One Day of Keeping the Sabbath

An Experiment in Spirituality

 

I decided to join a friend, on the first Sunday of the new year, in taking the challenge to keep a Sabbath. My husband and daughter were away visiting family. I didn't have any obligations on my time. I figured the task would never be easier than a cold winter day spent alone.

Looking for Something

The impetus for the Sabbath was a to unplug. My friend reasoned it would give her a chance to better hear the voice of God. I can't say my own motivations were as noble, but I did feel I was spending too much time every day consuming passive media, like reading Facebook posts instead of having real conversations in person.

Amish

As a child I went to a summer camp located in Holmes County, Ohio. The small farm was the equivalent of an Amish dude ranch. Set among the rolling hills it lacked municipal services and was surrounded by an Amish community. It was a magical time of learning simple farm chores and living without electricity.

As an adult I ask myself if it's possible to be a little bit Amish? Could I turn my back on modern ways?

The Amish preserve their way of life by rejecting all outsiders, following a strict religion with iron-clad patriarchy, receive little education, and completely shun any relative who refuses to obey all of the strict community rules.

They believe their lifestyle is an all or nothing choice--black and white. They don't tolerate shades of gray or dabbling. They would likely be amused by someone thinking unplugging for a day would be enough. Still I decided to give it a try--kind of.

 Modern Life

Since I'm not about to buy a horse and buggy, I'm left navigating the modern world. While I appreciate time saving devices and enhanced communications, I also have to wonder if our gadgets have begun to control us instead of the other way around. Can we find balance without creating a closed society outside of the mainstream?

Sabbath

I have almost no religious education. My understanding of the purpose of the Sabbath is to spend a day a week in rest and spiritual contemplation. Given my sporadic attendance of any formal religious services, it's no wonder I'm at a loss as to how to keep a Sabbath. However, my friends, many of whom do espouse an adherence to a specific creed, don't seem any more engaged in keeping the Sabbath than I am.

Figuring Out the Rules

I got up Sunday morning, checked my emails on my phone, then made myself breakfast with a pot of tea. Until that point I hadn't decided if I was committed to the Sabbath idea or not. Chewing on my toast I decided I was.

The first, and most difficult, problem was deciding on the rules, particularly when you're winging it. An easy target seemed to be avoid as many electronic devices as possible. Sitting at the table I realized I'd already blown it by using the toaster and oven. If I had planned ahead I could have had iced tea and a cold breakfast devoid of cooking.

As I mulled over how strict to be, I decided some appliances are more harmful to turn off than leave on. Who wants a fridge of spoiled food or a pipe burst in house without heat? I needed to get into the spirit of the Sabbath in a way which was respectful.

I decided not to use the car (which isn't really a sacrifice since I often travel by foot or bike), avoid cooking, and skip my usual Sunday laundry loads. Could I wash the dishes by hand? I contemplated the use of hand tools for awhile, but then pictured a busy mother spending her morning sweeping with a broom. While the image has a certain Zen appeal, what is the point of her spending twice as long to do half the work? She has still spent the morning doing chores.

I'm not against appliances, per se. They serve useful functions. I decided the point of Sabbath was to skip regular chores. I wouldn't clean. Strangely the cobwebs started to bother me and I felt a longing for Monday morning to get rid of them. Perhaps making them forbidden added to the allure.

When I got dressed I wondered about make-up. Should I go the Amish route and be modest? Or would I do better to dress up in honor of the day? I thought of Baptist women I've met in their Sunday best dresses topped with outlandish hats. I can't say either approach is better.

That is the problem with spiritual tourism. I am taking bits and pieces without having a good grounding in what I should follow.

Surprises

I decided I was fine with spending money, particularly shopping locally and getting out in the community. At lunch I walked over to Duran Pharmacy to buy a Sunday New York Times newspaper. I was dismayed to see how small the paper had shrunk. The clerk accidently rung it up as a weekday edition, agreeing it appeared unusually small.

I folded the paper into my purse. No matter, I decided, I would walk over to the Downtown Flying Star Café to read the free magazines. One of my joys has always been to dig through the racks. Years ago I felt I was making it as a freelance writer when I could spot three different publications at once who'd published my articles.

Imagine my dismay when I found most of the black racks empty. A sign was taped to the bare shelves explaining their customers had turned to digital and they were removing the magazines to make way for more outlets.

