1. Chatting with an old friend from college.
2. Church yard sales - I found a small notebook from Eckerds Pharmacy and it reminded me of when I was a kid and we used to shop at that store.
3. The Sopranos TV show.
4. BIC ballpoint pens.
5. Chilly weather.
Wishing you a great weekend! Happy reading!
1. Baking banana bread for my mom and aunt this morning. They are giving up sugar for lent starting next week, so they want to enjoy some sweet treats until then.
2. Slowly reading Mansfield Park. The print in my paperback copy is tiny - ugh!
3. I wound up with nearly twenty tote bags of books to donate. How do I have twenty tote bags? LOL!
Wishing you all a lovely Thursday! Happy reading!
 |
| (Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
From the award-winning author of Embers of War comes a fast-paced and heartfelt adventure of space piracy, deadly alien artifacts and a race to save what is left of humanity, perfect for fans of James S.A. Corey and Becky Chambers
When archaeologist Ursula Morrow accidentally infects herself with an alien parasite, she fears she may have jeopardised her career. However, her concerns become irrelevant when Earth is destroyed, billions die, and suddenly no one needs archaeologists anymore…
Two years later, she’s plucked from a refugee camp on a backwater world and tasked with retrieving the artefact that infected her, as it just might hold the key to humanity’s survival. With time running short, and the planet housing the weapon now situated in hostile territory, she realises she’s going to have to commit an act of desperate piracy if she’s going to achieve her objective before the enemy’s final onslaught.
“Exceptional world-building and galaxy-wide stakes… enough heart to fuel a supernova.” - Cavan Scott, New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of Star Wars: The High Republic
GARETH L. POWELL is the author of 20+ books, including novels, novellas, short fiction collections, and a non-fiction guide for aspiring authors. He has twice won the British Science Fiction Association Award for Best Novel and has become one of the most shortlisted authors in the award’s 50-year history. He has also been a finalist for the Locus Award (twice), the British Fantasy Award, the Seiun Award, and the Canopus Award. You can find him online at garethlpowell.com and @garethlpowell
my thoughts:
Wow! Science fiction with a blend of humor and horror - what more could I ask for? I absolutely LOVED Future's Edge by Gareth L. Powell! What an awesome book!
We have an archaeologist, aliens, adventure, thrills, and hopefulness jam-packed in this exciting story about humanity's survival. How cool does that sound, right? I know I loved every second I spent with this novel - it was just such a fascinating and fun story to get lost in. Basically we are two years out after the world has ended - meaning that humanity was wiped out, with the exception of a few remaining survivors. These survivors have managed to eke out an existence of sorts on other planets that have become refugee camps. Ursula's boyfriend, Jack, was able to get her to one of these camps, but he didn't go with her. He decided to continue fighting the Cutters. Oh, that's right, I forgot to mention the Cutters - the aliens responsible for attacking Earth and decimating the population. Except, now it seems that the tides may be turning in the humans favor - Jack has come back and he has an idea of a weapon they could use to fight the Cutters and he needs Ursula's help. Say what?! She's just seen him after two years of no contact and now he wants her to go on a dangerous mission with him!?! Well, let the adventure begin! After all, the human population may be tiny, but their hope is unyielding. And, that is all I will share about this thrilling story. You must read it for yourself to find out what happens to Ursula and Jack. Make sure to grab a copy!
And now, I'm off to find more of Gareth L. Powell's books to read.
Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!
I read an article the other day by Martha Beck. She was talking about anxiety and creativity. Her theory is that if you are making something, being creative then anxiety will calm down. This idea appealed to me. Especially since anxiety and depression have been imposing on my life even more than normal. So, I thought to myself, why not use The 100 Day Project as a means to test out this theory. I'll be working on three projects, which I'm hoping will help lure all those intrusive thoughts far, far away. Wish me luck!
I've been using old unfinished journals to journal in lately and really enjoying reading my thoughts from 20 years ago. I figured why not use old unfinished art journals to work in for The 100 Day Project. It's fun to flip through them and see what I created ages ago - definitely inspires me to create more. Plus, it's fun to add new creations into these old art journals. Also, these creations are typically magazine cutouts with paint on them or quotes scribbled on top. I want to collage more, sketch and paint, and just have fun in these old books.
