Do you tell your age?

Living agelessly means not paying any attention to your age and doing the things you want to.

To begin with, keep your self healthy so you can be here to accomplish all that you have set out to do in your life. Give up the foods that you are wearing on your stomach hips and thighs. It does not matter at what point of life a new adventure comes to you as long as you get it in in your lifetime. Please don’t have regrets when you are really too old; And really, too old , means when nature tells you to stop. There are the simple things one might do. Some women won’t go to a restaurant alone, or go to a movie alone thinking that they must cling to another person, their husband or a friend. I can relate as I remember the first time I went to a movie alone. It was to see Superman. It was back in the 70’s and I remember looking around at the audience thinking that the audience was watching the woman sitting alone and not the movie. We can begin new dreams at any age, new dreams that might take you down a path. Keep your spirit young and alive, refresh it with water as you do a plant and your spirit will grow

Do you tell your age? There is nothing more freeing than telling your age. Movie stars do, why don’t you? When you can tell the truth to yourself about who you are as a person, you will free yourself from hiding within your own self. It is a hard thing to do for most of us, but it is a catharsis. I remember as a young girl and not so young girl, lying to my diary. Imagine lying to myself to make myself look good to me. I could not face the truth. I colored how much a boyfriend liked me and the good times I was having even though it was not true. Have you ever done that? Readers have come up to me and can not understand how I could divulge so much about myself by admitting my weaknesses and my intimacies. “Why would you put that in print’” they ask. Well, why would I not put that in print? It is who I am.

Keep the fun alive in you that is god given and take baby steps in living an ageless and passionate life. There is always time for a good time and I might add that we all spell good times differently at different times of our life. A good time to me now is writing or speaking. A good time to you may be to go to that disco and dance all night, or start a neighborhood job or have a shopping day all to yourself. How about a two day road trip to a new town staying over night? Or starting a new business that you believe in, a new course. There is the fun of getting dressed up and going out for a good dinner with or without someone across from you. Keep doing enjoyable things and looking good and please do not think you look good without makeup because you probably do not. Be grateful you were born a woman and can wear it. Men are not so lucky! We all need to take some time for ourselves in this extremely faced paced and busy world. Don’ t you think?

To my contemporaries, I say, we do get older, but that does not mean that we have to be old. Going to doctors does not have to be the new social life. Sitting, saddening and medicating because we have reached a certain age does not have to be our new life style. So many friends of mine are doing exactly that primping up to see their doctors, waiting their lives out in waiting rooms just to get that one degree of attention from the other side of the door. Let me explain; doctors are important when we are sick but running to doctors for every little thing and talking about your visits is another thing. Mainly not listening to what your own body is telling you and relying on your doctor to tell you what to do, can really make you sick. Be your own doctor always. I hear women talk about their doctors as we used to talk about our boyfriends, “Oh my heart surgeon, Oh my dentist, he is fabulous.” Please do not get me wrong. I suffered a terrible fall a few months ago and needed two operations and doctors visits, but as soon as I was healed, I was on another new path.

I say, “trade in your pills for passion.”

I recently had my 74th birthday luncheon. It was an idea passed down from a friend. I took a table at a great restaurant and invited my friends to come dutch treat, no gifts please, and I arranged for each one to be given a separate check. They would come to honor my birthday, the day for us to acknowledge that we are here and that we are important on earth. In return they would meet new friends and give themselves a great day. Most came, some could not, but one good friend stands out. She had a doctors appointment that she felt was more important. She did not even try to change the day or the hour. She preferred to keep her appointment than come to a party. That to me is the sign of an aging spirit. Don’t get me wrong! Health always first, but this could have been postponed. She missed a good time. P. S. My friends all chipped in and treated me, a kind gesture.

I would love to know how you related to my obsessive behavior towards Xavier one of my downfalls, in my book. The women who read my book and answered that question, thought well, that is how women behave after a love affair. It was the men who were shocked about my obsessiveness. I have come to the conclusion that men simply do not know what women go through when they begin their departure from our lives. They cannot believe how a strong woman could go so whimpy over a guy. Yes, we can, yes, we do guys.

Now to the main question: How were the sexy parts received by my children?

When I was writing those parts I read one to my girlfriend and she said, “You are going to write about that?” “I said yes, it is part of our story.” She said, “You have children, you have grandchildren, what are they going to think?” So I went right to my therapist and had he said, Carol Sue, please leave that out, I would have. But he said quite the opposite. “This is your story, this is your life and if you want to write about it, you go right ahead.” I loved his response and continued to entertain myself with the good stuff. When the book came out, I crossed off the naughty parts for my kids and as far as my grand kids are concerned, well maybe they will learn a thing or two, at least they will know what old grandma was about. And to the younger generations who wonder if older people still have sex, the answer is YES WE DO!

I have also learned that how a person views their own sexuality is how they will react to the sexy parts in my book. Some eat it up, some find it an embarrassment and skim over those parts and others think it is a disgrace that I would write about such things when I have children and grandchildren. For me, it was the passion I felt for Xavier and like anything else that is great, why not talk about it. Especially when it happens at 70...



My way of living is not necessary smooth sailing. It causes me to have lots of traumas, lots of ups and downs and back then many frowns from friends. Those frowns I have learned come from their own insecurities and their own fears. How else could they possibly respond to you when you are beginning a new path, one they can not identify or handle themselves. On the path of living agelessly and passionately, one must consider that your friends or spouse might not agree with any changes you might want to make in your life. On this long road of learning I have learned it is best to listen to your self and make your own moves and if you do not get the support you need, keep moving on; don’t let anyone stop you from living agelessly. Your friends mean well but they simply don’t know how to get out of their own box. And it is those women who are in that box and don’t know how to get out that I speak.

By stepping out of my own box in the last few years with an interracial love affair, not only did I have a amazing time, but a whole new career followed and a whole new way of looking at life with endless possibilities. Look at how timely my book is; imagine that we now have a black president from out of the blue and while it is still not the norm to have a interracial relationship, it is not looked upon as anything that unusual. However, to my knowledge we have not arrived and there are still many who are extremely closed minded about this topic. I ask to give book talks in certain organizations and when they hear the title of my book they want to have nothing to do with it, even libraries are reluctant. The thought of a Jewish Lady having an affair with a black man is not anything appetizing. I can well understand because I was one of them up to four years ago. These same women to not want to be enlightened. They have their views and that is where they will stay till death do them part. My book is for those who are open minded and curious about life and life’s adventures.


Now having just turned 74, I have returned from another dream; a three month road trip reliving the cities and states I wrote about on our trip. I packed my hot yellow mustang with books, clothes, sports equipment, shoes, blankets, an array of hats. There was absolutely no room for a passenger and I drove nine thousand miles My very first book talk and signing was in St. Augustine, Florida. The town people were waiting for me as the book store put a write-up about me in the local paper. From there I travelled up the coast speaking and signing books at Barnes and Noble, Borders and other independent stores. I slept in a different hotel every two nights and financed the rooms by renting out my own apartment. I had a blast. Each day I would wake up and drive to a new place all the way up to Stowe, Vt. I took a one and half months break taking a room in Sag harbor, N. Y. I fell into a mecca of authors. I used to go to the Hamptons to play with young men, but this time I went with a built in playmate; my book. I met countless writer movie stars, took photos, and had my arms put around me by Alex Baldwin, met barbara Walters, Julie Andrews, Candice Bushnell the author of Sex and the city, went to parties and openings. I was written up in newspapers, appeared on local TV and radio. My last stop three months later was in Tampa at my nephews big birthday bash. There again, my friends asked, “how could you go alone?” Won’t you be lonely and fearful in strange places?”

So now, you can open your closed eyes that I asked you to close a few moments ago..... Have you opened them to something new? Take little baby steps, one hour at a
time and make the good and necessary changes in your life that you never thought possible.

My motto is 50 is fab. 60 is sensation and 70 sizzles.

Carol Sue Gershman

Our dormant talents that lie within

Here is what I have learned from writing that I would like to pass on to you. We all have dormant
talents that lie inside of us. Can you imagine what you might have inside
of you that has not yet surfaced? I say this because if I can write a 325-page
book—which hopefully has kept you entertained if you have read it, —can you imagine the
endless possibilities in all of us? I do not doubt that we need something to
inspire us or trigger the passion, but maybe there is an easier way as well.

Just take one moment. Please close your eyes and take in a deep breath and
think about something you might have wanted to do at one point of your life,
but now feel it is too late. Keep that thought.

Peggy Lee must have had her own reasons for singing the plaintive tune “Is
that all there is?” but we don’t all have to see life like that. I live agelessly and
passionately and so can you. Many of us think that it is too late to change our
lives or begin something new; especially those women who are forty, fifty, sixty.
Are you now worrying about being “age appropriate”? Maybe you have cut your
hair or lengthened your dress or have stopped wearing sexy clothes with the fear
that you now look silly. Perhaps you have shied away from doing something
you really wanted to do in your life and are saying the words, “If only it were
10 years back.” Some people are truly happy with themselves and their lives,
and I say Bravo because there is nothing better.

