When my mother studied at university, she met Carol and they became great friends. They travelled Europe together in 956. Amazing eh? After they had married and had children, the two couples decided to buy property on a lake upon north. Carol's sister summered at that lake for many years. Both families stayed with Flora to get to know the lake.
A couple of years later, the families bought a large plot of land which they divided into two. They built similar cottages and would spend every summer and many winters there. Both families became close and many happy memories ensued.
But my greatest memories deal with Flora. We met in 1974 and we have been friends ever since. I would escape my parents and go visit her. She always enjoyed company even from a kid like myself. I would help her bake and I remember one wonderful Tomato Cake that was delicious.
Through the years, I made a point of spending time with Flora. I would paddle my canoe over to her place and spend a wonderful afternoon with her. We would talk of many things. She is a very interesting woman. Her alcoholic husband left her with four young children whom she supported as a guidance counsellor at an esteemed high school. She has also travelled the world.
Even though Flora is old enough to be my grandmother, I thought of her as a best friend and a confidant. I could talk with her about anything. Nothing was out of bounds. I told her things I would never tell anyone else. I felt so lucky and honoured to have a friend like her.
Recently, Flora's daughter moved her into a nursing home in Guelph which is an easy 40 minute drive from me. Finally, yesterday, I drove to visit her and it was great to see her looking so well. She is 91 now but still as clever as ever. No brain impairment at all even though her body has slowed down. She is hard of hearing and her legs cause her trouble. Her hip had been operated on and gives her problems yet she still manages to walk.
We all have that person in our lives who you consider a mentor. Flora is mine. She is a brave, intelligent, honest, caring, wonderful woman. I am so lucky to be able to call her my friend.
I have finished my third novel entitled That Truthful Place about ten children who develop telepathy and the course their lives take. I'm self-publishing through Createspace (Amazon) and it will be available soon. I will keep you posted.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Friday, 24 October 2014
Friday, 10 October 2014
The Wonderful World of Sleep
For most of my life, I have been tired. Not the yawning once in a while tired, I mean exhausted. And no, I couldn't sleep during the day. It was hard enough trying to fall asleep at night. I never knew why. I constantly relayed this problem to my doctors, but all they did was just give me more and more sleeping pills which didn't work.
Finally, I begged my family doctor to send me to a sleep disorders clinic. A month later, I was involved in a sleep lab where I spent the night in the hospital with numerous electrodes all over my body. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAC machine.
It has been a year since I was diagnosed and I'm sleeping better than ever. No longer am I tired when I wake up. I wake up alert, energized and excited for the day ahead. And I'm not tired all day. It is such a wonderful feeling. Really, it's a miracle.
Sleep apnea is cured by wearing a small mask over my nose all night. It consistently blows air into my nose. That's it and I'm cured. No side effects. The machine works silently. I would never go to bed again without wearing it. I have never felt better in my life.
In the past, I would fall asleep somewhere between 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and would wake up around 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Waste of a day. Now, I automatically fall asleep around 11 p.m. and wake up naturally at around 8:00 a.m. I feel so much better with this cycle.More normal eh? I'm so much more productive with that schedule. So wonderful.
As far as book signings go, I finished my last one on October 4th. I am now scheduling them for the spring. I hope to return to six of the stores. I won't do any signings during the winter because the weather is just so unpredictable. This winter has been forecasted to be as bad as last year. I don't want to take chances with the driving.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Finally, I begged my family doctor to send me to a sleep disorders clinic. A month later, I was involved in a sleep lab where I spent the night in the hospital with numerous electrodes all over my body. I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAC machine.
It has been a year since I was diagnosed and I'm sleeping better than ever. No longer am I tired when I wake up. I wake up alert, energized and excited for the day ahead. And I'm not tired all day. It is such a wonderful feeling. Really, it's a miracle.
Sleep apnea is cured by wearing a small mask over my nose all night. It consistently blows air into my nose. That's it and I'm cured. No side effects. The machine works silently. I would never go to bed again without wearing it. I have never felt better in my life.
