Travel

Riding the Rails, the Challenges and Joys

Our First Vacation in Six Years: The Trip

Amtrak arrives at the Las Vegas, NM historic train depot

Amtrak is a great option for anyone who wants to get from here to there, hates airports and doesn’t want to drive. You can indeed see the country as it lurches by and if you are in a roomette or deluxe room, you get an unending number of meals. Well, not unending, but it seems one meal service is barely over before the steward starts taking reservations for the next one.

In our little corner of the world—Las Vegas, NM—we still have an Amtrak station. When we decided to take a trip to Pismo Beach, Calif., one of our favorite destinations, we decided the rail was the way to go. Realizing there would be challenges, like getting a rental car, we decided to go to AAA Travel in Santa Fe, NM, (thank you Teodora!) for help in planning the trip.

All Aboard!

I’ll say right up front AAA was most helpful. I highly recommend their services.

It had been at least 15 years since we took a train trip, also to Pismo Beach. For that trip we got off the train in Pasadena, boarded an Amtrak bus, and arrived in Bakersfield, where one of our sons was living. Knowing he would pick us up at the bus terminal took care of concerns about getting to the car rental agency located at the Bakersfield airport.

This time we didn’t have that advantage. We had to rely on AAA to make arrangements for us to get from the San Luis Obispo depot, where we got off the train, to the SLO airport car rental agency. On the return trip we had to get the car back and find transportation to the SLO train station before the Pacific Surfliner left at 6:45 a.m. for our connection at Union Station in Los Angeles. Thanks to AAA we got the car rented in advance (of course) and an agreement from Hertz to pick us up at the train station. To make life easier on our return date, AAA located the phone number of a 24-hour cab company that would pick us up at the airport and get us to the train station. Am I making this too complicated? Perhaps, but we are at a point in our lives when things like tight schedules and the possibility of missing our connections makes us nervous, VERY nervous.

The on-board portion of the trip went like clockwork (or as much as train travel can) and I’m pleased to say the trip was flawless. Well, maybe not the part where we had to wait for three hours for the coroner to release the track ahead because someone had been hit by a train coming the other way, but that’s another story.

Travel on the whole—moving down the track—was fine. Sleeping on the train? Yikes. We took a roomette (which we did the last time we went by train) believing this would be more comfortable than going by coach. We were on the train overnight going and coming and it made sense to have the privacy of a roomette and a bed to sleep on. Having a bathroom down the hall was a bit inconvenient (I’m being kind here) but we managed, sort of.

I can tell you my bones still ache. My husband is still recovering from a crack on the head and a fall from the top bunk. It happened when he tried to get up in the middle of the night, forgot there was no head room, and then missed the step on his way to floor level. Between knocking himself silly and a bruised and swollen leg he refused to get back on that precarious perch, and wouldn’t let me get up there either. We spent the rest of the night wedged like two sardines on the bottom bunk. That, my friends, is true love.

Even though there was a shower down the passageway, the idea of using it was pretty off putting when I thought about the jerky movement of the train and a slight discomfort (outright terror?) that the lock wouldn’t hold and someone would walk in on me. Grimy doesn’t begin to describe how both of us felt after getting off the train going and coming.

We had traveled this way before and didn’t remember it being so uncomfortable. It finally dawned on me that the real difference is that we’re both 15 years older and 15 to 20 pounds heavier. Those roomettes are not designed for anyone with any meat on them at all!

Using the toilet was a whole other adventure, and forget brushing your teeth, trying to freshen your makeup (this is where guys definitely have an advantage) and organizing your hair when you’ve been sleeping (more or less) on it all night.

There are options to the roomette of course. The coach cars do have quite comfortable seats that recline. We have friends who have traveled this way and found it perfectly acceptable. Others have said it’s fine as long as everyone in the car agrees to settle down and sleep, but that doesn’t always happen. One friend told us of a trip to Chicago. “At about midnight one family hauled out their sandwiches and wine and made a party of it.”

