Walking the Tightrope of Friendship

                                                         

Family and friends help us to get through life in several ways: by supporting us in our dreams; by encouraging us to keep going when the going gets tough; by playing Devil’s Advocate and reminding us that our desired route may lead to a dead end, but most importantly of all, by being there for us when our world comes crashing down.

Most of the time, when we are hurting there is no shortage of support and shoulders to cry on, but sometimes our towers of strength might not be willing or able to console us when they are fighting their own monsters. Friendship is a game of give and take, but like a balancing game, if we’re not careful with our demands; the tower comes toppling down.
                                                               

Having a good friend is worth all the gold in the world. A friend is family that we get to choose. How would you describe a good friend? Let's play a game. Pretend that you are the CEO of a big company and you are looking for a partner or assistant. What are the qualities that the people applying for the job need to have?
                                                             

First requirement on that hiring list would have to be dependability followed by loyalty, honesty, patience, compassion and most important, a healthy dose of humor. Now say, after several interviews, you've chosen your business associate or assistant. What can they expect from you? You know you have to give as much as you take...so will you be loyal, honest, patient, compassionate and, laugh even when things go wrong?
                                                                  

I have sisters and I have a daughter, so growing up, my sisters were my best friends even though I did try to kill my sister Jane (the middle child) a few times or give her away whenever the opportunity arose after she was born.

                                                                   

Now that my daughter is grown, she has stepped out from the role of a child relationship into the role of a friend...but make no mistake, the rules of friendship must be respected even when dealing with family.
                                                               

I love all my friends, but my daughter and sisters laugh because I keep my friends in separate categories: Childhood friends, Academy of Natural Science friends, Writers' Group friends, Biff Bam Pop friends, Ghost Hunting friends, Steampunk friends, zombie squad friends, Angel friends...I love them all equally but see them for different functions. I would love to get them all together under one roof some day. What a fun event that would be

                                                               

You can have one friend or many...it doesn't matter...what matters is how you treat them and how they treat you. I look for friends who are forgiving of my faults (which are many) and, who enjoy my craziness and quest for adventure. The friends I have are all like that and, that is why I love them.

                                                                

What do you look for in a friend? 

The Big Apple

                                                           

I have a lot of friends and family who’ve traveled to the bustling city of New York City on many occasions. They all come back praising the city and eager to share their adventures there. I can say honestly say that until this past Sunday, I was unable to give an honest opinion about the place...oh I’ve been there...or close to it...many times, but never dipped my toes, so to speak.

                                                      

                    

The first time I had the chance, ‘had’ being the operative word here, to visit NY was almost forty-seven years ago. I was newly married to husband #1. We decided to join his cousin and his wife one night for dinner and somehow the plan was hatched to take a quick ride to New York and check out the sights. This was before google maps and GPS devices. The car we rode up in was already exhibiting signs of an early death, but when you’re young...you’re adventurous and stupid.

                                                       

Did we take a map? Nope! Did we have enough gas? Yeah, right!  No, we just jumped into the car and headed north. We had been on the road for some time when cousin shouts out, “I think that’s the Brooklyn Bridge.”

Wow, the Brooklyn Bridge! I was so excited to see the bright lights and the fabled Times Square. Did I mention that we didn’t take a map? After the fourth time of driving over the Brooklyn Bridge and not knowing where the hell we were, or why we kept winding up at that stupid bridge, we gave up and headed home.

Big Apple Part 2

My second husband had no desire to visit New York, ever. He was a Philadelphia Fire Fighter until he retired and also had a side job as a truck driver. His experience with traffic, as a truck driver, had turned him off to ever visiting the place. Luckily, I was working at the Academy of Natural Sciences and our volunteers were treated to a yearly outing. One of the outings was to New York’s Museum of Natural Sciences. I had finally made it to the city, but because we were on a schedule, did not get to see the city itself.

Big Apple Part 3

Would I ever get to see the city? I had another opportunity to go to New York a couple of years ago, when my granddaughter, Allie Gilbert, was attending Moore College of Art and Design. She was part of their big yearly fashion show and needed some swatches. She wanted me to keep her company. I was so excited to be asked to go with her, but while on the Mega Bus, it began to rain...let me rephrase this...it was a monsoon! Luckily I had an umbrella, but that was lost quickly in the crowd. My velour jumpsuit was soaking wet and hanging from my body as my granddaughter dragged me from one fabric store to another.