In the past, I would fall asleep somewhere between 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and would wake up around 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Waste of a day. Now, I automatically fall asleep around 11 p.m. and wake up naturally at around 8:00 a.m. I feel so much better with this cycle.More normal eh? I'm so much more productive with that schedule. So wonderful.
As far as book signings go, I finished my last one on October 4th. I am now scheduling them for the spring. I hope to return to six of the stores. I won't do any signings during the winter because the weather is just so unpredictable. This winter has been forecasted to be as bad as last year. I don't want to take chances with the driving.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Monday, 22 September 2014
The People I Meet at Signings
I've figured out that there are basically three types of people I meet at bookstores during a signing event. They are:
1) the buyers
2) the not interested
3) the too nice
The buyers are the people that come to my table, listen to my spiel, and buy the book. Some of these people buy it just to support a local author. I love people like that. Too kind. Another kind of buyer is the one who is generally interested. These are few but really appreciated.
The not interested people pass my table and say no thanks when I try to interest them in my books. Most are polite but many are rude. I don't respect this behaviour. We all have our jobs and this just happens to be mine. I sell my books for a living. Please be polite. Nothing wrong with not being interested but please don't make a snarky remark. Just say no thank you.
I've had a few fights with older religious women. They tell me I'm going to hell. I told them hell is probably a lot more fun than heaven. This shocks them. Apparently, what I have written is blasphemous.
The too nice people seem interested in my novel, but then decide not to buy it. Instead of saying, thanks but no thanks, they tell me they are going to look around, catch up with husband, or think about it. These people never return. No one has said that and then come back and bought the book. I wish people would not say that but instead just decline politely. I won't be hurt if you say that. I'm more hurt when they don't return.
At one store in Stoney Creek, one woman checked my website on her cell phone and read my reviews. She came right over and bought a copy. That was cool.
Amazingly enough, at some stores, some of my books are stolen. Yes, I have talked to the pilferers, signed their books and then they steal them. Please don't do this. We authors are poor and need every royalty.
At some stores, I sign a book for someone and they just leave it somewhere in the bookstore. These are returned to me, but it's not pleasant situation. I can't sell the book now because there is someone else's name in it. Yes. I can use white-out but it doesn't look professional. If you don't want the book, don't ask me to sign it with your name.
Any way, those are my comments and beefs about the people I meet when at a signing. Every job has its high and low points.
Saturday, October 4th, from 1-4 p.m., I will be signing books at the Chapter's, Erin Mills Power Centre. If you are close, come in and say hello.
Last Saturday, I was at the Chapter's store in Ancaster. Below is a picture from that day.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
1) the buyers
2) the not interested
3) the too nice
The buyers are the people that come to my table, listen to my spiel, and buy the book. Some of these people buy it just to support a local author. I love people like that. Too kind. Another kind of buyer is the one who is generally interested. These are few but really appreciated.
The not interested people pass my table and say no thanks when I try to interest them in my books. Most are polite but many are rude. I don't respect this behaviour. We all have our jobs and this just happens to be mine. I sell my books for a living. Please be polite. Nothing wrong with not being interested but please don't make a snarky remark. Just say no thank you.
I've had a few fights with older religious women. They tell me I'm going to hell. I told them hell is probably a lot more fun than heaven. This shocks them. Apparently, what I have written is blasphemous.
The too nice people seem interested in my novel, but then decide not to buy it. Instead of saying, thanks but no thanks, they tell me they are going to look around, catch up with husband, or think about it. These people never return. No one has said that and then come back and bought the book. I wish people would not say that but instead just decline politely. I won't be hurt if you say that. I'm more hurt when they don't return.
At one store in Stoney Creek, one woman checked my website on her cell phone and read my reviews. She came right over and bought a copy. That was cool.
