Tag Emmaus

Time for the Hustle

Angel Ackerman Leave a comment

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately updating the Parisian Phoenix web site, stuck between several job interviews with local non-profits and next week’s Easton Book Festival and the workshop I am presenting to Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group on the 28th.

I had hoped to use my 30% off coupon on CVS to get a new Sodastream cartridge, but it turns out that my 15-year-old Sodastream doesn’t take the lasted quick-connect cartridge. I found myself uncomfortably thirsty so I bought a cheap bottle of water ($1.79) and some flavor packets ($1.69) which after my discount coupons cost $1.67. I also ran into a networking/professional buddy and a neighborhood friend.

Yesterday morning specifically I had a job interview, and then I met a friend in Emmaus for goodies at both Baked and Purr Haus.

Today I had breakfast with Thurston D. Gill Jr. — the author of The Phulasso Devotional where we discussed his plans for a newsletter, which I have started organizing for him on Substack. I’ve called it Phulasso Living and I hope that title suits his vision.

I met briefly with my art director this afternoon, and between everything I was opening packages and reviewing products for Amazon. I also swapped out my Roomba’s outdated parts, filters and brushes and put new filters in the vacuum cleaner.

So, I’m about to go start dinner. And while that cooks I’ll read some more of Ruby Roe’s A Game of Hearts and Heists. Meanwhile, let me leave you with these “Calls to Action.”

  • Please consider subscribing to Thurston’s newsletter. Click Here.
  • Please consider subscribing to Parisian Phoenix’s newsletter. Click Here.
  • Buy books.
  • Remember small businesses and authors– both traditional and self-published– rely on your purchases and your reviews.
  • Be kind to others.
  • Treasure the small joys.

Friday night in Emmaus: Supporting FURR and cat camaraderie

Angel Ackerman Leave a comment

So today I read more of Tylia Flores’ cerebral palsy memoirs, helped an aspiring writer, went to the gym and took a nap.

Sunday I return to work.

Speaking of which, today I received an amazing hand-drawn card from one of my up-and-coming Parisian Phoenix authors to celebrate my time off. Joan says this shows he’ll fit right in.

In the evening, the teen and I popped down to Emmaus, the first of what I hope will be several upcoming visits. I did to get to Let’s Play Books and some of the other Emmaus shops.

But tonight we were headed to Purr Haus, a cat-themed boutique that works with local cat rescues (owned by a former local newspaper reporter). It was finally the night of the FURR fundraiser— 20% of item sales and 100% of basket raffle sales went to Feline Urban Rescue and Rehab.

The teen bought some stuff. Then I bought a lot of stuff. Including this mug.

Because I so need this in my life. And I was an idiot and got two of my three t-shirts one size too small. I keep forgetting I gained weight and grew boobs during the pandemic.

I’ll blame that on the glass of red wine they served me at Purr Haus.

I also asked the owner to contribute to our anthology, As the FURR Flies. She said yes. I hope to tie up most of the project for the graphic designer this week.

The teen took me for espresso milkshakes and chicken salad sandwiches at Vargtimmen King Koffee.

Fun place.

The sunset was gorgeous and I saw some 50s-era cars in a driveway. And I think the teen enjoyed driving my Jetta turbo on the highway.

And then I came home and tried on my cat wardrobe— and realized my error in two of my t-shirts.

Medium
Oops—small
Oops—small
Cat leggings
Cat lounge pants with pockets

Cat rescue isn’t all work. There is some play.

Today’s walk

Angel Ackerman Leave a comment

Walking takes on significance— as a journey to health, a method of transporting oneself from place to place, a time for reflection, an active meditation.

My friend, Tiff, the beautiful, otherworldly matriarch of La Familia whom we visited Friday night, (Blood Donation, KFC, and our favorite Familia) is celebrating her 25th Wedding Anniversary this summer.

Life threw a variety of curve balls their way, so the pilgrimage to Spain they had planned has now been reduced to a spiritual Facebook group who discuss their walks and their reflections.

I invited the teenager, my friend Gayle and my new friend from Georgia to join in the discussions and activities.

Today the teen wanted to explore Emmaus, and Gayle needed to walk as part of the virtual fundraiser for the Koman Foundation.

Because of the heat, the teen opted to walk in the woods— so we went to Alpine Street Park and took the Alpine Street Trail and walked about 6,000 steps and the equivalent of 15 flights of stairs.

The teenager gathered rocks from the creek. I think rocks are an important part of her spirituality and help ground her.

  • Me, Gayle, Teen
  • Gathering Rocks
  • Walking with Gayle
  • A soothing view
  • More rocks
  • Rocks and Water
  • Rocks
  • Teen leading the charge
  • My girl on top of the mountain

Gayle’s post on our walk: More Than Pink Hike

After the walk, the teen and I returned to Into the Myst in Downtown Bethlehem where she purchased her amulet.

I think the amethyst with calm her and the sterling silver moon and pentacle will protect her.

Living with a teenager can be exhausting, but seeing her now interpret the world in her own view is amazing.