tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36190212268683049952024-03-13T11:19:40.120-07:00livesinprogressHere are the thoughts I can actually remember.ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-2840556453387054122019-02-11T19:54:00.001-08:002019-02-11T19:59:52.782-08:00December and January Book ListI am so very behind on everything blog related. I am doing well meeting goals in other areas of my life, but I failed to get the book list up for December or January. Here are all the great books I ended last year devouring and started the new year reading.<br />
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<u><b>Poetry</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anarcha-Speaks-History-National-Poetry/dp/0807009210/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=anarcha+speaks&qid=1549935105&s=books&sr=1-1-fkmrnull">Anarcha Speaks: A History in Poems</a> by Dominque Christina<br />
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This reimagining of Anarcha, a slave Dr. J Marion Sims operated on, experiences is breathtaking. It is best read slowly as the reader tries to digest the injustice, pain, and inhumanity of being a black woman used for experimental surgery in the 1800s by the man considered the "modern father of gynecology".<br />
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The poetry will stay with you after you turn the last page, and so will the images it recalls.<br />
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<b><u> Fiction</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Then-There-Were-None-ebook/dp/B000FC1RCI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1549506749&sr=8-6&keywords=and+then+there+were+none">And Then There Were None </a>by Agatha Christie<br />
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This is the second Agatha Christie book I have ever read, and it was good. I am not as blown away by her work as everyone else seems to be, but that could be because I'm so late to the game and have heard her mysteries hyped up all my life. The pacing was solid and the story intriguing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-People-Novel-Diana-Evans/dp/1631494813/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1H1N6A7EL9A2Q&keywords=ordinary+people&qid=1549935599&s=books&sprefix=ordinary+people%2Cstripbooks%2C239&sr=1-3">Ordinary People</a> by Diana Evans<br />
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Set in London after the election of Barack Obama, two couples strive to make their relationships work. One couple has children but stay unmarried as they try to balance family life with wanting more. The other is couple are married and living out of the city, neither completely happy with their current situation.<br />
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I read this one in December so am short on details, but I enjoyed it a lot. The dialogue was natural and the story moved naturally, keeping me interested to the end.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-Cruise-Novel-Kate-Christensen/dp/0385536283/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+last+cruise&qid=1549935722&s=books&sr=1-1">The Last Cruise</a> by Kate Christensen<br />
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What happens when an old ship on its last cruise suffers mechanical and mutiny problems during the trip? That's what Christensen sets out to explore while also shining a light on the circumstances surrounding staff members who work on cruise ships. There is an element of mystery, though I didn't view it as a conventional suspense novel.<br />
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The characters are very well developed and it is intriguing enough to see through to the end.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Incendiaries-Novel-R-Kwon/dp/0735213895/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549505735&sr=8-1&keywords=the+incendiaries+by+r.o.+kwon">The Incendiaries</a> by R.O. Kwon</div>
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Will has lost his faith in God. Phoebe is just finding something stirring in her after her mom’s death and her misguided exploits to numb the pain. When Phoebe’s path leads her to a cult, her relationship with Will is strained as he wonders if Phoebe is capable of the acts the group is carrying out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was haunting and a punch to the gut. I enjoyed Kwon’s unique approach to the topics of faith, love, and desperation.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Motherhood-Novel-Sheila-Heti/dp/1627790772/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549505868&sr=8-3&keywords=motherhood">Motherhood</a> by Shelia Heti</div>
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How do we decide to become, or not become, mothers? What does the decision mean? That is what the unnamed narrator struggles with in Motherhood, consulting coins, friends, and dissecting her own past and present to figure out if she wants to become a mother.</div>
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The narrator’s explorations are weighty and thoughtful, and I really enjoyed this book.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Between-Us-Novel/dp/1250130921/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+wife+between+us&qid=1549935965&s=books&sr=1-1">The Wife Between Us</a> by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen<br />
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You won't know what exactly is going on in this novel until the end, but good luck guessing. It is a story of two women and the man they love or loved. I will keep details to a minimum so I don't ruin any of it, but it was a satisfying read.</div>
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<u><b>Nonfiction </b></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/000-Books-Read-Before-Life-Changing/dp/1523504455/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549506407&sr=8-1&keywords=1000+book+to+read+before+you+die">1000 Books to Read Before You Die:Life-Changing List</a> by James Mustich<br />
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I scanned this book and added some titles to my book list for the future, but it would be a great one to own. The variety of the books chosen is astounding, and any avid reader will come back to it over and over for more choices.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Differently-Wired-Raising-Exceptional-Conventional/dp/1523502126">Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World</a> by Deborah Reber<br />