The other option is a “deluxe” room, which has a bathroom and a foldout bed at floor level that will accommodate two people so no one has to ride the rails suspended on something the size of a half-panel of a folding door.

Would we do it again? Yes. Does that surprise you? It’s an adventure. There is something wonderful about riding on a train, but only if you’re not in a hurry. Maybe that’s it. You are forced to relax and reset you internal mad rush to nice and easy, slow but sure.

What I liked:

• Train travel is affordable.
• You do get to see the country.
• The slower pace (if you’re ready for it).
• The attendants, conductors, red caps, and other staff members affiliated with the train are wonderful.  
• The food is okay and there is no lack of it. (Coach pays for meals; roomette and deluxe travelers meals are complimentary, except for alcohol).
• Seating in the dining car is family style so you get to meet interesting people.
• On the whole other passengers are courteous and respectful.
• The train depots are wonderful, harking back to another era.
• There is no hassle related to terrorist and security issues (ala airport TSA craziness)

What I didn’t like (or wasn’t prepared for)

• The “crossover” from one car to the next
• Beds
• Bathrooms

Overall the experience was enjoyable.

More about the journey next time.

Hometown USA, Las Vegas, NM

Lights, Camera, Action!

Filming on Bridge Street, Las Vegas, NM

Once again our little town is undergoing a transformation. One area is being recreated into a '50s version of the other Las Vegas, the one with glitz and glamour, at least on the surface. In the '50s there was a dark force in control of gaming, and prostitution was a way of life for women whose dreams of stardom ended in disillusionment and sorrow. The old-style mob influence is long gone. Corporate flamboyance drives the economy now, but it can still be a tawdry business with gambling addiction stealing people's futures. 

The transformation on Bridge Street in Las Vegas, N.M., is for a television pilot about the '50s in the town that never sleeps. I have no idea what the plot line is, but I don't imagine it is about the sunny side of life.

The bright side – and the down side – for the only Las Vegas that counts for people in business for themselves, is what it does to the bottom line. Some benefit greatly; others wonder if they can survive the unfortunate interruptions in business access. As a small business it is difficult to take a hit of any kind.

Still, there is spin-off from the movie industry that cannot be denied. It opens the doors of Las Vegas, N.M. to people who have never been here before. It brings exposure and opportunity in unexpected ways.

If you are reading this and live in Las Vegas or in the area, make a special trip to Bridge Street/Plaza and see what's going on. It is a fascinating process to watch. While you’re there, pop into one of the stores and drop a few dollars. Restaurants, clothing and shoes stores, book stores, galleries and more, they're all open ready to serve you.

If you are reading this and you don't live in the area, come on down! It's the sweetest little town around, loaded with history and great things to see and do. Las Vegas, New Mexico may not have glitz and glamour, but it does have down-home hospitality, northern New Mexico chic, and many unique shopping experiences, including those which feature local artists.

Good Grief!

Welcome to Gadabout. I expect to use this as another tool for selling my books, which can be purchased at vandermeerbooks.com, but I also expect this will be of interest to readers all on its own. I would like to have followers and I would like to have input, so make comments, they will be more than welcome. 

A gadabout is defined by dictionary.com as 1) a person who moves about restlessly or aimlessly, especially from one social activity to another, and 2) a person who travels often or to many different places, especially for pleasure. My definition is a person who cannot make up her mind. That would be me, which is why Gadabout will be about "a little of this and a little of that."  