                                 Camden Comic Con                             

We were on a tight schedule as the bus did not wait for anyone and Allie had to be back in time for a class. At one point, I asked, “Allie, are we near Time’s Square?”

Her reply, “It’s that way, Grandmom, but we don’t have the time to visit.” She took hold of my hand and continued pulling me from one street to the next. Big sigh...I arrived back in Philly, soggy, cold, and doomed, so I thought, to never enjoy New York.

Big Apple Part 4

My friend, Jean, and her husband Rich travel to New York all the time. Rich was born and raised there and, Jean had worked and lived in the city for many years. Traffic did not bother them; they were experts at dodging crazy drivers. Jean needed to visit two big beads shops in order to make charms for dog and cat collars. This is something she is planning on selling. I'll let you know when.

                                                                 

Jean asked me if I would like to come spend the day with them. “Will we actually be able to walk around and visit some of the tourist spots,” I asked, as flashbacks of the ‘swatch’ collecting debacle flashed through my mind.

                                     Jean & Marie at the Grand Central Station                     

Jean’s assurance that we would see as much as possible sealed the deal and I went with her. I had a ball! We did visit the two stores and then visited Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Plaza, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and finally had drinks at the Tavern on the Green in Grand Central Park. We even met the very hospitable Proprietor of the Tavern, Jim Caiola.

                                                             

                          

I finally got to see the Big Apple in style and, I’m going back with Jean to visit even more places once this heat wave passes. I loved New York City, but guess what? NYC reminded me a lot of my own home town, Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love has pretty much all the razzle and dazzle that the Big Apple offers, only smaller and less congested.

                                                                 

 

I’m going to visit the Big Apple again, but you can bet that I’ll be encouraging the people of New York to come visit our Little Apple.

                                                           

                    

Great Times at the Supernatural Signatures in Burlington

                                                           

                    Director Sharon Vincz and Steampunk Granny

This past Saturday, June 6^th, good old Steampunk Granny, was invited along with several authors to take part in the Supernatural Signings Event held at The Library Company of Burlington. Located on 23 West Union Street in Burlington, NJ, this historic and beautiful library was chartered in 1757 by the British monarch King George the Second and to this day still continues to operate under this charter. http://www.librarycompanyofburlington.org/

                                                       

The Supernatural Signings Event was overseen by the Library Company’s Director Sharon Vincz, who made sure that all the authors were easily accessible to the many visitors joining us that day. It was a great experience for both authors and readers.

                                                                

Most of "Marti's Angels" were there to give Granny and the other authors lots of love and support. Later that afternoon the event was moved over to The Ghost Hunters Store located at 112 W Broad Street, Burlington, NJ. where refreshments were served and visitors had a chance to learn about ghosts and the owner, Dave Juliano

                                                                         

 

Dave is the owner of the store and has been a researcher in this field for over 28 years and he created the very first paranormal website on the internet back in 1994, The Shadowlands. He is also the Director of South Jersey Ghost Research/Sanctuary Paranormal which has been helping people with problem hauntings since 1955. He is the author of “Positive Energy for Haunted Homes”, “Ghost Research 101: Investigating Haunted Homes” and “Armor of God”. Feel free to visit the Dave’s bio page, The Shadowlands, Ghost Hunting 101

                               Angel Jodie & Medium Marti Haines                                              

Marti Haines is a Psychic Medium, Reiki Master and the Assistant Director of South Jersey Ghost Research/Sanctuary Paranormal. She is also the Store Manager of the NJ store in Burlington NJ. http://theghosthunterstore.com/

                                                      Authors:

                                                Laurie McCabe

                                                            

                                                   Jan Bastien
                                                            
                                                               

                                      Karen Kimmel Timper & Bob Christopher

                                                                  

                                                  Herman Stevenson

                                                  Some of Marti's Angels:

                                      Marcia                and         Jodie                      

 

Sharon, Jean, Jodie, Marcia, Rita, Marie

 

Beth and Jodie

 

Jodie and Diane

 

Dick and Jodie

 

Janet and Jodie

 

Marti's Angels On the Go

                                                           

Last night a group of friends, who I’ve nicknamed Marti’s Angels, and I headed over to The Playhouse in Burlington County to see the Footlighters perform in the musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The 1961 show which was based on the musical by Frank Loesser and book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, was based on Shepherd Mead's 1952 book of the same name. The story concerns young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch, uses the book How to rise from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company.

