Chelsea's Homecoming

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Well, on Tuesday evening, Chelsea came home without much fanfare. My son dropped her off at around 7:30 pm and she had school the next day. She sat in her room watching a favorite movie for about an hour, and then asked me what time her dad was coming back. When I explained to her that she was back with us now, that her time with dad had been just a little vacation, she smiled and jumped under the covers. She was asleep in five minutes. I had no idea that he had not explained anything to her. She had not had a bath, and he didn't bring her clothes until 10:30 that night, clean but thrown unfolded in a box. Not my idea of preparing for the first day of school. That's just not how I live. I have everything ready the night before, baths over with, clothing laid out, etc. I like a nice, calm, organized morning. To make matters worse, I overslept the next morning, so it turned into a mad dash to get ready and get out the door. Chelsea took it all in stride, I, on the other hand, was a very unhappy camper.

Overcoming Addictions

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Few things build character as much as overcoming an addiction does. It could be smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or being at TV-watching junkie, a coffee addict or a shopaholic.   
Admitting that an addiction interferes with your life, your relationships or your work is quite an achievement. And actually doing something about it is a success!
I overcame bulimia, which is very similar to any other addiction, with the added stress of the “drug” being something as mundane and accessible as food. It took me many years to conquer it, and the result of that was my first book: “I Feel Fat”, published in 1993, followed by “Fear of Eating”, in 2002.
However, I consider that my greatest achievement was that I never gave up, regardless of the outcome. Actually overcoming the addiction was the icing on the cake.
When you manage to overcome an addiction, which is a huge success that most people do not readily admit to, perhaps out of shame, you feel you can do anything.
What addictions or bad habits have you overcome? Which would you like to overcome? What are you going to do about it?
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Happiness, a Guide to Life's Most Important Skill

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A reader of my blog recommended the book Happiness: a Guide to Life’s Most Important Skill by Ricard Matthieu. I’ve read the book and listened to the audio-version too.
Based on Buddhist principles, Matthieu’s message is simple: we can learn to be happy. True joie de vivre does not depend on outer circumstances. This would make happiness precarious.
When joy comes from within, then circumstances cannot alter its basic structure. You can be upset temporarily, but you will still be basically strong of character and content.
I recommend the book or especially, the audio book.
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How to achieve your goals

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Lately I’m a bit sick of all the canned positive messages, despite being the author of self-help books. The general message seems to be that we must want to achieve stardom or have the bank account balance of Donald Trump to be happy. Many people are going to get seriously depressed under that kind of pressure. Especially in this economy!
I believe it’s perfectly fine to have humble goals as long as you are ok with that. And you don’t have to travel to Tibet to meditate or wear amulets around your neck to attract positive changes in your life.  However, even if your goals are not that big, you may find it difficult to achieve them. If so, try the following:
-       When you know what you want, take action. No matter how small, take a step in the direction of your goal. That will counteract the inertia of doing nothing about your current situation.
-       Make a plan. What will you do and by when? If you want to land a job in three months’ time, how many résumés will you send out every week? How many people will you contact on LinkedIn? What friends or acquaintances will you tell that you are looking for a job?
-       Enlist a partner. Ask a friend who has a similar goal to be your pacing partner. Giving each other support will help you keep on going when one of you wants to quit.  
-       Commit yourself. Few goals are achieved from one day to the next. Keep in mind that there will be difficult times and days when it will seem nothing is happening. Wait those moments out, and just keep going. Too many people give up right before they were about to achieve something they wanted.
If you enjoy this blog, like my Facebook page. To know more about my books: www.lorrainecladish.comIf you read Spanish, see my Consejos de mamá (Mom Recommends)© of the photo: Fritz Langman

Spanish publishing house thrives during the recession - Jirones de azul.