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Reber is the mother of a child who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum, but I honestly think this should be mandatory reading for every parent. Reber explains how being differently wired, whether it's autism, anxiety, or other issues comes with negative connotations and almost no recognition of what these unique individuals bring to life. She gives advice on how to treat children whose brains work differently than what is considered the norm, and her guidance is wonderful.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Design-create-boosts-happiness/dp/1681884151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549506325&sr=8-1&keywords=happy+by+design">Happy by Design: How to Create a Home that Boosts Your Health and Happiness</a> by Victoria Harrison and Debbie Powell</div>
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I am reading a ton of design books right now in the hopes of hitting that sweet spot between simple and cozy. This is a great resource, covering the colors, smells, and textures that help us live our happiest at home. The advice is practical and easy to implement, and I am finding it echoed in many other books I’m reading on this topic.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Weird-Things-Customers-Say-Bookshops/dp/1780334834/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3BCJHT9F0N33C&keywords=weird+things+customers+say+in+bookshops&qid=1549934534&s=books&sprefix=weird+things+customer%2Cstripbooks%2C189&sr=1-1">Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops</a> by Jen Campbell<br />
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This is a hilarious quick-read. Having worked in a library for years, I am not a stranger to meeting the public and fielding questions about books. Campbell does a great job of capturing some of her more memorable encounters while also including experiences of other booksellers. She offers a hilarious, startling, at times scary, look at humans.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Everything-Notes-Anne-Lamott/dp/0525537449/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36RMWAIUQH2RX&keywords=almost+everything+by+anne+lamott&qid=1549934200&s=books&sprefix=almost+everyth%2Cstripbooks%2C210&sr=1-1">Almost Everything: Notes on Hope</a> by Anne Lamott<br />
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I am now one of those readers who squeals like a baby when I read Anne Lamott’s words. I love her. I have always enjoyed her work, but it speaks to me more now than it did years ago. Almost Everything is exactly the book the world needs right now. Lamott shares personal stories of learning to hope even when it seems illogical, and she now has me using my Bob Ross voice when I make a mistake, saying, "Now it's a bird." Lovely.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-We-Make-Beast-Beautiful/dp/0062836781/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549505958&sr=8-1&keywords=first+we+make+the+beast+beautiful">First, we make the beast beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety</a> by Sarah Wilson</div>
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This is a hard one to unpack because I really enjoyed it and also feel like I need to warn readers about a couple of things. Wilson's exploration of her anxiety and bipolar disorder are eye-opening and deserve consideration. She wrote a book that is part research, part personal journey, and uniquely her own. She encourages readers to stop looking at those who suffer from anxiety as less than or defective, and she’s right. Embracing what each of us has to offer is key, and it’s dangerous to live our whole lives trying to be the world’s definition of normal.</div>
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While Wilson does mention not going off medication without doctor’s approval and confesses to taking sleeping pills when needed, she also seems to be a pretty strong advocate for not taking drugs for mental health disorders. I can’t get on board here. Sure, my anxiety helps me see the world in unique ways, and I flourish in certain areas due to what it can sometimes offer. It also left me considering self-harm and plotting my suicide on more than one occasion, and that’s some bullshit I don’t want to do anymore.</div>
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It’s each individual’s choice on how to approach mental health issues, and I approach mine with a nice dose of fluoxetine every morning. I also do yoga, meditate, run, take vitamins, eat whole food, and sleep eight hours a night. However, I can do the latter things because I do the former. The fluoxetine helped build a bridge from where I was to where I wanted to be, and it kept me from jumping off the bridge during the transition.</div>
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This book is definitely worth reading and has beautiful insight. Just please go into it knowing what works for you, and don’t be encouraged to bail on medication because Wilson is content to do without it most days. That’s her choice. Know what works for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Stay-Alive-Matt-Haig/dp/0143128728/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549506280&sr=8-1&keywords=reasons+to+stay+alive+matt+haig">Reasons to Stay Alive</a> by Matt Haig<br />
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Sarah Wilson recommended this one in her book about anxiety, and I grabbed it as soon as I finished her book. I read How to Stop Time and enjoyed it, so it was intriguing to pick up Haig’s non-fiction and hear his voice in those pages.</div>
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This book covers the time period when Haig went through a deep depression. It explores how he coped and how it affected his relationships. It offers short chapters with practical information and is a very honest narrative. Haig was also averse to taking anti-depressants, but he is by no means anti-meds. His anxiety made him paranoid about medication, and he makes that clear without making medicine sound like a bad idea.<br />
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<b><u>Graphic Novel</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hyperbole-Half-Unfortunate-Situations-Mechanisms/dp/147676459X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ID9JB6MFVUBC&keywords=hyperbole+and+a+half&qid=1549934924&s=books&sprefix=hyperbole%2Cstripbooks%2C192&sr=1-1">Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened</a> by Allie Brosh<br />