                                                   

Going to a show was just the ideal way to shake off the winter doldrums. The Playhouse is a charming little theatre. Founded in 1938, and originally known as the “Footlighter Players of Palmyra & Riverton.” In May of 2000, Footlighters officially bought this historic building.

 

                                                            

                                                              

Although, I was going to be with friends, I was still a bit curious as to how good the show would be. I usually head over to Philly and the Walnut Street Theatre for plays, but I am a promoter of Independent Art and I had heard such great reviews about the Footlighters. I was not disappointed. The show was fabulous and the members of the cast put on one hell of a professional show. I had never seen this particular musical and had no idea what to expect. The music was foot tapping great.  Here is a list of the cast:

Matt Becker as J. Pierrepont Finch-Angela Longo as Rosemary- Kevin Esmond as J.B. Biggley-Scott C. Angehr as Budd Frump-Alexandra Haas as Smitty-Rick Williams as Bratt-Gabrielle Affleck as Miss Jones- Kaitlyn Delengowski as Hedy LaRue-Al Krier played Twimble and Wally Womper- Adam Pascal as the book voice.

Ensemble: Steven Ciceron, Elizabeth Deal, Cara Dickinson, Carla Ezell, Fred Ezell, Casey Grouser, Erin Gupta, Neil Gupta, D.J. Hedgepath, Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams, Paul Sollimo.

Production Team:

Brenda Kelly Bacon-Director/Choreographer---Cameron Stringham-Music Director---Lori Howard-Associate Choreographer/Tap Consultant

“How to Succeed” will be playing at the Playhouse until February 7^th, so get your little booty over there and watch the show. You can call for tickets at 856-829-7144. The Playhouse is located at 808 Pomona Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

Conclusion

During intermission we were offered refreshments and after the show we were able to chat with the cast and even take pictures with Scott C. Angehr who played Bud Frump. Did Marti’s Angels like the show? Hell yeah! You will too.

                                                                

below is Marti Haines "our fearless leader" of the Angels with Jodie Marie Pilla and Janet Lima.

                                                           

Here is the site: http://bcfootlighters.com/category/shows/  Check out the upcoming shows.

Catching Up with Steampunk Granny

                                                      

I'm sending out a great big Christmas and Hanukah wish to all my family and friends! 

                                                           

I’ve been more than busy this past year and this past month has been a whirlwind of activities. Christmas shopping for the family has always been handled like a triathlon by me because I have such a large family with around twelve of us celebrating our birthdays on the first two weeks of December. My marine grandson, Jimmy is coming home with his true love for the holidays and we can’t wait to see him and meet the girl who is making him walk on clouds.

                                                                    

My husband is healing from his last medical adventure. We have a new dog named LeLe, and our Chihuahuas Godzilla and Snowflake have accepted her with open paws. The dog likes to play pool with Nathan and me.

                                                               

                                                                        

Three great things happened to me this month.

I’m working on the second book of the Roof Oasis series and I have just been informed that my vampire story, New Home, is being published in the Babes and Beasts Anthology. I’m so excited about this. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

                                                             

I was chosen as “Writer of the Year by the South Jersey Writer’s Group of which I am a member.

                                                                  

I was asked by Director Christopher Eilenstine to be a writer in his new horror film Shadows of the Forest. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4228058/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk2

                                                             

I became friends with an Independent Director, Christopher Eilenstine and the actors of his film, The Soulless. http://biffbampop.com/2013/11/21/director-christopher-eilenstine-talks-about-a-new-zombie-film-the-soulless/ and here: http://biffbampop.com/2013/11/23/interview-with-the-soulless-director-christopher-eilenstine-part-two/

Andy Burns of the Canadian Pop Culture site, Biff Bam Pop not only has me doing weekly recaps of extremely popular shows, but also some pretty amazing interviews on  his site. You can check it out here: http://biffbampop.com/category/interview/  Thank you Andy.

                                                                

 
I am doing more ghost investigations and have posted them on my blog. If you have ghosts, call me.  http://gilbertcuriosities.blogspot.com/2014/12/steampunk-grannys-latest-ghost.html

I’ve been blessed with a loving family and awesome loyal friends and, to tell you the truth, isn’t that really what life is all about; to love and be loved. Sending all my family and friends a hug and kiss for the Holidays. Love you all 

Sisters, All for One and One for All

                                                                

                                                                   

             Jane                                      Lucy                                    Marie

WARNING; THE THOUGHTS LISTED BELOW ARE MY OWN  PERSONAL BELIEFS AND I'M NOT ATTACKING ANYONE'S RELIGION...EXCEPT FOR THE RELIGIONS THAT DO NOT CONSIDER WOMEN AS EQUALS.