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Interview with Rosa García Perea, Coria del Río (Sevilla) 1965Rosa García Perea is a Spanish poet, author of “Las tres miradas del Cíclope” and “Como las manos de Pandora”, amongst others. She has taught Creative Writing and is now at the helm of the publishing house Editorial Jirones de Azul together with Esperanza García. Her first novel, Mesa para una (Table for one) will be published in October.
LCL.- What is your definition of success? RGP.- Success is the unexpected prize you get after years of working hard and when you´ve almost stopped believing your project will come through.
LCL.- Do you think you´ve achieved it?RGP.- I will say what Oscar Wilde said: a fool never recovers from success. That´s why I like to believe that I haven´t achieved it yet. It´s but a mirage.
LCL.- When and why did you launch the publishing house Jirones de Azul?RGP.- Jirones started out as an e-zine in 2004, and then went to print version in 2006. In 2005 I turned 40 and I didn´t want to let such a significant age fly by without making one of my dreams come true. I also thought Seville, Spain was in need of a publishing house that opened the doors to new voices. So the first business day of 2006, I did the paperwork to establish my company. The first few months were hard, but special. I would do it all over again.
LCL.- What were your biggest challenges?RGP.- Even though I had worked in marketing, I didn´t know the publishing business. It was also undergoing a shift – from paper to digital. And in 2006, one of the worst global recessions hit. It was like trying to sell books in a war zone.But instead of backing off, we took it as a challenge and it´s made us stronger and be more professional. We´ve learned the hard way and every time we fall, we get up with more enthusiasm.
LCL.- And the biggest satisfactions?RGP.- Professionally, looking back and seeing that in five years we´ve put over 200 titles out there. Many have become best-sellers, by first-time authors. Personally, when I see my team, smiling and full of energy. That erases any doubts I may have.
LCL.- What personal qualities have helped you start and keep your publishing house going?RGP.- Mainly perseverance and knowing that I have to get up as fast as possible when I fall. Whining won´t take you places. Having a sense of humor is a must. There is nothing more important than having a sense of humor.
LCL.- What haven´t you done yet?RGP.- Professionally, I have a lot to left to do. I´m 46 and I would start any project from stratch. I like a challenge.Personally, I haven´t lived as much as I´d have liked to. My life is full, but I´ve missed out on personal satisfaction by putting a lot into my profession. And I´m missing children. I won´t have them, but they would have made my life fuller. I´m sure they would not have taken one bit away from my professional life.
LCL.- What would you say to those who have dreams they haven´t accomplished yet?RGP.- Not to be afraid of their mistakes. You learn more from your mistakes than from your success. To surround themselves with good people, those that help you feel good. There is only one secret for success: work and good energy. It´s so simple that it seems impossible.  
www.jironesdeazul.com
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Eddie Mathews Bat Card

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Some time back I won this card on ebay. I don't have the exact price, but it did fall under the $5 self imposed price limit. That includes shipping as well.

2008 Donruss Playoff Prime Cuts
Eddie Mathews (card #27, numbered 09/99)

Eddie Mathews played for 17 seasons. Most of them were with the Milwaukee Braves where he covered third base. On occasion he was known to play the outfield and sometimes first base.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978 on his fifth ballot. In nine seasons he was an All-Star, playing in 12 All-Star games. He led the National League in Home Runs in 1953 (47) and 1959 (46).

He didn't win any Gold Glove or Silver Slugger awards. Twice he came in second in the MVP voting. He did win a World Series rings with Milwaukee in 1957 and Detroit in 1968. His lifetime Batting Average was .271 with 512 Home Runs.

He was a three time Brave. The Boston Braves signed him as an amateur free agent before the 1949 season and played for them professionally in 1952. The he played for the Milwaukee Braves and followed the team to Atlanta.

Did Eddie Mathews have a Hall of Fame career? It might be hard to justify to some people, but he's in and I have one of his cards with a slice of his bat.

A card from Napkin Doon

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A few weeks back I sent Napkin Doon some pressed pennies that didn't fit in my collection. When I told him that I was sending them he begged me for my address. I stalled. I hemmed. I hawed. I didn't want him sending me cards. This wasn't a trade. I finally relented and to the post office he went.

 Here's what arrived.

2009 Topps Sterling
White Frame
Carl Erskine (card # 118)
numbered 01/50

Oisk!  Over the past few weeks I've been having mixed feelings about collecting.  Nothing seems to inspire me.  I didn't buy anything this last weekend even though were some good deals online.  Partly it was I didn't really know what I wanted.  I really need to get my checklists in order.  Partly it was that family was in town.  It is better to spend time with family than to sort cards.  Most times, it is.

This card is resparking my interest.  It looks good.  It is of a player I collect.  I like it.

Thanks, Napkin.