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Full of laughs while still taking on serious issues like mental illness and if we're all truly shitty human beings, Hyperbole and a Half was a great last read for the year of 2018. The graphic novel format makes it a quick read, and the author's tales of her life are relatable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marbles-Depression-Michelangelo-Graphic-Memoir/dp/1592407323/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=EF0FSRD0PCHA&keywords=marbles+mania%2C+depression%2C+michelangelo%2C+and+me&qid=1549934620&s=books&sprefix=marbles+mania%2Cstripbooks%2C185&sr=1-1-fkmrnull">Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me</a> by Ellen Forney<br />
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Written in graphic novel format, Forney takes readers with her through the years she struggled to regulate her bipolar disease. She speaks honestly of her experiences when manic and the mind-numbing depression that followed. As an artist, she feared taking medication to regulate her bipolar disorder would kill her creativity, but she had to decide what she wanted most out of life when the symptoms of her condition became too much to handle.<br />
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Forney offers readers insight into her struggle to find the right medications, deal with side effects, and afford mental health care in the United States. She shares what her mental health struggles cost her as well as how much she gained. This is a wonderful book.</div>
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ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-65109296829778823182018-12-31T19:32:00.000-08:002018-12-31T19:32:11.959-08:00Most Impactful Books Read In 2018I read over 100 books in 2018, and choosing traditional favorites would be impossible. Friend me on Goodreads to see how I rated each book.<br />
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For this list, I simply chose the books that I can't stop thinking about, the ones that made a difference in how I live my life, the ones that created scenes playing on loop in my brain. They are rich and strong and exactly what books are supposed to be. Since I have fully reviewed them in other posts, I simply tried for a quick snippet of description here.<br />
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<b>Fiction</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Vitamin-Novel-Rachel-Khong/dp/1250109167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546311931&sr=8-1&keywords=goodbye+vitamin+by+rachel+khong">Goodbye, Vitamin </a>by Rachel Khong-A father and daughter learn each other anew in this tender novel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Putney-Novel-Sofka-Zinovieff/dp/0062847570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546311972&sr=8-1&keywords=putney+sofka+zinovieff">Putney</a> by Sofka Zinovieff-A frighteningly accurate look at what grooming looks like and the effect sexual predators have on us all.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Believers-Rebecca-Makkai/dp/0735223521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312027&sr=8-1&keywords=the+great+believers+by+rebecca+makkai">The Great Believers</a> by Rebecca Makkai-A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about the 1980s AIDS crisis and its effect on a group of gay men in Chicago.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mudbound-Hillary-Jordan-ebook/dp/B003I1WY20/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312063&sr=8-2&keywords=mudbound">Mudbound</a> by Hillary Jordan-A shattering tale of racism in the 1940s American South.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Much-Blue-Percival-Everett/dp/1555977820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312161&sr=8-1&keywords=so+much+blue">So Much Blue </a>by Percival Everett-An unfolding tale of marriage, friendship, and betrayal as an artist recalls his past.</div>
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<b>Short Stories</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Think-Ill-Say-Stories/dp/0399592865/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546315904&sr=8-1&keywords=you+think+it+i%27ll+say+it">You Think It, I'll Say It</a> by Curtis Sittenfeld-A collection of short stories dealing with current issues and overflowing with strong, flawed characters.</span><br />
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<b>Essays</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Free-Essays-Zadie-Smith/dp/1594206252/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312274&sr=8-1&keywords=feel+free">Feel Free</a> by Zadie Smith-Smith pours her unlimited talent into essays that cover a variety of topics, including art, death, and current issues.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-Never-Meeting-Real-Life/dp/1101912197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312314&sr=8-1&keywords=we+are+never+meeting+in+real+life+book">We Are Never Meeting In Real Life</a> by Samantha Irby-Get ready to laugh so hard you cry.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Hour-Motherhood-Essays-Swear/dp/0062838741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312349&sr=8-1&keywords=amateur+hour+kimberly+harrington">Amateur Hour: Motherhood in Essays and Swear Words</a> by Kimberly Harrington-Both hilarious and poignant, this book of essays about motherhood is perfection.<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-That-Bad-Dispatches-Culture/dp/0062413511/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546313105&sr=8-1&keywords=not+that+bad+dispatches+from+rape+culture"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-That-Bad-Dispatches-Culture/dp/0062413511/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546313105&sr=8-1&keywords=not+that+bad+dispatches+from+rape+culture">Not That Bad: Dispatches From Rape Culture</a> by various writers and edited by Roxane Gay-A disturbing, honest look at rape culture that should be required reading.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-More-Stories-Learning/dp/039958837X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546313197&sr=8-1&keywords=tell+me+more">Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say</a> by Kelly Corrigan-A collection of wonderful stories about communicating more effectively with those we love.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Look-Alive-Out-There-Essays/dp/0374279845/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312391&sr=8-1&keywords=look+alive+out+there+by+sloane+crosley">Look Alive Out There</a> by Sloane Crosley-Crosley's latest book of essays is her best, both funny and moving.</div>