Plugged In

As I stood in front of the empty racks my Sabbath experiment started to feel more real. Up until that point I figured using my digital devices was optional. I could easily spend the day without them. Suddenly, I wasn't so sure. If I have to log into an electronic device for reading materials, what is going to stop my from checking emails or surfing the web? The digital slope was getting slippery.

Evening

In modern life we've lost touch with many of our natural cycles. By walking I'm forced to stay in touch with the changing seasons. What about day and night?

I decided I would experience the sunset. It came faster than I expected. I barely made the walk home from the grocery store when my downstairs went dim. I had to hustle to get showered before dark.

I lit candles and my fireplace. While I expected to enjoy the ambience nestled with my two dogs, I quickly grew restless and bored. I had decided to use the phone, since it connected me directly in conversation with other people. Despite calls with family members, however, I still had trouble coping with the dark. My eyes strained to finish the paper by candlelight.

I lasted less than an hour before I flipped the lights back on. Even the Amish use bright lanterns to light up their homes. It's inconceivable to me how many hours a day people used to lose before the invention of decent night lighting.

Lessons

I occupy myself quite a bit by reading. I'm not sure how I would cope without an education and access to information. I think being plugged in isn't as much of a problem as not having access. Still, I found I got twitchy when I had to turn it off. I think it would take several Sundays to get used to the feeling of tuning out.

I suspect a Sabbath is best kept within an extended community of like-minded people. While it's probably not important whether you're allowed to use the phone or not, it would seem to matter that you are following a set of guidelines with peers.

While the voice of God didn't come to me, I did find I was more creative. I thought of a couple design projects I wanted to do around the house and felt more ready to get busy on Monday morning. I'm not, however, sure I would try it again by myself.


(Photos of stained glass windows at the Chicago Art Institute.)

New Fountain Pen

My Pen

I used the same silver Cross fountain pen for more than a decade. For weeks now it has been lost. I suspect someone picked it up not realizing it was a fountain pen. Disposable ink pens are common property.

I'm old school. I hand write almost anything longer than a couple paragraphs on white paper. I am forever changing or adding notebooks and have the bad habit of losing track of what I've written where. Regardless, typing at a keyboard doesn't replace my ability to organize my thoughts with the flow of ink onto paper.

I stopped by the Pen & Pad store Downtown. After describing my desire for a thin barrel pen with a cartridge which can refilled from a bottle, rather than disposable cartridges, the clerk said she would have choices from their main store the following week. When I returned, she had just one--a black Cross pen. I generally think of myself as more of a silver then gold type, but decided to give it a try.

I considered getting a gold nib, which would double the price. She explained the nibs have improved greatly in the past decade and I might be happy without 18K gold. I can always upgrade later. She was right. I didn't need a dozen choices. I wanted simply the right pen for me.

I am slowly learning to take the advice of others who seem trustworthy to see where the path takes me.

ABQ: Holidays

ALBUQUERQUE

Holidays

The ABQ Visitors & Convention Bureau website has a list of holiday events around town.


Some notable events include:

Luminarias

The holiday season in Albuquerque means Luminarias. Luminarias are a simple brown paper bag, partially filled with sand to make it stable and a single votive candle to illuminate the simple lunch bag. Several of these together create a beautiful ambiance welcoming guests into your home for a holiday party or celebration. A fun way to experience a little bit of Albuquerque’s holiday traditions is to create luminarias to line your driveways, sidewalks and maybe even your roof at home.

The annual Old Town Luminaria Tour on December 24th is not to be missed.

Watch our special two minute holiday video about Luminarias, "Life of a Brown Paper Bag."

Native American Dancing and Pueblo Feast Days

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on weekends and enjoy Native American dancing and art demonstrations, you can also take part in baking bread and making art. The holidays are a wonderful time to visit the neighboring pueblos, many of them hold feast day celebrations in November and December. View more information and see the schedule here.  

Shopping

Albuquerque has the biggest and best shopping in the entire state with three premier malls and many special shopping areas and specialty stores. Whether you have been to Albuquerque or not, there is something for everyone from traditional Southwestern jewelry and pottery to contemporary designs of paintings, sculpture and more.

Stroll through two of Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods and shop in unique local shops on two consecutive days.

