It has been a while since I posted. However, I have something to share.  

 I wrote this observation several years ago after a special experience.
 

                                                 A PERFECT SUNSET

         I shall never forget the sunset I witnessed from a restaurant window facing Lake Ponchartrain in Louisiana, near New Orleans. According to the Britiannia
Encyclopedia, Ponchartrain isn't a true lake, but more of a tidal lagoon, 603 square miles and 10-16 feet deep. This evening, statistics didn't matter. What I viewed is etched  in my memory bank to be enjoyed the rest of my days.
       The clear blue water sat in stillness as if waiting for the evening's event. Then the show began. The vast star we know as our sun-far in the distant sky-commenced its daily journey. The lake was its stage and my dinner partners and I, the audience.
          The golden ball appeared to be slowly melting into the lake's far horizon. Its brilliant gilded reflection shimmered its way in our direction across the quiet lake. I was mesmerized. At first the globe of light was a gigantic ball, then smaller-smaller-smaller until the sliver of yellow slipped further into nothingness. With each movement, the sun's reflection retreated as if it were going home to mother sun.
           The blue water joined in the spectacle, as the evening required a deeper hue. The color of the water dissolved into navy, then to black-no longer clear and inviting, but murky and forbidding.
            I continued to sit and gaze out the window, grateful to have witnessed one of nature's stunning performances, the grand finale of a pleasant day.
            



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It has a while since I have posted comments. I've had a rough beginning to 2018. I am working on a few short stories with a goal of compiling past and current stories into a book. It is taking time to revise the stories and edit. I shall post one of the stores and welcome comments.

From time to time, the North Georgia Writers' Group, of which I am a member, attempts to use a  specific theme or format to expand writing skills. Participation is voluntary. On May 11th, our challenge was to write a short story about a terrified person, without using adjectives and without saying the source of that fear. I am posting my submission because of the overwhelmingly positive response I received from my fellow writers. I hope you enjoy it.

I received a lovely note through Facebook from one of my readers. Here is what she said, "I read your book, Barbara. Thank you for sharing such good information. I wish Hara many blessings of good health now and always. And I also hope your book reaches far and wide to many who will benefit by reading it. "  Andrea ​

On the morning of October 29th, I attended two writing workshops held at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. This an annual event with various programs held throughout the week. There were two back-to-back sessions. A college English professor led the first workshop providing comments and suggestions about stories previously submitted by the attendees. This year I did not provide a submission. I did read all of the stories before I went and found her reviews very helpful.
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​The second session comments were provided by an experienced workshop leader. He spent the time on general suggestions, rather than individual reviews. The gentleman was not the original scheduled presenter. He was a last minute replacement. Unfortunately, I did learn as much as I had expected.

To be perfectly  frank, he spoke so fast I had a difficulty keeping up with him.
​One no no for any teacher is to work at the front board and speak with his back to the audience. He  may have done a lot of workshops, but for those of us who have hearing difficulties, his presentation left a lot to be desired.

​Nonetheless, I am very glad I went. It was a beautiful day. I enjoyed being around mostly young people and learned somethings new. As far as I am concerned, this is time well spent.

Even though it was brutally hot, Hara and I set up my booth at the first Chattanooga Readers and Writers Fair on Saturday in downtown. There were over fifty authors and other vendors in front of and close to City Hall. Because I was the fourth to arrive at eight in the morning to check-in, my assigned booth was directly in front of the building. (see map)

From ten o'clock until the early afternoon, I sold copies of Moon Flyers and took advantage of the opportunity to speak with many people who stopped by my table. An assortment of wrapped candies, my business cards, and bookmarks, designed by Hara, were my giveaways.

I learned one important lesson---authors look out for each other. Some of my neighbors helped us set up and take down the canopy tent---no easy task. My hope is that next year the fair will be scheduled during a cooler season or indoors. At least the possible thunder showers didn't materialize.

Hara took several photos for me, which she does very well.

The check-in desk manned by volunteers from the sponsoring organization, Office of Multicultural Affairs

Under my tent

The first Readers and Writers Fair will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. Look for my booth in the area of the Chattanooga City Hall at 101 E. 11th Street. There will be food trucks and music. My daughter, Hara, will be performing on her guitar. Over fifty local and regional authors will participate. I think it will be a wonderful event.