 

I have lots of sisters! Sure, I have my wonderful and lovely biological sisters Jane and Lucy, whom most of you have met either in person or in my “Life with Fred and Lucy” stories, but I also have close friends that I call sister.
                                                                           

We are all the daughters of Eve in a genetic and evolutionary way. If Eve did exist in the biblical sense, then she was framed big time and we have suffered the repercussions ever since that fateful day. Yeah, I’m talking about the crime to beat all crimes; taking a bite of the forbidden apple. Where was Eve’s lawyer? The woman was innocent.

My take on the Garden of Eden is this. GOD made Adam and then told him, “Get to know your world. I’ll check on you in a day or two.” When GOD returned to check on his prized creation, he realized that Adam would not last until the big creation celebration at the end of the week/ evolutionary chain of events.  Adam had a bad attitude and he assumed that he could do whatever he wanted to do, after all, he was a man and above all of nature.

                                                                 

GOD called all his trusted winged messengers in for a, emergency conference. A heated argument broke out with Lucifer who thought that the Dinosaurs should have never been exterminated, but in the end, the resulting decision was to make a helpmate for the arrogant man. Eve was created as Adam’s equal and GOD’s new and improved version of the human race. GOD gave Eve the order, “Keep that knucklehead out of trouble.”

Eve had her hands full. Adam had already acquired an attitude about taking a woman's advice. Adam wanted the forbidden apples. Lucifer came up with a plan to prove GOD wrong. First he approached Eve with a deal. “Eat the apple from that tree. It will give you knowledge, and as a added benefit, you can eat all the chocolate in the world and never gain an ounce.”

“I already have knowledge, and what the hell is chocolate?" Knowing the devil for the trickster that he was, Eva  sent him packing, saying, "Hit the road, Jack.”

Later in the week, Adam was approached by Lucifer, but this time the devil offered a sweeter deal. "You get to do what you want and I'll throw in a recliner, beer and junk food to watch all your football games." 

Adam not only ate all the damn apples, but he blamed Eve. The rest is history.
                                                                        

Sisters, we are many and we have to look out for each other: Stop calling other women nasty names; stop gossiping about each other; stop breaking up marriages; stop being nasty to your daughters.

We need to stand up for each other. We need to speak out when we see other women being attacked or abused by men. No religion, country or state or man can tell us what to do with our bodies. We cannot be forced to bear children against our will, and no religion can claim that a man is master over a woman; it is a lie!




The crimes against women around the globe must stop now. We are every woman’s sister. We are equal to men. Women should never be denied education. The men who try to stop them are evil. We are the children of GOD. Stand up and speak out for all your sisters around the Globe
                                                                                  

Steampunk Granny's Big Hug and Thank You

                                                                 

                   

On Sunday, June 29, 2014 I did a book launch for my apocalyptic tale with a twist, Roof Oasis, at the Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon. There is my banner outside of the Treehouse. Joining me that day at the tables was Dawn Byrnes, better known as Super D to all our friends in the South Jersey Writers’ Group. Dawn and I are responsible for selling our group’s anthologies.

                                                                        

                                                      ReRe and me setting up.                              

My daughter, ReRe, her husband Jim of Reid’s Auto Repairs in South Philly, and my two grandsons, Joshua and Nathan were there to sell her jewelry and to handle the children’s craft corner. Marybeth, a friend of Josh, was kidnapped into playing photographer and what a great job she did. Thank you Marybeth!

                   

                                       

My editor Pattie O’Brien was there to celebrate in my big day and to introduce me when it was time for my reading from the book. She was also selling her ‘Bottles of Inspirations’ which proved to be very popular.
                                                                    

                                                    

My granddaughter, Allie, the fashion designer in the family was selling her Steampunk and Cosplay jewelry and she made the pin that I word on my dress. It represented my writing. Thank you, Allie.

                                                                         

                                                   Me with my husband, Dan.

My husband Dan was put to work collecting money and giving out tickets for our guests to win a door prize. I drove the poor man crazy.

                                                            

                                                              

 

The Treehouse was packed with family and friends from all paths of my life starting with our writers’ group, friends from the Academy of Natural Sciences, St. Agnes Hospital, friends from my Zumba class, friends from my old neighborhood in South Philly, and even my ghost hunting friends were there.