Introducing Pamela Chattin: Her 1st Essay

How many treasured encounters can one have in less than a year? More than I ever imagined. My first year in a part-time, 3 hour/3 mornings per week job as a TABE/GED coach/teacher to a multi-cultural group of adult students has been flavorful indeed.  There hasn’t been a single work day in which I’ve grumbled about the 45 minute drive to get to the library in which we have class. I do, however, admit to grumbling about having to always set up the room, to grab books and supplies out of a closet. It has been rare, though, for me to do this chore alone. My students are delightfully helpful; Pam consistently comes to my aid.   

      Pamela Chattin has been in the class since day 1; a student who brightened up my first day with her enthusiasm and a fierce passion to succeed. She has passed each of her TABE subjects with flying colors: reading, language and math – all scores, 100%. Pam is now doing final studies and practice tests in order to pass the more comprehensive GED exam, equivalent to a high school diploma. This is an amazing accomplishment in so short a time of study for it has been over 15 years since Pam was in school; she dropped out while in the 8^th grade.

     Pam is the single parent of two teenagers and juggles class while maintaining a part-time job and her parenting responsibilities. When I was asked to interview one of my students, Pam came immediately to mind. The interview has been included in Lake Technical Center’s proposal to receive a national grant. My interview of Pam follows.

(Q) What inspired you to sign up for GED classes at Lake Tech?

8^th grade was the highest I got in school so I ended up cleaning houses for people. About 3 years ago, a job taking care of a lady with dementia fell into my lap. Her husband saw the potential in me, the good job that I did, and began to encourage me, saying that it was not too late. I knew then that I got lucky with this job and began thinking about wanting to better my life, set a good example for my kids. Plus, no one else would pay me this well unless I got my GED and became an LPN. I also wanted the respect for what I did and wouldn’t have this unless I had the documentation to back up doing a good job.

(Q) What was your first impression of the class?

I was really nervous, thinking that I would be the oldest one here, with everyone wondering why I had never finished my education. I also thought that it would be harder since I hadn’t been in school since 8^th grade. At first, I thought that I could do the same thing at home, studying from books or online. I was disappointed that GED class was not like a regular class, with a teacher showing the class step-by-step. I hadn’t considered that each of us was different in how we learned or that we were at different learning stages in each subject. Truth is that I wanted to be more disciplined by someone, by the teacher, but I had to develop this in myself. It hit me that I’m my own person. If I want to make it, it was up to me to do the work.

(Q) Do you feel that the materials, the books and online programs like My Skills Tutor, are responsive to the individual needs of students?

I’m a person who likes to learn from books and each of the books provided offers different approaches. I like the books that start out with the easiest skills to learn and then build to the more complex. Since I’m not one to sit down for a long time at a computer, the online work didn’t appeal to me. I know that other students feel differently about that than me. The bottom line is that learning is easier said than done. You have to do the work.

(Q) Are you content with the amount of your improvement since September?

Truthfully, I thought that it would take me a lot longer to get this far. It helped that my teacher’s positive attitude made it so that I looked forward to coming to class instead of dreading it. The teacher saw my potential and it made me not want to let her down. The math tutor that we have has helped me so much. She can take a group of us while our GED teacher helps the rest of the students. 

(Q) Do you have any particular suggestions? 

Keep hiring teachers that have a positive attitude and that can see the potential in adults like me who are trying to better themselves. I had a good attitude for myself when I signed up but it’s hard to keep one when problems keep happening. 

(Q) What are the best and worst parts of your experience?

For me, the best was meeting other adults who were trying to better their lives like me. I saw that everyone had problems; it made me thankful to know that my life was not as bad as I first thought it was. I’m going to hate for class to end.

The worst was the drive yet Lake Tech had choices. There was a class that was closer to me but it was 5 days a week. Three days a week fit my schedule better. I do think that a 4-hour session would fit better than the 3-hour class. It seemed like I was just getting into learning a part and then the class would end.

 

(Q) What are your future plans?

 

I was finishing a CNA course when I started the GED class and I am now CNA- certified. I’ve passed all of my Post-TABE tests and am studying more in order to pass the GED. My initial plan was to sign up for the next GED study session in September and take the GED exam in late fall. However, I’m doing so well that I’ll probably take the GED exam in June. I have already spoken to Lake Technical about the LPN class that begins in March, 2014. My goal is to be in that class.

(End of interview)

In order to pass the Language/Writing part of the GED exam, a student is required to write an essay. The essay topic is unknown until a student opens the exam; they have 45 minutes to brainstorm on paper, formulate their structure and write the essay. Pam did a practice Language/Writing exam this past week, a part that she was dreading. This is her essay; we made minimal corrections.

Pam’s Essay Topic ~ Describe an opinion you once held that has changed over time.

     An opinion I once held that has changed is that couples who stay in an unhealthy relationship for the sake of their children isn’t always for the best. I once believed with all my heart that when two people have children together, they would always stay together. This would be the only way that the children would have a normal childhood. After fifteen years of trying to do the right thing for my children, I realized that this wasn’t the best decision. So I needed to change.  