• The Nob Hill Shop & Stroll on Saturday, December 1 begins with the Twinkle Light Parade and includes shopping and food specials, family entertainment, and photos with Santa.
• The Old Town Stroll on Friday, December 7 features live entertainment, dancers, family activities, Santa Claus and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.

Check out 10 great local holiday gifts.

ABQ: Tours by Bike

ALBUQUERQUE

Touring the City by Bicycle


When you live in the same city for a long time it's easy to fall into a rut of going to the same places and doing the same things. To get a different perspective--try being a tourist for a day.

Routes Rentals & Tours is located at 11th and Mountain in Downtown Albuquerque. They offer a variety of bike tours, including BYOB: Bring Your Own Bike.

We recently took a bike tour along the bosque to look at historic sites in Old Town, ride to the top of the bike bridge over the Rio Grande to admire the view, stop by the Nature Center, do a wine and cheese tasting at a North Valley winery, and a stop by Los Poblanos Farm on the way back.

We chatted with the tourists on the tour about local history and recommended shopping.

Routes offers a variety of tours throughout the year, including special holiday rides and daily bosque tours.

ABQ: Autumn

ALBUQUERQUE

Autumn in the Bosque, Downtown Albuquerque


Changing Seasons:

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” 

― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky (Discworld, #32)

STYLE: Jewelry

STYLE

Jewelry

A fun way to spice up outfits is to add jewelry. I'm a devotee of cheap jewelry to create instant trendy looks. A trip to the beach is made happier with a pair of large, dangle earrings.

In the winter sparkly pieces add cheer and light. Likewise, bird and plant-themed jewelry can welcome spring. In the fall bold, minimalist pieces can compliment a sparse, pared down look.

The proverbial little black dress can cover a range of functions--depending on the accessories. A classic blazer and strand of pearls can create a sophisticated business look, while the same dress with high boots and neon jewelry can be totally funky.

When someone dies, what heirlooms does the family argue over? Artwork and jewelry. Solid classic jewelry can last well beyond a lifetime.

If jewelry is valuable enough, like a diamond wedding ring, make sure it's covered by insurance. While a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy might cover burglaries (check for sure), what happens if the ring slips off the deck of a ship while on a cruise?

Photo and keep documentation of any high-priced jewelry. Make sure that documentation is stored either backed up electronically outside of the house or in a safety deposit box. You won't be compensated by your insurance in the event of loss if you can't prove that you owned the pieces. If valuable enough, jewelry should be professionally appraised periodically. A 20 year old sales slip, if it even still exists, might not prove the increased value over time.

Another reason to appraise is to determine the true quality of gem stones. Stories abound of stones being removed and replaced by lesser quality gems during cleanings. I'm not sure how often it really happens. But it's better to know what you actually own. Once again, it also proves the quality of the gem in case of loss. It's difficult to determine a gem stone value from just a picture.

Don't forget to clean quality jewelry once in awhile. A trick to keeping silver looking good is to buff it with car wax polish. Be careful to keep all cleaners away from stones, including amber.

Most importantly, have fun. Jewelry is a great way to change the mood of an outfit. There are wonderful pieces being hand-made by artisans around the country. While an original painting or a hand tailored suit might be out of your price range, an original piece of jewelry can be quite affordable. And you'll be able to wear it for many years to come.

STYLE: Hats

STYLE

Hats

I'm a big fan of urban living, particularly the idea of being able to walk or bike to work and for basics like groceries. It's what makes living Downtown so enjoyable. However, urban living also involves some different accessories than a lifestyle based on getting around by car. This may not be obvious to anyone who is used to hopping into a vehicle.

Some of the accessories of my grandparents' youth were more than fashion statements. Sturdy walking shoes, parasols and hats had practical functions when dealing with the elements.

Hats have enjoyed a bit of resurgence lately. I'm sorry they don't have an even broader appeal for summer weather.

Besides providing much needed shade when the thermometer climbs, hats protect expensive hair coloring and treatments. Hats can also instantly add style to an outfit when it's too hot for other accessories like a tailored blazer or scarf.

Well-made hats, like high-end shoes, can create a polished look. Inexpensive but fun hats can add a custom touch to an otherwise dull outfit.

While traveling I enjoy coming across a traditional Sunday dinner restaurant, complete with ladies in colorful outfits and their big hats. Nothing else looks the same as Easter brunch in all its finery. As more people return to urban lifestyles, I am hoping to see more hats.

