Tag Archives: reading

Dec6

On The Shelf Now

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On The Shelf Now

Today is Saturday and it’s the first gloomy day since I got here in October. I was just outside throwing out some trash and noted the cloudy skies and the cool temperature. Rain is on the way and the forecasted high is only 62 degrees, well below the norm for this time of year. It’s a good day to hibernate indoors.

I watched a movie earlier. And now it’s time to do some reading. I’m in the midst of John Grisham’s new book, The Widow. I enjoy his books and I admire him as a writer. His background as a lawyer and politician enable him to realistically portray courtroom battles as well as the injustice that often rears its ugly head in the legal system.

I grew up watching Perry Mason. That TV series now seems like a fairy tale compared with what goes on today. Grisham presents it much more realistically. You may argue that the times have changed and our society today isn’t what it was back in the 50s and 60s. While that is true, greed and ambition have always been there along with the arrogance that appears to be synonymous with the legal profession.

The Lincoln Lawyer. Matt Haller has his own take on the legal system. He doesn’t sit back and watch injustice repeat itself. He meets it head-on, desperately attempting to fight for change while aiding his clients. He gives loopholes a new meaning, when they’re actually used to defend the innocent instead of protecting the guilty.

And now it’s time to get back to reading The Widow by John Grisham.

Nov15

Today’s Prompt

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Today’s Prompt

I don’t often use a writing prompt. There’s usually so much to write about that I don’t feel the need. But today’s prompt caught my eye.

What book are you reading right now?

I read a lot of books. I belong to a book club in East Wenatchee and read the books online when I can’t be there in person. This past year we’ve read several in the historical fiction genre. And I’ve read a few others on the side.

But right now, and I hope you’re sitting down for this one, I’m reading Virgin River. I see a lot of raised eyebrows and smirks. Quite frankly I’m enjoying the book. While it does follow the main storyline of the Netflix series, there’s a great deal more detail, especially when it comes to the steamy sex scenes with Mel and Jack.

I knew the book existed. Years ago when Linda and I started binge watching the series, I became aware that the series was indeed based on a book. But somehow I’d never gotten around to reading the book, until this month. I wanted a change from historical fiction and I’m a book ahead for book club.

I’m also aware that there is more than just one book. And I plan to check out the others as well.

Much of the Netflix series was filmed up in Canada. I’m not surprised. Movies are often filmed in Canada because it’s cheaper than in the USA.

But I will still take my Cascades over Canada’s Rockies.

Oct3

It’s That Time Of Year Again

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It’s That Time Of Year Again

I never liked fall. Frost came, plants died, leaves fell off trees. And then winter descended. But then I discovered Washington State. Vermont, eat your heart out. The trees here are gorgeous in the fall.

But fall is also a bittersweet kind of season. It means it’s time to pack up and head for Mexico for the winter. Envy me all you want. There’s a lot of preparing and organizing that goes along with this type of lifestyle. And in my case, a lot of procrastination.

Today is Friday. After running around all week I decided to stay in today and get into some of that organizing. But it’s already afternoon, and what have I done all morning? Okay, it was productive to check my newsfeeds, email and what’s app. Also checked other messages and texts. After that I headed for my happy place. Writing.

But I’ve moved on now from my WIP to this blog post. And I’m determined to continue sorting through documents later today. Documents? I have literally pounds of those. Legal documents. Medical history. They all pile up.

Then there’s all the paper I pretty much successfully avoid. Tap my card and no receipt please. I can easily follow that one online, although I’m fascinated by the hoards of people who still want that paper copy. Do they still put them in folders in file cabinets? I wonder.

However I think I’ll continue my procrastination just a little bit longer. Yesterday at book club I got a copy of the new book and I’m determined to read it before I head to Mexico later this month. After that I’ll be looking for books on Libby while I’m gone.

Have a great weekend!

Jul15

July

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July

“Be yourself; everyone else is taken.”

That’s one of my mantras, for both living and writing. So here goes….

So far it’s been a good month. I haven’t had any alerts blaring at me on my phone about wildfires or child abductions. And the month is halfway over.

Of course that doesn’t stop me from reading about wildfires in other areas of the state. And then there are the devastating flash floods and the vicious tornados attacking several states in the south, the Midwest and the east coast.

Aside from the high temperatures, it’s been pretty tranquil around here. Later this week I’ll be in Leavenworth up in the amphitheater enjoying another excellent production of The Sound of Music by Leavenworth Summer Theater. This is always one of the highlights of my summers here. And I’m thankful that it isn’t smokey this year. My stock of I-95s is still tucked away in my closet.

I’m planning on going up to Winthrop in a couple of weeks barring any wildfires. It’s a small town known for its Old West theme, including wooden boardwalks and saloon-style buildings. Quite a contrast to the amphitheater or the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth.