     I once was very happy with the man in my life. But people change as they get older and, sometimes, it’s not always for the best to stay together. My opinion was that once you have children together, you stayed together no matter what happens. After I had my second child, I was 26 years old and very unhappy with the direction that the lives of my children and I were going.   My girls’ father had stopped working and was drinking all the time. He had changed and not for the best over the years. He was a very negative person and never happy. Even though I could see that my girls were just as unhappy as I was, I still tried to stay in the relationship. I tried my hardest to make things work.

     After fifteen years, I finally realized that my opinion had changed. I needed to make better decisions. The first one was the hardest decision yet. I took my children and walked out of the relationship. We moved to a better place and I surrounded myself with positive people, with family that really helped us to see that we were doing the right thing. My girls and I were moving towards making a better life for ourselves.    

     Once I had changed my opinion about relationships, many other changes took place and they have all been for the best. I am now well on my way to earning my GED. A few months ago, I became a CNA, Certified Nurse Assistant. In October, I will be enrolling in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program at Lake Technical Center. Along this amazing path that God has chosen for me, I have met my soul mate, a wonderful man who makes me feel good about myself every day; an amazing man that I will soon marry. I have also been given the chance to meet many different people along the way who have become the best friends that anyone would love to have; friends that I look up to and who believe in me. So every day now I always try my hardest to become the person they know that I can be.

     I have now realized that the best way to improve the lives of my children is to first improve my own. I hope that my change of opinion about relationships can help them make better decisions in their own lives. Maybe they do see now that staying with someone you are not happy with isn’t always for the best. Your children learn from you so no matter what your opinions are in life, remember that you can always change them.   

(End of essay!)

Thank you, Pam, for gracing my life with your enthusiasm, helpfulness and ever-present friendliness. You are a treasure. Everyone around you can see that you are; give this honor to yourself.

    

A Wild Announcement Day!

Today is a most exciting day as it is 'Announcement Day!' How often does one get the chance to giveaway an autographed copy of a favorite, extraordinary story? Julia Hughes' novel, 'The Griffin Cryer,' is a brilliant tale for young adults and also captivating for young-at-heart adults like me. And Julia is a most favorite author and has become a dear friend. So today was quite special! Thanks so much, Julia, for offering a free autographed copy of your fantastical tale!

 On Monday, Monica La Porta's adorable beagle, Nero, made his choice. And the cutest young man, Cole, Charlie Plunkett's amazing young son, picked a winner on Tuesday. How to measure up to the excitement of their Announcement Day was my conundrum until......

Those of you who are also 'fellow traveler' readers of Julia's great tales will remember a most special character appeared in the 3rd Celtic Cousins' Adventure series, An Explosive Time. Alfie is his name and, by coincidence, Alfie happens to be one of my favorite critters, ones that I see daily as his kind resides in my back yard. A particular critter, named Andy by our residents, is always swimming by to say 'hello' and he agreed to pick a winner. His only requirement was that I do this 'his way!'

Luckily for me, I was not alone in this endeavor. My sister and 'fellow traveler' reader, Kathy, for some wild and crazy reason, agreed to join me in this Announcement Day dance with Andy.
Andy waited patiently just out from the dock, close enough to ensure we were following his directions. First, I read each entry's comment then we were tasked with laying out on the dock pieces of paper, with potential winner's names placed face down. It's a bit windy so Andy got a kick out of watching Kathy and I scramble around keeping the papers aligned. We stepped back just in time, too, as Andy slapped his tail so fast (I had no time to snap his picture) and splashed water onto the dock. His aim was amazing for only one piece of paper got drenched!
Kathy and I scrambled around, grabbing papers to keep them from flying off into the canal. Andy wasn't done with us, though. Our next task was to show the winner's name to Andy; he wouldn't take our word for it. Andy cruised down a bit towards the end of our dock where he has a special place to catch the sun. Kathy found a bit of fearlessness (from where it came, I don't know!) and.....well, look at the picture I snapped.

The bank is above the canal or else this shot wouldn't have happened (!) Andy blinked his eyes in acknowledgement of the winner as I announced to him the name, Pamela Chattin. Here's Pam's comment:
"I really enjoyed reading your review of The Griffin Cryer, you have done an excellent job. I can honestly say that this would be the only book I would actually like to read. And you know me. I'm not a reader but you have made this seem so interesting. Thank you very much."

Congratulations Pam! I am so happy to know that 'The Griffin Cryer' is a book that you want to read and look forward to your review of Julia's great tale! Hopefully, your teen daughter won't talk you into letting her read it first :-)



A note about alligators. They are very shy, not dangerous critters in the wild and even in lakes and ponds and rivers that are in populated areas. It is the feeding of gators by humans that becomes a death sentence for many of these amazing reptiles. In many cases, gators fed by humans become nuisances, seeing humans as food providers; they are usually put down. Andy was fed by a resident when he was very young yet the feeding was stopped just in time for him to be able to remain in our canal. He's a bit less shy than some, as you can see, yet remains shy enough to dart away if a human gets too close.

JULIA HUGHES ~ AN IMAGINATION RUN WILD!

 

 This is an exciting day for me because a most treasured author, London-born Julia Hughes, has graced Treasured Encounters with an interview. Julia is the author of four thrilling adventure tales and one beautifully written romantic novel. In her bio, Julia writes, "I'm an eldest child and walking my younger brother and sister to school and back, I'd tell them stories - a captive audience!" It's uncanny perhaps, but during my read of her novels, it felt as if I was tagging along, listening to Julia relate each captivating story.