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<b>Nonfiction</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Takes-Its-Time/dp/0761193774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312977&sr=8-1&keywords=a+book+that+takes+its+time+an+unhurried+adventure+in+creative">A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness</a> by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst-An interactive book full of activities and articles that will teach readers the balance between being and doing.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-Falls-Fast-Understanding-Suicide/dp/0375701478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312595&sr=8-1&keywords=night+falls+fast+understanding+suicide">Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide</a> by Kay Redfield Jamison-A comprehensive exploration of why people commit suicide and what can be done to help those struggling with mental illness.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Braving-Wilderness-quest-belonging-courage/dp/1785041754/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312429&sr=8-1&keywords=braving+the+wilderness">Braving the Wilderness</a> by Brene Brown-Brown flawlessly teaches readers how to stand on their own while still embracing community and honoring others.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Fix-Happier-Healthier-Creative/dp/0393355578/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312827&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nature+fix">The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative</a> by Florence Williams-A masterful, researched book about being in nature for a better life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Fidgety-Skeptics-Happier-How/dp/0399588949/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312908&sr=8-1&keywords=meditation+for+fidgety+skeptics+by+dan+harris">Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics</a> by Dan Harris and Jeffrey Warren-A down-to-earth guide to meditating and why you should.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Am-Seventeen-Brushes-Death-ebook/dp/B071NR513K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312496&sr=8-1&keywords=i+am+i+am+i+am+maggie+o%27farrell">I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death </a>by Maggie O'Farrell-A memoir about the author's brushes with death and how they have affected her life.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hygge-West-Home-Design-Cozy/dp/1452164320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312746&sr=8-1&keywords=hygge+and+west+home+book">Hygge and West Home: Design for a Cozy Life</a> by Christiana Coop and Aimee Lagos-A book that helps readers find their own path to creating a cozy home.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Poetry</b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-They-Come-Us-Poems/dp/052550978X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546312682&sr=8-1&keywords=if+they+come+for+us">If They Come for Us</a> by Fatimah Asghar-Breathtaking in topic and talent, it's a book of poetry to savor.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-82383244509442341072018-12-31T18:51:00.000-08:002018-12-31T18:51:18.630-08:00November Book ListI am so behind on book lists that I am just now posting November's on the last day of 2018. There were some great picks.<br />
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<u><b>Nonfiction</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Small-Animals-Parenthood-Age-Fear/dp/1250089557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309219&sr=8-1&keywords=small+animals+parenthood+in+the+age+of+fear">Small Animals: Parenting in the Age of Fear </a>by Kim Brooks<br />
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I finished this book in about a day because it was hard to put down. After leaving her four-year-old in a well-ventilated car within sight for a few minutes, Kim Brooks found herself under arrest and trapped in a system that believes every thing we do or don't do is a threat to our kids.<br />
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Small Animals is vastly researched while still being personal. It explores the sexism of most neglect claims, the statistical realities of risks to our children, and the consequences of living in a world that teaches us to fear everything all the time. Brooks' straight talk about anxiety will likely resonate with most parents, especially since it shapes our lives more than facts at times. I highly recommend.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Important-Book-Women-Artists/dp/0762463791/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309308&sr=8-1&keywords=a+big+important+art+book+now+with+women">A Big Important Art Book (Now With Women)</a> by Danielle Krysa<br />
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I am still working my way through this one but wanted to include it. It would be a great gift for any art or book lover (I purchased it and I hardly ever purchase books). Current female artists are featured in each section, and assignments are also given to the reader to help him or her explore the creative side of life. It's beautiful, inspiring, and well written.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-American-Read-Americas-Best-Loved/dp/0316417556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546313063&sr=8-1&keywords=the+great+american+read+the+book+of+books">The Great American Read: The Book of Books </a>by PBS<br />
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This was a fun book that I was able to scan instead of go through thoroughly. It lists and summarizes 100 books that are considered great reads for a variety of reasons. I skipped the ones I had already read and instead added more books to my list that I haven't gotten around to yet. I wasn't taken with every recommendation, but it was still a worthwhile read. It's a great reference for any book lover.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hygge-West-Home-Design-Cozy/dp/1452164320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309428&sr=8-1&keywords=hygge+and+west+home">Hygge and West Home: Design for a Cozy Life </a>by Christiana Coop, Aimee Lagos, James Carriere<br />
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The word hygge is in the title, so of course I had to read this one. Hygge and West is written by the owners of the Hygge and West company, something I didn't know existed until I read this book. They interviewed people whose homes have a hygge-like feel to find out what they value when designing a place to live. What I loved is the advice is just like hygge in that it's specific to each person.<br />
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Some people recommended leaving all walls white while others swore by color. Some said a small home where everything is close is best while others said space was essential. Everyone was right because creating a hygge environment is about finding what is cozy and right for the individual.<br />
