Somewhere, Fate hands me a silver bowl, loaded with all the nifty things I want to do, but there are only 24 hours to do them. My day–like everyone else’s day–only has 24 hours, so how the HECK am I going to enjoy my bowl of fun and pleasure before it all expires?

According to one of my helpful neighbors, “Forget eating and sleeping, Honey. This is your golden opportunity to shed a few pounds, be the energizer bunny and enjoy your fantastic bowl loaded with stuff from your wish-list.”

Okay, I like writing. Mostly fiction. The kind of stories where there are bodies, a sleuth, a bizarre mystery and ample fuel stops–that’s spelled desserts–pointing the way to a clever solution. Well, I made it into an Anthology, appropriately titled “Murder on the Menu.” AND it’s written by 6 crime-writers who all have creative, devilish minds filled with murder and mayhem. Somehow, I’m included among them. We are collectively the “Second-Act Sleuths.” The 6 short stories will grab your eye-balls and never let go. This is the book you won’t be able to put down unless it’s a dire emergency.

Then, there’s all the other books I want to read, start to read and absolutely don’t want to read. Do you do this? Since I only have limited hours, I can start with one fabulous book–even though I can’t finish it in my allotted time, but I will ’cause it got me hooked. . . .somehow.

Did I mention I like desserts? I can nibble my way through the appetizers and main courses, but desserts crushes my resistance like a tank rolls over a Porche. I’ve always wanted to be beside the baker at my favorite Italian bakery, watching him create the light, buttery almond croissants, the flaky little cream-filled horns, those delectable cannoli and the unforgettable chocolate almond cakes.

There is absolutely nothingthat compares to a slice of moist, dark chocolate almond Torta Caprese or the mouth-watering tray of Cannoli. Nothing imperfect would ever pass through the kitchen door as I would volunteer to be quality-control. However, I would probably starve for a taste, since the baker never makes a mistake, except maybe sometime.

My neighborhood is a bonanza of flowers and blooming trees. Taking a leisurely walk, the magnolias are magnificent, but once they burst into full bloom, it seems their days are numbered. The pink and white Japanese cherry blossoms already lined the boulevards in late Winter/ early Spring. Now, magnolia and cherry blossom petals “snow” on the lawns and sidewalks. That’s a sign that Summer is fast approaching. . . . somewhere.

Besides the magnolia blooms above, there is also the spotted tiger toad plant and the deep pink, hanging clusters of peiris.

Somehow, my favorite store, Good Things, is open and ready for me to peruse its contents. I have fond memories of the treasures I was able to photograph before they were sold to some discerning buyer. . .

This has been a curiously note-worthy experiment of what can-be-done in 24-hours. Has it made you wonder what you would do if given the opportunity? It’s been an impulsive, yet fun moment, with no time to plan. BUT, I discovered I do love to read and enjoy my desserts.

I have an hour left so I’m going to enjoy a cup of caffeine plus a Yonni doughnut or two. Perhaps, a honey lemon cruller or a cinnamon sugar ring or . . .both?

So, somewhere, somehow and sometime—what do you plan for a spontaneous 24 hours? Don’t think. . . . just do. . . . .and ENJOY!