Category Archives: News and Events

Living and Dancing in Love

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February 3 2020

I went for a nighttime walk, returning with a frozen face, legs, and toes. This is hitting the spot, with tea wisdom that hits the spot too. I adore the smell and flavor of this decadent tea. A Netherlands friend brought it to me when she visited last year. What will I do when it’s gone??? ♥️😭

February 4 2020

Nothing brings you right back into the 80’s like Billy Idol’s, “Dancing With Myself” … Problem is, my body knows it’s not the 80’s anymore …. I still got the moves. It’s just afterwards … I’m really feeling those moves .. HA!

 

 

Supported Decision Making Agreement and Room Rental Agreement Done

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February 2 2020

It is FINALLY done!! I have just finished creating the Supported Decision Making Agreement for Lillian. She and I will sign it tomorrow in front of two witnesses … The Romano Duo … January has been, and February will be, all about paperwork, lots of paperwork …. Come March, we should be finished with all the big ones. Next up, Power of Attorney for Medical and Financial. Hallelujah!! 🎉🎉🎉

February 4 2020

Another one done!! Room Rental Agreement created. Nearly finished with the Power of Attorney documents also. Then it’s on to opening checking/savings accounts and an ABLE account. Feels so good to be getting these things done. 🥳💜

Oh Where, Oh Where Did the Proof Book Go and Hidden Messages While Singing M I Crooked Letter

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January 21 2020

There once was a proof book titled, Words of Alchemy. It had its photo taken, it traveled in the author’s bag here and there, proudly shown to all who had been following the journey of the book’s creation.

One day, the author copies of the book arrived. The proof book was pushed to the side in the author’s joy to get the books signed and mailed. Now the proof book cannot be found.

The author has looked everywhere. It very well could be buried underneath something as the author is unpacking from a move. However, she may have mailed the proof book to someone by accident! 😳 Please let her know if you received the proof book so she can get you a proper copy. She’s such a goofball sometimes! 😂🙃

January 26 2020

Received another shipment of books on Thursday and headed to the post office to mail more. Let me know if you’d like one coming your way. Each is personalized with a note to the reader along with a creative message hidden within the book. xoxo

January 30 2020

Headed to the post office tomorrow to mail a book to M, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I, crooked letter, crooked letter, I, humpback, humpback, I …. Always feel like a kid when I do that, as it’s said in a sing song way! HA! xoxo

Out with the Old, In with the New to Me Plus a Home for Team TLC While Laughing Out Loud

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January 24 2020

One of these was purchased in 2009, facilitated in teaching dozens of workshops in 2009 – 2012, was used to write, organize, and publish 4 books from 2012 – 2019, and is considered a dinosaur by those who work at Apple.

One of these is a 2014 version that a sweet, angel of a friend gifted to me as she just recently upgraded. Can you tell the difference? HA!

What a blessing it is to use the x and z key, the mouse pad again!! Plus (huge plus), not having to wait minutes for a page to open or a function to complete, with continual freezing. I feel productive again!! Ah, sweet technology relief!! Thank you, thank you, thank you K!!!! xoxo

January 26 2020

The unpacking continues. The Team TLC letters found a home. Not sure if I’ll keep them there, yet, it works for now.

I was hoping to be finished by February 1st. I’ll definitely have all boxes emptied by then. It’s just finding a place for everything, organizing things, and donating what is no longer needed.

January 26 2020

When you open the calculator to make a phone call. Um ….. You get a lovely big number, but doesn’t work to make a call. Made me laugh out loud. 🤣😜

Respite with a Lovely Dinner Followed by the Detention Center with Picard

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January 22 2020

First respite in our new place. Had a lovely dinner of salad and mashed red potatoes, alongside a soft, mouthwatering piece of garlic naan.

Lillian left this afternoon to spend a few days with The Romano Duo. Yay for her! Yay for me! Yay for Thomas!

I’ve helped Thomas hang a few treasures on his wall. Now I’m off to have a long hot soak in an epsom salt bath. Ahhhhhhh … 🛀💙

January 23 2020

Day 2 of respite – Toured the Washoe County Detention Center, bought toilet paper and bread, answered questions for a book blogger who will blog about me and the latest book, went for a walk, hung more treasures on Thomas’s wall, and signed up for a free trial on CBS Access just so I could watch this.

