my first crush and his sister too ;-) If all goes well I will be there with bells on next year.  

I wonder if anyone I know has heard singer Josh Stone. This young  woman (18 years old?) is awesome; she has a big soulful sound. You look at her and wonder where this big voice is coming from. In an interview she said her idle is Aretha Franklin. That may explain her phrasing, but the voice is all her own. Just amazing. Now, if she would just make an album of old standard fav's.

Going to my first Red Hatter's meeting tomorrow  :-)

Cleaning Files, Tossing and Smiling

     I am  taking an hour lunch break. Well I am still going through my files and boxes of stuff and tossing what I don't need. I can't believe how much paper I have. (groan)  Happy to say that I found my Reginald Lewis book, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? http://journals.aol.com/vryanes/vw/entries/449  And I found a poem that is a keeper. I first saw and bought this poem when I was Savannah many years ago, simply because it spoke to me.  Whenever I think of Savannah, I have good thoughts about my former boss and still good friend. I noticed a photo on her desk, she told me that it was taken in Savannah and the rest is history. I spent 10 glorious days there, less than a stones throw from the water. I look forward to heading back one day. I am sure that I have posted this info earlier, but this poem returned me to Savannah once more. I kept it hanging in my office. Never really thinking of its meaning.  Now, I have find that it was adopted by the Red Hat Society.  The title is "Warning" and it was written by Jenny Joseph.  It has always reminded me of a lovely woman at UMDNJ.  I wonder if she is a member of the Red Hat Society, I don't why I did not think of that a few years back. MMmmm. I wonder--is it just coincidence that the entry to my journal is red and purple?            

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall goout in myslippers in the rain 

And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

By Jenny Joseph

A Free and Eye-Opening Weekend

    Saturday, after an early start of housework, I made a couple of phone calls and found that I had a couple of mix ups (or cancellations, not sure). Either way, I ended up with a lovely free weekend. If I had checked earlier during the week I would have been able to attend a town reunion in Elizabeth and perhaps been able to see a friend I have not seen in over 0000 years. I'm not telling--it's been that long. I ended up going to Elizabeth anyway to get a manicure and do a bit of shopping. The City was holding its yearly outdoor sales thing. It was hot and there were people everywhere. Thank goodness the nail shop was steps away from the hustle bustle. I found a few good buys, curtains, etc. I am especially excited about the fold-away carry cart I bought. I truly hate toting things. This cart folds to about 6" x 14" and I can put it in my carryall. The downside is, I have a hard time folding this cart. I may have to keep the directions forever :-(   It's been a while since I have done any real shopping. It felt good.

Early Sunday morning, I finally started building a website that will bring all of my small biz's under one site. I even ordered matching biz cards. Since I am trying to save money, I am doing all of this the freebie way--free site, free cards. It does not get any cheaper than free, does it?  This morning I looked at the site and the cards I ordered with fresh eyes and both look good. I think it will be o.k. since this information is for my networking circle only.

I also started going through stuff that I brought home from my old office. I stayed away from these boxes because they hold so many memories. I can't believe how many business books I kept there. I even  found a gadget that allows to talk hands free that must have belonged to my managing director at one time. Apparently he did not like it. Anyway, it is here, now I must get it back to my former office manager. Maybe I will do that next week.   I even found a note that I had written quickly concerning a Watkins order. My face is red and I am very embarrassed about this. Don't know if I can fix it, but will try.  A friend who retired earlier had told me that it would take at least 6 months to a year to come to terms with leaving my job because I loved it so much. Of course, I did not believe her and said so. Well it was six months and a few days when my turn-a-round came.  I feel like I have many fences to mend, since I did so much hiding during that time. And I have to do a little 'crow-eating' in front of  my friend. Can let her know that I am finally seeing the rainbow.

