Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor is coming to Seattle on April 1, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. He will be at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. I don't know where this is but I am going to find out and I'm buying a ticket.

I love Garrison Keillor. I have eight of his books. I have loved listening to him for years on OPB. I love his charming stories about Swedes from Minnesota since I am 1/2 Swedish and my father was born in Minnesota and my grandparents on my fathers side were born in Sweden. Yes. I love Garrison Keillor and I'm buying a ticket.

Seattle Symphony Orchestra

I went to the Seattle Symphony on Friday. I had a great time. The Symphony played the 29th Symphony by Mozart. Of course, it was flawless as always. It's always like being in heaven sitting in one of the chairs listening to them. It is my indulgence and pleasure to listen.

The Seattle Symphony Orchestra has a new conductor. Stilian Kirov served as an Associate Conductor in Memphis and graduated from Julliard, the BEST of the BEST! He was so charming. I really like him. He is the cheerleader for the orchestra and encourages and hugs those on stage for being amazing. He was amazing. We are lucky in Seattle to have Stilian Kirov as the new Associate Conductor. I look forward to more. He's brilliant and is certainly a gifted conductor.

ZIN JAM at Magnuson Athletic Club

I spent the afternoon at Magnuson Athletic Club for a special Zumba event. I signed up for a ZIN JAM taught by Meli Mastroeni-Kirkwood. The time was from 12:30 to 4 p.m. I had a great time and learned a lot. I was surrounded by amazing and gifted dancers.

Meli Mastroeni-Kirkwood is a ZIN JAMMER, which means that she has been chosen by Zumba to create choreography for Zumba instructors. She's absolutely amazing and such a gifted dancer. It is an honor to be a ZIN JAMMER and it was an honor to take a class from Meli and to learn from her. She taught choreography for five songs and we all danced and  became the instructor to teach the songs.

Magnuson Athletic Club is a gorgeous club--so big and so beautiful right near the water.

What was really amazing to me is that Meli lives in Arroyo Grande. I used to live in Arroyo Grande from 1978 to 1982. I loved it there. I didn't want to leave. Arroyo Grande has absolutely perfect weather. It is always around 65 to 70 year around with a breeze since it is on the Central California coast. I was very happy living there. I homeschooled my five children in Arroyo Grande.

It was an honor to meet Meli. She's awesome!

Weight Watchers

I had great success with Weight Watchers this last Wednesday since I lost 5.8#. It's working so far and it was a great decision to sign up again. The meetings are inspirational, encouraging, plus packed full of great information to get you through the week. So many nice people too!

Weight Watchers

I went back to Weight Watchers and yesterday was my first day. I am already doing better because I feel like I am being held accountable and I can't cheat by eating the extra or saying that this little Halloween candy bar is so small and won't hurt. I am serious because I have to be serious in order to meet all the goals I want to meet. I need to lose weight in order to be a great Zumba instructor. I need to lose weight in order to be taken seriously. I need to lose weight because some people just plain do not like fat people and won't even consider you in your world, if you are fat.

I feel like this time I can do it and I will be successful. Maybe I am just plain ready.

I started a Weight Watchers blog. I know I will have fun with that.

I bought ActiveLink and I think this is going to help to record all I do in a day to move. I'm interested to see how it works. I set it up yesterday.

I bought the monthly pass and I went to my first meeting at Wednesday noon in Northgate. So many nice people in the meeting. Sometimes I work part time at Joann Fabrics so I won't be able to attend but I will when I am able. I am happy that I went back. I'm excited to begin.

Nina Amir

 

 

At Write on the Sound, the writer's conference at Edmonds, Washington, I learned so much from workshop presenter, Nina Amir. She's published dozens of books, one is a Writer's Digest book on writing craft, HOW TO BLOG A BOOK in 2012. Her workshop, HOW TO WRITE A SHORT BOOK FAST, was full of great tips on how to market yourself as a writer and how to turn your blog writing into a book. I learned more about the process of finding new ways to use your novel writing to promote yourself as a writer. One great example she shared was about how a writer who writes cozy mysteries about knitting could start writing nonfiction short books about knitting tips, speak to groups, and then sell all her books.

 

Nina Amir is amazing and a great speaker who has great business tips on expanding your career as a writer to start making more money.

Rick Steves

The writer's conference, Write on the Sound in Edmonds, Washington was a great writing event on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this last weekend. The Edmonds Arts Commission did an outstanding job of orchestrating the entire conference and making it appear effortless as it went forward without any flaws. All needs were taken care of and anticipated. There was so much talent and high profile names at the conference as presenters--best selling authors, book and magazine editors with decades of experience from all across the country. I was in great conflict because I wanted to attend all the workshops and didn't want to make the hard choices.

When I saw the name Rick Steves, the travel writer, as a presenter, I wanted to attend. I've been watching Rick Steves on PBS for years. I admire him. He's the best at travel writing and sets the standard for excellence.

I sat in awe as Rick Steves shared tips on travel writing and talked about the importance of telling the truth and providing practical information that will help travelers save time. He collects stories about people and feels strongly that people "carbonate your experience." Asking questions, connecting with locals, having a local travel guide are essential to the process of understanding, coupled with a background knowledge of historical and political context as you view what is before you. I would love to work for Rick Steves to learn and grow and have the adventure of traveling all over Europe. He works 12 hour days. He doesn't enjoy the nightlife. He doesn't have time because in the evening, he is transcribing his notes for the day into his computer. His life is dedicated to helping and serving those who travel and to bring understanding among all people. He's great at breaking down barriers and helping people see connections where no one thought it was possible. He deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for his work that heals and brings understanding in the world. Rick Steves is a great writer and professional speaker. I sat mesmerized and could have listened for hours plus he's so handsome and charming. I'm the proud owner of one of his books that I bought at the conference, a signed copy of Postcards from Europe. He was gracious and kind to agree to a photo.

Write on the Sound

I went to the writer's conference in Edmonds, Washington this weekend. Write on the Sound sponsored by the Edmonds Arts Commission was outstanding. Each presenter was amazing. I learned so much and am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend. I only wish I could have heard all the speakers and attended all the workshops during the weekend.

The organizers of this writer's conference did an outstanding job. Everyone was taken care of and they did a great job of anticipating needs of those who attended the conference. So much thought and planning went into this event. It was flawless and they should be congratulated! I want to attend next year and I look forward to it with great eagerness to learn and grow.

These are the workshops I attended:
On Saturday I went to:
HOW TO WRITE A SHORT BOOK FAST by Nina Amir
STEPS--A BAKER'S DOZEN TO FIND AN AGENT OR PUBLISHER by Alice B. Acheson
WRITING FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION by Philip Athans
TRAVEL WRITING by Rick Steves
Today I went to:
MAKING MAGIC: WRITING FANTASY FOR YOUNG READERS by Nina Hess.
THE NARRATIVE ARC IN SHORT STORIES by Maria Victoria.
THE OUTLAW'S JOURNEY: HUMANIZING YOUR ANTAGONIST by Gloria Kempton.
WORD PLAY: FLEX YOUR WRITING MUSCLES by Susan de Wardt.

I wish I could have attended all the workshops.

Thai Cottage

I had dinner at Thai Cottage at 417 Main Street in Edmonds this evening. I selected the Cottage Garden on the menu which is stir fried mixed vegetables, including broccoli, carrots, cabbage, onions, baby corn, mushrooms, garlic, and onion sauce with steamed rice, water, and green tea. It was perfect! It couldn't have been nicer. It was delicious. What a great restaurant!

There is a Mexican Restaurant next door which looks very inviting and like it has amazing food too. It looks like Edmonds is full of great restaurants and interesting shops.

Edmonds and Edmonds Library

I love Edmonds. This is the first time I have ever been there. The words that comes to mind are precious and rare. There's something so special about Edmonds. Yes, it's being close to the ocean and being able to see the magnificent views. It's the shops that look so inviting. It's the Edmonds Library with the perfect librarian who is one of the nicest people in the world and who represents libraries and books in the best way possible. I liked her immediately.