My reading is on fire and I am LOVING it. I was reading so many mystery thrillers lately, that diving into Mansfield Park has been a lot of fun.
Tracker! I am really enjoying these new episodes so much. I'm rewatching the first season again with my mom - she's a huge fan of the show, too. I told her that they have renewed for a third season - woo hoo!
Decluttering my books was slow-going at first, but after I let go of the guilt and shame (of buying books I never read, or simply downsizing the collection I'd amassed over the years) it's gotten easier to say goodbye to a lot of my books. Plus, I'm realizing that a lot of these books are ones I have no interest in reading anymore, or again. And it's easy to choose the ones I most definitely want to keep (Murakami, Strout, Wodehouse, Vonnegut, Toews) - I can't help but grab those and automatically put them back onto my bookshelves. LOL! At the end of the day, I guess I really do know what I want.
And now, I'm off to tackle my Monday to-do list. Wishing you a lovely week ahead. Happy reading!
The 100 Day Project starts now! Woo hoo! I'm really excited to participate in this year's challenge. Here are the three projects I will be working on:
1. Read a paperback set of Jane Austen's novels that I recently purchased. I'll be starting with:
2. and 3. I'll be writing and art journaling in my new Louise Carmen notebook cover:
I'll be sharing all about my projects throughout the next 100 days. Wish me luck!
1. Sleep. I haven't slept well in ages because anxiety keeps me up at night. These past few nights I have finally slept straight through the night and it was bliss.
2. Breakfast burritos. My mom makes homemade flour tortillas, which makes the breakfast burritos even more delicious. Yum!
3. The White Lotus. I watched the first episode and I'm already trying to figure out who dies and whodunit. Love this show!
4. Decluttering. It's hard, but so worth it.
5. Dark chocolate covered pecans. Yum!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!
1. I finished my 10th book for this month - WOW! I'm stoked that my reading is back on point. So happy about this! Woo hoo!
2. Therapy. I'm not sure if it's helping me this time round. I feel like I'm stuck and I need to figure out what to do to get out of this rut. Ugh.
3. Louise Carmen Paris. I ordered a notebook cover in green - a vibrant green color. And, I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm thinking of using it for The 100 Day Project. Hmm...
Wishing you all a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!
We're expecting a cold front at the weekend and I'm so excited. The 80 degree weather in winter is getting tiring. Then again what do I expect living in South Florida. LOL!
Tracker! He's back! Colter Shaw! Hurrah! LOVED this episode and can't wait to see more!
I started a new book and finished it in one go:
So, I started a another book:
My reading if finally back on track - hurrah! I've missed gobbling down books.
I also finished rewatching seasons 1 and 2 of The White Lotus, which means I can now watch the 3rd season. Woo hoo! Such a great show!
And now, I'm off to tackle my to-do lists. Wishing you all a terrific week! Happy reading!
1. Galentine's Day lunch.
2. Valentine's Day chocolates.
3. Clara Reads Proust.
4. The White Lotus. I've been rewatching and LOVING it! Can't wait for season 3 - starts on Sunday.
5. Tracker. Starts back up on Sunday! Woo hoo!
Wishing you all a lovely weekend! Happy Valentine's Day!
1. Decluttering books. Why is it so hard to declutter some, but not others? There are two bags sitting by the front door right now chock full of books. These are books that I enjoyed once upon a time, but would not read again, or even read now. So, they were easy to cull from my book collection. And yet, there are piles of books in my office that are harder to go through. It's like, I know I won't ever read it again, but I don't want to get rid of the book. And, I don't even love the book, so I'm not sure why I just can't let go of it. Ugh. It's frustrating and annoying. I know that I don't have to get rid of my books, but I also know that I should, because space is limited and having all of these books means that I have no room for new books. Crikey!
2. Journals. I had packed away my old journals in several storage containers and stuffed them in the back of a closet or three. However, I'm all about freeing up space, so I've taken them out and placed them on a bookshelf. Why have them if I'm just going to hide them away? Plus, I've been filling up old journals the I never completely filled up. And, it's fun to rifle through old art journals, too.