Interesting Mail - Sharing and Abundance

     Had lunch with my friend this past Friday, then picked up my mail. There were more books for review, it was almost too much of a good thing. Also, I recieved not one but two books from author Paula Langguth Ryan, who had enjoyed reading my article concerning bankruptcy in Work & Family at BellaOnline. Both books are about prosperity and abundance. In Bounce Back from Bankruptcy she writes,  Thank you for all you do to help people get a fresh start. What a nice thing to say.  I read this book this past week end. It is definately worth buying if you are having a problem holding on to your money, even if you are not thinking of filing for the Big B.  Here is post concerning Ryan  http://journals.aol.com/vryanes/vw/entries/475

Ryan's second book is titled Giving Thanks, The Art of Tithing.  Her concept is when you decide to give you open yourself to receive. That works for me. I have always been a believer in that. My dear friend used to say that she noticed that I always managed to have money coming to me from odd sources, she said her mom was the same way. Once, after noticing something I had done or said, (she never revealed which) she decided that her mom and I were generous almost to a fault, when it came to giving $$ donations and sharing. Therefore, the money is somehow returned. That sounds like the 1947 movie The Bishop's Wife. Actor Monty Woolley, is a poor professor who shares his last bottle of wine with  Cary Grant  and the Bishop's wife. Grant plays the angel Dudley, who refills the professor's bottle, each time the professor pours a drink for his guests.  

Many thanks to author Paula Langguth Ryan.

I am a Red Hatter

     Yes. I am a member of the Red Hat Society and attending my first meeting this weekend. I must admit when I first opened my mail and a red feather fluttered to the floor I was a little taken back. But I was cool. I just picked it up and stuffed it in my purse. I have had a great red straw hat that I bought about 2 years ago, but never wore, perhaps I will get a chance to wear it next summer. Oh I know it is still summer, but I think it may be a bit much to wear a big red to someone's house for a meeting. I am looking forward to interacting with these ladies.   

More to hat wearing drama. I have received an e-mail and found out that the meeting will take place in a back yard and that I am more than welcome to wear my red hat!   Definately taking my camera. If all goes well--you'll see photos.

You Can Subscribe to Vannie's World Journal :-)

     I am not sure why folks want to know when I add to my journal, but I do love that you have asked. After searching and trying out systems that did not work for me I found one that does. As I understand it when I post thoughts and ramblings you will be alerted by e-mail once a week or so.  Cool huh? I think modern technology is so awesome. I used to laugh at my friends who loved gadgets--I guess I love techie stuff. Oh well, here is subscribe thingie below, it's also under my picture. Sign up and enjoy. I have been teased about my picture showing up everywhere, I figure if Oprah can do it, so can I ;-)

There is also an Alert Me as Comments are Posted section at the top of this journal that will do pretty much the same thing. I know that it works well for AOL folks, not sure about other ISP's.

Author R. Barri Flowers Has added a Comment to My Post

I see that R. Barri Flowers has added a comment to my post. He gives more details and information concerning his contest. http://journals.aol.com/vryanes/vw/entries/545.

You know, I really do love mystery novels. I can even remember my first. It was [The] Black Spaniel Mystery by Betty Cavanna. Of course when I read that novel I did not know what a 'mystery' was. I think I was in grammer school.  Last year I found information that Cavanna died in 2001. I had no idea that she had lived that long--she was born in 1909 (in Camden, NJ)  I do wish I had known--I would have sent her a note to say thank you for introducing me to mystery books :-).  A great link with Cavanna information http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ztgm/cbm/author.htm

 

It Was a Good Day--I Went To a Party!!

     I attended a great party yesterday evening given by my pottery class instructor. I think this was a lovely thing for him (and his wife) to do. Both are artists and their place is filled with their work. Everyone had a great time--I know I did. We all ended up sitting in their flower-filled fragrant garden (very like My Secret Garden). Some of us even ate out there.  It was nice to get a chance to really talk to the folks who took the class. To think I almost missed this :-(  I'm thankful to my friend for calling me and giving me the nudge I needed. Hugs, J! 

I had just come from NYC where I saw The Constant Wife with Lynn Redgrave (yah!) and Kate Burton, who was just fantastic. The play is wonderful. The Constant Wife was written by Somerset Maugham(sp?) and the action takes place in the early 1920's and is about adultry. I continue to be surprised that books and movies from the 20's are still relevent and often so on target. I won't give any of the plot away in case someone is planning to see it. It is funny, sexy and well worth the theater cost.  While watching the play I remembered how much I used to enjoy reading Somerset Maugham. I had to read him in high school, later I read him because I loved his writing. 

This drawing room comedy also made me think of my old theater group, there were four of us and my guess is that two of us would have loved this show :-) while the other two would not have totally hated it  :-(   they surely may have wanted to know "where's the hoofing?". These are good memories and were good times. They bring a smile to my face.