I was sitting in the second row on the end listening to Robert Dugoni, an attorney and writer of legal thrillers. Right there I am sold because I love legal thrillers and the law.

I bought four paperback books and I talked to Robert Dugoni for a couple of minutes. I could have listened to him for hours with his stories about growing up in a family of 10, about his mother, about being an attorney, about writing, about the law, about his big EPA case that he wrote about. He's so interesting so I know I will love reading his books. He's a great speaker. He charmed everyone in the room. You can tell he is a good person.

What I like best about Robert Dugoni is that he is a champion, a hero, and someone who believes in justice and fighting to help people and do what is right. He is the best of what an attorney should be.

He mentioned Christopher Vogler, another writing hero. I've gone to a writing workshop where Christopher Vogler spoke on the Oregon Coast. He's awesome. He wrote the Writer's Journey and I have two copies both signed by Christopher Vogler. I need to read his book again.

At the Edmonds Library, it sounds like they have a perfect writing group on Mondays and a National Novel Writing Month group beginning in November.

Write on the Sound

I'm so excited to be attending the writer's conference in Edmonds, WA today. This is the first writing conference I have attended. It's called "Write on the Sound." It's going to be great. I will learn and grow and talk to interesting people who are so talented and gifted in writing.

I signed up weeks ago. I kept changing my mind about one workshop because it's so hard to make a choice. There are so many great people coming to speak. I want to go to everything and listen to everyone, but I can't be everywhere. It's really hard. They give you four choices per session but every choice is great.

I'm going to have a great time this weekend. I haven't been to Edmonds before so I will enjoy looking around. I have thought it would be nice to live in Edmonds.

Health Care

Zumba Party

I was invited to the home of Phillis Wang on Monday along with others who love Zumba and go to 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. We had a wonderful afternoon. On the left in the photo above is Phillis in her beautiful Shoreline home. She's great at entertaining and making people feel comfortable. She's a talented artist. I'm in the middle and on the right is Camille Neilsen, one of the loved Zumba instructors at 24 Hour Fitness.

At the table starting at the left is Vamila next to me. In the middle is Camille followed by Chiya on the right next to Akiko, another loved Zumba instructor with her daughter a future Zumba instructor. Phyllis, Vamila, and Chiya should be instructors because they are amazing talented dancers. Great food and great conversation. Even some practice Zumba.

Zumba

Vimeo

Vimeo is a creative website that encourages film and video by anyone who wants to learn and grow and create. I'm impressed with this website and first discovered it a little over a year ago. I haven't spent a lot of time on the website but I see that those who participate and share their films have something very special by being connected to Vimeo and all that this website offers.

Stress

I watched a National Geographic special on Netflix this morning--Stress: Portrait of a Killer. It was really good and everyone should watch it. This documents the work of neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky at Stanford University who has studied baboons in the wild for decades. The documentary challenges us with the question whether civilized man can learn to thrive without stress like the baboon. Watch it to learn more.

Zumba Gold

I wish I could take Zumba Gold classes every day at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. I wish I could take Zumba Toning classes three times a week at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. I wish I could take Zumba Gold Toning classes at 24 Hour Fitness every other day in Northgate too. These are the classes I want to be teaching every day. These are the classes where I belong. This is what I need to be doing. I'm 65 and I weigh 243 so I can't be doing all the high energy jumping around that everyone else is doing. I can't always keep up with all the young people and the high intensity Zumba instructors who are doing all the jumping and moving so fast. I enjoy the slower, easier version of Zumba Gold. It is my speed.

I need Zumba Gold but I need to also be surrounded by people who also loves Zumba. 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate doesn't have Zumba Gold classes. They don't have Zumba Toning classes, which is also slower. They don't have Zumba Gold Toning classes. In my training as a Zumba Toning instructor I have learned that vertical abs exercises with Zumba are more effective than doing sit-ups on the ground and it is sure a lot more fun.

I'm working hard to learn my dance choreography as a new Zumba Gold instructor. I really wish I had someone to co-teach Zumba Gold with until I gain the confidence to go solo as an instructor. I think team teaching works great because it gives the students more people to follow. Then all the attention wouldn't all be on me. I want to be up in front. I want to help people. I want to show them that exercise and fitness is important. I want to show them that everyone is healthier with movement and there is nothing as much fun as Zumba. Zumba has brought so much happiness in my life. I hope I have a chance at my dream. I really want to teach Zumba Gold. I want to be "real." I want to help people. I already bought Zumba Gold instructor shirts from Zumba. I also bought Zumba Toning shirts too. I ordered business cards. I set up my Zumba website but I need to add more. http://wendyhaber3.zumba.com

I love Zumba. Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba is one of my heroes. I will always admire him and appreciate all that has been added to my life with Zumba. Zumba is fun. Zumba is making life happier and bringing joy to millions. Even though life outside of the Zumba classroom isn't perfect, within the Zumba classroom, it is awesome. It is pure joy and happiness. It is movement and fun. When you are active with Zumba, you are healthier and fit.

I'm going to practice my Zumba Gold choreography today. I'm going to keep working at it hoping that someday, I will have a chance to be a Zumba Gold instructor and be able to help people. I want to help people who are overweight like me to keep moving and to make it fun. I want to help boomers to become zoomers and enjoy all the fun of Zumba but in the safe, easier, slower format of Zumba Gold.

red turtlenecks

I bought a bunch of red turtlenecks at Fashion Bug in Corvallis, OR about six years ago when they were going out of business. It was a mega shopping event to find so many wonderful clothes at the end of the sale for only $2 so I loaded up and bought a lot. I had several, probably 10-15 red turtlenecks hanging in my walk in closet in my apartment. I wore them all the time last year. I bought several tops exactly the same because if I wrecked a couple, it wouldn't matter. So where are they now? I have a bunch of orange ones. I bought the orange ones to sell because I had the idea that I could sell them to students at OSU and make a profit. I thought I could sell them for $5 or $10 and it would still be a great bargain but I would make a profit.

I look around my apartment and I keep finding stuff missing. Wish I had an army of detectives. Wish I was married to a good Mensa Jewish attorney who was retired, loves to travel and likes to dance and likes to laugh.

BECU

I was up in Everett this afternoon because I checked out a very nice apartment in Mukilteo. Since I was going up to Everett, I thought I would bring along my checkbook for BECU to close my account. I had been told several times by multiple sources that I needed to go to Everett to close my account when I talked to people on the phone, in the Northgate Branch and in Lake City. I didn't think there was a rush since I had my card and checkbook locked up and wasn't using it.

I had no idea what I was going to find. I'm very surprised, shocked, and disappointed.

Well, let's start out at the beginning. I've been auditioning banks since I wanted to find a bank that I could count on and trust to give me good service and do what they said they would do. I wasn't asking for the moon. I just wanted what I think every consumer wants. I opened up an account with BECU because I like Boeing. I love Sid the Science Kid, which BECU sponsors. I thought BECU represents intelligence that I could count on. The Seattle Times highly recommended BECU at the time I started my account. My son recommended them too, although he didn't have personal experience. So I opened up an account when the Northgate Branch opened nearby. I didn't like it that that it is mainly an ATM bank. I'm not an online bank person. I told them that and that I wanted paper statements in the mail. I made that clear. I didn't apply for any kind of credit. I didn't ask for a car loan for anything requiring credit. I just wanted to check them out and see how it went. They gave me a credit card. I haven't even activated it to this day. I didn't use it once.

Well, it didn't go so well today. I haven't used my checkbook or debit card since July of 2012. No one has access to them since I have it all locked away so I thought everything was fine. I thought everything was dormant and it wasn't a rush to close my account. Boy, was I wrong. I was thinking that I should have stayed home but if I had stayed home, I still would be in the dark about what was happening. I didn't know all this was going on.