However, I am speaking to the women who are letting their lives go by because they think that nothing new lies ahead of them and feel they are getting too old to change it. Their children
are grown; they were their life and they long for grandchildren to come so they
can start all over and feel purposeful again. They follow their husbands or if not
married worry about finding another mate to fulfill them. They do not think
there is anything ahead that they can do to change or excite them.

I say there is. Lots, but you need the spirit in you to come out and to make
new things happen.

Carol sue Gershman
MORE LATER ON THIS TOPIC

New York City. I have arrived!

Do you enjoy New York?
It is a action packed city and presently the city is packed. Truly I have never seen anything like it. You can hardly walk on the street.
I moved back to my apartment on the upper west side after having driven from Florida. I think what I enjoy the most in life is car travel going from one place to another with all of my possessions with me. It is quite entertaining but more about that later.

The city is bursting with pride and now some of the streets in the Times Square area are for pedestrians only. We can now sit at little tables sipping coffee at what was once a busy transit street. It is so cool. I think I might have seen it in Europe or maybe South Beach on New Years eve. But never New York. A lovely change.

Ido not have much luck in my apartment. Do you remember the smoker in Miami? Well now I have a sax guy who practices his instrument right above me. This is crazy. I do not like noise or smoke under any circumstances; yet the Lord seems to send that to me.

What will NYC bring to me after all of these years? Will it send me back to Miami or will it allow me to find a good life here; maybe a new man, new friends, new book talks. It is a incredible city, and as I said, packed with people excitement and goodness..
But surely lacking that balmy Miami Breeze that feels oh so good.

Come and visit and most of all hav a Beautiful Thanksgiving day.
Carol Sue Gershman

All about you. The working Woman Part 3

So you are the one who deserves the real applause. Imagine, you have awakened the kids, cooked breakfast, tried to do a little straightening in the house or at least scheduled the plumber, you had to get yourself dressed, say goodbye to your husband, who was racing out of the house and also needed some help, and maybe even had to run a car pool. Oh my goodness!

Now with two hours already packed in with chores you are finally on your way to work. Not only did you have a job this morning in your home, a job with your kids, but now you have to go to a money paying job with all of the pressures that will be put upon you today.

Don't let me sound as if this is terrible, it is not, it is admirable. Women are able to accomplish so many things and all at the same time.

It is a marvel that we keep it all together. And then there is the job of keeping your husband and your relationship rewarding and fulfilling. With some hope you have a good working relationship where you are sharing and discovering newness each day, at least each week. I had to laugh today at Sarah Palin on Oprah, when our brilliant Oprah asked here how she thought she would take care of five kids, run her life and run the country had she been elected. Well Sarah, did not think it was any big deal, as a matter of fact, I don't think Sarah even thought about it. She would figure it out as she went along. She responded there are tons of aunts and uncles and cousins in Alaska, we all would have helped one another. Well maybe so, but the White House is in Washington Sarah, and most of us have a job running our lives and kids never mind running the U. S.

So with all of the pressures upon you, the most important thing is to keep yourself looking good. Vanity is wonderful! Never thing that it is not. Please do not get fat (over weight) it deprives you of the energy you need. Please exercise, if you don't that too will lower your energy level. But with the right diet, exercise and right hair style accomplishment just comes.
Keep up the good work! (and I mean work)

Carol Sue Gershman

Stay at home housewife... It is all about you Series 2

It is early morning; you are frantic waking up the kids, running to the kitchen to start breakfast, yelling or calling out their names because they are late coming to the breakfast table, the kids are already arguing, you husband is rushing and sprouting orders, your dog is yelping. Finally the House empties and there you are alone. Ahhh!

You are now facing a sink full and table full of dirty dishes, bedrooms that have to be cleaned, is it laundry day? Is it a more through cleaning day? How much do you have to accomplish in the next seven hours until the kids come home again to mess up all of your hard work? Take in a deep breath; it is all about you now.

Maybe times have changed but that is what it was like for me as a housewife.
Here is what to do.

Clear the table and get rid of the dirty dishes
Then, take a shower and fix you up.
Pretend you are a housekeeper coming in for the day. they have to arrive neat and clean, so that is what you need to do.
Make yourself look like you are ready to go out, put on makeup, fix your hair and dress comfortably with yes, a sexy top.
You will immediately have a different attitude when you pick up the dust mop
Between phone calls and watching your favorite shows , music is preferred, do some stretching.

Actually house work is good for us, think about how many times you have squatted, lifted, twisted, swung your arms with a vaccume?

The house is neat now, so perhaps you will run some errands. Wow, look how good you look, ready to go out!

Think too of what you might be creating if you were not a housewife.. Remember those thoughts, in fact write them down. They are your dreams for a bit later on.

Tomorrow, the working housewife in "It is all about you"
carol sue gershman

It is all about you Post 1

How are you today and what are you doing to fill your day?
Most likely you are going off to work or staying home with the kids or sleeping. Here it is 7:17 a. m.
If you are going off to work, I hope you look your best. I never had the luxury of dressing for work as for me my work usually was done from home. But the few times that I did, I remember feeling empowered and important. It was nice to dress in a sophisticated style and put on high heels early in the morning. Is that how you look? However you dress, looking good makes us feel better. It lifts our spirit. Compliments feel good. There was a point in my life that compliments annoyed me as strange as that might seem. I did not like the fuss and felt embarrassed. Then one day I looked the other person in the eye and said thank you. Enjoy your compliments, and the person who is giving you one, and by all means give them back cause it could change an entire day for someone. I know it had that effect on me.
So today's all about you is the take a better look in the mirror and refresh yourself with shiny hair and a smile. Off you go!
carol sue gershman

New York City. Here I come

I am a New Yorker, although for 15 years I have been a Miami an.
Not such a bad life style, but now it is time to move back. Lucky for me I kept my apt. in NYC. It has been rented out all of these years with periodic visits from me.
New Yorkers have the right idea. They live in NYC and in summer go back and forth to the Hamptons.
Snow Birders have the right idea. The live 6 moths in the north and 6 months in the nice warmth.
I have never had that kind of luxury because wherever I go, I must rent my apt. to pay for the one I am going to next.
I can never come back early-on cause I do not have a home. It is rented.
Going back and forth to the Hamptons is not possible for me; it must be one or the other. My lifestyle is dependent on tenants.
Years ago I would travel to, let us say Europe and come back richer than if I had stayed in New York. Our dollar was worth so much more elsewhere.
But now it is pay back time because it will cost me more to live in NYC than Miami, but you know, it is all about the Jewish Lady, the black man and the road trip. I need to be in ny to promote it; it has just turned out that way, so I will spend my winter in NYC.
I will miss your ocean breeze Miami; people love the surf, I love the breeze. When I walk out into that balmy warm breeze, I always say. Ahhh this is too too wonderful.
I like the snow too and hope it snows lots this winter.
Anyway see you in NYC.
Carol Sue Gershman

Halloween 09

Halloween Miami Beach, Florida

Always the biggest parade of fun on Lincoln Road.

And this Halloween my friend Lynnia and I were given tickets to see the Color Purple by dear friend Cheryl who would be out of town.

I was eagerly looking forward to it; Lynnia has a great spirit who loves to dress and together we would kill, joining the yearly lavish fun Halloween parade on LIncoln Road after the show. My outfit was wild. Long gold loose pants, a fringed shawl given to me by my friend Clara and over that I wore a red velvet and gold trimmed cape topped off with a straw and gold sequined top hat. Fun was ahead. I will tell you the secret of my cape; you know how they wrap material around a bark of a Xmas tree, well I turned it into a cape.

Cinderella took the bus and heads turned at the bus stop looking at me, but it was surely the easiest way to get there.

Lynnia arrived decked out in a harem costume and by the way out of the thousands in the audience only 5 dressed for Halloween. Are we five that out of the norm? I guess we are! I noticed she did not look as well as she usually does.

The curtain went up and the colorful purple show began. They were doing a great job on stage when Lynnia let out her first sneeze. I knew it was the kind of sneeze with more to come. Now we all know about the flu and protecting ourselves. And me? I am laughed at in my family when anyone shows any signs of a cold, I run and say, “don’t come near me!” Then she stared to sniff, so I turned and asked her, the question of the night. “Are you sick?” “Yes, she said, I just don’t feel well.” Oh my goodness, she actually is sick.

How would I get through the rest of the evening with a person who is coming down with a cold while I am trying to be compassionate towards her? First I moved as far to the end of my seat away from her as I could and when she spoke I covered up my nose and mouth with my red velvet cape. All I could think about was that I was already incubating. The curtain came down and with that she said, “I don’t feel well and want to go home, do you mind, she thinking that our fun night together was ruined and I would be upset. “Oh no, I don’t mind, go home and take care of yourself.” And let me breath please. So the Harem Queen departed. Relieved, sat and watched the second act and here is my review. I loved the movie and watched it many times, it broke my heart and filled me with emotion, the cast so brilliant. I do not understand why they would turn that story into a musical loosing the heartbreak of the book and film. But the characters did what they were told and all did a great job.