Julia is an avid supporter of other indie authors. Via her website, A Ripple In Time, she offers blog posts that are informative and delightful, plus she keeps us up to date on her book promotions and works in progress. The site offers fascinating author interviews , reviews of books in many genres and the site features incredible short stories by horror writer, Randall R. Peterson. Click here to pop over and visit.

 Julia's Amazon Author Page in U.S., for all books, kindle & paperback.

Julia's Amazon Author Page in U.K., for all books, kindle & paperback.

Julia enjoys connecting with others. On Twitter, she tweets as @tinksaid.

On Facebook, Julia's page is Julia Hughes. Currently on Facebook, Julia is hosting a special event: The Griffin Cryer Book Launch & FREE ebook Giveaway. Access the event from the photo of Julia, on the right.

 

Julia’s current story, ‘The Griffin Cryer,’ is an all-time favorite of mine; an extraordinary adventure/fantasy that has just been released in paperback. I'm not the only who who finds this tale to be one that is extraordinary. On Amazon in both the U.S. and the U.K., there are over 60 reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars!

Julia is offering FREE kindle downloads of 'The Griffin Cryer' from Tuesday, March 26 - Saturday, March 30. In the U.S. download here. In the U.K. download here.

As a special offering to visitors, Treasured Encounters is sponsoring a giveaway of an autographed copy of 'The Griffin Cryer.' Simply leave a comment and, on March 30, a winner will be selected via a drawing.

And now, my interview of Julia, almost as delightful as her novels!

*The Griffin Cryer is your 5^th published novel, one that involves other-worldly characters. Three previous novels are marvelous adventures that feature two quirky guys, the Celtic Cousins. Many who have read all of these tales, including me, are avid fans because you create such realistic, down-to-earth characters who find themselves in extraordinary situations, some of which are mystical in nature and others that are drawn from historical events. How do the ideas, the twists and turns, for your stories come to you?
 

I’m wholly flattered by the term fan, but I’d rather have fellow travelers – and that’s how I think of you, and everyone who has the imagination to lose themselves in a story. I need to identify with my own characters before asking readers to believe in them. Story lines are easy – pick up any newspaper and you can read at least half a dozen stories that are worthy of a book – or two! The best part of being an author is that you can rewrite the end outcome. I’m not an artist, more someone who loves to read and wanted to tell her own stories; it’s a craft I’m still learning. I’m terrified of losing my reader so tend to throw in every twist I can think of to keep those pages turning.

 

I so enjoy and resonate with your perspective, Julia. I actually do feel like a ‘fellow traveler’ when I read your tales!

*There are many YA novels that take readers into fantasy worlds. A reviewer who gave ‘The Griffin Cryer’ 5* wrote, “…a unique supernatural spin on a genre that has been a little too overdone. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air.” Is the story purposely written on several levels of appeal to readers, i.e. those who merely enjoy a fast-paced thrilling adventure and those who desire the adventure plus a rich vein of psychological depth to the characters?  

There’ve been some smashing reviews, and I feel very blessed to have so many readers taking time out to comment on how they enjoyed the read. This is where imagination takes over, and books are always going to trump films – readers have a lot more freedom to interpret the story and the characters’ psychological make-up, how they wish. I enjoy a good seat of the trouser adventure story as much as anyone – characters have to have a motive to act as they do – I merely give them that motive. 

You do this so well, Julia.

*THE GRIFFIN CRYER addresses a myriad of current themes that many teens of today face. One 5* reviewer wrote, “…a good book to read with your kids and have discussions about hard topics…”  What prompted you to tackle the scripting of such themes; did your characters ‘speak’ to you about these issues? 

Most teenagers and adults have experience of bullying – what isn’t always obvious is that bullying can take different forms. There’s hard core hateful bullying which is usually violent, and there’s a more casual spiteful bullying – sometimes by so called friends. Both can wear away confidence. And of course, even bullies have their own bullies. I also wanted to explore the theme of freedom, and having belief and confidence in your own abilities. There’s a lot more to be said on these subjects, by people with a lot more expertise and experience than me, but if this story does open the door to discussion, that’s a start. 

*Who is Frankie? From where in your mind did she spring? Is she the young Julia? 

Frankie (Francesca) Shaunessy is a little bit of a tomboy. She’s a conundrum, like most teenagers. She’s uncertain about where she fits in and, deep down, she loves her mum, her step-dad and her brother. She wants to be better than she is – she’s worried she isn’t measuring up. She’s also aware there’s a lot of sympathy for her and her brother, Michael, who has been comatose for almost three years. She doesn’t want sympathy; she just wants her brother back. This makes her prickly, and adds to her feelings of alienation. I wanted to make Frankie an ‘outsider’; the Rider of course is also an ‘outsider’ so when they meet, they have this in common. I wish the young Julia possessed half the adventurous spirit of Frankie. 

Can't help but chuckle here, Julia, for I do see a bit of Frankie in you!

*“Hughes really has a way of making you care about her characters,” said another reader who gave a 5* review. I wholeheartedly agree and find that your less prominent characters add an immensely delightful bit of flair to your tales. I wonder, are you an avid observer of people, their personalities and quirks? Do aspects of your characters come from real people? 