I found out that all this time my account was charged by Vimeo every month even though I had contacted Vimeo last year canceling my account. I opened up an account with Vimeo because I auditioned with Biggest Loser, the television show since I have weight to lose. I cancelled my account by calling, e-mailing, and writing a letter. I had no reason to use the account anymore. I haven't used it since. I thought it was done. All this time Vimeo has been charging my account with BECU every month. BECU has not bothered to contact me to tell me about the non-sufficient funds charges. I haven't been getting paper statements. No phone call. So I walked into a bill to close out my account of over $320 when I thought I didn't owe anything and they were supposed to give me money. I had $167. in my account. On top of this they were charging a line of credit on my account with charges in addition to the other ones and negatively reporting me to the credit reporting agency. Discover didn't tell me even though they are monitoring my account. I had no idea this was all going on. No one told me.

Yes, I have a lot to learn. My husband of over 39 years used to take care of all this. He passed away two years ago. I need to do better but I expected better from BECU. When I said that I wanted paper statements and didn't do online banking, I expected that they would have contacted me. The branch manager, Suzanne told me more than once at the conclusion of all this that I was expecting too much and I should go to another bank. She said that BECU had acted appropriately.

Shouldn't NSF alerts be brought to the attention of a branch manager and shouldn't someone check it out? What if it were an elderly person who was ill? What if someone passed away? Shouldn't BECU care? Why doesn't BECU care? I certainly don't feel cared about. It turned out worse than I even thought.

I believed in BECU and I believed in Boeing. Years ago I submitted my invention to professors at OSU to work with Boeing. I tried to get small passive exercise machines put under seats in jets, especially for long distance travel to prevent blood clots in the legs. No one helped me. I think it is a great idea since it is hard for people to sit on a 16 hour flight without exercising their legs.

I had gone to BECU a few months ago asking for a mortgage and I was disappointed that they wouldn't help me. I had walked away from my home because I couldn't get help I needed and didn't want to stay on acreage after my husband passed away. I was told to walk away by two mortgage brokers.

Not all people representing a business are professional. Sometimes people represent themselves when they are at work and they gossip and they don't always represent the business. When information that only BECU knew during the loan process got around, I shook my head in disappointment and still do.

So you ask, why hadn't I gone up to Everett to close my account. It's kind of a long way up there. It seemed longer than it really is. I hadn't been to Everett until today. It's a nice area and I really like Mukilteo. I'm trying to find a nice apartment at a lower price that I can afford.

I always pay my bills on time. I pay them every month. I care about my credit. I want to be able to buy a home or a condo. I care about doing the right thing. I'm a responsible person.

Yes, I should have closed out my account a long time ago. I guess I still wanted to believe that BECU was part of the good guy team even though I had been disappointed.

I talked to Chris and poured my heart out about all that has happened. He was nice to me. His supervisor, Sue was disappointing. She was severe and harsh and certainly didn't show that she cared. Tears were coming down my cheeks. Sue was glaring and leaning forward and I was thinking she belongs on Wall Street and she must be a Republican and I was wishing Les was taking care of all this. I saw her laughing with others in the back and they were looking my way. I wonder if the CEO of BECU saw a video of how they reacted to me, if it is the way BECU wants to be represented?

Who was the hero in all this? My son, Daniel. I called him on my cell phone. It went straight to voice mail and he called me back. Daniel cares about me. He's my CFO. He answers the phone even though he works day and night. He calls me a couple of times a week. He talked to Chris and to Suzanne on the phone. He was in my corner. He wants me to bank with Ally Bank, the online bank. Maybe I need to do this because then he could monitor the account too and I could be fixed up with the other budgeting program he uses and talks about that shows you graphs and charts of where your money is being spent.

So how is it left? They backed off NSF charges. They charged me for the charges I didn't know anything about regarding a credit line. It was actually in their best interest not to tell me about the NSF charges since they could charge this credit line to make even more money. Suzanne refuses to write a letter to right the wrong of trying to destroy my credit. She says everyone acted appropriately. She won't fix any of it even though she has the power to do so since she is the manager.

I didn't close my account because I want them to start the process with Vimeo to challenge it. I hear back from them tomorrow.

Umpqua Bank sent me flowers when they heard that my husband died. Umpqua Bank gives great coffee when you walk in the door and give you a really great cookie, the kind you give to someone who is family and that you care about. Umpqua Bank lets you sit down and read the Wall Street Journal. When I told this to the manager, she said that I should go to Umpqua Bank again. Umpqua Bank hasn't been charging me every month. They send me a statement in the mail every month. They are nice when I walk through the door.

Chase Bank helps me with any charges that need disputing. They are there to help in the process. Chase wouldn't have treated me this way. BECU says this is on me and my responsibility to get this taken care of.

I have also liked West Coast Bank, which is now Columbia Bank. I have had an account with them since high school, which was Commercial Bank in Salem, Oregon. I found through the years that I could trust them.

The Branch Manager at BECU in Everett said that I need to stay with these banks. I guess I have expected too much from BECU.

So what happened? What is the final outcome?
On October 2nd in the afternoon I received a phone call from the Branch Manager, Suzanne saying that my account would be closed and that the charges would be written off. She said I would receive an e-mail when I said twice that I wanted to receive notice in the mail or I would need to drive up to the bank to completely close out my account. I said that I have been consistent in wanting statements and notifications through the mail. She finally agreed to send me a statement in the mail saying that I have a zero balance and that my account was closed. Hopefully I will receive it in the mail or I will need to drive up again to Everett to the BECU to close my account. The manager again said that they would not deal with Vimeo and that was my responsibility. I closed my Vimeo account and contacted them again as I had a year ago so hopefully this is resolved. It is a big lesson to me to be watchful and vigilant and not assume everything is okay until I check everything out.

I must say that I thought I had left it last year with Vimeo as a free account. I think that Vimeo is a very creative website for anyone who creates film and video. I haven't spent a lot of time on the website but I think it is an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in creating film and video to be connected with this website.

Affordable Health Care

Republicans say that Americans do not want affordable health care and so they are doing everything they can to block the affordable health care that President Obama has tried to see implemented. Republicans do not want affordable health care because it is not in the best interest of big business and the wealthy. They do not want to spend money on health care because it would tap into their profits. It doesn't matter about the people who work for them that put the money in their pockets. All that matters is making sure they keep the high profits coming. It doesn't matter about real people who don't have enough money to put food on the table or have enough money for the health care they need.

When are ordinary citizens going to see that the best interests of the wealthy are not the same as their own? When are ordinary citizens going to stop voting for Republicans who only care about the interests of the wealthy?

HT Market

I enjoy shopping at HT Market on Aurora in North Seattle. I went there yesterday. I was so happy to see that they were selling persimmons. I wait all year for this season. I love them. I didn't know anything about them until a few years ago. They are the most popular fruit in the world. They are mild and delicious. I also bought papaya, dragon fruit, cactus pear, bitter melon, and more.

Global Warming and Climate Change

A study out of Stockholm by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change announced this morning that at least 95% of global warming is caused by human activities and that the resulting devastation will last for centuries. Already the health of the ocean and all water is threatened. Already animal and plant species all over the world have been eliminated or severely threatened. Weather has drastically changed and will continue.

It is urgent for our planet that big oil and all other major polluting giants are stopped.

It is urgent that all blocking legislation to solar power is eliminated.

It is urgent that public transportation becomes the priority and cars are parked in lots at the boundaries of every city. Some city streets should be used only by mass transportation and some city streets should be used only by runners, bikes, roller skates, roller blades, and walkers.

Do you want a better world for future generations? Then you need to be serious about changing public policy in the direction that will protect everyone's future.

student driver

I saw a sign in the back window of the car in front of me while I was waiting at a stop light on Northgate Way that said student driver with nervous parent or something like that. I had to smile. I thought it was clever and cute. They must have made it on their computer and printed it out. It was written in bold black letters and I thought it was a great idea.

$15 an hour minimum wage

I applaud Seattle for trying to push forward raising the minimum wage to $15. I've heard that in the SeaTac area, the minimum wage is or will be $15 an hour and there is a movement to increase the area where the minimum wage will be raised. I think that is great. People need livable wages.