Amazingly enough, at some stores, some of my books are stolen. Yes, I have talked to the pilferers, signed their books and then they steal them. Please don't do this. We authors are poor and need every royalty.
At some stores, I sign a book for someone and they just leave it somewhere in the bookstore. These are returned to me, but it's not pleasant situation. I can't sell the book now because there is someone else's name in it. Yes. I can use white-out but it doesn't look professional. If you don't want the book, don't ask me to sign it with your name.
Any way, those are my comments and beefs about the people I meet when at a signing. Every job has its high and low points.
Saturday, October 4th, from 1-4 p.m., I will be signing books at the Chapter's, Erin Mills Power Centre. If you are close, come in and say hello.
Last Saturday, I was at the Chapter's store in Ancaster. Below is a picture from that day.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
A Day at the Garage
Do you know what it means to trust someone? It's a wonderful feeling because you can let yourself relax and not stress out. Since stress activates my Bipolar symptoms, I try and reduce stress from my life. I do this in many ways; such as, planning out everything, making lists, keeping myself organized and prepared for any possibility.
Normal things can cause stress like taking your car into the garage for an oil change and tune-up. One major problem with women is that some garage mechanics perform unnecessary acts on the car for which they overcharge. Or they do a poor job because they think they can get away with it because you are a woman.
I consider myself very lucky. I have been using the same garage for the last ten years. They are a local set-up. And I can trust them. Most of them have been working at the same garage all their lives so I know them well. Especially, the man at the counter. Rob is one of the kindest men I've ever met. He always has a ready smile for me and is patient with my many questions.
I never have to worry about Rob's garage. Whatever work is done on the car, I can trust that is what was needed. The car is always repaired well. Their fees are honest. I have never had a problem paying my bill with them.
So, it was a bit of a stress taking the car in. There is always the worry that something major will be found wrong. I'm just a poor author who would become a recluse without a car so I always worry the car will die. Its an old Ford Focus. Don't know the year. But its reliable and fun to drive. I don't want to lose it.
My first car was a manual and I drove it for many years. I loved driving manual and was terrified to be in an automatic. I had driven two automatics earlier in life and ended up in a car accident both time. Driving an automatic scared me.
When my poor car died, I had no choice but to learn to drive an automatic. After a few scary times, I picked it up quickly and soon learned to love it. And now, after two years driving it, I couldn't imagine ever driving a manual again.
On Saturday, September 20th, 2014, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. I will be attending a signing at the Chapters store, Meadowlands, Ancaster, Ontario. Hope to see you there!
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Normal things can cause stress like taking your car into the garage for an oil change and tune-up. One major problem with women is that some garage mechanics perform unnecessary acts on the car for which they overcharge. Or they do a poor job because they think they can get away with it because you are a woman.
I consider myself very lucky. I have been using the same garage for the last ten years. They are a local set-up. And I can trust them. Most of them have been working at the same garage all their lives so I know them well. Especially, the man at the counter. Rob is one of the kindest men I've ever met. He always has a ready smile for me and is patient with my many questions.
I never have to worry about Rob's garage. Whatever work is done on the car, I can trust that is what was needed. The car is always repaired well. Their fees are honest. I have never had a problem paying my bill with them.
So, it was a bit of a stress taking the car in. There is always the worry that something major will be found wrong. I'm just a poor author who would become a recluse without a car so I always worry the car will die. Its an old Ford Focus. Don't know the year. But its reliable and fun to drive. I don't want to lose it.
My first car was a manual and I drove it for many years. I loved driving manual and was terrified to be in an automatic. I had driven two automatics earlier in life and ended up in a car accident both time. Driving an automatic scared me.
When my poor car died, I had no choice but to learn to drive an automatic. After a few scary times, I picked it up quickly and soon learned to love it. And now, after two years driving it, I couldn't imagine ever driving a manual again.
On Saturday, September 20th, 2014, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. I will be attending a signing at the Chapters store, Meadowlands, Ancaster, Ontario. Hope to see you there!