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The pictures were lovely, and I savored this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/There-Will-Be-Miracles-Here/dp/0735214204/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310697&sr=8-1&keywords=there+will+be+no+miracles+here+a+memoir">There Will Be No Miracles Here</a> by Casey Gerald<br />
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I read this book early in the month, and it took me a while to get through. However, I never lost interest. Gerald's memoir explores his life as a gay black man growing up in the south who finds himself at Yale for college. Gerald explains the allure and trap of playing football, family issues, and adjusting to life at Yale. Finding his way through tragedy helps him see himself clearly, and he is wonderful when giving readers perspective on a variety of issues.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Now-We-Have-Everything-Motherhood/dp/0316393843/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309850&sr=8-1&keywords=and+now+we+have+everything">And Now We Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready</a> by Meaghan O'Connell<br />
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This was one of my first reads of the month, so I remember more how it struck me than the details. It was an honest, hilarious, and shattering view of motherhood when it is thrust upon a woman who wasn't planning it. It details her experiences while pregnant, how her relationship changes, and the struggle of staying yourself while becoming a mother. Very enjoyable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feminasty-Complicated-Surviving-Patriarchy-Drinking/dp/1455571865/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309997&sr=8-1&keywords=feminasty+erin+gibson"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feminasty-Complicated-Surviving-Patriarchy-Drinking/dp/1455571865/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309997&sr=8-1&keywords=feminasty+erin+gibson">Feminasty: The Complicated Woman's Guide to Surviving the Patriarchy Without Drinking Herself to Death</a> by Erin Gibson<br />
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This book was put in my hands by a friend and I fell hard for it. Hilarious, accurate, and well-researched, Erin Gibson explores all the ways females can live in a world that offers us Mike Pence, periods, and a variety of other women-torture devices. D caught me laughing so hard at this one that I had trouble breathing, but I was also deeply disturbed by how stuck we still are in a patriarchal world.<br />
This book is for everyone, so go read it now.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everythings-Trash-But-Its-Okay/dp/0525534148/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310124&sr=8-1&keywords=everything%27s+trash+but+it%27s+okay">Everything's Trash, but It's Okay </a>by Phoebe Robinson<br />
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Phoebe Robinson made me a fan after her first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Touch-My-Hair/dp/0143129201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310201&sr=8-1&keywords=you+can%27t+touch+my+hair+by+phoebe+robinson">You Can't Touch My Hair</a>. She brings research and humor, true stories and knowledge. No subject is off limits, from money to sex to racism, and she uses her comedic abilities to tackle hard topics with perfect results.<br />
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My friend said, "Phoebe is challenging me. I don't want to just say I'm a feminist. I want to be one and do the right thing according to that." It is so hard to write work this funny, so the fact that it has such a strong impact as well is nothing short of a miracle.<br />
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<u><b>Fiction</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Those-Who-Knew-Idra-Novey/dp/0525560432/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310235&sr=8-1&keywords=those+who+knew">Those Who Knew</a> by Idra Novey<br />
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When we know someone has the ability to be violent, what is our responsibility? That is the question at the center of Those Who Knew. The death of a young woman who knew her former lover leaves Lena wondering if she should have made known what he did to her years ago or if it would have made a difference.<br />
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This book was captivating and hard to put down, but the ending felt anticlimactic. The whole book felt like it was building towards something, but I guess I didn't feel as satisfied as I expected when I turned the last page. I felt the same way about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Severance-Novel-Ling-Ma/dp/0374261598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310371&sr=8-1&keywords=severance">Severance</a>, and I would still recommend both books because they were great stories.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Rest-Relaxation-Ottessa-Moshfegh/dp/0525522115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310405&sr=8-1&keywords=my+year+of+rest+and+relaxation">My Year of Rest and Relaxation</a> by Ottessa Moshfegh<br />
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Taking a myriad of pills prescribed by the worst psychiatrist in the world, the narrator of this story decides she needs some time to herself. She has the money to hibernate until she makes it through whatever it is she's experiencing, so she attempts a year of drug-induced rest with frightening results.<br />
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Set in 2000, this book offers a personal story of discovery in the shadows of the last pre-9/11 days. It's a hard book to categorize, but I enjoyed it.<br />
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<b><u>Graphic Novel</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Three-Escapes-Hannah-Arendt-Tyranny/dp/163557188X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546309532&sr=8-1&keywords=the+three+escapes+of+hannah+arendt">The Three Escapes of Hanna Arendt: A Tyranny of Truth</a> by Ken Krimstein</div>
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This is a hard book to review because I loved it and also feel unqualified to explain why because I am so unfamiliar with philosophy. This was my introduction to Hannah Arendt and, in true book overlap style, I have now started running across her name everywhere. </div>