I do make up little backstories for most people I meet. We all do this don’t we? Please don’t say it’s just me being sad! A question I ask over and over is ‘Why did he/she do that?’ The answer is usually because they a) can and b) want to. So the next question is why would anyone want to do that? The car I bought from a little old man who was obviously a retired bank robber had three sets of spare number plates in the boot. Why? Is this why the old man’s retired from robbing banks – his memory is now so bad, he can’t even remember that false number plates have to be different from the real number plates. A neighbour trundles a wheelbarrow filled with rubbish to the local dump. Why? We have garbage collection every week. Is he scared of the garbage men? Or does he pick over the rubbish dump when he’s there – or is it just an excuse to get out the house? If the latter, what’s in the house that he needs to get out on such a flimsy pretext? I think too much don’t I? I like to know what makes people tick.  

And that, Julia, is one of the reasons why your stories engage me on so many levels! 

*There are many twists and turns in plot that the earthly and other-worldly characters must face. During the course of writing GC, how did you stay so attuned to the story’s complex flow?

That’s funny! I struggled to keep the storyline less complex than usual. The truth is I love complications – a little like Wren from the Celtic Cousins in this respect. I’m the driver, so I know how to get from A to B. But I’ll take the scenic route every time. Take the main road, and you’re going to miss out on so much.  

*My enjoyment of THE GRIFFIN CRYER was enhanced because, throughout my read, it often felt as if I was ‘there,’ in the story itself. Other reviewers have intimated the same. Is it important to you that the script be written with vivid sensory details, ones that draw readers ‘…naturally into the story…’?

It is terribly important for readers to enter the story, and it isn’t easy – can you believe that I want you there – I need for readers to believe – and I’ll stoop to any level to achieve belief!  If this happens, I’ve got you and your wonderful imagination to thank. I can write about the dry cleaning fluid odors still hanging around a character’s best suit, but I need you to smell them – I need you to savour the flavours, and smell the coffee.

*Two of the most creatively fascinating segments occur when The Rider and his griffin ‘cross through the membrane from Ella-Earth to Earth’ and back. How were you able to script these intricate segments so realistically?

When the Rider first follows Balkind, his griffin, into this dimension, he does so without thought. Frankie doesn’t realize what’s happened. It occurred naturally, without any conscious effort. When the Rider crosses back to Ella-Earth, both the Rider and Frankie are attempting to control the natural forces of both worlds. The entire experience is different, and since they are tampering with Nature, it becomes quite scary. They are forcing a way through, which shouldn’t be attempted lightly. They’re both reliant upon the griffin, but in turn Balkind needs encouragement from the Rider, and Frankie has to find the strength to push away a soul destroying void. It was easy to imagine the fear and desperation! 

*If a stray griffin should come my way and offer me a flight, what would The Rider instruct me to do in order to fly aerodynamically?

If I had one wish to make, I’d wish for a griffin to offer you a ride. The large veins which emerge from a griffin’s shoulders in order to inflate their wings and circulate blood are especially sensitive. Place your hands there, firmly but gently. Now use your body weight to indicate direction and pace, much as you would if riding a horse. Bending forwards or leaning back indicates diving or soaring upwards to your griffin. Griffins are intelligent creatures, and have the equivalent vocabulary of, say, a working sheep dog, so you can also give verbal commands which will be understood. “Good griffin” and “dinner” are what most griffins want to hear.
 

Ah, thanks, Julia, for this wish. Perhaps...one day.

*Chapters 20 – 21 are ones that are profoundly moving and special to me though some readers may find this theme to be unusual for a YA story. Can you clarify your purpose? 

Thanks Dody, both for the kind words, and the question! A couple of strange, extraordinary chapters. I sincerely hope readers will be willing to allow their imaginations to take flight and go on this journey with Frankie. I wanted to explore the idea that we have the ability to enter another’s world, either physically or mentally, and to help them escape to a better world.

*How difficult was it for you to script the choice that Frankie made at the end? Will there be a sequel? If so, can you offer fans any hints for the direction that the story will take? Please!

Incredibly difficult. Frankie’s very loyal, and she was torn. I think she listened to her heart for her final decision and stuck with the person who needed her most. Stephen King compares writing to an archeological dig. You discover bones, and then have the task of working out what goes where and how the creature looked and moved. In other words, the writer breathes life into dust. He goes on to observe that sometimes you strike lucky and find a complete fossil, which needs little or no assembly. I struck lucky with THE GRIFFIN CRYER. Frankie and The Rider’s story formed complete and almost wrote itself. The biggest difficulty was in knowing when to stop and I’m longing to explore more of The Rider’s world. I hope readers will feel the same way and, if so, there will definitely be a sequel. I’m just hoping for the same excellent beta readers to help mould the next episode of Frankie and The Riders’ adventures. Without the input of one beta reader in particular, this story probably would still be just an idea, and I’m eternally grateful for your generosity.

I’ve been told by a couple of other beta readers who shall be nameless, that there should be more griffins and more fighting. I agree with the first part, and I’m definitely well on the way to introducing more griffins and as you know, have even been asking readers for griffin names!  

And I, for one, can't wait for the sequel!

*THE GRIFFIN CRYER is being launched as a YA fantasy novel and yet I, as an adult, find the story to be delightful, deeply moving and intelligently insightful. What makes this novel one that can also appeal to adults?