I haven’t watched TV or a television series since 2008. The free trial is only for 7 days so I won’t be watching further episodes …. for now. I think I’ve had a very interesting (weird??) day!! Ha!

March 8, 2020 Update – After the free trial, I got notice that Amazon was offering a free trial also. Signed up for that and got to watch the second episode. Due to a mix up and error on Amazon’s part (charged me during the free trial – so gave me a free week or two), I got to watch more episodes. I’m committed until the end now! HA! I think there are 3 episodes left for the season. It’s been nostalgic and wonderful to watch Patrick Stewart in this role again, along with the guest appearances by other cast members.

Memories and Treasures Sealed for Years

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January 11 2020:

Unpacking boxes that have been sealed for years. My mammaw Downs always made me feel good, a warm and strong energy she had. Even at 9 months old I was all smiles in her arms … (along with cousins Stephanie and Stacy).

Having left school in the 2nd grade due to her mother’s death, she did not know how to read. She was needed to help with the sharecropping and with the rest of the family. “Sharecropper’s Granddaughter” .. Sounds like a good book title, doesn’t it? HA! This beautiful woman knew how to grow a vibrant garden, can and freeze foods, bake and cook … With no fear of speaking her mind. Thank you, Elnor Key Downs, for your blood that flows through my veins.

January 11 2020:

Near the beginning of our reuniting, of sorts. After living about 7 states apart for 7 years, it was not too long after this photo that I packed my car, left Mississippi, and made my way to Washington state (where mom and Frank lived). Photo taken in June 1988 when mom and Frank came for my high school graduation. I feel one of the BEST decisions I have ever made … ❤️❤️❤️

Near the beginning of 30+ years as step-father and step-daughter. What a blessing you were, have been, and ARE, Frank C. Romano Jr! Photo taken in Summer 1988 in Gulfport or Biloxi Mississippi, when Frank and my mom came down for my high school graduation. ❤️❤️❤️

Christmas as a 2 year old – December 1972 … Jackson, Mississippi …

My great great grandfather, who I have been told was a full blooded Chickasaw Indian who left the tribe, taking the name of Robert Downs. Shown in this picture with my great great grandmother. It would be really cool to know his Native name.

January 12 2020

Found a 2012 letter from my Secret Admirer(s) while unpacking. A most special treasure, especially as the admirers get older. ♥️♥️♥️

January 19 2020

I have about 12 old albums with the adhesive type photo pages. I began by slowly peeling them, but that left the photos curled and left some of the backing on the page.

Last week I searched online and found that dental floss will work. Just tried that and it works! The photo came off perfectly. Although, it took lots of wiggling and removing 3 photos used one piece of dental floss. So … need to go buy cheaper dental floss before continuing.

Photo of me at 3 years old in the snow. Snow in the deep south is occasion for big smiles, no matter how small the amount. (Smithsonian video showing the technique … https://youtu.be/fcDlbNi-9D0)

 

First Two Shipments Have Arrived and Flying to the UK By Way of Cookie Heaven – Words of Alchemy

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January 4 2020

Guess what arrives next week? The first two shipments! Who else would like one?

January 6 2020:

Just received the first shipment! I’m ready to personalize, sign, and mail these beauties! Who’s in?

January 9 2020:

A bowl of tomato soup at GreatFull Gardens. The perfect lunch to accompany chatting with you Gerry Foster McCarroll! May you enjoy the book! Thanks for the support. 💜💜💜

January 13 2020:

It was a great day to mail a book to the UK. Along with getting caught up with nearly all books ordered to date. It’s funny how the really long, slow moving line at the post office doesn’t bother you as much when you’re mailing your book to readers!

I’ll be making another trip to the post office near the end of the week or early the following week. Let me know if you’d like to be included in that mailing. Overflowing thanks to all! 🙏❤️

January 16 2020:

Making a trip to the post office tomorrow morning. Got one headed to cookie heaven by way of Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies in Georgia, that’s some sweet alchemy, there! And bunches headed to warmer weather in Pensacola, Florida! I’ve got new material to create the fun little messages hidden inside the books, too. Can’t wait to be creative tomorrow morning! Let me know if you’d like a personalised, signed copy sent your way. ❤️❤️❤️

January 18 2020

Has anyone received your book yet? Hope they are arriving with the TLC they were packaged with!