STYLE: Bicycles

STYLE

Bicycles

Five or ten years ago, bicycles were considered serious equipment for only the most sporty and athletic among us. Getting on a bike was supposed to entail stuffing yourself into spandex, a helmet, loading up on the water bottles and eschewing comforts like fenders or a kickstand.

Few bikes existed that would allow someone to comfortably hop on in street clothes and ride 3 blocks to a cafe. Or set up with the necessary equipment to make bicycle commuting to work a reality.

Luckily, recently, bikes have become a lot more fun. A couple years ago I was browsing an area bike shop and fell in love with an Electra Amsterdam in bright yellow, painted with tulips, and hand-tooled seat and grips. It was gorgeous. But it took the sales clerk several minutes to convince me that I wasn't too old to take the bike on a test ride.

Riding the bike was just plain fun. I could just hop on without having to "gear up" in special clothes first. The bike has a completely enclosed chain guard to keep grease stains off clothes. No more rolling up pant legs or wearing a rubber band around one leg. The bike also has rear guards on the back wheel to prevent skirts from getting caught.

The fenders and mud flaps prevent puddles in the rain from splashing up onto the rider. Not that it's much of an issue in the desert, although I still like the look. The bike has a back rack for panniers or baskets. And my very favorite feature--a kickstand. The bike won't fall over if I need to stop and leave it. Kickstands are one of the smartest inventions for a bicycle--ever.

The bike came equipped with a bell to warn pedestrians on the bike path that I'm coming. With only three gears, it's not much of an issue, though. I don't ride very fast on this bike. It was meant to casually tool around, not for speed or long distances. I added a cup holder sold by Electra that accommodates Starbucks.

The biggest selling point for me were the coaster brakes instead of grips on the handle bars. I have carpal tunnel and most bike brakes aggravate the condition. With the Amsterdam I simple pedal backwards to stop.

A lot of cool bike accessories have hit the market recently:panniers, which clip to the sides of the racks, now double as baskets, purses or brief cases; colorful messenger bags; and even full-sized suit garment bags. A commuter can still look professional while riding a bike to work.

Some of my favorite bikes include:

• Women's Electra Amsterdam--great look
• Electra Townie--an easy ride for folks not used to bikes
• Men's Public bikes--for style
• Industrial Bicycles--for durability and commercial uses
• Tri-rider Tandem--a trike at the back of the tandem for biking with someone of lesser abilities

Recommended reading: Just Ride by Grant Petersen

CULINARY: Potato Press/Gnocchi

CULINARY

Potato Press/Gnocchi

On a recent trip to Chicago with my daughter I had the opportunity to eat great food--like Italian. I was reminded of all my favorites from growing up in the Midwest and found myself explaining foods to my daughter. As much as food seems to be similar at chain restaurants across the country, there are still some regional differences, particularly when looking for fresh and made from scratch examples.

However, I noticed a particular food missing from our stops--gnocchi. I don't recall eating it while I was young, either.

I've taken an interest in cooking gnocchi, if, for no other reason, it's easier to make than pasta. And I adore almost any food that involved potatoes.

My first step in attempting gnocchi was to locate a potato press, also known as a potato ricer. I don't recall my family or relatives owning such a device while I was growing up, although a forgotten potato masher at the back of a kitchen drawer was common.

Around town, I only found an expensive potato press at the local Williams-Sonoma. Luckily, a friend traveling to Denver was able to pick an inexpensive model for me at the IKEA. (I have no idea why, but I couldn't just order the ten dollar press from their website. And the closest IKEA stores are an all-day drive from Albuquerque.)

A potato press can be used to make fluffy mashed potatoes. A recipe can be found in Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating by Ari Weinzweig. And while great oils, cheeses, meats and pastas can be ordered from Zingerman's, they don't have gnocchi available.

Gnocchi, while simple, isn't easy to make taste good. A basic recipe calls for cooked potatoes, flour and some salt. Weinzweig would probably advise steaming the potatoes, although any method of boiling or baking would work. The ingredients are combined to a pizza dough consistency, then rolled into cigar shape, and cut into small pieces and dropped into boiling water. They float and stay at the top of the boiling water when they are done. That's it.