This is my response to a free online course about marketing available through Sandi Krakowski, an online marketing guru. Yes, she is selling herself and she’s selling WordPress, another blogging and web development site, but that does not diminish the value of what she has to offer. Click on Sandi's name to access her FREE 30-day introduction to marketing on the web. I’ve found it to be informative and user-friendly

What am I marketing? Obviously myself as a writer, but along the way I’m expecting to provide you as a follower with worthwhile information. When deciding what to focus on in this blog I realized that gathering information and writing articles is what I do best. That's why the content type may change from day to day, but the themes will be consistent. For example:

• In Explore I’ll take you on journies local and far-flung. (Well, not too far-flung. I’m old and I live on a tight budget.) Nevertheless, the articles will be interesting and entertaining.
• Interested in living a healthier lifestyle? Follow my once-a-week column, Age is Only a Number, on getting in shape and eating healthier. It will be painfully personal but worth keeping up with because you will likely see yourself in my struggle.  
• Keep up with ways to improve your life and your community with my weekly Make a Difference column.
• Want to be inspired? Connecting the Dots will lift you up and make you smile.
• Down Home in Northern New Mexico will include home decor, food, entertaining, area personalities and more. 
• Book Blast will introduce you to characters from my books and reviews of books by other authors.

So there it is, a blogilicious smorgasbord of interesting reading, all of it right here.

Also check out my other blog Writers Bloc. That one is exclusively about writing.

Stay with me! Become a follower.

Books by FS (Sharon) Vander Meer

Tiger Lilly, contemporary fiction (ebook/pdf only) fastpencil.com

Not Just Another Day, inspiration

The Ballad of Bawdy McClure, science fiction

Future Imperfect, science fiction

These books are available at www.vandermeerbooks.com, and at online retailers. Print books also available at Tome on the Range in Las Vegas, NM.
 

Happenstance Feature Article

May 2011 Happenstance

This month's feature article is about the May Family Farm at La Liendre, or more specifically about the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture program) the farm is offering. If you haven't read the article, click May Family Farm and learn about this opportunity for you to have farm fresh produce through the season. The cutoff for signing up is May 15.

Marc May also pointed out that you can get farm fresh produce through the summer by going to the Farmer's Market held each Wednesday and Saturday from 7 to noon. The farmers set up in the parking lot on 6th Street behind the IC Church events center. The CSA is a formalized method of getting your produce on a set schedule.

New this month is an introduction to the Happenstance store. You can buy my books, Kathy Allen's digital cookbook and you can become a Happenstance sponsor. 

Also in the May Happenstance:

What Now? Patrick Alarid's look at landscaping with limited water

Breakfast in Bed, Cindy Charlton's Mother's Day memory

My Mother, My Child, Claudia Charlton's beautiful poem

The Science and Art of Acupuncture, by Niki Sebastian

Mother Love? Niki looks at motherhood from a different perspective (article is a PDF download).

Featured Artist, Todd Christensen give a bird's eye view of his art

Recipes & Chat, Pamela G. Daves provides insight and fun food ideas

The Code, Maridell Monnheimer talks about her mother's lasting influence

Yesterday, by Robert Gallegos looks at Las Vegas in days gone by

Detox Dramas, Sad but True, by Connie Mack

June Submissions:

It's not too early to send in your June submissions. The zine theme is Fab Fathers, but you can write about anything of interest to you. You may also submit story ideas. Readers know that Happenstance is a collection of interesting material, including poetry, essays, ficiton, and more. 

Guidelines are available by request.

It's Up! Happenstance for May

Despite thinking I was never going to get Happenstance Happenstance for Maydone, it's ready early! The website is updated and ready to read, and you can download the PDF or check out the zine. At some point I may end up doing one or the other (PDF or web) because the way I'm doing it now means double work. However, I'm trying to reach as many readers as possible and publishing in different formats is one way to do that.

I'm dedicating this issue to Sherry Anne Clancy. It's a small thing, but she was such a creative and caring person I want to honor her in this small way. She would have loved the story about the May farm and Patrick's take on the water issues.

Something New is about my web store. Check it out. You don't have to buy anything, but if you would like to sponsor the continuation of Happenstance your support will be greatly appreciated.

Patrick Alarid continues his thoughts on water conservation, thoughtful planning and maintaining a pleasant, water-friendly environment. Check out In the Garden: What Now?