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This graphic novel explores her life in three parts and breaks down her beliefs, their genesis and evolution, for those of us who didn't major in philosophy. I am excited to read books by her and further understand how he she thought. This book does a great job of illustrating her life and all that she offered to the world.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-They-Come-Us-Poems/dp/052550978X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546310498&sr=8-1&keywords=if+they+come+for+us">If They Come for Us</a> by Fatimah Asghar<br />
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Poetry has a way of opening me up and then slaughtering me. Asghar's book is a great example. It's beautifully written, female-focused, and shattering. I sat on the front porch one night and tried to absorb the words, needing every intake of breath just to make it through.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-41578105245848150962018-12-27T18:22:00.001-08:002018-12-27T18:22:20.864-08:00There's a Tree In My Backyard: What Persevering Looked Like in DecemberDecember does whatever the hell it wants, thank you very much. It's such a complicated time of year for me and has been for years. Two of my children entered the world in December. One almost left it during December. This December has brought birthday parties and time with loved ones as well as the death of two friends I went to school with from kindergarten to graduation. They were 39.<br />
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I can't ever tell if December wants to hug me or punch me in the face. Anyone else?<br />
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The tree in our backyard apparently has no idea what to do in December either. After shedding most of its leaves and being named the naked tree, I woke up last week to new buds on the ends of the branches. I went into the backyard and yelled, "NO, NO, NO!" and then remembered I was talking to a tree. Besides, it didn't know better. In Texas the weather is so weird it's hard to tell, are we in a season of blooming or dying? Are we hibernating or clinging to that 60 degree day in hopes of new life?<br />
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I don't know. I may never know.<br />
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This month I persevered in what <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Slow-Simple-Living-Frantic-World/dp/1492665541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1545963543&sr=1-1&keywords=slow">author Brooke McAlary</a> calls the wobbly balance. I celebrated and I mourned. I enjoyed planning parties and indulging in cake while simultaneously wishing for my old woman routine to return and my pants to fit. I had spurts of creativity followed by days of wondering if I even wanted to be creative. I enjoyed looking at Christmas lights and eating cookies while also hating the fact that illness kept us from extended family this year. I lit Advent candles for two days before just totally giving up because I didn't feel like it anymore. Wobbly, just all super wobbly. I'm trying to be okay with it. December, for me, is always wobbly.<br />
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Regardless of if you are happy the holidays are over or are already entering the post-Christmas slump, know that the balance usually returns. Embrace what you can when things are off. Right now I am behind on book list blogs, procrastinating on work, and generally just trying to find a routine again. We'll get there.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-74914396436709619752018-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:002018-12-11T20:15:52.957-08:00Favorite Things 2018There will be a separate blog post for my favorite books of 2018, but here are a few other things I really enjoyed this year.<br />
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<b><u>Television</u></b><br />
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<i>The Haunting Of Hill House</i><br />
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I don't like to be scared. I don't like plastic snakes on the floor or people sneaking up on me. I don't go to haunted houses. That's why I wasn't enthusiastic when D recommended we start this show. However, Shirley Jackson wrote the book and I love her work, so I agreed to give it a try.<br />
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We finished all ten episodes in a matter of days, binge watching until 3 am the last night. The writing is tight, the casting is perfect, and the haunting is both more harrowing and real because of how the story unfolds. Real life nightmares collide with ghosts, and the outcome left us talking about this one for weeks. Sometimes when I'm feeling spicy, I turn on the soundtrack and wait for D to walk in the room and try to figure out if our house has turned on us.<br />
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<i>The Man in the High Castle</i><br />
<i></i><br />
The third season is the best so far and draws from scenes in the book with astounding results.<br />
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<i>Glow</i><br />
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We binged this one as well, and I loved it. It was funny and smart, and I can't wait for the next season.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/2CAACE3F-066D-4318-BF95-81ED43CFF2EC?store_ref=SB_A04488893UXDV8I6RX0W7&pf_rd_p=3ff6092e-8451-438b-8278-7e94064b4d42&hsa_cr_id=6213133950601&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&lp_asins=B013Z5Y70K,B01IIK698K,B01IIMHPP4&lp_mat_key=panda%2520planner&lp_query=panda%2520planner&sb-ci-n=headline&sb-ci-v=Panda%2520planner%2520-%2520daily%2520planners%2520for%2520productivity">Panda Planner</a><br />
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I was a hard core Erin Condren follower until a friend introduced me to the Panda Planner. I will never go back. The positive psychology approach and thoughtful organization has helped me complete projects, figure out when I work best during the day, and prioritize the important things in my life instead of feeling like everything on my list is urgent.<br />
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Full disclosure: this is not a yearly planner. It's more like a quarterly planner. For some that is a deal breaker, but I will pay for this one multiple times a year for the benefits.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BR6Y2BH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">These Bags</a></div>
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They are huge, which can make it difficult to fit more than one or two in a lunch box, but I love them. We use them for storage and for travelling snacks, and we have cut way down on how many plastic bags we purchase and trash. We also haven't lost any, and that is a small miracle in this house.</div>