I advise keeping the gnocchi small. They swell up during cooking and are rather dense and heavy. I am beginning to experiment with adding flavor. While my recipe calls for a pesto sauce for serving, the gnocchi seems to taste better with something thick like a bacon and cream sauce. I recommend gnocchi as a small side dish. It's a bit much for the main course. While I haven't tried it in soups yet, I can recommend coating it in olive oil and adding as a unique ingredient on a meat and vegetable kabob on the grill.

CULINARY: Hand Beaters

CULINARY

Hand Beaters

I've taken a recent interest in kitchen hand tools. I cook to relax, save money, and find a meditative comfort in chopping and blending ingredients by hand. Somehow, throwing a bunch of vegetables into a food processor just isn't the same.

I once dated a Japanese chef, who demonstrated the finer art of hand chopping food. You won't find a Veg-o-matic, or other K-Tel and Ronco type devices, in top kitchens. Instead, they use very high quality knives. The chefs carry their own with them to the job, the way an artist has her own brushes for painting.

I did make a concession to kitchen gadgets, though. I was ready for hand beaters to mix liquid ingredients. Ever try to make whip cream from fresh cream with a whisk? I scouted the local Albuquerque thrift and antique stores, but couldn't locate any inexpensive models. People must be collecting them. I had better luck in an antique mall in Roswell, New Mexico on Main Street. Their selection hadn't been picked over and I found a newer model that works quite well.

Actual antique hand beaters tend to have issues, like the paint peeling off the wooden handles, rust, and wheels that don't quite crank right anymore. They seem better for display than cooking most of the time. However, the newer models work quite well and can be found inexpensively online.

CULINARY: 2 Sets to Measure

CULINARY

2 Sets to Measure

While I usually suggest simplifying the number and complexity of kitchen gadgets, there is one exception. Cooking from scratch is much easier with two sets of measuring spoons and two sets of measuring cups. Invariably recipes call for a teaspoon of this and a teaspoon of that. Stopping to wash out and dry the teaspoon can really slow the cooking process down.

If you cook regularly, treating yourself to decorative or expensive measuring devices is totally worth the cost. I would rather have great looking basic utensils than cheap plastic tools and exotic kitchen gadgets, like a sandwich press, that never get used.

If you only run your dishwasher every two or three days, you might want extras of other often used items, like garlic presses. I hand wash my good knives, so only have one each of the various sizes. Having a range of knife sizes seems more helpful than duplicates.

Having everything clean and ready to go is more inspiring for cooking meals than starting the process facing a sink of dirty dishes and having to hunt all the cabinets to find the tools.

CULINARY: One Pot Cooking

CULINARY

One Pot Cooking

One of the easiest ways to simplify cooking is to reduce a meal to a single pot. When I want a day off from cooking, I throw leftovers of a meat and veggies into a crockpot and cover it with water or sauce, letting it cook on low all day. Presto, I have instant soup or stew.

For example, I will take the leftovers from taco night--seasoned ground beef and diced tomatoes--add a can of tomato sauce, green chile, cooked potatoes or a small amount of rice, plus any other leftover veggies that might work such as peas, and simmer it on low all day. In the evening I have a delicious pot of Texas-style chili.

Another favorite one pot meal is to use my large Staub cast iron pan for baking meats and veggies together. I either coat everything in olive oil with seasonings, or cover with a cup of water and dry soup mix, and cook the dish in the oven at 350 degrees until done.

STYLE: Train Travel

STYLE

Train Travel

My favorite mode of vacation travel is by train. I like choosing a travel destination where I'm not going to need a car. There is something gratifying about railroad time, watching the countryside go by, and arriving at a new place gradually. Desert gives way to flat fields and ranches, which slowly builds into a city.

From the Albuquerque Amtrak station it's an overnight trip on the Southwest Chief to either Chicago or Los Angeles. Albuquerqueans are lucky to have a stop that boards in the middle of the day, unlike some stations, which pick up passengers at night. I would be less enthusiastic if I had to get on the train at 3 AM in the morning.

Going east, all mid-country trains head to Chicago. Unfortunately, there are no north/south Amtrak connections between Denver and El Paso. The local commuter train, the Rail Runner, does connect Albuquerque with Santa Fe, as the Amtrak train stops at Lamy, rather than Santa Fe proper.

I've been told the route through Denver, the California Zephyr, is one of the most beautiful trips.