The Charlton sisters different responses to the Mother’s Day theme are poignant and beautiful. Who hasn't experienced Breakfast in Bed? Cindy's article honors her mom and mothers everywhere. Don't miss Claudia's beautiful poem, My Mother, My Child. 

Niki Sebastian's article The Science & Art of Acupuncture, gives some pretty compelling reasons to try out this ages old healing technique. She also has an inspiring article about overcoming the challenges of growing up in her article, Reflection: Mother Love?

I had a wonderful time writing the story about the May Family Farm and its innovative way to assure you have fresh produce through the season. 

Additional stories:
El Zocalo Featured Artist
Recipes & Chat, featuring Pamela G. Daves
The Code, by Maridell Monnheimer
Yesterday, by Robert Gallegos
Detox Dramas, Sad but True, by Connie Mack

Enjoy reading Happenstance, life happens, and think about submitting something about an inspiring fellow who comes under the description of Fab Father for the June issue.

Coming May 2

Okay, get ready, Happenstance will be full of great articles. There is a beautiful tribute poem to Fran Charlton, written by her daughter Claudia, and a wonderful article about her from regular contributor, Cindy Charlton. These are wholly different perspectives on mothering and how we—and others—are affected by it.


There is also an interesting article about acupuncture by Niki Sebastian. I have to say the idea of acupuncture puts me off, and yet I hear wonderful reports from people who have benefited from the procedure. Maybe I'll give it try. Maybe. Niki has a second article you will find compelling. It is about the other side of mothering, or perhaps better stated, the lack thereof.

I'm also expecting an article about community clean up and pride. This one hasn't been confirmed yet, but maybe if not this month, next. With the wind blowing like a son-of-a-gun it's hard to keep up with trash, but if we want a clean community we have to work at it. It's not just the job of the city workers to keep everything spruced up.

How would you like to know where your next batch of greens and garden goodies is coming from? I'm working on a story about that.

And Connie Mack returns with an inside look at a detox center, a place full of surprising occurrences. It's a humorous insider's look at the tragic reality of drug and alcohol addiction and what it can do to a person.

Robert Gallegos continues his historical perspective on Yesterday, in Las Vegas.

So, that's a quickie overview of what to look for.

Remember, I'm always looking for contributing writers. June's theme is Fab Fathers. Be sure and send something for consideration.

I would also be interested in getting "travel" reviews. In these days of high gas prices and a puny economy, where are you going and what do you plan to do when you get there? Or, where have you been and why did you go? Details and pictures, please. Well, some detail, I don't really want to know what toothpaste you use.

Have a happy...

April Happenstance

It's out! The latest issue of Happenstance, 

life happens; here are few things to look for:

Cindy Charlton's "I Charlton, a New Step, a New Music" is a moving commentary on the realities of her life and a tribute to resilience.

It's obvious in Patrick Alarid's Backyard Artistry, this is a man who enjoys creating water wise landscapes that are relaxing and inviting. I like his list of favorite plants and nurseries making it a little easier to embark on water wise gardening. He also kindly provided information about the June Garden Tour sponsored by CCHP.

In keeping with the water wise theme Rain Savers' Steve Reichert writes about the products available through his company, along with an inside look at how to determine what your home needs. There's also an article about water restrictions and alternative gardening recommendations from the Las Vegas water department.

Flower Power will return in mid-may. Read more from project coordinator Andrea Gottschalk.

A couple of Las Vegas women were enjoying the intrigue and history of Egypt when their trip was interruped by history in the making. Check out Witnesses to History.
 
Features return, including Featured Artist: Marti Nash, Recipes & Chat by Pamela G. Daves, Happenstance Kitchen and Connie Mack's Eclectically yours. Also look for wonderful submissions by Kim Delgado (The Stingy Woman, a Spanish folk tale), and Dona Josefita, a memoir from Barbara Perea Casey of a woman whose legacy is one of care and kindness. Robert Gallegos remembers Yesterday and the tools to be found in the backyard. And of course, "Tiger Lilly" continues.

