Words of Wisdom from My Dad (Connie)

Connie Carter Best was a wonderful man that loved people.  He talked to everyone and always tried to make them feel better.  He was kind and always had a great smile, especially when he was with his grandchildren, or in his small backyard garden. He was never cruel, insensitive, hot tempered, or envious.

When I have decisions to make I always ask myself, what would CC Best do?  I miss him very much, but he did a great job teaching me some basic principles.  He was a wonderful father with an outstanding sense of humor.

If someone tells you that death of a parent gets easier......it is a lie.  The pain and heartache never go away.....and so is life. 

These are the things he always told me:

• Be nice to people.
• Your mother has a great personality, but her relatives are nuts.
• Anyone can marry.
• Your newborn son looks like a Prince.
• Do not be ugly.
• Go to church.
• If you are not nice, "Ole Man Teeters" will get you.
• Get an education before marriage.
• Do not drink socially, or it could end up being a problem.
• When eating at someones house, eat what they serve.
• Try to get along.
• If no one gets upset, then the family event is a success.
• Do not spend so much time on your hair.  You will still look the same.
• Do not take a job that you will not enjoy.
• Pets can relax and sleep comfortably because they trust their owner completely.
• Talk to everyone and make them feel better.
• When feeling bad, don't discuss it with everyone. 
• Always be on time for work.
• Do the best job possible.
• Grow a garden, and eat and share the produce.
• Do not name your son a girl's name i.e. Connie.
• If you name the first two son's, "J" names, do the same for the third.
• Visit friends and family that are in the hospital.
• Share with your neighbor.  Mow their yard or take them something.
• Never stay longer than 24 hours when visiting.
• Never be afraid of hard work.
• Never drive your new car to work
• Keep personal, financial information private.
• Never make up a story.
• Live in the future, and forget the past.
• Don't worry about what gift to give your mother because she always takes it back.
• When the chaplain came to his hospital room, he asked, "How much is this going to cost me?"
• When having a bad day do not let it influence the way you treat your child.
• Never eat chicken.  Do eat lots of vegetables.
• When bothered by work or my mom his favorite expression:  "I want to be left alone".

Eat, pray and shop in Rome | Travel | Dallas-Fort Worth Lifestyles News | Star-Telegram.com

Eat, pray and shop in Rome | Travel | Dallas-Fort Worth Lifestyles News | Star-Telegram.com

Las Vegas and Living the Dream

Las Vegas is an amazing city.  Most librarians hate it, but I love it.  I enjoy a city that never sleeps.  It is the godsend for insomniacs and people that crave excitement.  The ALA  conference that I attended was amazing.  The speakers included Jane Fonda.  I thought she would be of no interest, but found her uplifting and educational.  Ms Fonda looked terrific at 77.  Her hair and body are beautiful.  She is sharp and well informed on the subjects that she addressed.  Most of the speakers including Ms. Fonda took a considerable number of questions from the audience.

Another speaker was Malcolm X's daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz.She told many stories of her childhood and portrayed her father as a kind and passionate human being.  She was also a beautiful woman, well educated and an excellent and charming speaker.

The third woman,  Azar Nadisi is originally from Iran. Azar Nafisi is an Iranian writer and professor of English literature. She has resided in the United States since 1997 and became an American citizen in 2008.Wikipedia She has a bestseller called "Reading Lolita in Tehran".  I have never read the book, but am reading the autographed copy of the book, "Republic of Imagination", she signed for me.  She is an enchanting speaker with an energy about her that leaves you speechless.  I told her I wish I could capture that energy when speaking.  She said the energy came from the audience, and I was spellbound by her every word.  She was speaking of women's rights.  While in Iran she refused to wear the veil.  I have never been quite so affected by such a powerful and successful group of women.

“You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place, I told him, like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again.” 

― Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran

Security kept trying to rush Ms. Nafisi along, but she was not having any of it.  After all, how can you harness the spirit of a woman that has fled Iran and speaks so directly about women's rights.  The conference I had planned on being a bore made an impression that would last for weeks.  

While in Vegas I was a one as I recall from "Sex and the City".  I normally know many other librarians, but not in this case.  I did most everything alone.  I stayed at Caesars where I met a bellman that had worked there 38 years.  He knew many famous celebrities and relayed stories of quirky incidents that happened while they were at the hotel.  He had even helped Frank Sinatra.  He must be good with the ladies as he suggested I take a nap, have a cocktail, and ask for a robe, slippers and more towels.  Even though he seemed harmless, I kept one hand on my hip and the other with the door propped open.  He kept stroking his hair, which was making me incredibly nervous.  He offered his services for later if needed.

It was not long before I noticed I had a spacious bathroom with separate tub, shower, etc.  It was of no concern, but I did notice this bathroom had no door.  I thought about husband, family, roommate and having no privacy or safe area.  Maybe it was a room for a "one".

I am partial to visual/musical  entertainment and found