All the time I wished I was on Lincoln Road parading around on my own stage.

It finally happily ended and I scooted up the aisle. I would take the bus again to Lincoln Road and avoid the hassle. Walking up the still empty street I ran into my neighbor Rosalie and her husband. We exchanged greetings and she asked if I would like a ride. I was thinking if it would be just as easy for me to go by bus when suddenly I felt something loose on my foot; my gold sandal shoe had just broken. There I was without a right shoe limping; no way to keep it on when I said, “Yes, please I would love a ride,” I removed my shoes now walking completely barefoot. Who cares if I am barefoot, just let me get to Lincoln Road hoping that Rosalie would move swiftly.

It took no time at all to get the car and then the traffic came, the traffic, the traffic. Unimaginable bumper to bumper crawling at a no speed traffic as I quietly sat in the back seat. What if I had been on a bus after having waited for one to come? What is more, I know Lynnia would have only considered a cab to Lincoln, the meter ticking away at hundreds of dollars at this very moment. I sat back happily.

Rosalie was driving only caring about my bare feet. Our shoe sizes did not match and while I was insisting I did not care if I walked bare footed, I just wanted to get to the party scene, she was insisting that she would have to find me a pair of shoes in her closet to fit. She thought about her flip flops; she would run upstairs and get them for me; and so she did along with a plastic bag for the broken shoes. Now this is one fine lady.

I took off on foot, now glad to have the shoes; it was nearing midnight and I could hardly wait to get to the place I REALLY wanted to be on Halloween.

It is hard to describe a true nightmare. There were thousands and thousands of people shoved together in frightening masks and sweaty costumes, pushing together, and only moving just a few steps at a time. Lynnia’s cold? Nothing could compare to being locked in to the masses of people with no outlet coming in either direction. Surely, I would not have survived in bare feet. This went on for blocks, thinking that the next block would have to be better but it only got worse; I never saw anything like it. People actually having fun pushing each other drinking, cursing and sweating more. Have I lost my spirit? Is this what I loved so much for years and years or were there simply the triple amount of people who usually come out or just more sweat?

Somehow, I made my way to Ghiardelli ice cream parlor. I needed a reward. Strawberry ice cream with whipped cream, wonderful as I sat matching the ice cream with my frozen face; the outfit I was wearing now feeling heavy and uncomfortable loosing all of its glamour especially in flip flops. I sneaked down a side street and made my way to the bus home. As I got to the bus stop, it pulled away. Another one came, a mom with her kids giving them hand sanitizer and wipes sat next to me.

Peace and quiet my room finally; throwing my worn out attire on the floor getting into my wonderful bed. Oh Lynnia, I do hope you feel better today and thank you Cheryl for the tickets. Next year I will go to a retreat.

Interview with Carol Sue Gershman

Interview with Carol Sue Gershman, author of The Jewish Lady, The Black Man, and the Road Trip


Where are you from?
Bayonne, New Jersey

When and why did you begin writing?
I began my writing career at age 71. My lover walked out on me and my passion and goal was to get him back.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I finished writing the book.Ssometimes I still wonder how I did it . Am I really a writer?

What inspired you to write your first book?
I took all of my negative energy and pain and put it into writing. It was passion and pain that drove me each day and night for nine months.

Do you have a specific writing style?
I tell the truth in a narrative style.My imagination does not take me to the unknown. Therefore, true stories are my style.

How did you come up with the title?
I am a Jewish Lady, He is a Black Man and we took a road trip. It seemed to be a simple title that turned out to be provacative.

Is there a message in your memoir that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, the reader can live agelessly and passionately if they do not pay any attention to how old they are. Life goes way way on after 50 after 60 and after 70 and during those years you can go back and do the things you forgot to do or were not able to do back then. We can re-live our lives in one lifetime.

How much of the book is realistic?
EVERY SINGLE WORD IS THE TRUTH

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
They are my thoughts and my adventures and my events.

What books have most influenced your life most?
Well I guess the Amboy Dukes , Gone with the Wind and any story that was hard to put down. So few books are real page turners.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
True crime; and memoirs.

What book are you reading now?
Actually a novel, South of Broad by Pat Conroy.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Yes all writers now grasp my interest as I know what they have been through.T

What are your current projects?
I am all about promoting my book.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Certainly my Dade class teacher who let me be free and supported me all of the way.

Do you see writing as a career?
YES. It is all about writing now.

What do you think makes a good story?
If I turn the pages quickly, it is a good story. I feel the same way about a movie. If I do not look at my watch, I have been entertained.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes, how much undiscovered talents we all have inside of us. Who would believe that I became a first time author at age 71?

A Birthday poem from my friend

Carol Sue

The Hip Jewish Lady has written a book
It's quite an adventure, so do have a look.
She isn't the typical gal you'd expect...
She's gorgeous and gutsy and loves to reflect.
She started out married, a mother and wife...
Then later decided to start a new life.
She granted her New self the right to explore,
And oh how her passions keep begging for more.
To know Carol Sue is to love and admire,
A woman quite fearless, her feet to the fire.
With no risk there's no gain; so Do follow your heart...
That's one of the lessons she seems to impart.
I could write a whole book on Dear Carol, so Hip...
The Jewish Gal, Black Guy and Oh what a Trip!

Happy Birthday to a warm and wonderful friend!
Sharon Daniels

Im my Youth

In My Youth
A look back at youth gone by
Home About

Interview with Carol Sue Gershman, author of “The Jewish Lady, The Black Man, and The Road Trip”
October 12, 2009amateurdelivreLeave a comment
What was the one possession you had that you were miserable without?
Roller skates or can I call my dog a possession. My dog Dusky would have been it.

What cartoon did you love to watch?
I did not have TV back then and never enjoyed reading cartoons either. The only one I did like was Blondie!

What do you miss most about being a kid?
My little private shady patch covered with trees in my back yard. P. S I am more of a kid now then back then when I was trying so hard to grow up.

What was your least favorite age? Why?
Teen age years. I was way over weight..

What did you always want to be able to do, but were too young?Drive a car.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
GET MARRIED.I had no other ambitions.

Did you have any pets? YES If so, what did you have?
DOG named Dusky who passed away with a ton of stories I told to her..

Do you have siblings?
Yes!
Did they influence who you are today?
Not back then. I was the oldest and paid not much attention to them which was my loss as they are both great people.

What was your favorite class in school?
Spelling.. I enjoyed grammar school, but not much afterwards as far as school is concerned, until I entered my memoir writing class 3 years ago.

Who was your hero and why?
Gregory Peck in Duel in the sun. I thought he was strong and sexy at 11 years old. He was a bad boy and I fell in love with him. When I met the man of my life at 14, I knew I had met the Gregory Peck of my life. The bad boy in him was that I had to do the chasing as he never seemed much to care.

What games did you enjoy playing in your spare time?
Cards, hop scotch…

Would you still play them today?
Sure I would.

Did you have a curfew?
11:00 P. M.

What was it, and did you break it?
NO I DID NOT .. I still keep it most of the time.

What was your parents punishment of choice?
I could not go out.

What is your favorite memory?
Around the kitchen table sitting with family even though the conversation was about them with little focus on us kids.

What do you wish you could have changed about your childhood (if anything)?
That my mom stayed home, rather than working, so I could have spent more time with her and that my parents did not argue.

Please send comments

To all of my 7000 readers,
if you leave a comment it will be answered.
I look forward to what ever you have to say with great enthusiasm.
love,
Carol Sue

Love after 50....My own opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2009
Guest: Carol Sue Gershman


I personally have had more love affairs after 50 than ever before. In fact, love started pouring in after 50.

How can I explain this...

As a 14 year old teenager I fell in love with a guy. I knew the moment I saw him that I wanted to marry him, and while I did date, I was more of a lady in waiting for him to come around. Yes, I did win him over and we had many, many happy years together and are dear friends to this day.

However, we ended up separating after all, and I began to date.

I had the opportunity of going back to when I was 19 in spirit, the age that I married and re-living those same years. It was at the time that the younger man, older woman came into focus so I had a slew of potential dates.

I travelled all over the world and met men; in fact I probably enjoyed the company of men in most countries of the world. Please do not get me wrong as I was not promiscuous. I was making up for my teenage years and having experiences.

I had shorter term relationships as I did not want anything close to marriage, but as I grew and got older, my relationships got longer. I can honestly say that fifty is fabulous, sixty in sensational and seventy sizzles all with passion and all by dating. My theory is to keep yourself in good shape, keep yourself healthy and stylish and stay up with the times. If you do that, it makes no difference what so ever how old you are.