It’s hard being a teenager; it’s also pretty wonderful too as whole new worlds open up to you. I know a lot of awesome young people, and I feel for them; there is so much to learn about relationships and being responsible for your own decisions in those few short years. I can’t hope to get inside their minds, but I hope that the story manages to convey empathy for the problems they face. Hopefully too, those who are young at heart – like you Dody – and those who are able to empathize with young adults will also enjoy THE GRIFFIN CRYER.

Thanks so much, Julia, for allowing a 'fellow traveler' to spend some time with you; a treasured moment for me.
 

THE GRIFFIN CRYER ~ my review

"..an extraordinary not-just-for-YA fantasy!"

      She was only calling for her dog. It was dusk and strange imaginings always occur within centuries-old cemeteries, right? Yet, upon seeing ‘green eyes’ within a huge dark shadow then feeling a blast of ‘hot fetid air’ and the near graze of a ‘sail-sized leathery wing,’ 15-year old Frankie wasn’t so sure this was imagined. When a young stranger ‘wearing fancy dress’ appears out of the dark mist within the old cemetery and speaks, “Did you summons my griffin?” she runs for her life!

These words, spoken in Chapter 1, plunged me excitedly into a cannot-put-down, do-not-want-it-to-end extraordinary story. Julia Hughes has masterfully woven an intricate and thrilling YA fantasy tale of a girl with ordinary teenage issues suddenly being catapulted into an intriguing, perilous adventure involving beings from a twin world called, Ella-Earth. Frankie’s uncanny ability to call forth a griffin and The Rider from this parallel universe will ultimately serve her family’s tragic circumstances in a unique mysterious way. Ms. Hughes must have a very magical muse in her mind whose wisdom to weave such an intelligent and heart-warming story is beyond brilliant.

Frankie is not one of the cool kids at school. Julia Hughes has created a most engaging and fascinating character that appears to be rather ordinary, a girl who is struggling to maneuver through the throes of middle adolescence towards the early side of adulthood.  I was delightfully engaged during the segments involving Frankie’s encounters and foibles at her school as she oftentimes reacted to others in either a sassy or a respectful way; with either a fearless or a demure stance. She makes discoveries about friendship and enemies, and the humanness of teachers; and wrestles with a realization that the boy of her dreams might not be one who is human.

    So what makes The Griffin Cryer extraordinary? 15-year old Frankie’s coming-of-age maturity is evidenced by her reactions to ordinary yet often, intense, life events yet they are in counterpoint to the daring challenges that she takes on with The Rider and his marvelous griffin. There is a harmonious flow to the script as it moved me to and fro from Frankie’s rich, zesty day-to-day life situations into the perils undertaken with The Rider and his griffin; ones that involve the recovery on earth of the Ella Stone, a crystal powerful enough to protect a membrane that separates Earth from Ella-Earth, keeping both worlds from colliding.

 Throughout my read, it often felt as I was in the story itself, walking in Frankie’s shoes. Some of the most vivid, exceptional segments are those between Frankie and her mum; those in which Frankie takes flight with The Rider on the griffin; and those in which her mind descends into her comatose brother’s nightmares, seeking to bring him home from the dream world in which he is lost.

    An outstanding story for all who are young at heart, The Griffin Cryer takes center stage on the top shelf of my favorites’ bookcase, alongside Julia Hughes’ other delightful, masterfully written novels. Each excites the kid in me yet also engages my mind in the most interesting, thought-provoking ways.   

To order your copy: For kindle U.S.   For kindle U.K.
 

Mom, Me and Yellow Bird: An Adventure

 

The day was glorious, with a vibrant sun hanging out in clear blue skies. Even the cold weather couldn’t dispel my mood; after all, it was winter, Christmas Day 1985 to be exact. I lived in Orlando, working long hours as a recruiter for a large busy hospital so a few extra days off was a great reason to celebrate.  After loading up the presents in my old yet still reliable 1977 Toyota Celica, I headed to my mom’s home about 40 miles northwest, in Tavares.

   I’m not one to take the most direct route unless running a bit late. Most times I’d start out without a route in mind and find my way to a destination. On this day, my plan was to go straight on to my mom’s and jump into the festivities. Yet, at one of my early turns, I made a left instead of a right. Decided to cruise by a local wild bird sanctuary and see if a bald eagle, owl or turkey buzzard, recovering from injury, was taking a practice flight in the sanctuary’s large caged area.

   After making the turn off a major highway, my car rumbled over railroad tracks and I began my usual habit of glancing around for birds resting on the high wires. A glint off something yellow on the side of the road drew my attention and my tires screeched as I turned off the road. I had often passed by this small used car lot yet never had given it any notice, until now.

   There she sat; I fell head over heels in love with a little yellow Fiat convertible. Was she perfect? Far from it but gazing at her flawed yet sweet countenance set my soul a’ humming. At least, that’s how I remember it. Of course, the lot wasn’t open yet I got out of the car, checked the Fiat here and there and jotted down the lot’s phone number before heading on to my mom’s.

   It was a great Christmas Day, with grandkids running around and our usual feast plus my mom’s delicious, hard-to-make Christmas candy to top off the fare. Not a word did I speak regarding my sweet little find of the day, very unusual for me. In between the bantering and laughter, I was plotting the way for me to buy my little ‘yellow bird.’                              