"Cars losing grip on Seattle"

On the front page of the Seattle Times this morning was the headline, "cars losing grip on Seattle." To that I say, Cool! There are too many cars. Too many people are driving when they should be walking or running or biking or riding a bus. Public transportation should be the priority and so should be building safe trails away from traffic for walking, running, and riding bikes. I think it would be great if cars had to be parked on the perimeter of the city and everyone had to walk or bike or run or ride public transportation to get where they want to go. There would be fewer tragic accidents with pedestrians and bikes. It would contribute to the health of our planet, people in Seattle would be healthier and it would be a great example to cities around the world.

I love Seattle and I think it is great that Seattle is a city where on the front page of one of the best newspapers in the world there is a headline that says, "cars losing grip on Seattle."

The Writer

I found the November 2013 issue of THE WRITER in my mailbox yesterday. I cherish writing magazines and I don't get rid of them. I have subscribed to THE WRITER and WRITERS DIGEST for years. Each one has nuggets of knowledge about writing craft shared by famous writers. It's rare to have a moment alone with the likes of these authors but you get to learn from them in THE WRITER.

The first article I read was "Cave Art" by Robert G. Pushkar. This is a great article and I enjoyed reading it. It's all about the writing process of Andre Dubus III. Andre writes in a "writing cave," a tiny room like a walk-in closet that is hidden away from the rest of his house. He writes using Ticonderoga pencils in composition books. His basic framework is a beginning, middle, and end. He allows characters to develop and surprise him. He doesn't share his work with anyone. He doesn't believe in writing groups.

"Dubus never shares a work in progress with anyone: 'No one. Ever.' It's a deeply rooted superstition he has always had. 'If somebody sees it before it's done, he will see its flaws, point out what could be better, point out 'well, that's been done before by so-and-so. It's needlessly discouraging' he says. 'I'm afraid of talk about what I'm working on."

"...Dubus frowns on writers' groups, believing they lead members astray from the work at hand. His father told him that a novelist is like a whale submerged in the ocean. You're down there alone, and you're supposed to be down there alone."

Every time I share my work or try a writer's group, I find out that my writing slows to a halt. I see everyone gifted and talented around me. I start to doubt my ability to put down a word worth writing. It's hard to be a writer because you're alone. I love talking to people and being around people but writing for me needs to be a solitary activity. I enjoy helping others and offering suggestions but I don't like to slash and cut someone else's writing. I don't participate in the process of some writing groups. I will only say what is good and what I appreciate about writing. Writers are sensitive and need to be encouraged. Life is hard enough as a writer. Writers are extremely self critical. If they read this and that and continue writing, they will learn.

Princess Cruises

Golden Princess at
Pier 91 in Seattle.
I went on the cruise from Seattle
on September 22.

This is the view after the
Golden Princess started off for Vancouver, B.C.

This is me. I was on an elliptical in the exercise
room when I saw I was missing out on photo moments.

I enjoyed Dixieland and jazz.
There was a great comedian
Rodney Johnson who had
everyone laughing.




This is the interior of the ship.
Shopping, great food, nice people,
music, everything you could want.
I love cruising.
I want to write cozy cruise
mysteries so I have to take
a cruise at least a couple of times
a year. I've already written one
but it needs to be revised.



This is my room. It was huge.
Dolphin 120
I would love to live or
work on a cruise ship or
at least take multiple
cruises every year.

   

The fitness center.
So much to see. So much to do.
Healthy food.
At dinner I sat next to a man named
Jim who was one of the
most interesting people I have ever
talked to.
Great people and great
conversation at my table.



This is the welcome at Vancouver.
Then I boarded a bus back to Seattle.

Cumbia

Cumbia is the first dance choreography I am memorizing for Zumba Gold to teach as an instructor. I was thinking about each step this morning and the meaning. Cumbia originated in Columbia. The slaves that were chained together were dragging their leg with the chains and dancing and being happy in spite of the reality of their life. The "sleepy leg" is the step where they drag one leg with the chains. It is also called the "candle step." I was thinking this morning that they must have danced at night and held candles in their hand to see.

I was also thinking that since they had chains on one leg, when they did the basic cumbia move, it could only be done on one foot.

I love cumbia. It's my favorite Zumba dance. The women wore long colorful skirts. They held the ends of the skirts and twirled the skirts around. It's a beautiful dance.

So much joy in a dance that covered a lot of sadness underneath. The people who market positive thinking tips learned from the slaves who were chained together and danced at night.

Zumba Gold

This is a great moment because I can see that I am going to be able to be successful at memorizing the choreography for Zumba. I've been watching DVD's of choreography picking out songs I want to teach. I have been listening to music but I didn't get serious until today.

I put an urgency in the process because last night I created the website for myself as an instructor on zumba.com. My web address for my website is http://wendyhaber3.zumba.com. Next I have to order business cards, insurance, and a headset.

Today I picked one song and did it over and over for ten times. The last two times, I turned my back on the television and just listened to the prompts on the TV from the DVD. I will have it nailed when I just listen to the music on my ipod and can dance the choreography over and over without any problem. I'm almost there. I know it. It feels great.

What song did I pick? I picked a cumbia. I picked a cumbia on purpose for several reasons.

• Cumbia is Beto Perez favorite dance.
• Cumbia is from Columbia where Beto Perez was born and the birthplace of Zumba.
• Cumbia has dance moves called the "sleepy leg" which is based on the history of slaves being chained together and dancing dragging their chains in the fields.
• Cumbia has the "sugar cane" dance move which is based on the history of slaves cutting sugar cane in the fields.
• The choreography for the song I picked is easy.
• This song and the choreography comes from the Zumba Gold training.
• Cumbia is a happy music in triumph of difficult times and sadness.
• Cumbia will always be my favorite for the above reasons and this is the reason why I picked it first.

After I memorize my first song, the second one will be easier and the process will go faster plus I will have confidence that I really can do this.

Zumba Gold

Here are some of the amazing Zumba instructors who took the Zumba Gold training with me today in Tacoma from Shonna Porter. We had an amazing time. I learned so much. I'm so grateful to meet all of these wonderful people. We need a reunion! I hope I see everyone again.

Zumba Gold

I'm so excited. I spent the day in Tacoma at the YMCA on Pearl Street to take Zumba instructor training from Shonna Porter. Now I am certified in Zumba Gold. I love the choreography of Zumba  Gold and this what I want to teach. I also want to teach Zumba Toning.

I had such a wonderful time and met so many awesome Zumba instructors.

Shonna has so much knowledge about strength training, the senior population, Zumba, the body, and so much more. I learned a lot and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

It is important to me to go into my future healthy and fit. By teaching Zumba, I am doing my best to make sure this happens. I want to keep learning and I hope I get to teach soon. Now I can teach Zumba Gold for people in wheelchairs and Zumba Gold to active Boomers. I'm going to have a great time. I hope they like me and that I can teach several classes a day. That would be perfect.

My friend, Carmen is on the left. I've been to three Zumba training instructor workshops with her. In the middle is Shonna Porter who is the awesome instructor that teaches Zumba Gold in Washington. I'm so grateful to meet her, learn, and to take her training.

Jacob Barnett--Boy Genius

On Facebook, I found the most interesting story about Jacob Barnett, posted by Dr. Andrew Weil, one of my favorite people. I have several of his books.

www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/01/jacob-barnett-boy-genius/

I wanted to put the Facebook link into this page.

It is so important to focus on the good in children, on what they are doing well. So many gifted and talented and brilliant people are driven into the ground by parents and educators who want to continually focus on every little flaw. We lose the best and the brightest this way.

STOP! We need the most brilliant and the most talented and the brightest in the world to solve problems and to make the world a better place.

QUIT! If you have to find flaws, look for them in yourself and improve yourself.

Special Education Classrooms

I've talked to two special education teachers who teach in the Seattle public school system or in the Shoreline public school system in the last couple of weeks. Since I have a minor in special education, I have an interest in this area of education.