I think on line dating is terrific. When I put up a great picture and smile and write something clever I am inundated with responses. I might do that for a month at a time, stopping and later picking it up again. I have met some great guys on the free sites like Craigslist, Google; there is no need to sign up for expensive sites that lock you in.

I imagine it is good to set your goals, rich man, poor man, handsome, charming, etc. but I am an independent woman so good companionship is what I look for. I also have no qualms about sharing expenses with a man. Unless if he is very wealthy, I am sure he is watching his money as well, and I do not take advantage. At this point of life men usually have a ex-wife or kids to think about, so sharing is fine with me.

There is nothing wrong with calling a man, in fact setting it up that way is a blessing. Nobody likes waiting by the phone.

The next time you are attracted to a man ask him for his card immediately!. How often have I made that mistake and sometimes the opportunity passes...

Love after 50 or 60 is more passionate than back then. And with the right partner it can be a lot more fun. We know the tricks.
Carol Sue Gershman

Girl friends.. are they not the best?

I have been blessed with many good friends in my life. When I was in my thirties and forties I had five best girlfriends. I truly loved each of these ladies and they loved me. Each one thought that I was their best friend and to me they were all my best friends. I guess there was one that stood out more than the other and if they should read this, they would automatically say, “That was me.”

At other times in my life, such as my teenage years, I also had a group of wonderful girlfriends These girlfriends were the ones I grew up with and I loved them all and they loved me. I am happy to say that two still remain my close friends but the others moved and we lost touch.

Then there ware the wonderful friends I had raising my kids; we shared our stories about bringing up babies and developed a social life around them. They knew my children and I knew theirs and the bond was strong.

So where are all of these girlfriends now? I must admit that the majority of them have disappeared from my life and two, sadly, are deceased. Perhaps I am the cause of why they are no longer in my life. For example, one turned out to have a difficult life and manipulated me into being there for her during these times but excluding me from good times. It became an unpleasant friendship according to her terms. Another friend was the cheapest woman I ever met. She would not even treat herself to a glass of water and she had lots of money. It became discouraging as she sat in front of me with her mouth watering as I ordered dinner. In the beginning I would treat her, and then I realized I was only playing into her neurosis. She liked sitting with me but refused to order. The friendship broke up when she saw the man I was crazy about with another woman and told me. It devastated me at the time and found it not to be necessary for her to tell me. Another, I loved lots more than she loved me and we had two arguments. In one of the arguments, I called her a bitch and that did not go over well; so she kept me at three arms lengths for the rest of my life. Then there was is my vagabond friend who flits around the world and impossible to reach by telephone or email. She likes to remain distant popping in and out of my life over the years staying at my apt and even when she is there, makes her own plans. I would long to talk to her. Another has a completely different life style than mine and many friends who she shares that life style with; but I do know that she is probably the most sincere of any of my friends and while we do not speak often when we do, history enfolds. My best high school best friend disappeared as soon as we got married. When she came back it was thrilling, but no sooner did we connect, she would disappear again; and the same disappearance happened with my other best high school friend who I have not seen or heard from since high school.

Now I have new friends and at 73 years old which is my age, I am lucky to connect with these terrific ladies. They have come to me in the last two years and each one is divine. One is my last boyfriends prior lady, and the others I met at Mah Jongg. I stopped playing for thirty five years and now we are have come full circle. We have also connected on a different level and have become friends. We all have our individual lives but when we see each other we thoroughly enjoy one another and have fun. They are also wonderfully supportive of me as an author.

So is this the way it is supposed to be? Is it me who has let them go or is it them that have let me go? Is it because we change over the years or is it because I have not been a good friend or accepting of their ways.

I often thought how great it would be to bring all of my old friends together. Maybe we can all get in a circle and play what we used to play in grammar school. I don’t like you because: But even told the truth, at this late date would we change or should I just be grateful for who I was and who they were at the time. Are relationships meant to last?

The Walker

Black, homeless and quietly he walked. Let us call him Harold.

He walked all day and I wondered how that could be possible. But the truth is, he did! He was in supreme physical condition; tall, slim and shirtless with a flat stomach. He walked at a slow and even pace. People stopped their cars to offer him money which he politely took from the passing driver, then he quickly turned and walked on, almost as if he had to get back to his job. He particularly liked walking on the island that I lived where there were bridges and waterways. Sometimes I would see him on the sidewalk of a busy highway. It has been years now that I have followed Harold, intrigued by this homeless man. The Florida heat does not seem to bother him; perhaps he was brought up on one of the tropical islands and enjoys the warmth. He is in better shape than most young men and a stand out amongst homeless men. He might be handsome if he was cleansed and dressed appropriately. He might be anybody's son, husband or lover. Could he be my Pygmalion? What does your new boyfriend do? “Well, he walks.” From experience I know there is nothing more wonderful than walking, letting thoughts come and go while the body becomes invigorated. When I was in my late forties, my boyfriend at the time invited me out for a walk. I kind of laughed, thinking it was a strange kind of date. But Paul, on this wonderfully romantic date held me close as we walked embraced through the small and interesting streets of Key West, Florida. There were many walks to follow all with wonderful memories. Paul gave me a life time gift of walking for pleasure and exercise. I remember telling my girlfriend and she laughed at me. “walking, he took you walking, so what is that,” She did not understand that it was bigger than any gift he could have given to me.

Where did Harold go at night? Where did he sleep? Had he found a special place for himself? Had he made friends with neighbors who invited him to sleep on their property? Did he have any other possessions other than the pants and shoes he wore or the shirt tied around his waist? What was his real name? Did he ever go to school? Did he have a high IQ? Where was he from? This lonely walker with a stench, and I knew he had one, as I was one of the people who gave him money, fascinates me. I need to approach him. I need to find out who he is. I need to find out what has compelled him to live a life of walking. I need to know him and write about him. I need the world to meet him so that we can know his story.

Subject: News from the Hamptons carol gershman
The Jewish Lady, The Black Man and the Road Trip
Issue No. 7 August 09
Dear carol,


A book takes one down un- known paths. Here I am with the Rabbi's from South Hampton Chabad Synagogue about to give a book presentation about living agelessly, living passionately based on my memoir, "The Jewish Lady,The black Man and the Road Trip."
Polo matches in the Hamptons

Always something a little different going on in the Hamptons. First a charity soft ball game for the stars on a lovely afternoon in East Hampton. Next came the Polo Matches; one huge party scene under a tent packed with people drinking and partying. I wonder if anyone so much as looked out at the polo players? Oops, there's two guy taking it in! The crowd arrived in Rolls Royce's, gorgeous convertibles, (me too) and dressed to the nines.
I ran into an old boyfriend from 31 years ago. Wow! have I been single that long?

Lunch at Roger and Daria's Montauk Beach House

My son Roger has the most divine home on the sea; three sides face the Atlantic. We had a wonderful lunch with sizzled salmon from the grill, corn and salad. It was one of those glorious beach days and nobody wanted to leave till late day. Life goes in circles!
Here is what I mean. Roger and Daria are taking the kids to Ca. back to school and the house will be empty for three days. So... I am movin in with a bunch of friends. Remember how we couldn't wait to get rid of the parents so we can party... Now I can't wait till my kids leave their house to me..

FROM MY MEMOIR, PAGE 145
My son Roger chose to live in the farthest point in the Hampton's, Montauk. I had worried how my kids would feel with their mom arriving with a black man with dreadlocks even though I had told them beforehand. But as cool as Xavier is, my kids are brought up to be sophisticated and even cooler. When Xavier got out of the car with his long dreadlocks blowing in the wind, Roger looked and me and said, "Cool dude mom, as he hugged me hello."
Article Headline

Now at the East Hampton Library standing with Anne Jones about to give a presentation. Interestingly enough, the librarys in the Hamptons have huge support and clout. It is the Hamptons mecca for culture with celebrity events going on all summer.
I have met so many celebs this summer. Julie Andrews still lovely to look at, Barbara Walters, never knew she was so tiny, Candice Bushnell, you know Sex and the City, author, then there was Alec Baldwin and numerous other authors and artists.
I know it is trouble but pleeeezze forward this on and..........DO TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO BUY A COPY OF MY SIZZLE...............GIVE IT AS A GIFT; A SIGNED COPY DIRECTLY FROM ME........PLACE ORDER AT
CAROLSUE@ATLANTICBB.NET

Girl friends.. are they not the best?

The minute I heard that my son and his family were going to leave their beach house in Montauk, N. Y. for 3 days, I immediately jumped on the band wagon and asked to take it over. I had a plan. I wanted to invite my girlfriends to come and hang out with me. Why? Because they are great ladies and the added bonus is that they all love to play Mah Jongg. Just like me! My family said sure, take it over! On a moments notice Sarah dropped everything and flew all the way from Colorado, would you believe,? Lynnia threw away her return plane ticket changing the return date. My sister Judy could not wait to pick the girls up in NYC in her Party Artistry Van.

