Throwback Thursday: Fizzies

This is my first Throwback Thursday post here.  I love retro nostalgia, especially 1960's - 1970's, and am excited about adding a blogging day dedicated to memories from the 1960's, 1970's, and probably 1980's, too.

Do you remember Fizzies?   This was a candy tablet that you dropped into a glazz of water.  It fizzed and made a carbonated drink.  I never was a huge fan of soda, but for some reason I loved Fizzies as a kid.

Fizzies were first created in 1956 by the Emerson Drug Company, the inventors of Bromo-Seltzer.  In the 1960's, they were sweetened with Cyclamates.  Cyclamates were banned by the FDA in 1968 and they were no longer produced, although they were still on store shelves until the 1970's.  I remember Fizzies as a little girl in the late 1960's.  I recall liking orange and grape.

I had no idea that Fizzies were still around, but they are still made:  Fizzies site.  Who knew?!   I enjoyed visiting the site and remembering this childhood treat. 

Wordless Wednesday: A Groovy Kind of Love

Almost wordless!  Groovy Vintage Valentine:  "Teacher - you're in a class by yourself."

On Goals

I love goals.  I love making new goals at the beginning of each year and creating an action plan.   I prefer goals to resolutions.  Resolutions, to me, are lofty aspirations.  Goals are more pragmatic, with a specific action plan.

I've found a few tips that help me achieve goals:

1. Make a small number of goals at one time, and if they are connected in some way, that seems to help.

2. Break goals down into specific steps.

3. Plan the week ahead on Sunday night, and always look at goals to make sure they have a place on the upcoming week's schedule.

I especially have loved daily goals.  Last year I read the Bible in a year with the Youversion app.  This app (for computer, phone, or tablet) breaks the reading down into daily segments.

In 2010 I set the goal to write a poem each day.  I was just coming off a period of writer's block and thought this would shake some cobwebs loose.  I loved writing a daily poem so much that I have kept it up.  Some of the poems are ones that I would send out, while many others are little exercises in mindful living.  But I love the process of writing them, and the way I look at the world differently when I write poetry.

This year I have four goals:

1. Get all my eBay work done on Mondays (writing and scheduling listings, creating new collections, and scheduling tweets).  Spend the rest of the week getting my vintage items up at: Bonanza, eCrater, Etsy, Amazon, Alibris, Biblio.  I love my eBay store, but sales have slowed there for me the past couple of years.  I really feel this is something I need to prioritize now.

2. Spend a few minutes each morning doing work related social media:  Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and possibly Instagram, Stumbleupon, and Google+ as well.

3. Blog regularly!  Make blogging a bigger part of my life.

4. Go back to work on my not-quite-ready-to-discuss-it-yet writing project, and also start sending writing out again.  When I was in college and grad school I published regularly in literary journals.  I've fallen out of the habit of doing this, and I find I miss it.

So there you have it - my 2015 goals.  I'll touch base during the year and talk about some of these goals more here.

What are YOUR goals for the upcoming year?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments section, below.

Music Monday - "Manic Monday" by the Bangles (1986)

Happy Monday!  I'm back in Music Monday mode here.  I've missed talking music with you.

Today's song is "Manic Monday" by the Bangles.  This song, written by Prince, was a hit in 1986.  I always thought the lyrics were perfect for the day:


"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
An I-don't-have-to-run day
It's just another manic Monday."

I was in college when this song was popular, and I remember dancing to this song at clubs and parties.  Where were you in 1986?  And what is your memory of this song?

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 1: A Shaking Of the Ground

Hooray!  Downton Abbey is back.  It's been a long wait between seasons in the U.S.   I'm going to try something different this season.  Instead of full recaps, I'm just going to chat about the show here.  I really enjoy chatting Downton, and hope you will also post your thoughts in the comments section. 

What Happened (The Very Short Version)  

Life at Downton Abbey is changing.  Carson says:  "I feel a shaking of the ground I stand on. That everything I believe in will be tested and held up for ridicule over the next few years."

Edith's baby, Marigold, is staying with farmer Drew and his family.  Isobel is being courted by Lord Merton, although the Dowager Countess is trying to thwart the process.  Carson has been asked to coordinate a war memorial in the village (instead of Lord Grantham).  School teacher Sarah Bunting is continuing her friendship with Tom, and raising the ire of Lord Grantham with her outspoken political views at a party.  Miss Baxter confessed her secret past (as a jewel thief!) to Cora, rather than having Barrow tell on her.  Tony Gillingham asked Mary to go away with him on a trip so they can get to know each other before they move forward to get engaged.  (The scandal!)   Edith inadvertently set a fire in her room.  During the evacuation, Jimmy's former employer visited and they got caught sleeping together.  And Molesley colored his hair (very unattractively). 

Character Of the Week 

Edith is my choice as character of the week.  She longed to be with her baby, Marigold, and the pain she felt leaving her with the Drews was palpable.  Later in her room, she also missed Michael Gregson ... which resulted in her tossing a book toward the fireplace and setting fire at the Abbey.    

Most Striking Visual

Molesley's newly blue/black dyed hair.  Lord Grantham remarked:  “Molesley – you look very Latin all of a sudden. Do you have Italian blood?” 

"Oh My" Moment 

The fire!  This was the most dramatic moment of the night.  I'm glad everyone got out of the house safely - and (always the dog lover) I will admit I felt a real relief when I saw Isis safely out.  

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

I hope that:
... Edith finds a way to be with her baby.
... Mary resolves her feelings toward Tony (to marry or not).
... Miss Baxter is allowed to stay at the Abbey.
... Sarah Bunting either learns some manners, or Tom finds a more appealing love interest.

How about you?  What did you think of the Season 5 premiere?  What would you like to see happen next?