   A guy who lived in my apartment complex had been pestering me to sell him my Toyo. Coincidentally or not, this seemed to me to be a good sign. After the Christmas break, I left work early and hustled over to the used car lot. As soon as I sat in Yellow Bird’s seat, I knew she was for me. A bit of reason prevailed, however. My request to have my personal mechanic take a look was not met without a bit of back and forth disagreement. The salesman’s hunger to make the sale was, to me, part of the divine plan.

   Jeff was a one-of-a-kind mechanic in that he offered valet service, without hiking up the bill. I’d pick him up at his home/shop and drive to the hospital where I worked. Jeff would take my car, do his thing then pick me up after work. So with the salesman’s grumbled blessing, I drove to Jeff’s garage. My ‘bit of reason prevailing’ paid off for Yellow Bird needed a water pump.

   The deal was finally made. My Toyo got a new owner, though not without some goodbye-thank you tears from me. The tears were short-lived, however, for Yellow Bird was finally mine. I called my mom then and asked her to visit for the weekend. This was never an arm-twisting kind of request; she loved to run around the outskirts of Orlando with me. Saturday morning finally came. I was glued to the window overlooking the parking area, waiting for my mom to show. I must have traveled back in time about 20 years for, when she showed up, like a little kid, I ran out to my mom, grabbed her in a big hug and shouted, ‘Look at Yellow Bird! She’s mine!’ Okay. Truth is, she was stunned a bit at first but my mom could never ignore a sensation of glee. We jumped up and down together then I invited her to be the first person to take a ride.

    A cold front still held Florida in its grasp; no matter though for the air was crisp and the sun smiled down upon us. We bundled up in sweaters topped off with coats and pairs of gloves that a northern friend had lent me. Grabbing two of the caps that I often wore when playing tennis, I put down Yellow Bird’s ragtop and, giggling like we were getting away with something naughty, my mom and I buckled up and, with heater set to blast, set off on an adventure.

   First stop was in downtown Winter Park. People bundled in coats were walking in and out of up-scale shops yet stopped and stared; a few waved so my mom waved back. She was gloriously giddy, as was I! The Hagen Daz ice cream shop was usually the first stop when my mom came to visit. She loved her ice cream. This cold, cold day was no exception. We ate our ice cream while sitting in Yellow Bird with the heater on. Throughout subsequent years, when anyone asked if I wanted ice cream, this scene always begged to be re-told.

   A very favorite haunt of mine was about an hour’s drive away, towards the eastern coast of Florida. We had stopped for a hot cup of coffee in Titusville and were near our destination. Adjacent to Cape Canaveral is Black Point Wildlife Drive, a beautiful wildlife preserve with a 9-mile drive made of packed, crushed shells. Especially during the winter, flocks of migrating birds make their stops there. For more adventuresome folks like me, there are some off-the-beaten-path bumpy car trails that can also be hiked. Today, though, was for cruising.

   As we were leaving the preserve, my mom noticed a road sign with directions to Cape Canaveral Shore and Playalinda Beach. “Let’s go there!” she said enthusiastically. “Another time,” I answered. “I need some hot coffee!” and turned towards Titusville. Although I doubted that there would be any sunbathers out on this cold day, I wasn’t taking any chances. Playalinda is, unofficially, a nude beach.

   After that marvelous day with my mom, my zippy little Yellow Bird took me on many adventures. At the time that I bought her, there was no thought in my mind that I was about to do something ‘crazy.’ At least, that’s the word that family and friends later used to describe a decision that I made within the next six months.

 

A MOST DELIGHTFUL TREASURE: CHARLIE PLUNKETT

I am delighted to have as my guest, Charlie Plunkett, a British mum who commemorates the milestones in her life by writing. She is the author of 3 popular true-to-life books: The True Diary of a Bride-To-Be, The True Diary of a Mum-To-Be and The True Diary of Baby’s First Year. Charlie lives in Brighton, England, with her lovely husband, Dave, and their gorgeous son, Cole.  





Charlie has just published 100 Little Words on Parenthood, a compilation of anecdotes gathered from parents, grandparents and experts. This 5* review captures it's essence: “Charlie has managed to pull together a rich variety of writers to contribute to this masterful collection of parental reflections. It’s genuinely funny, often heart-breaking and always honest.”  There's quite a lot going on in Charlie's world, including a few more blog stops. Take a moment to visit her website  Here.

Connect with her Facebook page here.

Connect on Twitter @charlieplunkett

 

Charlie describes herself as a ‘wanna-be domestic goddess.’ Many of us, however, know that Charlie has already met this challenge; she is a domestic goddess! Welcome to Treasured Encounters, Charlie.

Hi Dody and thank you so much for the wonderful introduction.

 You’ve written 4 increasingly popular true-to-life books yet stated that your most amazing achievements to date are, “marrying my soul mate, Dave, and becoming a mummy to my adorable son, Cole.’ What is the reason that you describe marriage and motherhood as achievements?

