Cocooning, Collecting and Contributing

The Two Cs on my Home Page have expanded to three. Here’s what I’ve been up to:

Books

I’m reading a lot of non-fiction lately, maybe because I’ve been so involved in finishing my novel. I can’t seem to get my mind out of the story. When I have time to read, I find myself gravitating toward books about the craft of writing, research books, and, well, just whatever catches my interest. Here’s my summer reading list:

I have read a couple of excellent works of fiction recently: “Tongue in Chic” by Christina Dodd and “All Night Long” by Jayne Ann Krentz.

I loved both books and look forward to meeting these two talented authors (and buying their latest novels!) at the Romance Writers of America 2008 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing at the San Francisco Mariott, Wednesday, July 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by. The event is free and open to the public. All proceeds are donated to ProLiteracy Worldwide.

Movies

When the only video store in my small town closed its doors, I was bereft. My daughter talked me into subscribing to Netflix and it’s been a great companion during the long, hot summer. I look forward to finding my two red envelopes in the mail every week.

I’ve started checking out videos at the local branch of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library and have found some titles the smaller stores don’t carry. I’m hooked on classics and westerns.

These are some of the movies I enjoyed:

“Now, Voyager”
Bette Davis and Paul Henreid
(Paul Henreid suavely lights two cigarettes at a time.)

“The Petrified Forest”
Leslie Howard, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogard
(Humphrey Bogart didn’t get star billing but I thought he stole the show!)

“Whispering Smith”
Alan Ladd, Robert Preston, Brenda Marshall and Donald Crisp
( For a petite guy, Alan Ladd packed a lot of charisma.)

“An Affair to Remember”
Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr
(Ever notice how the star-crossed lovers always seem to meet on cruise ships?)

“Sleepless in Seattle”
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
(One of my favorite romantic movies of all time.)

I’d already seen “Sleepless” a bunch of times (hasn’t every one?) but thought it might be fun to do a double feature with “An Affair to Remember.” Okay, I admit, I might have cried a little but they were happy tears.

Collecting

My recent collections include: souvenir plates, stick horses, old bottles, Route 66 memorabilia and kitchen accessories with a 1950s feel.

I bought a poster by the same artist who created the humongous mixed
media painting in the Palace Bar and Restaurant in Prescott, Arizona.
See the Photo Album page for more about my Old West adventure.

Contributing

I drove through a fast food restaurant recently and spent $6.99 for a value meal. My Netflix subscription costs about ten bucks a month, and the occasional latte or frapucino can run upwards of five dollars. My monthly Amazon bill falls under the category of I don’t want to talk about it.

I decided if I could afford these indulgences, I could donate a small amount to a struggling aid agency. So I signed up to have a couple of fast food meals deducted from my checking account every month. Easy as ordering a hamburger and fries.

In these difficult economic times, I think it’s more important than ever to contribute in whatever small way we can. Please consider giving to your favorite charity, whether your gift consists of time, talent or treasure.

What are you reading? Seen any good movies lately? Have a fun or unusual collection? How about a favorite charitable organization?

I’d like to hear about them! E-mail me, and I’ll share some of your responses next time I update my website. Please include your name and where you live.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Sylvia

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