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Sunday, 14 September 2014
A Toronto Signing
Yesterday, I attended a signing at the Indigo bookstore in the Eaton's Centre, Toronto. This was my first signing after the summer when I didn't hold any signings. The good weather and the fact that probably people preferred remaining outside and had no interest in going indoors to a bookstore.
Some trepidation existed during the last few days before the signing. I worried about the drive there which can be treacherous and exhausting. Toronto is 61 km or 38 miles from Hamilton. On a perfect day, it could take about 50 minutes to get there. However, there is lots of construction, trucks, and slowdowns due to the high volume of traffic.
So, travelling to Toronto these days is something that is rarely done. We have everything we need here so going to Toronto is no longer necessary. Toronto holds some interest for baseball, art galleries, museums and events, however, I have not driven to Toronto much in the last year. I have lived in Toronto three times in the past, but it is not a place I'd choose to live now.
Miriam (my next door neighbour and best friend) drove me to the signing in Toronto. She has driven me to every signing which counts as nine now. It started because I had a signing in Mississauga and I didn't want to drive on the highway so asked her if she wouldn't mind driving me. It has become a tradition now that she drives me to these signings. It is really so fantastic. Not only am I scared to drive on the highway, I'm also exhausted after a day selling myself so driving home on the highway would be terribly difficult for me.
Luckily, Miriam likes to drive and she is a very good driver. I feel safe with her. However, she isn't good with directions and needs someone to tell her learn where to go. I'm great with maps and directions so we work well together. We have a great relationship. It's been a long time since I've had a friend I can count on. And to have someone to whom I can say all those things you have to say but can't say to just anyone. I am very lucky to have her as a friend.
Any way, the traffic was heavy and it was pouring rain when we left Hamilton yesterday to drive to Toronto. There were a number of slowdowns as well as a big one in Toronto because of construction. It took us an hour and a half to complete the drive. When we arrived in Toronto, Miriam left me off on the street in front of the Eaton's Centre. It was busy with cars and people causing a hectic atmosphere.
The Indigo was a busy store. Lots of people rushing about. As usual, I smiled a lot and stared at people hoping they would look my way so I could try and interest them in my books. I sold no copies of Shall We Chat? I'm learning that chatting online is not as popular as I thought.
I only sold five copies of Locker Rooms which equals about $50. I paid Miriam $50 for gas and parking so obviously no profit. I also spent $50 on getting my hair cut and styled for the event. I doubt I'll be doing any further signings in Toronto.
I hope everyone reading this would buy a copy of my novel. I guarantee you its a good read and that you will enjoy it. Check out my Reviews.
Next Saturday, September 20th, I have a signing at the Chapter's store, Meadowlands, Ancaster. I have another one in Erin Mills Power Centre on Saturday, October 4th.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Some trepidation existed during the last few days before the signing. I worried about the drive there which can be treacherous and exhausting. Toronto is 61 km or 38 miles from Hamilton. On a perfect day, it could take about 50 minutes to get there. However, there is lots of construction, trucks, and slowdowns due to the high volume of traffic.
So, travelling to Toronto these days is something that is rarely done. We have everything we need here so going to Toronto is no longer necessary. Toronto holds some interest for baseball, art galleries, museums and events, however, I have not driven to Toronto much in the last year. I have lived in Toronto three times in the past, but it is not a place I'd choose to live now.
Miriam (my next door neighbour and best friend) drove me to the signing in Toronto. She has driven me to every signing which counts as nine now. It started because I had a signing in Mississauga and I didn't want to drive on the highway so asked her if she wouldn't mind driving me. It has become a tradition now that she drives me to these signings. It is really so fantastic. Not only am I scared to drive on the highway, I'm also exhausted after a day selling myself so driving home on the highway would be terribly difficult for me.