Pangborn Airport is slated to get new runways and will be closed for about a month beginning in September. I sure hope it will reopen by the time I need to fly back to Mexico in October. TSA at Sea-Tac is no fun.

Dead Dog In The Freezer. That’s the title of the piece I’ll be reading at writers group tomorrow.

What has an eye but cannot see? A needle.

Time to end this post. Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day.

Apr13

Sunday April 13, 2025

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Sunday April 13, 2025

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, or Semana Santa as we call it here in Mexico. It actually overlaps this year with the Jewish Passover which began last night. Whatever you are celebrating, I hope it is a blessed time spent with family and friends.

Religion has been on my mind these days. I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction. Kristin Hannah has become one of my favorite authors. I’ve also read books by Kristin Harmel and Georgia Hunter. And I still have several more on my “to read” list. As an aspiring writer of fiction, reading the works of other authors is an important tool for me.

I belong to a book club back in Washington. Thanks to North Central Washington Libraries, I’ve been able to read books on Libby and Hoopla and keep up with the group. Actually, I more listen to them than read them. While I much prefer to hold a book in my hands, I find myself listening to audiobooks. I have more than enough screen time with my writing.

I first became interested in reading as a young child. It began with Golden Books and then moved on to Dick, Jane and Sally books I read at school. My Aunt Anne lived in Regina but she was the one who introduced me to Dr. Suess and The Cat In The Hat. She also encouraged me to read other books, such as Charlotte’s Web and Winnie The Pooh. And when I was older she recommended the series of Agatha Christie books. I became enthralled with Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Decades later when my aunt was in a personal care home struggling with Alzheimer’s, I visited her regularly. Remarkably, our conversation often shifted to books.

Rosamunde Pilcher is another of my favorite authors. I first read The Shell Seekers when I was in Florida visiting my mother. I was recuperating from surgery and reading was a most welcome activity. In the years after that I went on to read all of Pilcher’s books.

When my children were young, I used to take them to programs at the libraries in Winnipeg where I encouraged them to experience the joys of reading. It is amazing to immerse yourself in the many different worlds of other people and to share in their adventures. And I am pleased that my daughter has carried on this tradition with my granddaughter.

What books are on your nightstand?

Sep2

Book Club

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Book Club

I joined a book club this year. The last time I was in a book club was before Covid when I was living in Leavenworth. We used to meet at the library and I enjoyed those afternoons immensely. One of the librarians facilitated the group.

The club I now belong to is called Loose In The Knees. It was formed years ago in Cashmere. Back then meetings were held in members’ homes. The group now meets in East Wenatchee at the Wenatchee Golf Club where we enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a lively discussion.

Belonging to a book club often forces me to read genres I otherwise might not read on my own. I must admit that occasionally it’s difficult to really immerse myself in the story but, as a writer myself, I have come to appreciate and respect different styles and voices of writing.

Last month the book we read was Before We Were Yours and dealt with child trafficking. The book we will discuss this week is The Red Address Book, memoirs of a 96-year-old woman. I will have the opportunity to read two more books with this group before I head back to Mexico for the winter.

When I’m away, I will miss my friends and the discussions. But I still do intend to read the selections. While I won’t be able to hold the book in my hands, there is always the internet and that will have to suffice for now.

Aug16

Libraries Are More Than Books

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Libraries Are More Than Books

I’ve been at the library in Cashmere twice this week; Wednesday was for an adult program and Thursday was for a children’s program.

I’ve never considered myself to be artistic. At school I always opted for music rather than art classes. As an adult I’ve never gone to a sip and paint. But back in 2016 when I first came to Leavenworth, I’ve progressed from adult coloring books to more challenging types of art. I’ve painted with watercolors and acrylics. I’ve played with pastels. And on Wednesday I painted a waterfall scene. And it actually turned out well and it is going to be prominently displayed on a shelf in my room.

On Thursday there was an end of summer party for all the kids signed up in the summer reading program. There were a variety of crafts available ranging from decorating book bags to making chimes with beads. At my table, I helped kids make shiny pinwheels and color designs to personalize a puzzle. I really enjoyed volunteering at this event.

When I was a child, a library was merely a place to take out books. When I had children, there were a handful of programs available. Sadly, the library in Winnipeg where I went to as a child, (also the one my children went to) is now closed, a victim of downloading books on the internet.

But the library in Cashmere is alive and thriving. Plans are underway for an expansion and a move to a new facility. How exciting!

How do you read books? Do you read them online? Do you listen to them while driving? E Books and audio books have become quite popular. Personally, I love the feel of actually holding a book in my hands.

On that note, I’m off to read a book in preparation for our monthly book club meeting.

Jul10

It Finally Rained Last Night

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It Finally Rained Last Night

Finally some relief from the heat and the fire risk. Thunderstorm overnight. Of course now the sun has come out again and the temperature is sure to soar. Summer in Washington.

