Searching for Miss Moore: Part Two

In my previous post, I blogged about finding a short story collection written by Guy du Maupassant. The orginal owner's name was scripted inside: Phyllis Moore of Hollywood, CA and dated November  of  1944.

As I hold the book in my hand, I think to what it must have been like to live in the early 40's. I was born 15 years later, so research rather than memories are my guide. Life in the U.S. was all about the war in the early 40's. Either you were serving in the armed forces or doing your part at home. It was likely that Ms. Moore had a sweetheart overseas. I imagine her sitting in an armchair gazing at a framed photo of a handsome young soldier as she writes daily lengthy letters to her love. Most likely she was wearing a rayon  navy dress with a sailor collar, silk stockings
and black pumps.   Women's homefront fashion was driven with a military influence during WWII. 

Books were a diversion and a splurge in wartime. I discovered that The Book Guild of America - who I thought was the publisher of the this book - was actually a mail order book club! So it appears that our Ms. Moore had a discretionary income as the yearly dues were about $16 annually - a small fortune in the 40's.
I know a little more now, that the book was carefully chosen and I'm sure this luxurious purchase was treasured.      I recall my mother joining the Double Day Book Club in the early 70's and how much fun she had selecting books. This was a real eye opener to me to hear about a mail order book club in the 40's.

Ah, another clue, like us - Miss Moore was a lover of books
.
  

Who is Phyllis M. Moore of Hollywood, California?

This is the first in a series of posts devoted to a find in an old bookstore.

I’d love to own an antiquated book store filled with aroma of old leather and musty pages a la 84, Charing Cross Road. My shelves would be lined with rare books with gilded edges and embossed designs.

I was browsing in such a store the other day . Gently I guided my fingers across the old books skipping along the bumpy bindings and golden letters stopping at “Short Stories” by Guy de Maupassant. A small but lovely book bound in black leather with gold lettering and flourishes. My heart skipped a beat as I enjoy reading and writing short stories.

I opened it up and read it was published in 1941 by Blue Ribbon Books, 14 West 49th Street, New York, NY. The Book League of America, New York is also credited.

Inside is inscribed in beautiful penmanship:

Phyllis M. Moore
November 14, 1944
Hollywood, Calif.

My curiosity piqued and the next thing I knew I was in line to purchase this exquisite book for $6.98.

DR. OZ HOSTS A TELEVISION SERIES

The Oprah Show's own health guru is kicking off his new series on September 14th. Dr. Oz is our generation's mix of Dr. Spock, Dr. Kildare, Dr. Quinn and a dash of loveable Doogie Howser.

His direct but compassionate style is just the television viewing our nation needs. Set your DVR for a series recording. Who knows? The good health advice Dr. Oz dispenses may save or improve your life!

Note to kids- this is what Mom wants for Christmas! :

You: On A Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist By Dr. Memhet Oz
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743292545?ie=UTF8&tag=optimalhealth00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743292545

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett: Baby Boomer Icons

The loss of two Baby Boomer icons on the same day deserves a blog post. These two opposite sides of the mirror likely share something in common. Were they worshipped to death?

Let's take his legal woes and accusations off the table for a moment. There is no denying that a vast majority of we younger baby boomers tap our feet and sing along when "Thriller" or "Billie Jean" plays on the radio. This same majority became a minority when Jackson's life began to unravel - but still his music was our secret guilty pleasure. We all watched Michael Jackson become the original Transformer as his appearance evolved from "pinch your cheeks he's so cute" boy to "The Invisible Man." In the coming days and weeks as this story unfolds, keep his children in your prayers as they no doubt become pawns in a tragic Chess game.

Farrah Fawcett. Here is someone men wanted to be with - while women just wanted to be her. Oh, how I strived for my hair to look just like hers! I maneuved my curling iron into a blonde elongated tootsie roll and then used half a can of hairspray to keep it in position. Farrah was beautiful till the end. After watching "Farrah's Story" documentary, I learned she was just as gorgeous on the inside.