Luckily, Miriam likes to drive and she is a very good driver. I feel safe with her. However, she isn't good with directions and needs someone to tell her learn where to go. I'm great with maps and directions so we work well together. We have a great relationship. It's been a long time since I've had a friend I can count on. And to have someone to whom I can say all those things you have to say but can't say to just anyone. I am very lucky to have her as a friend.
Any way, the traffic was heavy and it was pouring rain when we left Hamilton yesterday to drive to Toronto. There were a number of slowdowns as well as a big one in Toronto because of construction. It took us an hour and a half to complete the drive. When we arrived in Toronto, Miriam left me off on the street in front of the Eaton's Centre. It was busy with cars and people causing a hectic atmosphere.
The Indigo was a busy store. Lots of people rushing about. As usual, I smiled a lot and stared at people hoping they would look my way so I could try and interest them in my books. I sold no copies of Shall We Chat? I'm learning that chatting online is not as popular as I thought.
I only sold five copies of Locker Rooms which equals about $50. I paid Miriam $50 for gas and parking so obviously no profit. I also spent $50 on getting my hair cut and styled for the event. I doubt I'll be doing any further signings in Toronto.
I hope everyone reading this would buy a copy of my novel. I guarantee you its a good read and that you will enjoy it. Check out my Reviews.
Next Saturday, September 20th, I have a signing at the Chapter's store, Meadowlands, Ancaster. I have another one in Erin Mills Power Centre on Saturday, October 4th.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Touched by Cancer
As they say, "Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer." Well, I've been very lucky. No one in my family has ever been inflicted with cancer. As far as friends go in my past, they were all free of cancer.
And then, my friend Yoko developed breast cancer. Last year she had her lymph nodes removed and we were hoping that she was cured.
However, last month, Yoko went for her yearly mammogram and the cancer had returned. A mastectomy was scheduled.
I have never been more worried than I have been for Yoko. She is a truly amazing person. Everyone who meets her wants to be her friend. She is sweet, highly intelligent, very kind, animal lover, etc etc. I could write a novel just on her qualities.
After her father died, her mother moved in with her. Now, her mother is a pill and not easy to live with. Yoko is so wonderful with her and is giving her the best possible life. However, if something happened to Yoko, her mother would have many difficulties trying to adjust to a different lifestyle. Because she's Japanese and basically only speaks Japanese and eats Japanese, she is not easy to place in a retirement home.
In addition, Yoko owns an absolutely beautiful, big, blonde yellow Lab. Lucy is a wonderful dog. She is very smart but she gets into everything. A very active dog, I worried what Yoko would do with her if something happened. Luckily she mentioned that a good neighbour had agreed to take her. I'm so happy. Lucy is a bit of a devil and difficult to control at times. Not an easy dog to place.
When Yoko told me the breast cancer had returned, I was so upset. This became my first contact with cancer. And I didn't like it. She is such a good person and would leave a big hole in many people's lives if something happened.
Well, the operation was a complete success and Yoko recovered quickly. She never felt much if any pain and she was out and about after a few days. She recuperated so fast. I am so happy for her. It is so fantastic that all is well and hopefully she will live a long life. She is so needed.
Have you ever heard the saying, "random acts of kindness"? You hear it on the news sometimes. Someone pays for your meal or your order at a drive through. It happened to my friend's husband. He had ordered a coffee from Tim's. When he reached the cashier, he was told that the guy in the car ahead of him had paid for it.
Isn't that a wonderful thing to do? I so love the concept. Hope everyone considers doing this at some point.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
And then, my friend Yoko developed breast cancer. Last year she had her lymph nodes removed and we were hoping that she was cured.
However, last month, Yoko went for her yearly mammogram and the cancer had returned. A mastectomy was scheduled.
I have never been more worried than I have been for Yoko. She is a truly amazing person. Everyone who meets her wants to be her friend. She is sweet, highly intelligent, very kind, animal lover, etc etc. I could write a novel just on her qualities.