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<a href="https://insighttimer.com/">Insight Timer</a><br />
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I wanted a free meditation app to help me stay committed to the practice, and Insight Timer delivers. I love that you can choose how long you want to meditate and what your intention is, such as dealing with anxiety, trying to sleep, or focus. The kids like this one, and we meditate almost daily.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flowmagazine.com/">All Things Flow</a><br />
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I had never heard of Flow Magazine or any of their publications until March. Now I am a straight up crazy fan who knows when anything they produce is coming out.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Takes-Its-Time/dp/0761193774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544587314&sr=8-1&keywords=a+book+that+takes+its+time+an+unhurried+adventure+in+creative"> A Book That Takes Its Time</a> was nothing short of lifechanging for me, and I draw in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Draw-Your-Beautiful-Ordinary/dp/1523501154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544587347&sr=8-1&keywords=50+ways+to+draw+your+beautiful%2C+ordinary+life">50 Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life</a> weekly. I am going through challenges in<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Takes-Courage-Think-Differently/dp/1523503556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544587387&sr=8-1&keywords=creativity+takes+courage"> Creativity Takes Courage</a>, and I like to just go to bookstores and touch their magazines.<br />
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Flow is all about living well, living simply, and being creative. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Less-Finding-Lighter/dp/1523506288/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1544505464&sr=8-5&keywords=flow+magazine">Their next book</a> is out in 2019, and I can't wait!<br />
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<b>An Electric Pencil Sharpener</b><br />
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Why did a pencil sharpener make the list? A variety of reasons. We have managed with hand held, crappy pencil sharpeners for too long, and I homeschool. Plus, my kids draw about 400 pictures a piece a day, and you can break your wrist trying to sharpen with those hand held ones when that is what you're dealing with.<br />
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I finally splurged and bought a $25 pencil sharpener. Every time I hear it being used, I smile.<br />
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<b>Our Current Phase</b><br />
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We have our challenges, but I really like that I don't have toddlers anymore. I loved them when they were toddlers, but I was tired. The kids are currently very easy to transport and full of hilarious stories. They're fun people. They also fight and scream and threaten to poop in a water jug (long story), but this phase seems a bit easier for the most part.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She found a skull in an owl pellet. Science!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exactly one person was excited about posing for this picture.</td></tr>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-47826737095417755662018-12-03T19:32:00.000-08:002018-12-03T19:50:49.656-08:00Persevering In NovemberIn some areas, I did a really great job in November. There were other areas where I set out to do particular things and didn't consistently succeed. That's how it goes. It was still a good month and I was able to focus on progress as opposed to only final results.<br />
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<b>Waking Up Early</b><br />
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If you have read this blog before then you probably know I am constantly dealing with sleep issues. I am a natural night owl with children who don't want to sleep in, ever. I tried to get up early this month so the start of my day would be peaceful, and here's how that went:<br />
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I woke up at 5 am...one day. It was great. It happened one day.<br />
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I revised this plan so I will get up around 5:45 and go from there. The kids have to stay in their rooms until seven, so that at least gives me some time. I am working on it. I like silence to be the first sound I hear. I like bathing without someone asking if they can see my boobs or rub my soft mom belly. I like putting in an hour of writing time before the day takes off. I like coffee and if this works, coffee will likely deserve all the credit.<br />
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However, I still hate going to bed early, and I need seven hours of sleep. It's tricky business.<br />
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Anyway, I woke up at 5 am one day. It's not exactly an exercise in perseverance, but I did it.<br />
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<b>Reading Poetry</b><br />
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I started the month with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-They-Come-Us-Poems/dp/052550978X">beautiful book of poetry</a>, and I tried to read poetry daily. I didn't succeed, but the mornings I did read it were wonderful. I grabbed four new books of poetry at the library and am going to give this another shot.<br />
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<b>Riding Ripsticks</b><br />
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How we ended up with three ripsticks in our home, and how the two males in our house who can't stand up on roller skates learned to glide down steep hills on boards with two wheels that will not even stand up on their own, is a long story. However, we are now a ripsticking family, and this has kept us at parks in all kinds of weather daily.<br />
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<b>Playing Games</b><br />
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The children have been introduced to Clue. Now they are using deduction skills to solve problems while also trying to figure out how someone kills a person with a candlestick. We have them thinking about reasoning and murder. Good for us?<br />
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<b>Adios Social Media</b><br />