3. Chili dogs. I've been craving them ever since I saw a photo of one at the local DQ. I went to get an ice cream cone - delicious! - and have been thinking about a chili dog ever since. So, I am making chili dogs for lunch and I am so happy about it. LOL!
Wishing you all a great Thursday. Happy reading!
 |
| (Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
A captivating dark gothic fantasy set in the same universe as the award-winning author's All The Murmuring Bones, The Path of Thorns and The Briar Book of the Dead. A tale of vampires, assassins, ancient witches and broken promises.
Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill.
Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she’s free – a rich young heiress with a world of possibilities in front of her. Then, to her horror, Violet learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet’s still-born brother was taken years ago after Hedrek sold him to a man bearing the mark of the mysterious Anchorhold.
Her father’s solicitor and the city’s bishop are insistent she fulfil her duty, but Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her – and it becomes if she wants to enjoy a future free of the interference of either solicitors, bishops or assassins, she’s going to have to clean up the mess her father made.
On her journey, Violet seeks the help of Miren O’Malley in the hidden estate of Blackwater, whose family once produced the purest, strangest silver; Ellie Briar of Silverton, the Briar Witch who guards the gateway to the realm of the Leech Lords; and Asher Todd of Whitebarrow, who did terrible things and found The Three Who Went Beneath.
Ultimately, Violet must go alone. Into the Darklands. To the Anchorhold where it all began. Where it will all end. To do what must be done.
By turns gripping and bewitching, sharp and audacious, this mesmerising story takes you on a journey into the dark heart of Slatter's sinister and compelling fantasy world, where blood is currency and magic is a weapon.
my thoughts:
The Crimson Road by A. G. Slatter is my first foray into her popular Sourdough Universe - people rave about this collection, along with her other books. When it comes to fantasy, Slatter is a defiinite must-read. So, of course I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of this book - how could I not be thrilled, right? It's chock full of magic, Leech Lords, witches, and so much more. What's not to like? Suffice it to say, I dove right in and could not stop reading. The book was just too much fun and way too good to put down for anything. Talk about a delicious read!
Violet Zennor knows how to fight. I mean it. She can defend herself and even kill if her hand is forced. Why? Her dad. He made sure that his daughter was trained to kill. The only thing is, the two don't exactly have the best relationship. So, when he passes away, Violet feels like she is finally free to live her life her own way. Except, that's not going to be the case. Yep, looks like her dad has left her one last mission and it's going to take everything she has within her to win. Yikes!
And that is all I will share about this awesome story. Just know that it is thrilling, exciting, fantastical, and so much fun. You are going to LOVE it to bits! Plus, you'll be inspired to read the rest of the Sourdough Universe collection - I know that I'm excited to read those books. So, make sure to get your hands on a copy of The Crimson Road ASAP - you won't want to miss out on this terrific book!
Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!
Woke up feeling tired. Ugh. I hate when that happens. So, I'm writing down my to-dos in the hopes that I can reset my energy as I sit at my desk.
I didn't watch the Super Bowl, but heard the Eagles won. Also, that they cheered Trump. but booed Taylor Swift. Oh, and that Kendrick Lamar's half-time show was excellent. I'll watch Lamar's performance later.
I finished the Kang book - finally! It took me awhile, because I wanted to savor it. I just really enjoyed her writing - it was so thoughtful and insightful. Definitely a book that will give you lots of food for thought.
I'm rereading The Vampire Diaries books. I'm already on book 3. I wanted something light after the Kang and this is just perfect. Silly and fun. Of course, I keep imagining the actors from the TV series as I read the stories, which is funny since the book's characters are nothing like the characters from the TV show. LOL!
The egg shortage is real. Or at least I knew it was, because of the news. It's just that I finally experienced it in person at my local grocery store. So wild. I guess I'll be chowing down on cereal and oatmeal.
One week until Tracker - finally! I can't wait! I really did miss that show.
Anyhow, wishing you all a lovely week! Happy reading!