In talking to these three women, I learned that there are a full range of needs in one classroom. One teacher had kids in wheel chairs who were severely disabled with IQ's that could barely be recorded to a higher range of kids with autism and had behavior disruptive problems. I'm wondering if there are volunteers in these classrooms. I'm wondering what kind of learning is going on or is this a "day care center" to save the parents so they can go to work at tax payer expense.

Another teacher had kids who were in the upper range of IQ but had special learning disabilities. Einstein had a learning disability since he was dyslexic. Today he would be put in a Special Education classroom which has the stigma of being for those kids who are "retarded." I don't get this at all. This is laziness on the part of teachers and on the part of public schools who put kids who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities in special education classrooms. We have had so much knowledge about learning in different ways since I was in college back in the 60's so why isn't it applied? We keep teaching in the same way, using the same methods. Why? Some kids learn better by hearing. Some kids learn better by reading. Some kids learn better in a group interacting with the material. There are a myriad of ways to learn. Some are better than others.

Kids shouldn't be labeled. Kids have the right to learn in the way that is best for them and not get stuck in a special education classroom when they are intelligent and shouldn't be in there.

We still don't teach how to think in the classroom. Why? That's probably the most important thing we could be teaching. Learning to make a good decision and how to plan is important. In the Seattle Times the other day, there was an article that said that coding was one of the most important things that should be taught in the classroom. Yes. It's important to learn computer coding. It's important to learn several languages when you are young. It's important to learn math at a young age. Arts and music are essential. So much is important and we are so backward in this country.

What I can't understand is how private schools rake in money for having kids nap in the afternoon! That's a great way to earn money. They can come and nap at my place and I'll accept the money. And parents pay. I shake my head in amazement.

In college, I learned about the Institute of the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia. They deal with the full range of human potential. I remember learning about one young man with Down's Syndrome going to college.

Sorry, I don't get it. I don't understand it at all. After doing a practicum at Fairview Hospital and Training Center in Salem, Oregon and working with kids for three months trying to get them to learn how to put a chair under the table, I knew this wasn't a field that I wanted to work in. I need a little more hope in a situation.

All kids have the right to learn at their full potential, at their rate of learning for their ability. This means that the gifted and talented shouldn't be sitting and bored. They should be challenged and learning every minute of the day.

Le's Pho Tai

I ate dinner at Le's Pho Tai this evening before coming home. It's a few stores down from Joann Fabrics where I work. The food is delicious. I ate there a couple of days ago and Pho Tai is now my new favorite restaurant. I like eating food that is healthy. Pho Tai serves healthy cuisine.

Le's Pho Tai
Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

206-364-5444
14210 Aurora Avenue N.
Shoreline, WA 98133

I ordered Pho--Vietnamese Noodle Soup.
I ordered #2 Beef broth soup with extra vegetables. It's delicious.

My son always orders this when we eat at a different Pho's downtown or the one
in Northgate. Now I understand why he orders it for several reasons.

When I went to this restaurant the first time this week, I spoke with a lady who was a dietician who was in the restaurant with her cute little girls. I asked the waitress what was the healthiest thing on the menu. This lady suggested the bone broth and said that it was so healthy. My son orders this all the time and he is very health conscious. I didn't understand fully until I was reading articles on the internet which basically say:

1. It's delicious.
2. Bone broth is an excellent source of minerals
3. It's therapeutic for joints
4. The nutrients in bone broth are easily absorbable.
5. Bone broth is healing for the digestive system.
6. Because it is an excellent source of amino acids, it reduces the need for protein.
7. Extremely economical.
8. Collagen in bone broth heals the gut.
9. Bone broth helps with wrinkles and gets rid of cellulite.
10. Collagen in bone broth helps to heal the skin.

It is suggested that you eat bone broth every day in your diet. Maybe then I will have great skin. I should eat here every day for my health and then I wouldn't have to cook and mess up my kitchen.

Go to Le's Pho Tai for outstanding healthy cuisine. I feel comfortable in this restaurant. The owners are so nice and it feels good there. The food is delicious and I know I am eating healthy food that is good for me.

Priorities

I made a list of my top priorities. I try to move forward on each of my goals with an action step. If I am not able to move forward on one of them, then I move to another one.

1. Creativity Coaching
2. Memorize Zumba choreography
3. Screenwriting class at UW
4. Revise mystery novel
5. AFAA class
6. Coursera class
7. Exercise 1 hour a day
8. Declutter
9. Eat healthy

I try to reassess my life, my priorities and what is important to me every couple of months. I try to continue to learn and improve myself.

Zumba Glutes

I passed the Zumba certification for Zumba Glutes and will start receiving CD's and DVD's of choreography in the mail. I'm excited. Now I am Zumba certified in Zumba Basic 1, Toning, Core, and Glutes. I am taking a class in Zumba Gold this Saturday. Zumba Gold is for seniors. It's slower, easier, and more my speed since I am 65.

In all the reading to pass Zumba Glutes, I learned so much I didn't know before. I had no idea that any lower body injury is due to weak glutes. So all these knee replacements going on could have been prevented by strengthening the glutes. Shin splints and other injuries are a result of weak glutes, or glute amnesia because people sit too much.

I love Zumba. If I can ever get off the ground by memorizing the choreography, picking songs, and finding a place to teach, I should be healthier and more fit as I move into my future. Zumba makes me happy.

Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate

I had so much fun tonight at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate here in Seattle. It's sad that Christina is leaving. She's such an amazing Zumba instructor. She's the one in the middle with the blue beads. Next to Christina on the right is Daniel who is such a popular instructor. He's always nice and such a gifted dancer. Akiko next to Daniel just got back from Japan for the summer. She's a new Zumba instructor. Vimala is on the left next to Christina. Vimala goes to Zumba often and is planning on taking Zumba Basic 1 instructor training soon. She's very nice.

I am going to work hard to Zumba myself skinny. I should only wear black but sometimes it's good to see how you really look.

Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate in Seattle

 

I just got home from Daniel's Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. I had a great time. Christina in the photo above is leaving the area and we will all miss her. Both are amazing and gifted Zumba instructors at 24 Hour Fitness.

 

Daniel is from Brazil. He always packs them in the room. It's always crowded when Daniel's teaching. He is such a gifted dancer and such a nice person.

 

Christina can zoom around the room without effort with the most amazing choreography. She's such a gifted dancer. She can do anything. I'm grateful that I got to go to her class on Sunday mornings at 24 Hour Fitness. She's nice to everyone and always so kind. She has this amazing way of making everyone feel included and part of the Zumba family. Everyone loves her and will miss her.

"Downtown Crime Shocks New Yorker" says Seattle Times

This morning in the NW Wednesday section of the Seattle Times on the first page is the headlines, "Downtown Crime Shocks New Yorker," written by Danny Westneat.

Seattle has so much culture here. We have Broadway plays, the Seattle Art Museum, the Opera, the Aquarium, Zoo, Science Center, Seattle Symphony, and more. We have perfect weather. We have great public transportation.

People who enjoy the cultural aspects of a big city do not want to be accosted by a homeless person, see a homeless person urinate on the sidewalk, or see homeless people sitting around in the street. Public drunkenness shouldn't be allowed. This doesn't help tourism or make people feel comfortable shopping downtown or coming to all the great cultural events Seattle has to offer.

Why do the police feel their hands are tied? What is going on? Aren't the police in charge of public safety?

In the article, it says that a New Yorker named Marvin who lives downtown feels "...the sidewalks and alleys of every block of Belltown and the downtown shopping district features some level of human misery or low-grade street crime, at all times. He's astonished, he says, by the pervasiveness of the homelessness, mental illness, public urination, panhandling, drug use, and drug dealing, all out there mixing with Seattle's condo and office-tower boomtown."

Yes, Seattle has lots of flavor and variety. You are likely to see a very wide mix of people in Seattle but anyone who was brought up in decent surroundings wants to feel safe. Why would anyone pay 500K to 1 million for a condo in downtown to walk out on the sidewalk to see the homeless on the sidewalk, public drunkenness, being accosted by mentally ill, and seeing people urinate publically against the building?