 I suppose many people when they hear the word ‘achievement’ automatically think of academic achievement or of attaining a goal, such as getting a promotion at work. For me, achievement encompasses anything in life that I aspire to and that brings me a feeling of joy and happiness. To me, finding my ‘soul mate’ is an amazing achievement. In the huge sea of fish, I have found my perfect partner and I count my blessings every day for our relationship. Shortly after Dave and I were married, we started thinking about having a family of our own and it was a very bumpy road for us until little Cole came along and made our lives complete. Without wishing to sound corny, motherhood is the most fulfilling thing I have ever experienced in my life. I think many parents and people who work with children would agree that children bring love, laughter and an opportunity to connect with your own inner child. I honestly believe if you are surrounded by people you love and who love you, you can achieve anything.

The titles of your first 3 published books are quite fascinating: 'True Diary of a Bride-To-Be,' 'True Diary of a Mum-To-Be' and 'True Diary of Baby’s First Year.' I am fascinated because the words, ‘true diary,’ suggest that readers will have a front row seat, have an up-close view of very personal segments of your life. How did the idea come to you and more so, did it take a ton of courage to share so openly?

 The titles of my books are similar to a famous advert for wood varnish that states ‘It does what it says on the tin.’ I am a very open, honest and sensitive soul and so it made sense to me when writing my diaries that my life be laid out like an open book. There has been no creative license or extra drama added solely for entertainment as I feel non-fiction should be totally honest. It is strange when I meet people who have read my books and we slip into an easy conversation as they know so much about me. I think my close friends would say that I am the type of person they feel they can call anytime and I will always try to offer help and support; so when writing these ‘true diaries,’ I have also included tips and advice that have helped me. Funnily enough, my dad is one of my biggest fans, but when he heard I was writing my pregnancy journal, he did say he probably wouldn’t read it as it may be too much information for him!

Your latest publication, '100 Little Words on Parenthood,' is a collection of anecdotes, advice and wisdom from parents, grandparents and experts. I’ve read that you compiled this collection when you were in the midst of writing another ‘true diary’ book. What inspired you to write '100 Little Words' and ‘change horses in the middle of the stream?’

 Wow, I’m impressed you noticed that Dody; not many people have picked up on that little fact. I was working on a book called The Toddler Files which was intended to pick up where The True Diary of Baby’s First Year left off and continue right up to Cole’s first day at school or his 5^th birthday. I am still working on it but I stopped purely because I reached a point where we hadn’t experienced those things yet. The idea for 100 Little Words on Parenthood was like an itch that just wouldn’t go away and I thought I could write the two books in unison. The reality of coordinating nearly 100 contributors and sourcing quotes meant I ended up being fully enveloped in that. But once the promotional period is over I shall be continuing the writing  of The Toddler Files.

I was deeply touched by your words in the Dedication section of 100 Little Words on Parenthood. In what way do you see ‘all you mums, dads, and grandparents out there’ as the ‘unsung heroes, the glue that holds this world together’?

When I was a child, if I ever hurt myself my mum would always say, ‘Let me kiss it better,’ and magically, it always worked. Who hasn’t had moments in their life when the only thing that will make things better is a ‘mama hug;’ and I’m forever picking up the phone to my parents to ask their advice. Parents offer unconditional love and support to their children and then they, in turn, pass this lovely legacy on to the next generation. I like to think that I am glued to my parents (not literally but spiritually, hehe!). In my world, they help hold everything together. As my little boy grows up, I hope to be his stability and ‘super glue.’

Many view you as a treasure, as evidenced by the personal remarks of others in reviews and on Twitter. I discovered on your website the evidence which demonstrates that you too, view many others as treasures.  Tell us about 'Three Little Things.'

 Aw, you are so very kind. I shan’t be able to squeeze my head through the door!

Three Little Things is a very simple idea because I couldn’t come up with anything complicated! It is my way of thanking the wonderful people who have helped me with my book; and I also would like to extend it to everyone I follow on Twitter and for them to share it with their followers. It is a way of acknowledging the people whose words touch us, be it our favourite bloggers, writers or authors. I have made a couple of lists of things that I think these lovely people would appreciate: like offering a simple tweet, saying how great they are, buying and reviewing their book, or commenting on their blog. Many people naturally do this already. I just wanted to harness the idea and encourage everyone to take a few minutes to make someone else’s day.

Recently, an author and friend said to me, “I always picture Charlie with a pair of fairy wings.” Do you have a pair and where do they take you?

Hehe! My mum always says she is half fairy so I guess that must have rubbed off on me. I don’t have wings but I do have a beautiful rainbow halo made from colorful feathers that I picked up at Glastonbury Festival! If I did have fairy wings I would do lots of flying around the world (low level as I hate heights) and would love to visit all of my fabulous twitter pals to say hello. You would probably find me playing in the fountain at The Bellagio Hotel in Vegas. I’d like that!

You’ve put a lot of work into compiling and publishing 100 Little Words on Parenthood. Are you going to take a well-deserved break, Charlie? If not, what can readers expect from you next? 

Well, I really do need to finish The Toddler Files now that you have reminded everyone about it! I have a couple of other non-fiction books started that are very different from those I have written to date. One is a theatrical memoir and the other is a secret (hehe!). I also have two ideas for fictional books, both jostling for attention in my mind. I need to create some extra hours in the day, or maybe I should just sprinkle some fairy dust!

 Thank you, Charlie, for your delightful openness. You are a treasure! Lucky for us, looks like those fairy wings are going to come in handy for you!
 