On the nightstand. Finished reading Too Much And Never Enough and almost finished The Reckoning. Both excellent reads from Mary Trump.

I watch ME TV occasionally. This morning I was watching an old Perry Mason, the days when attorneys defended the innocent and didn’t spend their time finding loopholes to get the guilty off. Quite refreshing. And then there are the old Leave It To Beaver shows. Life was more wholesome and more simple back then.

We went to see The Little Mermaid on the weekend. Very different from the original animated Disney version. But the music is beautiful and the coral reefs and other scenery were also spectacular. Not sure if I’d want my five year old granddaughter to see this one though. For now I think the old animated version might be the way to go.

Last part of my travel reservations is done. Booked the shuttle from Wenatchee to Sea-Tac. Three weeks from today I’ll be on my way.

I’ve been struggling with the perfect tenses on Duolingo. I wish I wasn’t such a grammar freak. Mexicans don’t have good grammar so I don’t know why I work at it so much. Probably because I used to teach English grammar. And I’m afraid even that is lacking now because I’m not in the classroom anymore.

Time to do some writing – editing my novel and working on a piece for my writers group.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Jun19

Countdown

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Countdown

Please tell me another week has not gone by already. I need to start thinking about packing.

Facebook reminded me that on June 17th in 2013 I was having surgery in Winnipeg. Glad it’s now 2022 and I was leading the exercises in fitness training this year instead on June 17th. Even Walmart didn’t annoy me on Friday.

On my commute by bus to Leavenworth to teach SAIL classes on Thursday, I met an activities director of a personal care home. She noticed the shirt I was wearing and asked if I’d consider teaching at their facility. I told her I’d touch base in August when I get back from Canada. I still have more training to do so that I can coach A Matter of Balance.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision myself teaching fitness classes at this stage of the game. Add it to more stories to tell my grandkids.

Writing is going well. Actually it’s going so well that I haven’t found time to catch up on reading books in English, usually a favorite pastime when I come up from Mexico every spring. I do go to the library, but it’s mostly to print out documents.

I’ve also given Duolingo a rest. I received an email the other day telling me how sad Duo is because I haven’t been checking in every day. Poor little owl!

I met a guy the other day who is up here from Florida to be in Leavenworth Summer Theater. So happy to hear that I won’t miss all of them when I’m in Canada. My favorite is still Sound of Music. The surrounding woods and the mountains are the most amazing backdrops.

Que tengas un buenisimo domingo!

May15

Sleep

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Sleep

I did a program the other night on Zoom. The topic was sleep. And I found out I’m doing everything wrong at night before I go to bed. Yet somehow I fall asleep easily and sleep through the night. Okay, the odd time I don’t. But usually sleep comes easily and is restful.

I’m not supposed to color at night. The lighting is supposed to be dim. I need light to color.

Reading is okay if it’s a book and not on a screen. Hmmm, I like to read on my Kindle. That doesn’t work for me.

Technology. Turn off your phone. Let your phone sleep too. I admit I do turn off my ringer. And I do try not to chat.

And now the tablet. I like to unwind playing Candy Crush and Word Connect at night. I don’t find it stimulating enough to prevent me from sleeping. So much for screen time.

The surprising one was to avoid sex. Apparently studies have found that there is too much pressure to perform and that is not considered conducive to getting a good night’s sleep.

Another hint was sitting in a chair to unwind before getting into bed. Bed should be for sleep only. Nope. I prefer to review my day while lying comfortably in bed.

Don’t meditate before going to sleep? Another one I totally disagree with. There’s nothing like doing a full body scan technique to relax at night.

Fresh air. Yes, that one I agree with. I always sleep with a window open. Of course I don’t do winter in a cold climate anymore.

Avoid caffeine and don’t eat a heavy meal prior to bedtime. I’ll go with that although I do indulge in chocolate from time to time.

Noise. Loud is not good. Some people find sound machines soothing. Personally, I love to hear waves lapping as I listen to Pachelbel.

Here’s one of my favorite strategies that wasn’t mentioned on the Zoom program. That one is prayer. If you don’t do that one already, then you really do need to try it. The religion you practice doesn’t matter. God hears it all.

If your sleep pattern goes wild and you feel out of sorts, you should get a referral to a specialist in the field of sleep medicine. Got to love all this new terminology.

Unfortunately far too many people rely on prescription medication or may self-medicate with the variety of available over-the-counter products. Sometimes these may mask physical conditions that are affecting sleep. Of course sleep deprivation itself causes a variety of problems such as depression. In a way, it’s kind of a vicious circle.

In conclusion, there is no generic cure for insomnia. Not everything works for everyone. I have my regimen and I’m sticking to it, whether recommended or not.