We were excited to see one another as Judy pulled up to Roger's beach house surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all three sides. They went wild about the house; who would not? It is on two glorious levels all facing the sea. Each of us had our own rooms but Lynnia and Sarah preferred giggling and talking all night so decided to share the master suite. I prepared an advanced Thanksgiving dinner, roasting a turkey, yum, sweet potatoes, string beans and relish. I bought the most awesome chocolate cookies, each one the size of a huge piece of cake for dessert. No sooner did we finish dinner, we were at the table playing Mah Jongg.

The next morning Lynnia who dresses to the nines preferred staying in her pj's relaxing, and in her own words said, "This is the most relaxed I have been in 10 years."

Sarah, beautiful woke up early to fix her self up dressed to perfection in her work out clothes, ready for a walk. Sister Judy always adorable was just herself.. Me? who cared? no makeup, hair strangling and dressed in Capri tights and a tee, non disrupt. Later the girls yelled; "Put on makeup you look ten years younger when you put some makeup on." Oh well, who really cares girls? I am still an eye stopper when I get dressed up. No?

The house has a patio with lounges and a built in fire pit; there is an enormous grass area with lounge furniture and umbrellas with at least 80 step leading down to the beautiful beach. But us ladies liked staying indoors, you know perfect air temperature, no sun on our precious protected faces, no chill up our spine, and heaven forbid any form of wind.

We hung out on the coach with the mah jongg table at arms length, set up to play at any given moment. It is a fascinating game as you can think of nothing else while you play. We gambled away at what we consider high enough stakes. We all love to win and cheer ourselves when we do; calling out the amount owed, with our hands out, making sure we are paid on the spot. Next to us we keep little dishes of our winnings and loosings.

We took breaks piling onto the huge couch placed in the middle of the room telling each other life stories. Lynnia talked about the beautiful angels who came to her rescue many times in her life; one climbing Ares rock in Australia, another time on the streets of Singapore. It made for good listening and many questions. Judy talked about her angel who was not an angel, her husband who passed on, and for sure Ira may he rest in peace, always made a good story...Sarah a great listener, asked lots of questions to keep it going and I had already spilled the beans in my memoir, so just took it all in for a change.

In between we ate, me sneaking the cookies at any given chance. At night we transformed ourselves into beauties and went out for dinner. Years ago we would hit the club or music scene. Now we piled into the van, Judy chauffeuring us round town, me shouting out turn here and turn there. We adored our water side table at Gosmans landmark restaurant, eating lobster and having fun and ice reams cones at John's famous for dessert. No sleep until we played rounds of mah jongg into the night. The days went quickly; we bonded and enjoyed each other. On the last morning we waited for the king of the house, Roger, to return. I wanted to show him off to my friends as he is quite cute. In he came looking adorable having flown in on the red eye and immediately went to hang up the drape I had knocked to the floor.

We said our farewells after breakfast; Both Judy and I were caught in bumper to bumper traffic. Judy dropped Lynnia off at the airport, I dropped Sarah off at the Jitney to the airport and I went home to sleep.

We love our girlfriends!

My Mustang and Me

I compare myself to my car. My hot yellow mustang convertible. Sure she is getting older, 5 years now, but she sure does not look or act old.

Me too. I am getting older, 73 now, but I sure don't look or act old.

We may be getting older, but that does not mean we are old!

We enjoy life especially when we are in our element, on the road. She does better than me, never tiring, not even needing oil and water. How could she last 5000 miles without a drink? I must admit I need lots of water and lots of oil especially on my skin and hair and a good shot of cod liver oil never hurt anyone.

My mustangs hot yellow color inspires me to wear a fun hat and look perky; I sure don't want it to have one up on me. Yes, there is a rivalry between us; I would rather hear, hey you look hot, rather than what a hot looking car you have.... Now shut up and drive Mustang, you know sometimes I need the attention.

I love when the top is down and the weather is good. When it is brisk I often ride with the top down and the heat on.
I cannot pull my top down as far as my mustangs for obvious reasons but when I am in the drivers seat, the heat is always on in my life.

The mustang does not care how packed it gets. Right now it is bursting at the seams cause we are on the road. There is not a inch left in the trunk and the back seats are filled as well as the floor. There are no complaints. it still bobs along.
Now take me, when I get packed, what happens? I burst from all ends.

So the tires need rotating, and it gets scratches and scrapes but it always looks pretty.
When I am not being rotated and get scratches and scrapes I feel and look like hell.

Best of all it listens to what ever I have to say and goes exactly where I want it to go. What a partner!

Well we could go on and on and that is exactly what we are going to do. The older we get the better we will get.
Me and my hot yellow mustang.

Carol Sue Gershman

The end of summer "09

So how was yours?

I wonder if anyone who tunes into my blogs writes or wishes they could write or wants to write a book?

I can only say DO IT..

There are no words to describe how a book can change your life.
It opens up avenues because so much goes into the writing and even more than writing the after writing process. The layout, fonts, publishing if you do it yourself and then, the 'oh my god promoting'. None of this is easy but I can assure you rewarding.

Take myself, what dd I know about writing? Nothing! Outside of my 2 semester Monday evenings at Dade
County schools, I never studied writing in high school; was there such a course? or college.
Somehow within nine months I wrote 325 pages. I had to go through editing and re-editing and re- editing and then re- editing but I wrote a good book and told a good story.

Then I had to talk about it, right? What did I know about standing up in front of any audience? Nothing. I was scared to death. and boring. I bored myself and the audience. Why? Because I was focused on me and not them. I was worried about what they were thinking of me and I was over the top insecure. So I went to Toast masters. What did I know about Toastmasters? Nothing, I can assure you. Well thanks to my daughter Leslie who is a member, I enrolled and learned what a brilliant organization it is. In a short time I learned to speak in front of an audience marveling at the members who could do it so well. And now, give me an audience and I will engage them..Who would believe?

Then I had to sell books. what did I know about selling books? Nothing, I can assure you. So I hit the road, me at seventy three putting forty five hundred miles on my Mustang, sleeping in motels, driving, driving, and promoting and inspiring on a one to one basis at Barnes and Noble, Borders, independents all up the east coast.

There is so much more to come. My book is my friend and right now my purpose in life. After almost one year of promoting I know I am just at the beginning.
Do see my video by clicking link above top.
If you need inspiration or would like to ask a question, please comment.

Carol Sue Gershman

PRESS RELEASE.WHO NEEDS AN AGENT OR A PUBLISHER

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: carol sue gershman
tel: 305-672-4264
e mail: carolsue@atlanticbb.net
web site: www.jewishladyblackman.com
Who needs an agent or a publisher?
73 year old first time author self promotes Memoirs to roaring success

August 18, 2009 Carol Sue Gershman decided not to wait around to find a publisher or agent . She self published her memoir and hit the road. Through her own efforts and putting 4500 miles on her hot yellow mustang convertible, she has signed in more than 25 locations.

When she decided to reenact the places she wrote about in her memoir; road-tripping along the same route, she spontaneously called the Barnes and Nobles, Borders and independent book stores along the way and interested them in her story. Much to her surprise she got bookings. “I had a story to tell, and at my age, I wasn’t’ going to wait around to see if any professional agent agreed with me. I picked up the phone, and booked myself. I have always been a believer in following ones dreams and not taking no for an answer.”

The highlight was Washington, D. C. Omar Berry, store manager of Borders placed a banner covering an entire window of her in the heart of downtown Washington. “Now that was a thrill,” she said.

Now taking a break and residing in Sag Harbor, N. Y., she gives formal book talks. She tells her audience that they can live agelessly and passionately too. She says by discovering what your passion is and by paying no attention to how old you are, you can follow your dreams at any age. Keep yourself in good health and follow your spirit! You would be surprised she said, at how much you have inside of you that needs to be discovered.
.
There is so much more to come she says a new world where good things happen every day.“Just think, if I had waited for an agent or publisher none of this would have happened. I might still be waiting to be chosen, and if my book was published, it would have taken another one or two years to hit the shelf.”

Would she turn down a publishers offer? Not sure she said, you know those contracts.
There is a new self publishing world out there. When I run out of states, I might consider driving around Europe and Australia? Why not?

Great photos from Book Signing.

Book Signings in the Hamptons

There is no question that writing a book opens doors in new directions! Promoting the book is what it is all about! Now solely promoting, and with more than 4000 new miles on my yellow mustang here I am in the Hampton's and part of a new world.
Book signing event in East Hampton
Exciting day for 120 authors in East Hampton, me with Alec Baldwin, Barbara Walters and other celebs signing our books. An attendance of perhaps 500 people graced the lawn under the huge white tent. Wine, brie, sushi, shrimp were served as people strolled to the author's tables buying books. There were wonderful after parties hosted in private spectacular homes like Diane and Allan Lieberman hosting Candice Bushnell. That was the one I attended!
Life is great for me in Sag Harbor, where I have taken up residence for awhile. How I love the Hamptons!