There's more. Hope you will take the time to check it out.
Link to my website

 

My thanks to all the contributing writers and to Lisa Lawrence, whose painting graces the front of the April issue. It certainly carries out the "in the garden" theme I was aiming for. I love Lisa's work. There is an energy to it that makes me smile.

 

Enjoy Happenstance, life happens. I never know when the next one will be the last one. 

 

The May theme is Super Moms. Please submit your articles, ideas, stories, essays, poems, art and other material by April 22.

Happenstance, life happens in Las Vegas, NM

I'm only three days late posting that the March Happenstance, life happens issue is out. You can read it right here or go to the web magazine at www.happenstancelifehappens.com. Have a GREAT day.

Open publication - Free publishing - More spring

Windy City

Flags at attention

Mark Ronchetti of KRQE is my favorite weather caster. Apart from the fact he has such enthusiasm for his job, he actually acknowledges Las Vegas, New Mexico exists in the real world. We are not Brigadoon. We do not disappear into the mist except when something bad happens. We're here all the time. Thanks, Mr. Ronchetti, for noticing us. He makes note of how windy it can be in our little corner of the world when it isn't all that windy anywhere else. He'll have a lot to talk about tonight, if he chooses to do so. It is a windy, windy day.

Fortunately the winds only last for a time, and then they're gone, whistling up some other town's streets, flinging Wal-Mart bags into trees and plastering them against fences. Farewell to you, Mr. Wind, and I'll be glad to see the back of you.

So, I don't sell advertising and a subscription isn't required to receive Happenstance, however I will accept sponsorships. If you think Happenstance is worth keeping around, your support will be welcomed. You can send your check to Happenstance c/o PO Box 187, Las Vegas, NM 87701. There will soon be a Paypal icon on the website for your convenience. From the website can also purchase Kathy Allen's recipe book, Someone's in the Kitchen, on CD, and a digital PDF copy of Tiger Lilly, a contemporary novel by moi. The novel is being serialized in Happenstance, but if you can't wait to get the rest of the story, it is for sale in digital format only. The novel begins in the October 2010 issue.

I have Tiger Lilly out there in the netherworld looking for an agent or a publisher. So far no luck.

In the March 7 issue of Happenstance look for a two-page spread featuring poetry, some about spring and some about life. Connie Mack comes on board as a contributing writer and if you know Connie you know to expect something a little different. There's more MUCH more to look forward to.

Beautiful Day!

Foraging for grass.

We got a lot of snow, but as is true with New Mexico weather, wait a minute and it will be gone! Well, the snow isn't gone, but it sure did go down today. Love that sun.

Museum Reminder:  (From the Museum website) Make history again by sharing your family photos, diaries, letters, and other historic memorabilia or family ephemera with Friends of the City of Las Vegas Museum. Just in time for New Mexico’s centennial, the Friends will be publishing a photographic history of the first century of Las Vegas entitled: Las Vegas, NM: Boomtown on the Southwestern Frontier, and would like your family to be a part of it. So, get into the attics and basements of Las Vegas! Call your tias and abuelas to see what’s in their shoeboxes and family Bibles!

In addition, historian and contributing editor, Elmo Baca is seeking to include brief essays and other literary expressions from the general public to help explore the major themes to be included in the book. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, April 1, 2011.

Nat God Players: If you have a yen for acting here's an opportunity for you. Nat Gold Players’ Auditions will be held Sunday, February 13, at 4 p.m. at the Las Vegas Arts Council office, 140 Bridge Street (the orange, gold, blue and purple bldg.) Auditions are for Box Seats—10 minute original plays by local playwrights. Rehearsals will be set up around participant schedules. More Info: Cyn Riley 454-6873.