It really was a good day.  

 

Mystery Writer R. Barri Flowers Has New Contest

Just received this info and passing it on to mystery novels fans. Go online and see Barri's site. If you enter and win his contest please let me know. Thanks.

 I wanted to send out a reminder that there's still two weeks left to enter my August contest in celebration of the publication of my latest thriller novel, JUSTICE SERVED!

Enter for a chance to win Barnes and Noble gift cards, autographed books, and more at:

http://rbarriflowers.homestead.com/Contest.html

Best,

R. Barri Flowers

JUSTICE SERVED (Dorchester, 2005) -- 4-Stars from Romantic Times
STATE'S EVIDENCE (Dorchester, 2006)

Read more about RBF here http://freshfiction.com/author.php?id=9455

Watkins Supercold Tabs Alert!

    This is the reason I love being associated with Watkins products. I have been listening to some health newscasters talk about this same subject. As always, the Watkins folks step up to the plate and immediately to pull products. I am sharing this news in case you have not seen or heard anything concerning the use of pseudoephedrine. Unfortunately, we all have to suffer because people have found a way to do harmful things with drug tablets.  

If you are one of my customers--this is a repeat of what I sent to you earlier.

Watkins to stop production of Supercold Tablets As you may be aware, several states have recently enacted laws restricting access to cough and cold products in an attempt to reduce the availability of ingredients used to manufacture illegal drugs such as methamphetamine. Many states now allow sales of products containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cough and cold products, only through a licensed pharmacy. As a result, Watkins Supercold Tablets (02325), which contains pseudoephedrine, can no longer be sold in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Additional states have proposed laws that are expected to take effect very soon. Therefore, we will be selling this product only to the extent of inventory, and only in states that do not require sales through a licensed pharmacy.

Online Chat with Author Kim Louise 8/9/05

       I know this is short notice but this message was just posted late last night on Yahoo's Romance Noire Book Club. You can an online chat with AA romance author Kim Louise. See her invite below.

Hi everybody!

You are cordially invited to an online chat with me tomorrow (8/9) on my Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kim_Louise/

The chat will be at 6 p.m. central time. I talk about my latest release WITH OPEN ARMS as well as upcoming sequels.

Please stop by.

Kim Louise

You can find all of Kim's books at Amazon.com  You can also subscribe to Romance Noire Book Club and talk to AA romance writers and published authors. The authors here are friendly and helpful.  Just click on the link below. This group does require approval from the RNBC owner, but that's not a problem ;-)   Cut and paste the link below

romancenoirebookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Falling Behind I Must Blame the Weather!

      I am having a hard time concentrating in this heat. My words won't flow and I can't make it  freelancing if they don't. This heat, and humidity is taking its toll on me, so when I do find the words I type until I am on empty. I don't ever remember a summer like this. Days of heat without relief are just terrible. Hands on research has been difficult. The AC in libraries is never high, it is turned on just enough that you don't faint dead away.--remember there are liability concerns (laughing)! The EO library is bearable  if you move slowly, something I am not used to doing. However, the library in South Orange has no AC on the first floor. I guess that means they do have it on the second floor, even though I don't recall seeing a second floor. I don't know what's up there but I will make it my business to pull book from first and take it to second the next time I have research there.  I can't believe that I am just thinking of that now.   

Even dogs are feeling the heat. Last week I went to pick up my mail. A young woman came in with a lovely small dog. As they neared the door to head out, the dog stopped and sat down. When 'mommy' tugged the leash, he (or she) simply lay flat on the floor with all four paws spread out like a blanket. This smart doggie refused to allow his little paws to touch hot pavement again. After a few minutes of a cute tug of war which brought smiles to everyone's faces, except mommy's, the dog finally stood and walked out. My guess is that he was picked up almost immediately once they got outside. I know just how doggie felt.

 A pox on anyone who has ever said "I'll be glad when the hot weather get's here."