Union Station, at the end of the line in Chicago, is located by a block just across the river from the Loop. It's a short walk to connect to the 'L' subway line. For some reason, Chicago's trains, subways, and commuter rails don't quite connect as seamlessly as most other major cities. However, it's still possible to get around, particularly when buses are added in.

The only Amtrak connection I have done in Chicago is Cleveland. When a four hour layover at the Chicago station is added in, Cleveland is more like a two day trip from Albuquerque. Some city connections, like Milwaukee, are much shorter. If you ever find yourself at the station with hours to spare, I recommend locking up your luggage and spending time walking around Chicago's Downtown. There are a bunch of great restaurants nearby.

Los Angeles, going west from Albuquerque, is a particularly notorious city for being spread out. I haven't tried to get around most of the city, preferring to stay in the Downtown area, where there are plenty of amenities and tourist attractions. The Amtrak stop, Union Station, is the regional transportation hub and connects with the commuter lines. It also links with the Amtrak west coast routes.

I particularly enjoy taking the train up the coast to Santa Barbara. A free trolley runs up and down their tourist row of restaurants and shops, with access near the train stop.

Bicycles are allowed on the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, and some other routes, but not the Southwest Chief, unless crated like the airlines require.

Travelers are permitted a couple pieces of luggage, which can be checked, without any additional fees I'm aware of, as long as they meet size and weight restrictions. The train is a little more generous on size than the airlines.

So far, all of the stations I've traveled to have been located in decent neighborhoods close to amenities. Albuquerque may be one of the dicier stops, as it shares facilities with the Greyhound bus, and south of the station is an abandoned rail yard that's rather rough. (If you're a fan of Breaking Bad, however, walk just outside of the station and gawk. But don't wander too far.)

Are You Ready to Start a Business?

The secret is timing, hard work and smart partners. “Using that formula, I've either founded or funded over 80 companies, and none have gone bankrupt. Most have done very well.” – Terry Matthew

1.       ARE YOU BETTER OFF WITH A JOB?

·         Over the lifetime of a business: 39% are profitable, 30% break even, and 30% lose money, 1% undetermined  --Wells Fargo/NFIB study, using U.S. Census Bureau data

·         Job hunting resources: See Richard Bolles           http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/

2.       DO YOU HAVE MASTERY OF THE SKILLS NEEDED?

·         10,000 Hours (about 5 years)      http://www.psychologytoday.com/em/85976

3.       HAVE YOU DONE YOUR RESEARCH AND DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

·         Business plan, marketing strategy, cash flow projections, etc.

·         Have you accounted for all of the expenses of self-employment?: taxes, health insurance, short and long-term disability, double retirement contributions, etc.

4.       WILL YOU BE IN THE RIGHT LOCATION?

·         Best city, very best retail location, best web traffic

5.       QUESTION: How much does it cost to fail in business?

·         ANSWER: The sum total of your life savings and/or inheritance.

·         Figure out how much it’s going to cost to actually be financially successful in a business, not just how much it costs to set up the business.

6.       WHAT DOES A FRANCHISE COST?

·         Franchise information   http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/rankings/lowcost-115390/2012,-1.html

·         Best and worst franchises for 2012  http://www.inc.com/articles/201101/the-best-and-worst-franchises-to-own.html

7.       HOW BIG DO YOU NEED TO GROW TO BECOME PROFITABLE?

·         Number of units, locations, employees

8.       ARE YOU WILLING TO LOOK AND PLAY THE PART OF A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER?

·         Industry standards of dress: see Work Wear at the Wall Street Journal http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/category/style/

9.       HAVE YOU SET ASIDE ENOUGH CASH TO FILE BANKRUPTCY, IF NEEDED?

10.   IF YOU SUCCEED, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO PROTECT YOUR MARKET SHARE?

RESOURCES

ONLINE

Starting and managing a business            http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/

How-to guides                  http://www.entrepreneur.com/howto/startyourbiz.html

LOCAL

Albuquerque Small Business Resource Directory http://www.cabq.gov/econdev/pdf/BusinessResourceDirectory2010.pdf

City of Albuquerque small business support     http://www.cabq.gov/econdev/smallbusinesssupport.html

WESST Enterprise Center    http://www.wesst.org/enterprise-center/

ACCION New Mexico/Arizona/Colorado   http://www.accionnm.org/

STYLE: Ink

STYLE

Ink

While I don't think it's necessary to buy the most expensive fountain pen, I do recommend using a very high quality ink.