TeatroJoven youth art classes: Caroline Rackley is seeking contributions in support of Teatrojoven's arts education and production fund. Tuition for an 8-week series of 2-hour classes is $80. All gifts of any size are welcome. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to: YoungTheatre c/o Goodwin, Inc., 1320 6th Street, Las Vegas, NM 87701. For more information call 505 425-6092.


Writing Contests: If you have a great idea for a story, poem or article, and don't mind stiff competition, Writer's Digest has launched its annual writing contest request for entries. For more information go to Writer's Digest. I entered all three of my books in the self-published books competition, and while I didn't win, I got valuable feedback from the judges. I'm planning on entering the contests for unpublished works (short fiction, articles, essays and poetry) this year.

If you want a blurb on my blog, please send your information to happenstance@happenstancelifehappens.com.

Have a happy!

Happenstance, April 16

I enjoyed talking to Ursel Albers. I think there is a story there that I would love to tell. She still retains that lovely cadence to her voice that speaks of another age and another country. Check out the story about her involvement with the Las Vegas Opera Guild. There's also an article by Nancy Philo, a painter and sometimes juror of art shows and an update on The Literacy Council.

My greatest challenge each week is finding the time to do all the things I want to do, which includes telling interesting stories about people. I like learning about the successes, challenges and failures that mold a person.

I hope you enjoy Happenstance this week. I invite commentary, suggestions, essays, humor, anything at all that will add value to the magazine. E-mail your contributions to fsharon@msn.com.

Happenstance, life happens, April 9, 2010

From the editor…

Whew! I didn’t think I was going to get this one done. I had a great time interviewing Jean Warner, Joel Scheinberg and Barbara Ewing for the article about dogs. We’ve had dogs over the years, but after the last one, Chipper, the happiest dog on earth, escaped our enclosed yard and got run over, I said, “Never again!” After talking to these dog enthusiasts I’m close to rethinking my position. There is nothing like the relationship between a pet and its human family. Even snooty cats take a down day and make it better. See Delightful Dogs on pages 4-5.

Talking to the tag team Arts & Culture District duo of Adam Caldwell and Roy Montibon had my head ringing with all the ideas out there. These two bounced comments and ideas back and forth like tennis players with a great volley going. It was like sitting in on a strategy and brainstorming session with Donald Trump and the apprentices, without the BSSS (blind silly selfishness and stupidity). It was a fun interview. See Grassroots on pages 6-7.

You get a break from my recipes this week. Check out the wonderful salad recipes by Kathy Allen, author of Someone’s in the Kitchen, a compilation of recipes she has gathered over the years. These recipes can be used as a side or as a dessert.
I’m introducing a couple of new ideas. I don’t want to run a calendar, the Chamber does a great job of that and so does the Optic, but I want to hit the high points of activities going on in town. I can’t think of a better source for that than the magical e-mail network of Karyl Lyne. See The Lyne Connection on page 10. It’s a calendar, sort of.

The Happenstance Walk About on page 12 is a new feature, a bird’s eye view of what is happening in some of the businesses around town. It is very much of a work in progress. My goal is to showcase the heroes of our town. Their heroism is at street level. They get up every morning, open the door to their stores and do everything within their power to provide a much-needed service, whether it is selling ladies’ apparel, jewelry, antiques, art, or diet Cokes. These happened to be the businesses I walked into this week. What businesses have you walked into? These stores contribute to the economy of our town in ways we don’t always recognize. We need them. For them to thrive, they need us.

Enjoy Happenstance, life happens.

March 26, 2010 Happenstance

Howdy. What wonderful days we’ve been having. Of course I write this on Tuesday with predictions of yet another snow storm or two in the offing. Oh, well, as everyone says, we do need the moisture. Personally I can scarcely wait to see the burst of beauty that will come out when it really starts to warm up. Barring a late freeze the tulips and lilacs and irises and all the other early blooming flowers should be spectacular. Considering the icy winds we’ve had I’m more than happy to be inside working on Happenstance.