After her father died, her mother moved in with her. Now, her mother is a pill and not easy to live with. Yoko is so wonderful with her and is giving her the best possible life. However, if something happened to Yoko, her mother would have many difficulties trying to adjust to a different lifestyle. Because she's Japanese and basically only speaks Japanese and eats Japanese, she is not easy to place in a retirement home.
In addition, Yoko owns an absolutely beautiful, big, blonde yellow Lab. Lucy is a wonderful dog. She is very smart but she gets into everything. A very active dog, I worried what Yoko would do with her if something happened. Luckily she mentioned that a good neighbour had agreed to take her. I'm so happy. Lucy is a bit of a devil and difficult to control at times. Not an easy dog to place.
When Yoko told me the breast cancer had returned, I was so upset. This became my first contact with cancer. And I didn't like it. She is such a good person and would leave a big hole in many people's lives if something happened.
Well, the operation was a complete success and Yoko recovered quickly. She never felt much if any pain and she was out and about after a few days. She recuperated so fast. I am so happy for her. It is so fantastic that all is well and hopefully she will live a long life. She is so needed.
Have you ever heard the saying, "random acts of kindness"? You hear it on the news sometimes. Someone pays for your meal or your order at a drive through. It happened to my friend's husband. He had ordered a coffee from Tim's. When he reached the cashier, he was told that the guy in the car ahead of him had paid for it.
Isn't that a wonderful thing to do? I so love the concept. Hope everyone considers doing this at some point.
have fun,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Robin Williams RIP
By now, I'm sure, you have all heard that Robin Williams committed suicide. It boggles the mind. Why did he feel he couldn't go on? Why did he think there was no way out? Wasn't he on medication? Why wasn't someone helping him with his depression? Why was he sleeping alone?
Why when "everybody" close to Williams said they knew he was depressed, why didn't they help him?
The answers to those questions may never be answered. I always had a feeling that Williams was bipolar. He could go from happy to sad in two seconds. That ease of manner is typical of a person with bipolar. No one can be that funny all the time and be normal.
I remember the first time I saw Williams at work. It was the late 1980s and he was on a talk show; probably Johnny Carson. My friends and I watched the TV peeing in our pants because we laughed so uncontrollably. He was brilliant. Never had I seen anyone that funny.
A short while later, Mork and Mindy aired. It became my favourite show at the time. Williams encapsulated an alien. He performed perfectly in the role which he played so naturally. Each week, he seemed to get funnier and funnier. Nothing he couldn't do.
The following years, I eagerly watched his career from his movies to his work with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg for Comic Relief. Those three were incredible together while they played off each other. Their benefits raised a lot of money and anyone who was anybody wanted to perform on Comic Relief.
So, I'm heartbroken with the loss of Robin Williams. A brilliant and exceptional man. I'm so sorry he suffered.
have fun and remember there is always tomorrow,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
Why when "everybody" close to Williams said they knew he was depressed, why didn't they help him?
The answers to those questions may never be answered. I always had a feeling that Williams was bipolar. He could go from happy to sad in two seconds. That ease of manner is typical of a person with bipolar. No one can be that funny all the time and be normal.
I remember the first time I saw Williams at work. It was the late 1980s and he was on a talk show; probably Johnny Carson. My friends and I watched the TV peeing in our pants because we laughed so uncontrollably. He was brilliant. Never had I seen anyone that funny.
A short while later, Mork and Mindy aired. It became my favourite show at the time. Williams encapsulated an alien. He performed perfectly in the role which he played so naturally. Each week, he seemed to get funnier and funnier. Nothing he couldn't do.
The following years, I eagerly watched his career from his movies to his work with Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg for Comic Relief. Those three were incredible together while they played off each other. Their benefits raised a lot of money and anyone who was anybody wanted to perform on Comic Relief.
So, I'm heartbroken with the loss of Robin Williams. A brilliant and exceptional man. I'm so sorry he suffered.
have fun and remember there is always tomorrow,
patty
www.pattylesser.com
@PattyLesser
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