Will these two icons meet up in afterlife? Will Farrah become Michael's Wendy in Neverland?

Sheryl Mahaffey-Pimentel

IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY

No matter your age, do some brain aerobics to keep your mind challenged and regenerate brain cells. Researchers reveal daily stimulation of your brain will prevent or at least slow down the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. An added bonus is these classic games will improve your memory! Here are some suggestions written by yours truly from Sudoku to Candyland. These are the kind of mind games you will want to play! :

http://www.ehow.com/how_5043592_prevent-disease-sudoku-crossword-puzzles.html

After reading the above eye opening article, see many of the products mentioned and more at Chapter Two's new store: "Live Long and Strong". Visit the 2nd Floor for mind stimulating games and exercises.
http://astore.amazon.com/optimalhealth00-20

Off to do a Sudoku puzzle!
Sheryl

Hurry! Free PGA Golf Lesson Offer Ends Soon!

PGA and LPGA pros have a great gift for golf enthusiasts in May. These experts are giving golfers at ALL levels a free 10 minute lesson. Call today! Here's the 411:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5018778_golf-lesson.html

Have fun!
Sheryl

NORTH TO ALASKA/GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK: A New Giveaway!

UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO ms.texas, OUR LATEST WINNER!

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Alaska yet, this is the optimal time for this spectacular vacation whether by cruise ship or on your own. Alaska is truly God's gift to the world and I can't wait to get back. We've talked about going outside of our comfort zone in Chapter Two Blog. I flew on a float plane during our trip - which is typically not something I'd do! I sucked it up and glad I did. The unparalleled aerial views of expansive glaciers were amazing. Where else could one spot moose, wolves, whales and mountain sheep on the same trip?
To kick off Alaskan cruise/vacation season, I'm giving away "The Love Boat" Season One, Volume One DVD. All you have to do is read an eHow travel article I wrote and view my photos(see link below) about a trip to Glacier Bay. Comment on something you've seen in Alaska or would like to see based on this article: http://www.ehow.com/how_5013518_see-bay-national-park-day.html Extra entry earned for becoming a follower. A third entry for twittering about this contest. One entry per household, 18 yrs. & up. Ends on Wednesday, May 27th at Midnight PST.
Good Luck,
Sheryl

Natural Treatment for Toe Nail Fungus: Not a pretty topic

OK, who in their right mind
is going to blog about toenail fungus treatment?

~ Me ~

On a recent Good Morning America segment, Robin Roberts interviewed a podiatrist who said half of people over 40 years old have toenail fungus! That fact deserves a mention in this blog dedicated to those of us in "Chapter Two" of our lives.

It led me to research and write an article on the subject. After reviewing prescription and natural remedies, I believe homeopathic treatment is the way to go! Prescription medicines may require blood tests to monitor liver function.

I urge slow buy steady healing with either Tea Tree Oil
as a natural remedy for toenail fungus treatment, or Epsom Salt. You can read my article on the latter here:

HOW TO TREAT TOENAIL FUNGUS WITH EPSOM SALT

http://www.ehow.com/how_4933618_use-salt-toenail-fungus-treatment.html

Take care of those Tootsies
!

Sheryl

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Moms, Grandmas and those women who are special in someone's life:Take time out for yourselves today - dear friends!

I'm a stickler for spelling and grammar but let this mother and grandmother say this:

"Ain't being a grandparent, GRAND?"

Enjoy, Sheryl

Note to my kids: Don't spend a dime on Mother's Day!

Gifts from the heart are all I desire this Mother's Day. An offer to clean out one of my cluttered cabinets or drawers, download some 70's songs on a disc, put pictures in an album, etc. Those are all priceless gestures!

Remembering back through holidays, I treasure the kids surprising me with having the house decorated for Christmas. That was amazing! One day of no occasion, my daughter in law handed me a thank you card in appreciation of helping with the grandchildren. I keep that on my bulletin board.

So forget the pricey gifts and cards, honor your Mother with an unexpected action.