FROM MY MEMOIR; PAGE 138
'The top was down and we were on our way to Montauk to visit my son Roger and his gorgeous family. I had particularly loved the Hampton's which was filled with sublime memories. As soon as I would leave the city a feeling of peace and happiness came over me.'

Book signing Party in Quogue
Last week I was the honored guest at the charming and delightful home of Marjorie and Ken Cohen, after my book presentation at library. The large table was filled with wonderful foods and oh, those cookies! (Might add that this weeks honored guest is Michael J. Fox.) The room was filled with people who came to hear me speak and to support their exquisite library. It was a special day for me as my son and family, Roger and Daria, Alex, sister Judy, and niece and nephew Tracy and Marty graced me with their presence..................FROM MY MEMOIR, PAGE 139

'"I took Xavier on a quick tour of South Hampton showing him the magnificent mansions, one after another on the sea. I showed him the beach that I had loved and through the towns business center finally reaching the Driver's Seat restaurant in the center of town. It was there that I became silent, going back into my thoughts and remembering my incredible love affair with Gerhardt.'

contact me at carolsue@atlanticbb.net to order signed copy


Price: $14.95 includes shipping

Marjorie's Day

One never knows who will be sitting in the audience of a book talk and who will lead you on to other things. In this case it was Marjorie who happened to be passing Books and Books in Miami and saw a sign that said 'Book talk, champagne and cupcakes.''Lets go," she said to her friend.
The next day she went to a local spa and met Lisa, my prior pr agent. They struck up a conversation and my name came up. Marjorie said, 'oh my goodness, I heard Carol Sue speak at Books and Books.' Once thing led to another; Marjorie hired Lisa for an up coming event. Not knowing any of this, I was invited to that party where Lisa introduced me to Marjorie. " I heard you speak and loved it and mentioned she lives in the Hampton's."
Knowing I would be in the Hampton's this summer, she excitedly suggested who I should contact for book talk.
Reporting back to Marjorie that the place was booked, she took it upon herself to call the library and say, 'come on now, I am sure you can find one day for Carol Sue to speak.'
Well, yesterday was the day. It was a excellent event; about fifty people, my son and family, my sister, my niece and nephew all surrounded me as I gave my talk and then I learned that next weeks agenda is Michael J. Fox, standing where I did.
Not only that, Marjorie hosted an after party at her exquisite country chateau for thirty people in my honor. I arrived famished and after expending over the top adrenalin at my signing, I ran to her beautiful table and ate her out of house and home; three bowls of pasta, all of the delicate lacy chocolate cookies and then took three brownies for the road.
Thank you Marjorie, I had a blast, so did my family and I think you and your husband are sensational.

Not much time

Dear friends and bloggers,
Not much time for writing about anything else this summer as I have been on the road as you might know.
It has been extraordinary running from city to state promoting my book; all news to me.
So here I am at 73 with a car filled with books, hats, water aerobic equipment, and just enough room for only me. The plus is I like to drive.
A typical day was to get up in the morning, head for the nearest Starbucks, yes, I am addicted, and hit the road. For instance I started in St. Augustine. I liked sleeping in the comfort inns, the sleep inns because there was no hassle, my car parked right outside of my room, so easy for me to carry in what I needed. After settling as I did in St. Augustine I toured the town seeing things I never did before. There were restaurants and then to my book signing.
Just waiting for people to come, listen to what I had to say and buy my book.
Now how much fun is that? In St. Augustine I was written up in the paper and made some wonderful new friends who shared their life stories.
Writing opens up doors, that is all there is to it.
I will continue to write about my adventures as time goes on.
Is there anything you would most like to hear about? Is hitting the road something you have wanted to do?
Carol Sue Gershman

The Road Trip continues to Stowe, Vt.

Reply: carolsue@atlanticbb.net
THE JEWISH LADY, THE BLACK MAN AND THE ROAD TRIP
Issue No. 5 July 09



The great part of traveling on a road trip is seeing friends and family. Ronnie and Marcia Lipack enchanted me with their visit in
Charlotte, N. C. and now take a look at my grand kids in Stowe, Vt. on this visit.


Excerpt from my book, page 164

Ziggy (3rd from left) knew that we were coming to visit him in camp, but was not sure exactly when. When the director alerted him that Xavier and I had arrived he came running down the path to meet us. We walked to the archery class which was about to begin. He ran over to his friend, pointed to us and delivered the best line of the trip"
"MY GRANDPARENTS ARE HERE"
Eric and Robin's gentleman farm in Stowe, Vermont

Excerpt from my memoir Page 175

Xavier was completely blown away. I had told him nothing prior to our arrival about the estate. He sat on the front porch, throwing his arms out wide, joyfully laughing and shouting out "My dowry, my dowry."


MORE FUN TO COME.... PLEASE STAY TUNED..
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News from Washington DC and Williamsburg, Va

Washington, DC and all of its power. The weather was glorious and to see the monument, Capital, Obama's pad, Arlington Cemetery, Smithsonian, was a thrill. The town was packed with tourists and the energy is vibrating. AND there amongst all of its power, was MY poster on the corner of 14th and L hanging in the window of Borders! Oh yes, there is was....

HERE IS A TASTE OF WASHINGTON, FROM MY BOOK, WHILE VISITING MY COUSIN, FORMER SECT. OF THE NAVY.

'I wanted to bring him flowers but Xavier spotted a watermelon at a market and suggested we bring that instead. I thought it would be different and thirst-quenching in the heat. Xavier put the watermelon on his shoulder, the typical picture white folks have of a black man and this is how I introduced him. I was amused and humiliated at the same time but we all had a good laugh and a year later my cousins and I recalled the funny incident."


BACK TRACKING TO WILLIAMSBURG

I AM SO WIPED!

3 great weeks on the road but now backtracking to Williamsburg, Va. because of schedule, was a wipe out for me! But the early morning tea in the historic village with hardly any tourists and free parking was great.. Then on to my book talk at BN.....FROM MY BOOK:

'We briefly ran in and out of the wonderful historic shops, the cobbler, the p o, the sweet store, the hardware store, as authentic as they were back in time. But neither one us needed to drag out the historical visit; we were on the same wave length. It was hot and we were attached to our car and couldn't wait to get back into it. It was our little cool cocoon of security."

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER AND PLEASE STAY..............TUNED.

From Charlotte, going North

4 JULY 09
Dear carol,


Charlotte, N. C. was not part of our road trip, yet I found myself passing by the city. Much to my delight at the Joseph-Beth Book store, I found quite a large image of my book embracing the store. Their beautiful store goes all out for authors with a table ready and waiting in anticipation of my arrival. Had lunch prior at California Pizza and recommend their pizza with arugula salad on top with shrimp! Really yum yum..

WHY IN GOODNESS NAME DID I PUT A PHOTO OF I HOP.... I WILL TELL YOU.
My mom would love to go and I would say, "Mom, I don't eat that kind of food, (meaning it was not gourmet enough for me) let's go somewhere else." Well, I have now fallen in love with I Hop on this trip. Those omelettes, the service, the efficiency and with all of the madness on Hilton Head , which was my next stop, it was a refuge, cause they know how to run their establishment...
I Hop..... all the way for me from now on. Sorry Mom....

Then it was Fourth of July at Hilton Head, not really one of my very favorite spots. Everything seems so hidden behind trees and bushes; exclusive what? And, oh yes, you know how exciting it is to go for ice cream, especially when it is home made.. Well, the ice cream scoopers of Hilton Head tourcher. Stood in line for at least 10 minutes with only 2 people in front of me. Finally got my ice cream in a wet cone cause the kid just did not know how to hold the cone and scoop the cream , and yup, I got into my car and the top scoop fell off...... Xavier and I felt the same way on our trip, yet it is packed with people who cannot get enough of the island. with people wwho cand had fun selling my books.....

Spent 4th of July in Beaufort, S. C. historical yes, hot yes, fireworks yes, but to me what made Beaufort is : An OLD FASHIONED DRIVE IN MOVIE THEATER WITH POP CORN AND ALL THE WORKS.. I have not seen one of those since I went to one with my husband Norman25 or 30 years ago... What fun to bring back those good old memories even though I had no one to NECK with in the car.

WOW! NEXT STOP WASHINGTON D.C. Time really flying by! Although, I have to do some back tracking after Wa.

Have a great summer AND PLEASE STAY TUNED.

Issue No. 3 July 09
The Jewish Lady, the Black Man and the Road Trip



Charleston, the most charming of the charming! Noticed it looked dryer than last visit, not as many flowering trees and greenery. Sure enough, they have been suffering a drought for many years. The delightful early morning carriage ride through the gracious residential area, taught me that good old George Washington had his own church pew, as did many; that many shop owners lived above their store, and I do remember visiting family as a kid running from their home to their store downstairs. In today's world we have home offices! Right? While photographing, I went back to the Indigo Inn where we stayed (page 98) and an idea popped into my head to show the manager page 98 of my book; WHAT REALLY GOES ON BETWEEN THE SHEETS AT THE INDIGO! Sure enough they had to buy a copy to keep as a fireside book!