1. Decluttering. It feels great to clear out space. My minds feels lighter. I'm loving the after effects of it.
2. Han Kang. Her writing is excellent. I'm really enjoying her work.
3. One planner. Well, technically two. But the main planner is really hitting the spot for me - covering all bases and not overwhelming me. Love it!
4. Nail polish. I used to love painting my nails all sorts of bright colors, but depression put the kibosh on that habit. Fortunately, I am back at it. I'm currently rocking two shades of nude on my fingernails - loving the clean, fresh look. I'm already looking at hot pink for when I paint them again. Plus, it is calming sitting there and painting my nails - keeps me focused for that brief moment. Definitely a good habit to get back into.
5. The White Lotus season 3 will be out this month and I can't wait. I'm excited to see that Walton Goggins will be in it - he was my favorite on Justified. And, I love him as Uncle Baby Billy on The Righteous Gemstones. Such a cool actor!
Wishing you a lovely weekend! Happy reading!
1. The 100 Day Project begins February 23rd - hurrah! Once again, I'm joining in on the fun. The only thing is that I currently have not clue what my project will be. Last year I focused on writing by blogging every day and succeeded. This year I want to do something a bit more arty - use my paint supplies, sketchbooks, art books, etc.. I could just art journal every day - whether that be collaging or painting. I'm not great at either, but that could be the fun of it, right? Let me know if you have any suggestions.
2. Planners. Yes, I'm still talking about planners. Ugh. Mainly because I got swept up in all the planner craziness - buying way too many planners, stressing over the paper quality, trying all sorts of configurations, using different stickers, etc.. And now I am over it. I just want simple. So I went to TJ Max and bought a $7 planner. I am going to use that one planner for all the basics, along with book blogging and my 100 Day project progress. The only other planner I will be using is for finances. I already feel better. I am disappointed that I did get caught up in the planner frenzy and spent way too much money that I didn't have on planners that I did not like - ack! Lessons learned - always go back to basics and keep it simple.
3. Decluttering. I was watching YouTube and they were talking about people buying things, because they think they should have those types of things in their home and life. Kind of like buying something for the life you want to have. It reminded me of my cousin - when I have a pile of books to donate, he chooses which ones he wants - not to read them, but to put on his shelves so he looks well-read. That's like me buying tons of art supplies and art books, because I want to be artistic, but I'm not. I haven't even used my watercolors or read the art books. Ugh. So, they were saying that those are the types of things to declutter, because they are just negative reminders of things we bought but never used. I'm going to apply that idea to my declutter - Is this something I will use right now, or is this something I think I should be using? Like, is this book something I would normally read, or did I buy it because everyone is talking about it? I mentioned that last one, because I sometimes buy the popular read and typically wind up disappointed by it - so I need to stop buying those books.
And now, I'm off to tackle some of my to-dos. Wishing you a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!
Feeling exhausted. Lately, anxiety and depression have been overwhelming me even more so than normal. I'm thinking this means that they are nervous I'm making the right steps to overcome them - finally! The therapist prescribed Zoloft, but I'm too scared to take it. So, it just sits in a drawer. Ugh.
Decluttering journey. I'm about to tackle my books. I was supposed to last week, but I just couldn't handle it. This week I am going to finally start. I already have several piles of books on my desk to go through. My plan is to get rid of the books I've read and will never read again, books I won't ever read, books I was gifted that I would never have chosen, and books that I just don't want on my shelves. Wish me luck!
Books. I finally finished The North Light by Hideo Yokoyama - it took me ages to read it. Mainly because it was so slow-going and I couldn't seem to get enmeshed. And then, I was hooked and could not stop reading. I cried, I laughed, and I loved it. Such a great read! So much food for thought. After Yokoyama I wanted something quick and easy, so I read The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz:
It was definitely a quick and easy read, but way too predictable and could have been edited even more. Oh well, it did the trick, which was cleanse my reading palate for something a bit more hearty. Next up is:
I've just started this book early this morning and already I'm hooked. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Kang's works.
And now, I'm off to cull my books. Wishing you a happy Monday!