Still need to get her a little something? Amazon.com has some great suggestions and sales:
http://www.amazon.com/b/?&node=1283279011&tag=thefinartofsu-20

A Dream Come True

I've longed to turn my lifelong passion for writing into a lucrative venture. It's been many years that I hung up my journalism career to raise my children. Now, my time has come again, in Chapter Two.

How fun to turn a hobby into a profession! I stumbled upon a writing opportunity that was up my alley. I can write from home according to my schedule and submit articles that are published on various websites. The icing on the cake is getting paid weekly, as well as some revenue sharing down the road.

Beginning this blog is like my ever changing visualization poster for this precious second half of life. I have other areas that need attention, too, but I'm off to achieving long term goals.

What is a goal of yours? Perhaps we can work together to help you achieve it!

GOING OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE: GIVEAWAY

I'm a chicken. Flat out. The mere thought of going sideways, upside down or higher than three feet evokes sheer terror!

Since I love to travel, I've overcome the fear of flying - as long as it is a regular sized commercial aircraft. Oh yes, did I mention it has to be a smooth flight? Turbulence turns me into a major white-knuckle, "hit me with a glass of Chardonnay" flyer.

So it was with the gravest of apprehension that I agreed to go on a rugged Jeep tour of the mystical red mountains and cliffs of Sedona, Arizona.

If I'm writing this - I lived! Seriously, it was a major milestone in going out of my comfort zone -goals for the Chapter Two in my life.

I closed my eyes only once, when the driver who had a heads up that I was adventure-impaired, prompted me.

I am thrilled I took this step. It is said that Sedona is one of the most spiritual places in the world. I saw up close and personal the reason why. The cliffs, mesas and plateaus are like layers of Red Velvet Cake and just as delicious - visually. The rock formations seemingly speak to your soul. What adventure will I be willing to take next? My mantra is "baby steps" and I consider this amazing Jeep tour a LEAP!

When did you go outside of your comfort zone? How did the experience affect you?

Leave your answer within the comment area and you'll be entered to win the PBS Skinwalkers DVD and Skinwalkers paperback book by Tony Hillerman swirling with Navajo mysticism and mystery. To earn a bonus entry, sign up as a follower of my new blog. Ends Wed., April 15th at Midnight PST. Random drawing. Good Luck!

I'm Back to Exercising!

I joined Curves at the first of the year Gung Ho with New Year's Resolutions. Sady, I became part of the statistics. I did not keep the deal with myself. I charged through January's sessions with gusto, and flamed out in Feb. and most of March.

The good news is I have gone back each day this week!

Let's keep each other accountable. What New Year's Resolution did you drop? Are you going to pick it back up? If Miss Procrastinator (me) did it, so can you!

Sheryl's Stimulus Check(list)

My Stimulus program hasn't a thing to do with government. It's all about stimulating our mind and bodies to get them revved up. Throughout the year, we will have our own Stimulus plan ideas.

Here is part of Sheryl's Stimulus Program for ChapterTwo'ers:

Mind:

* Keep a Sudoku or Crossword Puzzle book in your car. If you are waiting to pick up your kids or grandchildren from school or just in line at your bank's drive through window - five minutes of brain work will clear the cobwebs. At home, utilize your computer's free card game program. Solitaire, anyone?

Body

* Move it, sister. All the cliche's are true: park farther away than usual. Exit the opposite end of the mall from where your parked. Take your garbage out multiple times a day. Those steps may not equal climbing a mountain but it's definitely a hill!

Soul

* Contact a relative or friend you haven't seen or talked to in a while. I just signed up for Facebook and on the first day in touch with an aunt and two cousins living distances away. It's like Pandora's box- I can't wait to open my email program to see who will join next! If you believe in a higher being - give thanks.

Baby steps. Let's take baby steps.

A Blog Born to Guide My/Our Journey

Our path to the second portion of our life can be paved with twists and turns we never expected. This blog is an invitation to my fellow twilighters: let's ease our transition into our "second adulthood" with grace and good health. Let's pledge to support each other in this adventure. What lies ahead for us 50 and beyond? Let the journey begin ...