In this week’s issue you will find an article about a program that is important to the community and critical to its clients. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is an agency that works entirely in the interest of children who are in crisis; youngsters whose lives have been turned upside down and inside out. Volunteers serve one purpose only and that is to determine what is best for the child and advocate for that outcome. CASA is a nationwide organization with local affiliates. The one in Las Vegas that serves the Fourth Judicial District is under the direction of Barbara Perea Casey. See the story on page 4.

Marlene (Allen) McConlogue is a mother of twin boys and an entrepreneur with a great idea. She created her business, Bare Bunz Cakes, to serve a target market of parents of newborns to two-year-olds. Her product? ‘Cakes’ made out of diapers and other essential and fun baby items. Read about this unique idea beginning on page 6.
Regular features include a review of best selling author John Hart’s novel, The Last Child, a restaurant review of Santa Fe Capitol Grill, Happenstance Kitchen featuring my favorite enchilada casserole recipe and The Best of the Web focusing on xeriscaping.

Enjoy Happenstance, life happens.

Happenstance, March 19, 2010

Getting Happenstance together is fun. I meet new people and share the excitement of what is going on in their lives. This week I talked to artists who are starting a new enterprise. The future of Las Vegas and the area is based on a combination of job creation, job retention, and job expansion. The jobs created by a co-op art gallery are not the distinguishable jobs of hiring others to work in your place of business; these jobs come from the artists taking on the shared role of employee. That sets up a chain reaction, which results in more opportunities for sales for the artists which is a shot in the arm for the economy on a very basic level. I met with two of the participating artists and learned a lot about co-ops I didn’t know. I share that with you in, Artists open co-op gallery on the Plaza, on pages 6-7.

My second article was a joy to do because I am a book nut. I love to read almost as much as I love to write and I really enjoy the work of other writers. I am especially charmed by Jan Brett, a respected children's book author who literally paints a picture with everything she writes. In The Easter Egg bus is on its way, you will find out more about this talented illustrator/author who has more than thirty-four million books in print. She’s coming to town and her visit is NOT just for kids. Read the story on pages 4-5. I’ve also included reviews of a couple of her books on page 10.

Also check out The Best of the Web on page 9. This week’s review is of the site delish.com. It’s a food site, but I also found it pretty entertaining. On the

Happenstance Kitchen page I included one of my favorite recipes for a crowd.

Folks are asking how often I’m going to publish Happenstance. My hope is to do it every week, but that may require more content than I can produce. I welcome submissions from other writers. It can be poetry, short fiction, essays, articles about interesting activities, people and events, history and oddities. I want to hear from you and look forward to getting your submissions.

Distribution of this is somewhat dependent on readers. If you like Happenstance and would like to pass it on to others, please do. I also welcome your ideas. Is there something you would like to know more about? Let me know and I’ll do my best to get it in.

Enjoy this issue of Happenstance; life happens.

E-zine Happenstance First Issue

Happenstance, life happens has a little of this and little of that. It is a digital only publication. I am looking for content ideas and for submissions. Eventually there will be advertising in the magazine, but that's down the road. I'm building my subscriber list so your input is vital. When you get the link to access the magazine, I will very much appreciate you forwarding it on to anyone who you think might be interested. I welcome constructive criticism.

What will you find in Happenstance, life happens? Artist profiles, human interest stories, food and entertaining, travel tips, book reviews, articles about what makes Las Vegas unique and much, much more. Advertising rates will be reasonable so if you are interested in advertsing, please contact fsharon@msn.com for a rate sheet.

For those of you who have not seen my Featured Author interview at yellow30.com, check it out. Thanks to Steven Fivecats and the team at the website who have been generous in the attention they have given my work. It is greatly appreciated. Steven, by the way, has a great book of poetry. You will find my review of his book at vandermeerbooks.com