I don't understand why the leaders don't get it. I don't understand why they don't see that something needs to change.

Marvin in this article goes on to say, "Giuliani had a zero tolerance for the open drinking, the peeing in public. His theory was you go after that small stuff to help with the big stuff. It worked in a big way."

"Seattle's got to get tougher," Marvin said. "You go up to the police here and say 'There's a guy smoking crack over there,' or worse, and they say 'Our hands are tied; there's nothing we can do'."

I want to know why? Why can't the police do anything? Who is stopping them? Doesn't everyone agree that these behaviors aren't okay?

Seattle is a liberal city. No one wants a police state, but I don't understand this tolerance and acceptance for criminal behavior in downtown.

Zumba Core

I just passed the online class certification for ZUMBA CORE! Now I will get choreography and music in the mail. I'm so excited. I love Zumba. It is so important to me. Health and fitness are my first priority and I know of no better way to be healthy and fit than with Zumba. Zumba is pure fun.

Now I am going to work on certification for ZUMBA GLUTES.

Born Again

I was asked today if I was a born again Christian.

I grew up in the Lutheran church going to church every Sunday. My mom played the organ. My friends were Lutheran. I went to Luther League.

Now after multiple disappointing experiences where people in various churches didn't live up to their words and the words of their faith, this is my answer.

I believe that God made everyone on earth. It's not my place to judge or say my star is better than your star. He made atheists, people from other religions, people who are homosexual, people very different from me in other parts of the world. It is my place in the world to be nice, to be kind, to help when I am able, not to judge, not to stifle someone else's dream but to uplift, encourage, and inspire.

I guess now I believe in Zumba because in Zumba everyone is welcome. There is no talking. You are part of the group. It is a healthy choice because you are encouraged to exercise and eat healthy. Zumba unites the world.

Jim Pugel, Seattle Police Chief

On the front page of NW Wednesday, the second section of the Seattle Times this morning is notice of a letter sent by Jim Pugel, Seattle Police Chief to Pete Holmes Seattle City Attorney asking for cooperation to crack down on 28 repeat offenders in downtown Seattle who have numerous infractions for public drinking, sitting, lying on sidewalks, and criminal behavior. These behaviors have been identified by Seattle Downtown Association as in direct conflict with tourism and public safety. The Seattle Police are trying to get individuals with chronic problem behaviors who have been cited with criminal charges off the streets. That's a good goal, isn't it?

I think it is kind of odd that the Seattle Police feel powerless to act and accomplish certain goals for the public safety. Aren't the Seattle Police in charge of public safety? Why aren't city leaders working together? Yes, rules must be followed and rights must be respected but there must be much more to the picture.

Some cities put individuals like this on a bus and drive them a few states away and then drop them off. I know of churches who give money to move just to get problem people out of their congregation. Is this the right thing to do? No. It temporarily solves the problem but the larger problem is left unsolved which is to deal with issues, solve problems once and for all.

Some individuals are a drain on society and do not give back. They continually break the law, cause problems, and never seem to turn their life around to become productive members of society. What is even worse are those individuals who cause harm, murder, rape, and pillage and never mend their ways. What is the answer? One country put an entire population of people with criminal behaviors on a boat and dropped them off in another part of the world to give them a second chance. Some countries in the world take problem people to the edge of the city without a trial and shoot them. It ends the cycle once and for all. Is this the answer? It's a harsh and final answer but is in direct conflict with our way of life and our moral traditions in this country.

Are we ever going to be able to help all the people who need help in the world?

What is the vision we want for Seattle? What goals do we want to work toward? Do we accept certain problems as a necessary reality or do we deal with it? Always more questions than answers.

It seems as though people aren't working together. Problems need to be solved. Issues need to be addressed. People need to take responsibility to protect the downtown environment of Seattle so everyone feels safe.

The Serene

The Serene, one of the largest yachts in the world is moored in Elliott Bay according to the Seattle Times. Owner, Yuri Scheffler is an international vodka distributer. He lives a completely golden life and one that I have never experienced. The yacht is 48,000 square feet and longer than a football field with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and is known as a floating palace. I just can't imagine. It must be so amazing to see and to live this kind of life.

Seaweed

I eat roasted seaweed often. I know it's good for me. I eat it as a snack. It's delicious. I buy it for under $3 for 8 packages at HT Market on Aurora. I also buy bittermelon there. I get my Asian sauces like oyster sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce for stir fry at HT Market. I love to buy dragonfruit but they were out the last time I went. It's so good. The last time I went I tried a new fruit since they didn't have dragonfruit called prickly pear. Delicious.

Joann Fabrics

I worked this evening at Joann Fabrics. My shift was from 5:30 to 9:30. I was asked to check in early because the store was very busy. Then I was asked to work at the register. We were very busy. I love it when we are busy and I enjoy working at the register. The register practically works itself and is easy to use.

Nic was working in the back room. She's very intelligent and a gifted artist. She's valued and gets things done. Everyone can count on her.

I closed with Debbie and Heather. Heather is a supervisor. Both were working very hard all evening to get everything done. There was so much fabric that had to be put away around the cutting counter when I came to work that I was surprised that it all got put away, especially since the store was so busy at the cutting counter. Heather was busy supervising, helping to solve problems. She worked very hard and was busy all night. I can honestly say that I haven't seen a supervisor work as hard as Heather this evening.

It was a pleasure to work with Debbie, Heather, and Nic. I have a day off tomorrow.

Beto Perez is coming to Columbus, Ohio

Beto Perez is coming to Columbus, Ohio on September 1st at 4 p.m. He will be at the Columbus Convention Center. Get your tickets at ticket master and dance with the best. I really admire Beto. He started Zumba. Zumba unites the world. Beto's face should be on the front cover of Time Magazine with a big interview telling all about Zumba and how it all got started. He is changing the world and making it a better place with Zumba.

Zumba Gold

I'm officially signed up to take Zumba Gold instructor training. I'm really excited. Zumba Gold is slower, easier without all the jumping. It is more my style. I think slower is better.

So far I am certified in Zumba Basic 1 and Zumba Toning. In the last two days, I got all the new choreography for Basic 1 and Toning so I'm excited to learn the moves and add spice and flavor.

I absolutely love Zumba. If I ever get off the ground and start teaching, I will be so happy.

Jimmy Johns

I haven't been to Jimmy Johns in a long time but I went this evening to the one located behind 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate on Northgate Way. I ordered a #4--the turkey. It was really good. I'm glad I went. I got great service.

Seattle Police Officers

Whenever I see a blue vehicle of the Seattle Police, I think that they need a bigger budget for more police officers, new cars, more equipment, and whatever they need to do their job. I am also grateful for all they do. They go out first when it is the most dangerous of circumstances. I admire police officers. I know that not all have responded in the best way but they must respond immediately, instantly, and I think that for the most part, they are doing the best they can to protect and to serve the public.

I think that they should get all new vehicles with the best equipment and whatever they need. I think that there should be more police officers hired.

I love Seattle. I think that the Seattle Police Department is doing an amazing job already in protecting the quality of life in Seattle. After all, this is Seattle, the greatest city in the world!

I think that we should thank the Seattle Police Department for their fine service and for all they do every day to keep everyone safe. So I say Thank You!

Joann Fabrics

I worked this morning at Joann Fabrics at the Shoreline store on Aurora from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. I enjoyed working at the cash register. I love the new store. It's beautiful. I work for the BEST manager, Lori. I have never worked for a better manager. She's fair. She works hard. She's professional. She's nice. She instructs and trains. I'm impressed with her and I am grateful to be working for her. I will do whatever she asks of me and work hard to complete any goal I am given.

A Joann TV Show

I always wake up with ideas. This morning I woke up thinking about my supervisor's purse.

I worked last night at Joann Fabrics from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. I was tired. I had a big day. I finished my creativity coach assignment and got it e-mailed off. I heard from a writer who had critiqued my last mystery novel. She said with more revision, it could turn into a marketable series and she suggested a publisher. I was also busy with the never ending chores of life--taking out the garbage, dishes, yada, yada, yada......