A TEASE FROM PAGE 98 FROM MY BOOK

We enjoyed our room in Charleston especially the soft large bed with the messy covers I had disrupted. We made love never able to get enough; with our lips locked, we wanted, as usual, to crawl inside of one another.


Book signing and selling out at Waldens

My hat stood straight up from all the excitement around me!
Charleston was good to me! This nice gentleman bought my book for his mom. hoping she will pass it back on to him! Another stop at The Blue Bicycle book store in Charleston. Must admit I have never had this much fun ever!

A TASTE FROM PAGE 96

Charleston is known for southern cooking. We found a little family-owned storefront restaurant. Sitting next to one another, rarely across, we read the menu together. "Southern fried-chicken and grits. What a treat! Sounds good to me," Xavier said. "Let's get one platter between us," he said, and then we can have two desserts." So what else is new? I thought. As usual, there were no worries about me getting fat. His cheapness drove him, but I didn't care. I had enough to eat; besides there were always more peanuts back in the room. When the food arrived, he proved he was right, sharing an order was a much better idea. The portions were large, with more than enough for both of us and plenty of room for dessert. Sharing our dinners made me realize how much I over eat.

Day 1 and 2 of the Road trip (relived)

Left Ocean Spray Hotel, Miami Beach with a car so jammed packed you could never believe it; that is why I took the photo.
Believe it or not with all of the wonderful B&B's, fancy hotels along my path, I feel most comfortable at a "Choice hotel" like a Sleep Inn..
Why? comfortable, car outside the door, swimming pool outside the door, easier than porters or carrying luggage up the winding charming staircases of a B&B, and suppose I do not like the host and rules he might have?
STOP 1:
St. Augustine, the oldest town in U. S. is ever so charming with its winding streets, museums, restaurants, walk ways, discovering sights I never saw before. No place is ever the same the 2nd time round or for that matter ever! Book Signing a smash at a book store so old that it matched the oldest city. I sat out on the lawn and people strolled by to listen to the story of the Jewish Lady, The Black Man and the Road trip. Such fun talking to people and hearing their stories too.
Everybody has a story..

Here are a few lines from my memoir while visiting St. Augustine

"As we sat side by side in the restaurant that first night, I suddenly burst out into uncontrollable laughter. It might have been anxiety; I felt shy. Maybe I wanted to say I love you, or I am thrilled to be here with you but it was easier to laugh and cover up my uncomfortable feeling of closeness."

STOP 2:
On to Savannah early the next morning to my first Barnes and Noble with a sell out of books! What fun is this! Savannah gorgeous with its river walks and Georgian mansions! Great food and cordial people.
Here are a few lines from my memoir while visiting Savannah.

After dinner at a riverside cafe, we sat at a park bench along the river. It had stopped raining and we enjoyed the peace and beauty in each others arms. We kissed as he held me tight. We needed the closeness knowing that we were getting farther away from home."
The next morning we rode down Martin Luther King Boulevard into the raunchiest part of town, and I wondered why they always chose to put the name M.L.K. in the most run down parts of town.

NEXT STOP CHARLESTON!

HItting the Road

I AM HITTING THE ROAD THIS FRIDAY JUNE 26th ON A TEN CITY BOOK SIGNING TOUR.

The yellow mustang is in the shop getting ready for the big adventure; still hot and sexy! And yup, so am I.

The path of the road trip will be taken, the same one taken four years ago, re-living the cities/states visited, this time with a book in hand.

Who would have believed as Xavier and I "passioned" each day, that a sizzling memoir was in the making?

Talks will be at B&N, Borders and other local stores and radio..I hope to keep you posted with passages from the book from each city, then and now.

Here is the first exert from "The Jewish Lady, The Black Man and the Road Trip." Page 75

'The best thing in life for me is freedom but that beautiful late June morning, I was leaving it all behind. I excitedly picked up Xavier in my hot yellow mustang convertible, the incredible car my son Eric had given me. I could hardly wait to get to Xavier's building. The top was down and as he came through the door, I saw that his bright yellow sneakers and bag matched the car. He was ever so cool with his long grey dreadlocks, wearing jean shorts and a t-shirt that said "Needs Supervision." His legs were a womans dream, shapley with not a mark on them. I was dressed in nothing more than roll up jeans and a hospital shoes as my toe injury still had not healed. The t-shirt I chose to wear that morning read "C I A." He said "come up to my apartment. I want to show you my new piece of art and say goodbye to my cats before we leave.'


Have a wonderful summer and................PLEASE STAY TUNED!

Carol Sue

My book signing tour begins next week

Four years ago the black man and the Jewish Lady (Xavier and Carol Sue) left on their road trip north.
For those of you who have read my book you know that the trip took place from Miami to Montreal. It was me, Carol Sue, who picked up Xavier in my hot yellow mustang convertible that lovely June morning in 05 . We giggled and laughed about what was ahead. We were putting ourselves in a 5x5 space for a five week trip. We had made a pack that if we did not get along he would be dropped off at the next airport. It was an exciting morning for both of us; His tee shirt read "needs supervision" mine read "CIA. " Funny enough it was not planned.
To fast forward, next week I am going on a book tour re-living all of the cities/ states that we visited. I will be speaking at B&N, Borders and other local stores. It was unbeknown to me back then that a book would come out of our trip.
I hope to blog about the trip noting the differences from then to now.
I hope you will check in and see how it goes.
Carol Sue Gershman

What a trip! "VAT A TRIP"

Friends, who live in Switzerland, treated themselves to tickets FOR THE WEEKEND to the Sacred Musical Festival in Morocco.

The trouble was there was no direct flight to Morocco from Zurich that was reasonably priced. They found a flight from Basil, Sw. to London with one trick; they had to get up at 4:00 a. m. and drive an hour plus to catch it. Not so bad.

So off they went driving through the dawn and arrived within plenty of time to catch their 7:00 a. m. flight! They parked the car, dragged their bags to check in and there it was on the screen. Flight delayed until 11:20 a. m. What chance would they have of meeting the flight in London to connect to Morocco? Almost impossible!

Well of course they wanted to scotch the trip and go home except for one thing! Everything was pre paid. So they proceeded in the 4 hour waiting time to make endless calls to get their pre-paid money back. The airline said, "not me, it is the other air line that was late," the hotel in Morocco said "sorry" and of course we know ticket master would not even think of crediting monies, oh not them! There was no chance what so ever of getting their money back. So they decided that they might as well go! Maybe they would actually make the flight, take a chance they said, why go home defeated? So they did!

Yup they missed the flight !

So..there they were in London. It would now cost them an additional $900.00 to continue on. So do you completely loose the $2000.00 already invested or do you spend another $900.00 and fulfill the Sacred Music Festival Concert dream? They could not even use the return portion of the ticket because the airline immediately bounces you if you missed the front portion . A whole new ticket from London had to be bought. "Take the money, they screamed, just take it and get me to Morocco."
Finally, they were on their way arriving at 1:00 A. M. (almost now 22 hours) for what could have been a 21/2 hr. flight from Zurich if they did not try to save money flying from Basil.

They had booked a superb room, but because of late arrival they gave away their $200.00 pre booked room. They were put in a room without any windows or air looking over a courtyard of an enclosed restaurant. They could not breathe or sleep and woke up exhausted. So a fight was in store with the management the next morning until they won their room back and yes, it was a good one. Alah!

The concert was great, but between you and I, they might have slept through it. .
The weekend past, they enjoyed the winding streets of Fez with all of the goodies, and became mesmerized with the carpets of Morocco, and ended up buying one worth thousands, but here in Morocco it only cost $350.00... You guessed it! it simply does not look the way they had imagined in their apartment. In fact it looks terrible!

The day came to go back to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Suddenly someone asked them "What time is it?" When they told them the time, the passerby said, "that is funny someone told me it was an hour later."

Yup. They forgot to go on Morocco time and the flight would be leaving and they would miss it again. They grabbed a cab and went through endless amounts of traffic and chaos, literally running through the airport and with the gate closing they.... MADE IT.
They would have a 6 hour delay in London waiting for their connection so they rented one of the Japanese little sleep a thons where one could rest between flights, good idea except they were closed into a closet the size of a bathroom with once again no windows or air.

Funny enough, anytime I rent a room, one of my questions is,"Does it have a window THAT OPENS" Sometimes I get laughed at but who cares. You would be surprised at how many rooms do not have windows or seal their windows. Me, I need air.

$3.500.00 later, Switzerland never looked so good!

The irony is that there is no help out there. Oh yes, wait till you hear this one. They had flight insurance but they would not pay because it was a weather related delay... Is this all too much?

Looks like Uncle Sam will foot the bill next IRS day. Only in America, Only in America!
Carol Sue Gershman

How sharp is she!

Here is the story....
Girl meets boy on vacation. They have a fling spending the week together. They part, leaving for different states far away from one another. He writes to her saying how much he enjoyed their time and says" Time will tell if our paths will cross. Stay in touch."

