A Decade of Difference and Happy Birthday, John Cusack!

 Photo on left: My Wedding Day, 7/1/07      

*Photo on right: This weekend, 6/24/17

*I posed with a friend and her boyfriend. Since I didn't ask their permission, I chopped-cropped his face off. You'd probably still recognize him on the streets, but my hair will blind you first.

What a difference 10 years (minus one week) makes, right? 

It seems an appropriate time to share the piece below. I posted it years ago for Jenny Matlock's Alpha-Thursday "H" post. I hope you appreciate the message.
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Happily Ever After  

backyard of Temple Israel, where we married. Alameda's Bay Farm Island, 6/17

   "As wonderful as things are at this moment," Rabbi Wyse promised, "it will get even better, better than you could ever imagine."

   Touched by these words, I stood teary-eyed with my new husband, an expansive rainbow colored stained glass window accentuating our loving aura. It was indeed a magical day, added to promise of a divine future.

   The months and years to follow, though? Not so much. Okay, when does this happily ever after thing kick in? I wondered, as life plummeted into a miserable abyss. How could a man of the cloth be so off base?

   More recently, however, I learned the wisdom behind those words. The Rabbi was right, after all. It would get even better than I could ever imagine.
   I just didn't realize it would take so long after the marriage, and the divorce, to find my happily ever after.

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For the grand finale, it's not just another Wednesday. 6/28 marks the Birthday of an adorably witty, playful, charismatic, gorgeous and sexy celebrity. Of all the stars with whom to share my birthday (year included), I did pretty good. Happy Birthday, John Cusack.

“I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that. I just want to spend time celebrating our special day (and night) together, Robyn Alana Engel. Be my birthday date.

XoXo#&etc.*!! Love Always, John Cusack”

If you insist, John.
Happy Birthday to us!
Smooches and more, hon.
xo Robyn ox 

Five extra credit points to the first person who names the movie in which he says the above quote. And who does he say it to?

Be well, and take care of yourselves, Dear Sillies.

Arctic Zone Chocolate

Dear Sillies,
Imagine a small, confined space - say, an elevator - wherein these three people are between floors: Ryan Gosling, Halle Berry, and Bruno Mars.* Pretty hot in there, right? It's even hotter these days, right? We're in the hundreds over here. But I shouldn't complain. Some of you are probably dealing with humidity too - I can't imagine. Stay cool, my friends. Whatever it takes.

*I know, but he's a 5'5" cutie - perfect for me.

On your behalf, dears, I did some taste testing. I went for something healthier than the usual desserts, healthier than yogurt even.  ~ Arctic Zone Brownie Blast.~

It's super low in sugar and saturated/bad fats, calories too. It's lactose and GMO free. You'll find chocolate brownie bits through the fresh and cool spoonfuls of dark chocolate.

It's not as rich as ice-cream, icier and lighter. But this stuff is yummy. It cooled me down and made me smile.

The price was right too. ($4 for a pint).

Arctic Zone earns a 9 from me.

Anyone tasted this? If it doesn't appeal to you, let me know. I'm happy to keep sampling chocolate products until I find one that meets your desires.

Be well, and stay cool - whatever it takes.

Unfold, Unleash, and Wave Away! Flag Day Erotica

Dear Sillies,
If you have one, take it out and wave it proudly. Need I say that bigger is better?
Happy Flag Day.

Keep a smile and sense of gratitude, my friends.
Love you.

IWSG Inspiration

 

My Dear Sillies,

For the past week, I've been away. Imagine getting a flat tire in a small town wherein you have no phone signal and there's no auto shop. In other words, it's been a long day. I'm home safely now, so all's good. And it was worth it - I was at a very nice writer's conference in the northeast corner of California (Modoc County).

For now, let's travel to a memory . . . With notebook in hand, I entered Pete's for our weekly writer's group meeting. What started as a group of eight had whittled down to three. At that time (approx two years ago), I'd just finished my first draft. I floated with an insecure confidence: Maybe undoubtedly or probably iffy and/or certainly I was possibly onto something worthy. My loyal writing buds would definitely see me through.

We sat at a small table in a downtown coffee shop for the usual discourse. 

"I need to tell you both," Pamela started, "I can't do this anymore. It's taking too much time. I have too many emotional things going on with the family, and the job, and my life's a mess. But I want to see your book, Robyn, when you've made all the corrections and polished it."

You're dumping me now? Sure, buy my book when it's published. For you, $100. An extra $50 for my autograph. "Well I guess I understand," I responded softly, verging on tears, "but I'm really disappoint---"

"Yeah, actually," Neil interrupted. "If Pamela's leaving the group, there's no sense in only the two of us continuing."  He proceeded to state that my story didn't work and he was tired of reading it.

"Why would I sit here and be criticized when you're both bailing on me? I have a book to finish." I grabbed my things, and stomped out. 

Writing paralysis struck and stuck for months. Pamela and Neil had become very close friends. Shock and despair mixed with utter insecurity about how to proceed.

Months or a year later, I don't know how I finished but I do know why: Perseverance. That's the key ingredient, right? Nothing else matters nearly as much.

This brings us to the present: Last week Acorn Publishing recognized Woman on the Verge as  MEMOIR OF THE YEAR (for 2016)! See seal on left side bar. Yippeee! I'm eternally thrilled and honored.

So my dears, PERSIST -- whether it's completing a novel or essay, or finishing a NY Times' crossword puzzle (I have much more luck with the former). Take breaks. But keep faith that you'll get there eventually. Unexpected rewards await your arrival.

Be good to yourselves, my friends.