Sad News~Bad News

     I was saddened to learn that Channel 7's Peter Jennings had died. He was one of the reasons I watch 7 news. I remember that news channels kept showing his announcement that he had lung cancer. It was news that I hated to hear. Last night when they were talking about Jennings I thought they were just honoring him until I saw the dates 1938-2005. That's always telling. I am hopeful that he did not suffer although in my heart I am sure that he did. I think that's what bothers me about loved ones who have passed on from cancer, that they were in pain. I just heard that Jennings son has said that his dad died comfortably at home. That's a good thing. My condolences to Peter Jennings family and his television family. He was one of my favorite news people. Barbara Walters was interviewed this morning--this is the first time I have every seen a hair out of place.

I made myself wake up this morning at 4 a.m. to watch the beginning of the return of the space shuttle only to find it must continue orbiting earth for another day because of bad weather in Florida. I can't imagine what the astronauts parents are going through. I am hopeful that 2 weeks and a day will be the magic number that brings them home safely.  I add my prayers to countless others for their safe return to earth and home.   

Heat, Humidity Dealing with the 2 H's One Day at a Time

  As a person who really detests hot weather I am having a heck of a time handling these climbing temps and high humidity. My living room faces the sun and the New York skyline, which is lovely, except in times like these. My very sheer white curtains seems to invite more heat and sun. I have taken of the with doubling the sheers. However, there is no way to escape the hot moist air so allergy and sinus troubles have finally caught up with me. But I did something I never would have done before retiring.  i simply stayed home. I had a workshop at the museum today from 10a to 4p--I  called to say that I would not attend. I was up at 4a taking Advil for my sore throat, sneezes, headache and who knows what else. An hour later I used eye drops to get the red out, I figured that I would still get to that early morning class at the museum. Then it hit me, just say no and stay home. I suspect working on my laptop all morning is not a good idea either, so I will check my e-mails (have to do that) then take 2 more Advil and rest these very red eyes. Who says you can't teach an old 9 to 5'er new tricks?  ;-)

Horoscopes 9 out of 10 Times are Wrong--BUT!!

   What do the stars say? You read your horoscope in the paper and it's always wrong, then there is the time it is right on target. Not only that, it transfers to those you are with. My friend read her horoscope last week and it spoke of negative travel, schedule changes, and more. Never has a horoscope been more accurate.  If only, we had known what was in store for us we may have changed our Atlantic City plans. I am happy that we did not because we had a great time because we rolled with the changes. With each incident, I thought of the horoscope conversation we had when she arrived. Nonetheless, the weather was gorgeous, the water was gorgeous and the view was gorgeous. We did some walking around the neighborhood. We refered to this area as a movie set neighborhood because you never see people. Well Sunday we did see someone and I mentioned this to the woman who  explained that many of the people in the neighborhood work nights and sleep during the day. That makes sense why didn't I think of that.   

I had an unexpected business transaction and returned with a couple of binders of paper work. It felt like I was returning home with 2 or 3 bricks in my bag :-(   that was a bummer. I had to take a cab from Penn Station. I did manage to get to my pottery class--nothing went wrong. Our instructor fired our work last week. I really do love my little saucer. I will use it for paper clips. I am so impressed I keep touching it. Someone picked up my large bowl to admire it, but they picked it up by its fragile edge and broke a section. John, (my instructor) tried to help by removing a second portion. I was very disappointed but what can you do? Things happen. I glazed it and a cup yesterday and very anxious to see how they look. Mmmm--I just realized that once I was no longer in the company of my friend my luck changed for the better, that was good for me, but when I talked to her last night her horoscope was still in full force.

Hey J, hoping today will take a positive turn and you will lose all the bad stuff.

Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World

     Wow!! That's a big title and huge responsibility. Of course, I was not surprised to see Condoleezza Rice named number one on the list and expected to see Oprah Winfrey (Harpo) somewhere there as well. Unfortunately, that did not stop her from being snubbed at a famous store, but that's a different story, isn't it. I was very surprised to see Melinda Gates on this list, usually wives of men like Bill Gates are often called most influential instead of most powerful. Almost on half of the women on the list are from the corporate world, Zoe Cruz is Acting president at Morgan Stanley.  I was surprised to see Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling  make this list. I think I am viewing power from a different level than the Forbes list makers. A girl a right to her own opinion, right? I guess when you sell 270 million copies of a book and it is translated into 62 languages, that does give you big dollar power. Anyway, it is an interesting list.This is a subscriber listing so I am hopeful that you will be able to access it. http://www.forbes.com/2005/07/27/powerful-women-world-cz_05powom_land.html?partner=daily_newsletter