Charlie's books are shown on the right side of this page. Click on each book to access their U.S. Amazon pages. For access to Charlie's books on the U.K. Amazon site, click here for her U.K. Amazon author's page.
 

WHEN DARKNESS NO LONGER HELD FEAR

One of my most transformational experiences occurred when I was a child. For fun, I’ve taken the liberty of changing my name in this post to Lizzie, my middle name being Elizabeth.

    Lizzie was most content when she was outside, away from the cacophony of sounds heard in the hustle and bustle of the city. It was not a bother if others came along yet only if they did not drown out the sounds of nature with all their usual chatter. ‘Nature has a voice,’ she’d say to those who came with her. After work, when asked to go out for dinner and a bit of fun, Lizzie often remarked, ‘I can’t see the stars when in the city.’ Many times, instead of joining her friends, she’d put the top down in her yellow Fiat and drive out from the city for a little night music, of the natural kind.

    When she was a little girl, Lizzie often woke crying and shaking during the night, caught up in nightmares of being chased by some dark monster. In the wee hours before sunrise, her mother often found Lizzie cowering under a blanket or under the bed, her sheets and pajamas soaked through with sweat from night terrors. At daybreak, Lizzie’s mom could usually find her outside, up in the crook of the old oak tree that sat in the backyard. It took a lot of coaxing to get her back down on the ground and into the house for breakfast and on to school.

    It took more than coaxing to get Lizzie to join the family on any outing that occurred in the evening. Fear set in as soon as the black curtain of night fell. Her mother, though often at her wits end from the squabbles amongst her four young daughters, somehow managed to show a bit more patience in dealing with Lizzie at night. The night terrors had begun 6 years earlier, after the tragic death of her husband, Carl, father to the girls. While trimming the high-up limbs of a large oak in town, Carl’s safety line had broken.  His death had been hard on everyone. Lizzie’s mom often talked with her sister about Lizzie, trying to make some sense of Lizzie’s passion to be in trees, ‘just like her father,’ yet wondering what made her so afraid of the dark. ‘Why isn’t she also afraid of those trees?’

    Most of the outings at night involved going to church. Her mom had to literally pull Lizzie out from under the bed and into the back seat of the car then sit her between two of her sisters. Leaving on the inside light of the car helped to ease Lizzie’s terror though not her fear. It was on the occasion of a revival that this inexplicable fear of Lizzie’s was dissipated. The church parking lot was well lit so Lizzie scrambled over her sister and out of the car, running quickly towards the brighter lights inside. Her mom got the girls settled in their usual back pew then pulled out crayons and sheets of biblical scenes that waited to be colored. All of the girls loved to color. Knowing that Lizzie enjoyed outdoor scenes with animals and trees, her mom handed her one that depicted the countryside around Bethlehem. The revival service began as usual with hymns and, for this, the girls joined in. They started coloring when the visiting minister began his sermon.

    Lizzie was intent with her coloring of the tree in the picture when certain words in the sermon began to filter into her awareness. While adding a few more branches to make the tree more magnificent, she became stilled on hearing these words: ‘You do not have to be afraid of the dark. God will take care of you.’ It was as if time was standing still, for throughout the rest of the service, Lizzie felt as if she were in a dream.

    It was her mom’s habit to get the car started and the car light on before Lizzie bounded from the church itself. Though a bit surprised that night when Lizzie walked out with her sisters, her mom was more distracted by two daughters squabbling over which one got to sit by the window.  When the family arrived back home, Lizzie immediately ran into the well-lit house. Her mom then got busy refereeing between two girls regarding whose turn it was to prepare night-time snacks. That got done so her mom called the other girls to the table; everyone but Lizzie showed up. Figuring she was drawing or coloring somewhere, ‘Off in her own world,’ her mom often remarked to others, she got up to look for her. Lizzie, however, was nowhere to be found; not even under her bed. They searched the entire house. Just as her mom was about to make a desperate call for help, Lizzie burst into the house through the back door. ‘He’s right!’ she yelled, jumping up and down in her excitement. ‘I went outside in the dark and wasn’t afraid anymore!’

    Here is what happened that dark night, outside in the back yard. Still in a dream-like trance, Lizzie went out the back door, walked to her oak tree, kicked off her patent-leather church going shoes and climbed to the crook that held her just-so. Standing in the crook, a thought came, You can go higher; she did not hesitate. Lizzie climbed to the highest crook and, though swaying a bit, felt safer than she had ever been. She heard so many new sounds; felt so deeply soothed by these sounds, ones that she later learned came from insects, frogs, and night birds.

     When Lizzie came back into the house, jumping up and down in excitement, her little dress was torn and she was barefoot. Though still somewhat frantic, her mom hugged her fiercely, knowing that something miraculous had occurred. Lizzie grabbed her mom’s hand, pulled her outside near the oak then pointed up to the sky and said, "My daddy talked to me; he’s in heaven!" A catch in her heart, Lizzie’s mom asked, "What did he say, honey?" “Daddy told me that God made him into that bright star in the sky; see it? Daddy’s looking out for me so I don’t have to be scared anymore!” said Lizzie, jumping excitedly, still pointing at the sky. "Oh honey," said her mom, hugging Lizzie tightly, "I know."

     I was 10 years old at the time and, after that night, my fear of the dark disappeared; I've not had another nightmare.