For many years I used a mid-range ink in my fountain pen. It worked okay. Then I ran out and went to the local art supply store for more. The place had many finer supplies--but quality pen ink wasn't one of them. So I loaded my pen with a cheap ink that appeared in quality and consistency to be closer to a thick liquid used for brush painting.

Cheap inks are a bad idea. They gum up the mechanical parts of a fountain pen and dry out too quickly. I soon found my pen wouldn't write smoothly and I was stopping frequently to try to get it flowing again. I was pressing down harder on the tip, which was okay with my steel nib, but might have ruined a gold tip.

The answer was a good quality Mont Blanc ink. The sales clerk told me they add detergents to keep the ink running smoothly. She also talked me into trying colors. At first I was skeptical, but now I'm a total fan. I wrote most of my first novel in orange, a color that apparently is be discontinued. Too bad. I love the orange and still have half a small bottle left over.

My daughter has an emerald green, which works fine, but doesn't suit me. I tend to steal ink from her other bottle--Mystery Black, which has a touch of blue. Soon I plan to try out a couple other colors, like purple and gray. When fiction writing, I find it's easier to keep a consistent point of view by assigning each character a color. Orange is my character Nancy. I'm thinking her friend Fay should be something blue or gray. For Fay, maybe I will even splurge on fine, handmade writing paper.

STYLE: Fountain Pens

STYLE

Fountain Pens

Most of my rough draft writing I do long-hand in a notebook, before retyping the text on to a computer. I've had carpal tunnel in my hands since my mid-twenties. The only way I've found that I can write for long periods is to use a fountain pen.

I've owned a Cross steel nib pen for more than a decade now. I think they still cost what I paid back then--around $80.00. I've never had to repair or replace it. But if I did, I would probably try a fountain pen with a gold tipped nib, for softer writing pressure.

Fountain pens do have some drawbacks. I prefer ink from a bottle over prefilled plastic cartridges. Which means I often make a mess when I refill the pen. But then again, I get flour everywhere when I bake. Other people may be neater than me.

Fountain pens don't travel well. Spilled ink from a bottle is always a hazard. The bottle should be sealed in a plastic bag, preferably with something absorbent like a paper towel. Sealing the lid around the edges with electrical tape would also help.

While mine hasn't, some pens are prone to leaking. Changing cabin pressure on an airplane can make it worse. A sales clerk advised me to completely fill the pen ink chamber to eliminate any air space, which gives the ink room to expand while flying. Perhaps a better solution would be to completely empty the ink before boarding. However, I have never been inclined to try flying with a fountain pen, given the issues with airport security. The same clerk told a story about having a hassle with the TSA before being allowed to board with his pen. Some other airports might not have been as accommodating.

Recently I bought my teenage daughter a LAMY fountain pen. It was recommended as an inexpensive starter pen to see if she really likes using it.

If price were no object, I would buy the Grace Kelly fountain pen by Mont Blanc. The sales staff I have encountered at the Mont Blanc stores while visiting Las Vegas and Chicago have been gracious, even letting me hold the pen, while it's clear I couldn't afford to pay valet parking, let alone buy such an expensive item.

STYLE: Shop Own Closet

STYLE

Shop Your Own Closet

The first step to dressing great is to weed out your closet.

Once you have gotten rid of the clothes that no longer work, and you have sorted your clothes down to one season, it's time to go shopping in your own closet. You're going to assemble new outfits from your existing clothes. This may sound easy--but it's actually a lot of work. Be prepared to spend some time.

The trick is to figure out which articles of clothing can be mixed and matched with the rest of the garments in your closet. Any items that are for special occasions only, such as formal wear or bridesmaid dresses, can be set aside. However, don't be too quick to judge. Could that fuchsia gown be paired with a white denim jacket and sandals for a summer dinner out? Or a suit jacket and boots in the winter?

Next, unload your closet. Yes, you've read correctly. Hopefully you have already done the first steps of weeding and sorting by season. All of your remaining clothes, and accessories like scarves, should be taken out of the closet to create outfit combinations.

You may be lucky enough to have a portable garment hanger. But, if not, the bed or the floor can work as well. I set out my clothes in the bedroom, then hang them up outfit by outfit on the shower curtain rod in the bathroom.