Back to the purse. At the end of the shift, we are supposed to open our bags and purses to the supervisor on duty to check before clocking out as we walk out the door. When the supervisor showed her purse to be checked. I was struck how beautiful it was and I said so. She opened it and it showed endless pockets with great organization. I didn't understand that she said it was chaotic. It didn't make any sense. I'm not someone who wants to argue with anyone so I was quiet plus I was tired. I just let it pass. I have a feeling that she is the most organized person on the planet or one of them after looking at her purse. She could give lessons. I know she really knows how to sew and would be perfect to teach all the classes in the Joann classroom but she can't because she is a supervisor.

This morning I woke up thinking about her purse because I had wanted to know if there were more layers of pockets. It looked like the most organized purse I had ever seen. I think it was handmade. I wonder if she designed it. I wonder if she made it. The fabric choice was beautiful so bright and colorful. Now I want to really see, to investigate because it is a beautiful purse and one I have never seen. It is the dream of every woman to have an organized purse.

So on to another idea that came right after thinking about her purse. I love to travel. I miss traveling so added on to my last post about wanting to create a blog about Joann store #805, I was thinking there needs to be a television show--The Joann Show. It could show all the amazing projects that is possible at Joann Fabrics. It would showcase all the talent of the team members and the customers. Of course, I was thinking I would be the person who travels all across the country to each Joann Store with a camera crew or I could do it myself since I have taken video editing at CCTV but I would need to update my skills since that was in 1999 when I went through the master gardening course and made a master gardening video.

Okay back to the Joann TV show and me traveling across the country............doesn't this just sound like fun and an exciting kind of job. What would happen is that I would travel around videoing and interviewing people at each store and then come back to create the TV show. Then I would have to go out and do more shows. It would be endless and it would be pure fun.

All this would need major permission from Joann Fabrics. People love to be recognized for their talent and ability. This show would do it.

Usually when I have ideas, all I can do is write about it. I guess that is why I started writing novels.

So this is the first idea this morning...........now I need to eat breakfast and get to work.

Kelly's Kloset

Kelly's Kloset is a featured blog on Google and Blogger today and it is worth the look. Fashion, style, Florida events, and brand names dominate as Kelly poses showing featured picks. It's an impressive successful blog.

It inspires me to want to do a crafting or a Joann Fabrics blog to show all the amazing products and creative projects. It would be fun. If I were given permission and started another blog, I could feature my store #805 with photos of those wanting to participate. I could show creative projects. I could feature fabrics, patterns, and garments. I could show yarn and finished projects. So much is possible. So many quilts. So many blankets. So many ideas to highlight. I would want to showcase the talents of others with whom I work and customers who shop at Joann's. What fun! I could also feature crafting events in the Seattle area and show all the amazing craft guilds and groups in the area with examples of projects. I like to showcase the talents of others. It makes me happy. Wondering about making this happen...................

The last time I worked a gentleman came in looking for 2 mm Swarovski crystals to replace diamonds in his beautiful watch. The last two days I worked a young guy working on a construction project came in and bought 30 yards of black fabric to use as curtain dividers to hide the work space from the restaurant. There is a kind lady who comes in often buying fabric who must be singlehandedly sewing every wedding gown in the area. She's not even making any money. She has earned the reputation in her church and everyone comes to her for help. A young man came in to buy fleece for a surf board cover. So many heroes walk through the door of Joann Fabrics who are working on projects to help others and to donate for charity. So many people come through the door with exciting or interesting projects they are working on. So many people working on beautiful quilts, sweaters, blankets, etc. Women from other countries buying lengths of fabric for dresses. It would be fun to be able to carry my camera, interview on the spot asking a few questions, and showcase it in a blog. So much is possible.

There are so many new exciting products sold in Joann Fabrics. New ones come in every day. I'm constantly amazed at the variety and choices. I could also highlight products and show how they can be used featuring customers and team members from Joann's.
   

Billy Elliott

I just finished watching Billy Elliott. I've watched it several times through the years.

The story of Billy Elliott touches my heart deeply. Any one who tries to squish dreams out of a person.....Anyone who doesn't want the ones they love to be the best they can be......Anyone who doesn't want to encourage the best in others......I don't understand this. Dream stealers are the bullies of the world. They live at the expense of others. They take. They stomp. They feel nothing. This isn't the story line of Billy Elliott because his father does feel and changes and grows as any good novel or screenplay will show. In life, dream stealers need to also change.

If I can someday write a story and screenplay that even comes close to Billy Elliott, I will feel very proud of my accomplishment.

Beans and Rice

I went to QFC this evening to buy a couple of things I needed to make the beans and rice recipe I found on Facebook this morning posted by this amazing writer, Melissa Hart. I don't know her personally but I really admire her. I've been reading her articles in the Writer for years and she is a professor at the University of Oregon at the School of Journalism. She was kind to be a Facebook friend.

Anyway, I just had to make this beans and rice recipe from Costa Rica after work. What really seemed to emphasize the need was waiting on this neat lady at Joann Fabrics who was wearing a Costa Rica shirt, which reminded me of Melissa Hart, which reminded me of the cruise my husband and I took through the Panama Canal stopping at Costa Rica. I remember the Toucan in the eves of the outdoor restaurant where we ate. My husband remembered seeing crocodiles on the beach. I don't remember ever seeing crocodiles.

Beans and rice from Costa Rica..................

Volcom Fiji Pro 2013

I haven't been able to watch pro surfing in years. I used to watch in Oregon on television. I can't get it here in Seattle and now that I turned off television, I really can't get it.

But this afternoon at Joann Fabrics, a young man came in the store looking at the fleece on sale thinking that it would make a good surf board cover since it was on sale for 70% off. I asked him if he really surfs in this area thinking that the ocean must be really cold and not as inviting as other parts of the world. He said sure. I told him that I used to watch pro surfing. He was surprised I watched it on TV and said he watches it on the Internet, which made me want to turn to Google to find what is going on with John John and Kelly Slater.

Sure enough after searching on Google, I found the Volcom Fiji Pro 2013 on YouTube. You probably wonder why an old, fat lady loves to watch pro surfing, especially since I have never in my life once surfed or even tried. While, in my heart, I'm not an old fat lady. I'm the young slim, not so bad-looking girl that I was in high school and college. I don't feel old and I'm working on not being fat.

It sure is fun to see John John Florence surf the long barrel waves and see Kelly Slater win yet another title. Cool!

If I could surf like that, I would never want to leave the water. I'd keep wanting to go out for another wave and another and another and another.................

I work with this really neat lady who lives the good life and gets to travel to Hawaii at least a couple of times every year selling things she makes. What a dream life! I need to learn how. If I could just pay for the plane fare, a place to stay, food, and the materials to make the golden item that sells, it would be perfect. If I ever got to do it, surfing would take center stage in a novel I write. I love Hawaii. I'm a Pisces. I love the water. I love palm trees. I love the easy-going life style in Hawaii.

100% Silk

Yesterday I was working from 9 to 4:30 at Joann Fabrics in Shoreline. I was asked which thread is the strongest. Without hesitation, I answered 100% silk. The woman looked surprised. Some say silk thread is as strong as steel. If you want an applique quilt to last, you use 100% silk thread.

It says on the 100% silk fabric that we sell that you must dry clean but I have learned that if you wash the fabric before cutting, you can wash the garment after it is made. When you wash it the first time, it will shrink an average of 5 inches a yard. An added benefit is that it will not wrinkle.

Silk thread fiber is so strong that it has lasted over 4000 years in tombs. Silk is strong.

My husband and I traveled to Hong Kong twice in the early 90's. He had a tux made by a tailor and I had a dress made of silk.

Polyester burns. 100% silk doesn't burn. Silk is a natural fiber that is worth the money. It's beautiful.