SHE IS HORRIFIED AND DISAPPOINTED! AFTER ALL SHE THOUGHT HE WAS CRAZY ABOUT HER AND NOW, STAY IN TOUCH, PATHS CROSSING...
She composes herself and writes this back:

"Do you think that a NY, fun loving, party planning, if there's a will, there's a way, kind of gal who really likes you, could possibly leave our next meeting to "Time will tell, perhaps our paths will cross, who knows when, let's stay in touch?" Well you're no fun at all.
If you want to participate, understanding that perhaps you don't, for various imagined reasons, I'll share with you over the next month or so just where and how WE WILL MEET."

So you see dear friends, this lady took the bull by the horn, dropped her ego, stopped sulking and turned the whole thing around.
Now before I tell you the outcome, how do you think HE responded?
Carol Sue Gershman

Back from the big City

Is there any place like New York City?
Went to book expo America where authors, agents, publishers, speakers meet.
Jacob Javitz Center is huge. I think at least a half mile in width and if you walk through all of the four floors back and forth, well you add it up! Oh my legs have not looked this good!
Is there any place like Miami? arrived back and immediately went into the warming sea, divine temperatures, open windows, convertibles.
I count my blessings to be part of two great ciities...Where do you live? Would you like to tell me something about your city.
How passionate are you about it? How long have you loved it or how long have you been thinking about moving?
Lets begin the conversation.
Carol Sue Gershman

How good she made me feel

Did you ever get a bad haircut that made you feel terrible? Of course you did, who ever escaped one? Well it was my turn today; much my fault as I requested short fringe bangs (like in the 50's)
Well they came out short, so short, that to me I looked idiotic..Bet you can picture what I mean.
A lady in the beauty parlor overheard my cries and popped up and said, "They are cute, you look great, as a matter of fact you look like Gweneth Pal trow.
"Oh really, I said, how nice of you to give me such a compliment."
A total stranger was kind enough to made me feel good about myself. How many times could I have done the same, but simply did not bother.
It is so important to pass on positive thoughts rather than think them. One never knows how down in the dumps the other person might feel.
Carol Sue Gershman
or
Ms Pal trow

The Blouse

The lovely Peruvian lady wore a white crisp peasant blouse. It had embroidery down the front and large puffed sleeves. I said , "oh, how pretty, is it from Peru?' She said, "no, it is European," which still sounded exotic to me.. I said "Oh really, where did you buy it?" Her response:
SEARS
(it is all who wears it)
Carol Sue Gershman

The insecurity in women

A friend, let us call her Jane, went on a cruise and met a delightful man. They ended up holding hands, kissing and then the big bang into one of the bunk beds. yummy. A loving find on the high seas.
Jane came home on a high! What a trip! Imagine booking a trip, expecting to read a ton of books and ending up enchanted by a delightful new man.
Yes, this is how life is supposed to work, yet it takes a special two to connect and make it happen.
Well Jane was hardly unpacked when the e-mail came, he thanking her for a great time and stating it remains to be seen if we ever meet again (they living far apart in the states) and signing, keep in touch. Jane was devastated by his seemingly cold welcome home. She felt that he felt it was simply a shipboard romance and now good-bye to her.
My advice was to pay no attention and to pursue.
So she sent him a flirtatious note planning a rendezvous, when the second bomb shell landed.
One of the other shipmates saw him walking arm in arm with another woman at the last port stop; she for friendship sake sent my Jane an e-mail spelling out how surprised she and her husband were to see her lover with another woman, seeming intimate. After all she said, "I thought you both were a great couple." P. S. The other woman was part" of their table at sea so all knew one another. Jane was heartbroken...How could I have meant so little she thought?
So who was the culprit?
HE?
THE OTHER WOMAN?
OR THE BITCH THAT SPELLED THE BEANS?
JANE WAS DEVASTATED; SHE WOULD NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN NO MATTER!

And then; In response to her flirtatious note, sent prior, came a response from the lover.
Completely delighted to hear from her, and apologizing for his aloof note to her. He stated that he was not expecting Jane to continue with him, thinking it was strictly a adventure for her on the high seas, and apparently wanting to be the one to take the first out.
So you see how egos get in the way of what ones really feels;and why men and women have such a tough time getting it together? When will we ever learn to follow our hearts?
Carol Sue Gershman

The uncomplicated life

There is no question, I have complicated my life; oh too many times to talk about here.
But what I would like to talk about is an uncomplicated life. How to keep things simple and easy and make the simplest task interesting. Here is what I am trying to say.
It was Saturday night and you know how we are programmed, a date, a party, sex, a play, movie, dinner, friends over and the list goes on.
Well here is how I spent last Saturday night.
I had laundry to do and no washing machine in sight at the small hotel I now call home. I learned that the closest Laundromat was about 2 miles away.
So I made plans with me to go on a date to the Laundromat.
I placed my laundry in a bag on wheels, waited for the sun to go down, put on my sneakers and took the two mile hike dragging my laundry along the boardwalk and on to the avenues. The temperature was perfect, a balmy breeze pushing me along. I stopped in a little market for a bottle of ice cold water. Rather than fumbling inside of my bag for change I asked if I could charge the water on the credit card I had around my neck placed in a little case.The teller told me the minimum was five dollars. A good sole overheard the conversation and while I was struggling to look for the change, and without me seeing him do it, he paid for my water. He drove quickly away before I could thank him. How kind he was and how sorry he must have felt for this poor over heated woman with laundry and messed up hair.
I passed sidewalk cafes, people out on Saturday night. I treated myself to a smoothie, each sip delicious. I stopped in little shops and finally arrived at the huge busy Laundromat. People carried in over sized bundles of laundry, doing the same thing I was doing on their Sat. night. Their kids ran wild having to hang out with their parents, and their dirty laundry. My clothes got washed and dried and the time flew by. Ahhh, clean sweet smelling clothes of mine! A great feeling! I had left at six and it was close to nine. I took the free bus back, seniors do not pay in Miami and went back to my simplified hotel room so exhausted that I went straight to sleep. Simple night, a good healthy walk, thirst quenching water, fruit smoothie , clean laundry to wear and a roaring sleep. Life at its best!
Carol Sue Gershman

Do you have a TRUE LIFE STORIE

Do you have a true life story that you would like to tell me about? I would love to hear a few paragraphs.
Please send it to me
carolsue@atlanticbb.net
I will publish it on to my blog

The broken bone family

How can everything happen in a family all at once? Well it did.

Within a month:
My daughter sprained her shoulder
My daughter in law broke her wrist
My son had knee surgery
My ex husband needs back surgery
I broke my elbow

We are lucky! What if all of the above happened to just one of us?
Carol Sue Gershman

Luck....how is yours?

Has my luck run out?
As you know I have gone through surgery on my elbow after a terrible fall by slipping heals out on a Clorox floor. No, I cannot blame Clorox. I can only blame myself for not wiping it up.
So now I am three weeks post surgery and found this uncomfortable bump on my elbow. I have found out today that one of the wires inserted has pushed out, has not held, and in order to fix it I have to go back for another surgery. Is this all too much? Not only that, they can not do the surgery till my arm heals which could be up to six months. And what about if this wire decides to push out from the inside to the outside? Now did you ever hear of anything like this one?
Here I was one healthy exuberant lady ready to venture out on another one year travel adventure but decided to get a spot off of the floor with some Clorox and my entire life has shifted. Will my arm heal properly. Will It ever be what it was or for that matter who I was?
Once I venture into something it usually turns out well, but I must admit this is not too lucky.
Carol Sue Gershman

How I got out of a slump

From my slump dogs, I dressed and went out for a Tasti Delight ice cream with hot fudge on top. Delicious.

The trouble with sweets and or chocolate is that it makes me crave more; After scraping the cup, I simply had to have more fudge. While Tasti Delight fudge is wonderful, Giardelli ice cream shop down the street is the real thing. I hesitated and decided the heck with it, after all I have been suffering so! I went inside refusing the offer of the free candy samples they humbly give out, and rushed to the the back counter asking, "Do you sell hot fudge separately in a cup?" ' " Yes, he said, we do." (I thought I was the only one who dared such a treat)
He said it would be $1.09 with the tax; a cheap thrill I thought; never imagining how many of us crave the same thing. I ordered.

Oh how yum yum could anything be, my own cup of hot fudge!. I practically skipped home, my craving over and no need for anything more from my evening out.
You see from my slump, I dressed with high heels, put on makeup, a cute new hat, had a treat and that is all it took. Simple! Could I really be just that simple?

Once home, my computer also brought me joy. A well wish from a love and a great opportunity to rent a awesome apt. in n. y. c.

Suddenly I loved all of my friends again and grateful to them for listening to how great I felt after being in such a slump.

My mom always told me, "It always gets better" How it happens I do not know but it does.

Carol Sue Gershman (Please see below)