The clothes need to be sorted into similar types of fabrics. In most cases, a shiny polyester top isn't going to look good when worn with a natural linen skirt. There are exceptions, say white on white, where the outfit is coordinated by colors. But, in general, outfits look best when paired with similar textures and weights. Think about what goes with what. This is easy for the woman with a closet full of cottons and linens. It will be more challenging for someone who follows a lot of different trends.

There will be some transitional garments that might work with almost everything, such as denim jackets, solid tights, or a classic black tailored blazer.

I find the process of assembling outfits easier if I focus on creating a certain look, instead of trying to figure out every possible combination of clothing I could wear. Having some photos to use as a style inspiration is a big help. For example, when I stopped working in an office, I began to dress very casually. Call it the unemployed look. I realized I needed to figure out a business casual style that wasn't too dressed up. I wasn't going to be walking around in suits. But, at the same time, I was in danger of dressing so informally that I would have trouble procuring local freelance and consulting work. So I needed a new style model.

I browsed online and saved some pictures that were inspiring. They gave me new ideas of how to use my old clothes in a different way. I might add a scarf to a plain shirt to appear a little more polished. Or how to dress in ankle boots in the summer.

One you have general groupings of clothes, the fun begins. Start with an article of clothing that you will use as the base of the look. I like blazers and jackets as the foundation of business casual. Others may like to start with their pants and skirts. The main idea is to pick a category and then work through your clothes in a methodical way.

I started with a purple blazer, then took out every top in my pile, to see what combinations could be created. Each time I found a matching top, I would then go through my pile of skirts and pants to see what worked. I also checked if a scarf might be added. Once I went through every possible combination with my purple blazer, I did the same thing with the next jacket. And so on, until I had worked through every summer jacket or blazer in my closet.

TIP: Keep all the garments in order and go through them methodically each time, so you can keep track of which combinations you've tried. Otherwise, you may get hopelessly confused.

How are you going to remember which outfits work together? Stop and take a photo of each outfit combination. I like to hang the outfits on my shower curtain rod to use the white as a background. I use my cellphone for pictures, so it's easy for me to scroll through the outfits in the morning when I get dressed.

Sounds like a lot of work? Right. But it will save you tons of time digging through your closet in the morning. Not to mention you will find all kinds of new outfit combinations that you never would have considered before.

If you have an enormous amount of time, you could try each outfit on and have a friend take a photo. Not every combination will work when you try it on. However, I find it easier to photo every reasonable combination, then delete the photo later if the outfit doesn't look good.

While this process is time consuming, it's an excellent way to find dozens of new outfits from the existing garments in your closet.

STYLE: Cheap Thrills

STYLE

Cheap Thrills

Inexpensive accessories are fun. While I advocate buying high quality basic garments to create the foundation of a wardrobe, I'm equally a fan of trying out cheap and trendy accessories.

Large, sparkly earrings, extremely bright or loud scarves, over sized plastic rings and strange socks are just a few of the items that can give your outfits a wonderful kick.

I've had cheap plastic earrings that received compliments for years. I have been amazed by some of my friends' artistic creations with jewelry, unusual belts or offbeat thrift store finds. Head to toe coverage in cheapness doesn't look good. But one funky item on an outfit is a touch of whimsy.

Best of all, if you haven't spent much money on your outlandish or trendy items, there is no regret in coming to your senses the next day and getting rid of it.

GARDEN: Raspberries

GARDEN

Raspberries

I've had fairly good luck with my backyard raspberry bush. Quite by accident, I planted the bush on the north side of my house along my turtle garden. In some parts of the country the bushes can be invasive. In Albuquerque, we're just lucky to get them to grow.

The plant is rather clever and has sent up runners under my compost pile, so that I don't need to add compost myself. It also tends to send shoots anywhere in the turtle garden that gets regularly watered.

Last year when we got a lot of smoke for weeks on end from forest fires, it was rather unhappy and didn't grow much. The bush definitely prefers rain over being watered from the tap. But overall, it's done quite well.


Information about growing raspberries in New Mexico.

STYLE: Money Best Spent

STYLE

Money Best Spent

Most of us live on a limited style budget. The best investment, for the money, is spending extra on those things which you'll wear every day--a professional hair cut, professional coloring (if needed), eye glasses, everyday purses or briefcase, and shoes.

Invest in high quality and you're half way there to looking good everyday, without even having to stop and think about it.