University of Washington Screenwriting Certificate Program in Seattle

I got notification today that I have been accepted into the University of Washington Screenwriting Certificate Program for 2013/2014. I'm so excited. I'm skipping around and letting go of helium balloons in my heart. I've always wanted to do this since I was in grade school when I used to write episodes of Gunsmoke. Although it is highly unlikely that I will make it since only 18% of members of Writers Guild of America are women and it is very hard for women to break into this field, I'm trying because I will regret forever not trying. It will be fun and I will learn and grow.

Wondering about electric bills

I am wondering about electric bills. Seattle City Light has reasonable electric bills. I'm wondering what the electric bills are like in the Southern United States.

I'm wondering if people pay high electric bills in the summer for air conditioning in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Georgia, Alabama, and the other Southern states. I'm wondering why solar panels in these states aren't used on houses and businesses to generate energy that can be sold to other states in the north or in other countries? I'm wondering why members of the House and Senate don't enact laws to make this mandatory to help save on energy costs in this country. We could be selling this solar energy to other countries, have everyone in this country have low or zero bills, and make money.

Anna is a writer at age 4

This is Anna, my granddaughter who is 4 1/2. She has written a book. She drew all the pictures for the book. Then she dictated the words for each page to her mother, Amanda who wrote them down for her. Ben, my son, read the book to her before bedtime 10 times last night.

I'm proud of you, Anna. You are a real writer and you already wrote a book.

Amber Alert

I received an Amber Alert on my cell phone a few minutes ago.

It says:

Boulevard, CA
Lic: 6WCU986
Blue Nissan Versa

Watch out for this car and license plate.

An Amber Alert means a missing child has been abducted.

Seattle Art Museum Japanese Fashion Exhibit

I went to the Japanese Fashion Exhibit this afternoon at the Seattle Art Museum. I went on the 1 p.m. guided tour.

When I think of fashion and couture, I think of Paris and NYC. I think of Tim Gunn and Project Runway. I think of Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire. I don't think of Japan and yet, the most influential fashion designer in the world today is Japanese.

There is a dress made with 20 layers of muslin draped into folds that form ruffles. There is a dress that folds flat but when lifted up forms an accordion-like sculpture that flares out and looks stiff, as if made from paper using orgami. The word that comes to mind is ethereal. I learned that a kimono is 6 yards of silk--2 yards for the front, 2 yards for the back, and 2 yards for the sleeves. There is a plastic coat with 44 pockets filled with flowers. The stiff dresses that form ruffles make me wonder if they use the stabilizer sold at Joann Fabrics that helps to make hats stiff. One dress is made out of circles of fabric. One dress has intricate holes cut out all over the fabric. At the entrance of an exhibit was a black dress with gold chains sewn as design elements throughout the dress. We sell these gold chains by the yard at Joann Fabrics. One of the five designers featured in the exhibit designed using three shades of black.

The designers in the show have a distaste for heels, makeup, and for the most part, tight fighting garments. One design, which was a glittered skin suit worn by Lady Gaga was an exception. Models wear Doc Martens or go bare foot on the runway in Japan. One video showed a fashion show with rain coming down on the runway models.

This is a must-see exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I want to go again and again. I only scratched the surface.

 



 

This dress above made of denim was interesting with many pin tuck seams on each flared edge.

Who is the world's most influential designer today? Rei Kawakubo. She "creates for women who don't care what husband's think." She didn't go to fashion school. She creates. She considers herself a business woman, not an artist. 

One room in the exhibit shows "cool Japan" with young clothing like the designs seen in Seattle and Portland earlier this year at Sakuracon and Kumoricon.

Become a member of the Seattle Art Museum. You will need to go at least a couple of times to see this show so you had better just become a member and save money because there is so much to see with more great exhibits coming.



Joann Fabrics in Shoreline, WA

I worked at Joann Fabrics in Shoreline this morning from 6 to 10 a.m. It was my first day back after working on the night shift. The store is beautiful. Everyone's going to love shopping in the newly remodeled and larger store. It has so many new products and fabrics. I'm happy to work at Joann's.

Today I found brochures for classes offered at the store. A wide range of classes from cake decorating to knitting to making quilts. I've never made fondant and they have a class on making it teaching the Wilton method of cake decorating. So many great classes!

I'm grateful for my part time job and working at a job where there is so much creative energy. This is one of the few stores where women are encouraged to be creative and to learn. It's the Disneyland for women.

We have maps of the store so be sure to ask for one, if you're not sure where everything is. There is a box of maps at the cutting counter.

Have fun shopping the bargains and looking at all the new merchandise.

Zumba Event at 24 Hour Fitness Supersport in Northgate

 

Here are the photos from the Zumba Event last night. I'm the fat one in the yellow Zumba shirt near the front. I had a great time. It's always fun to Zumba. In the front row on the top photo are AJ, Niel, and Michelle who are all Zumba instructors. I don't see Christina in the photos who is also an instructor. She teaches on Sunday mornings.

 

I woke up at this wee hour thinking of Zumba. The music of marioneta was playing in my head. I wanted to start practicing the choreography of this song but you can't just start playing music in an apartment building and dancing on people's heads at 1:47 a.m. AJ was kind and encouraging last night when I talked to him before Zumba. I'm going to just start practicing at least a half hour every single day to memorize the choreography of one song and then moving onto the next like AJ suggested. I'm going to start with marioneta because I suspect it is a Zumba Gold song. I love it.

 

I wish I knew that I would have a place to teach after I memorize the choreography. Sometimes you just have to have faith that everything is going to work out.

 

Zumba

This morning I went to Daniel's Zumba class late at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. I was in the back for the last 25 minutes of class. I had a great time. The room was packed. Always a master class with Daniel.

This evening I went to the Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. Niel was the instructor. The room was packed. Christina, another instructor was in the room. Michelle taught the class with Niel. A.J. another great instructor was in front. It was a lot of fun but I fizzled early even though I stayed until the end. I haven't been doing a lot of Zumba in the last month since I have been working the graveyard shift at Joann Fabrics to get the store ready for the big grand reopening event on August 10th.

I tend to like to exercise with other people in a group. I should be practicing with all my DVD's at home but there is always something on my list that needs doing. Since I want to be a Zumba Gold instructor, I need to work hard to learn all the choreography and music. Need to take the Zumba Gold instructor training first. Then I will need to find a place to teach.

Healthy Eating

I just had a salmon fillet. Earlier I made a smoothie with wheat germ, ground flax seed, Greek yogurt, a banana, and frozen mixed fruit. Delicious! I ate tabbouleh for breakfast that I made using Bob's Red Mill bulgur wheat. I use the basic recipe on the package but I add extra. I use three English cucumbers, 6 tomatoes, a bunch of green onions, and I also add turmeric. It's really good.

24 Hour Fitness Northgate Supersport

I love my gym. I love going to 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate.

This morning I went to Body Pump at 9:30 a.m. It was a great class taught by Shari. I stayed for 45 minutes. I love this class with the music and the repetitions using the bar bell with weights doing squats, lunges, deadlifts, bicep curls, and more. You wouldn't think that at 65, I would love this class so much but I do. If I keep going often enough, it will help to sculpt and tone my body. It's going to help me lose weight. Strong and healthy women are in the class with an occasional man. I can feel it right now since I haven't been at the gym in about a month since I've been working graveyard. I don't feel it in my muscles. I can feel it in my knees so I just drank Joint Juice that I bought at Target. I have to work back into this routine.

Glad to be back and looking forward to Zumba. Looking forward to the big Zumba event tomorrow evening!

Katie Couric

Today Katie Couric taught me about having firm arms on the Internet. Thank you, Katie! You're awesome! Great exercises with only 3 pound weights.

Seattle is Heaven

Every day I am grateful to live in Seattle. It's absolutely perfect and as close to heaven as you can get. I love it here. The weather is perfect today--not too hot.

I just found out about an affordable writer's conference in the Seattle area. Guess who is going to be there and is part of the faculty.........drum roll.........Rick Steves!! I can't get over how great it is to live here. WRITE ON THE SOUND in Edmonds is at the first of October.

Life is good!