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I don't use social media on the weekends, and this morphed into me taking all of Thanksgiving week off. It was awesome. Now I am sporadically checking in maybe once a week. I don't hate social media or think it serves no purpose, but life spent off of it most of the time is more enjoyable for me when it's possible.<br />
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<b>No TV</b><br />
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Sitting at my computer writing about how anti-technology November was is hilarious, I know. I am not anti-TV or social media or any of that, and my approach this month wasn't planned. I just decided the kids would get to watch TV one, maybe two, days a week, and otherwise it wouldn't even be turned on.<br />
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We already had limited TV time and my kids don't have their own devices, but we were at parks or homeschool events or working on actual homeschool so much that even the little bit of screen time we tried to squeeze in felt like a pain. So from Monday through Friday, my kids know not to even ask about playing video games or watching TV. I thought it would be a big deal, but it hasn't been at all. No one has really complained, and I feel like there is a calmer vibe in our house.<br />
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<b>Celebrating My Mate</b><br />
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D finished his Master's degree and also put a comic into the world this month. He wrote it and secured an amazing artist to do the art, and you can find it <a href="https://bubbsy00.wixsite.com/octoberstories/october-comics">here</a>. He also learned to ripstick with his kids. I got lucky with this guy.<br />
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We also mourned Beto's loss but did not forget to celebrate all he </div>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-15608371650929172052018-11-05T14:26:00.001-08:002018-11-05T14:28:03.145-08:00October Book List + A Bonus Fall Reading ListI grabbed a couple of mysteries and crime novels in October because it felt appropriate. Plus, they were on my list and available at my library.<br />
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<u><b>Fiction</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Lie-Novel-Alice-Feeney/dp/1250144841/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298833&sr=8-1&keywords=sometimes+i+lie">Sometimes I Lie</a> by Alice Feeney<br />
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The unreliable narrator technique has to be used wisely to work, and Feeney does that with this novel, letting readers know in the title that lies are going to be told.<br />
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Amber can't speak or move but is cognizant of her surroundings. She can't remember how she ended up in the hospital, but she fears her husband had something to do with it. As we hear both Amber's thoughts and conversations between the visitors in her room, including her sister Claire, the story comes together in a surprising way that led to an ending I did not expect. This one was hard to put down and kept me up at night.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sunburn-Novel-Laura-Lippman/dp/0062389920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298792&sr=8-1&keywords=sunburn+by+laura+lipman">Sunburn</a> by Laura Lippman<br />
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I love Lippman's ability to write a good crime novel while still making the characters more of a center than the crime. She understands human motivations and instincts, and this makes her exceptional at crafting work that doesn't feel contrived or forced.<br />
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Polly flees Delaware to escape her life, and she meets Adam. They begin what is supposed to be a summer fling, but with both the emotions and the secrets between them, what will happen when summer ends? When a mutual acquaintance dies under suspicious circumstances, questions have to be asked about how well each knows the other. I really enjoyed this one by Lippman.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Westing-Game-Puffin-Modern-Classics/dp/014240120X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298736&sr=8-1&keywords=the+westing+game">The Westing Game </a>by Ellen Raskin<br />
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Wren had to read this book for book club, and she asked me to join her. I always wanted to read it and already had a copy, so we set out to see who killed Sam Westing and where his seemingly sinister game would lead.<br />
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This was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. I was guessing until the very end, and it was fun to read it with my daughter.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Novel-Caitlin-Macy/dp/0316434159/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298641&sr=8-4&keywords=Mrs.&dpID=51ZlUGhklnL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Mrs.</a> by Caitlin Macy<br />
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Moms of children who attend a posh school in New York have secrets to hide and a lot to lose in this novel by Caitlin Macy. We learn specifically about three different women, their marriages, their pasts, and what happens when secrets are spilled.<br />
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"Mrs." has been described as possibly the next "Big Little Lies", but I didn't connect with Macy's characters the way I do with Moriarty's. The book deals with important issues and is intriguing, but when I turned the last page I felt like I was viewing the characters and the plot through a tunnel instead of being engrossed. I don't regret reading it, but I wasn't blown away by it either.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Walk-Away-Katherine-Center/dp/1250149061/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298615&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+walk+away">How to Walk Away</a> by Katherine Center<br />
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Margaret's dream life is derailed in an instant after a tragic accident, and she has to figure out how to survive in this thoughtful novel by Katherine Center. Trapped in a hospital with her estranged sister, a very cranky physical therapist, and a kind-of fiancé, Margaret goes through the phases of grief while coming to terms with family secrets and her new, unexpected life.<br />
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The protagonist is lovable and the story works well. I enjoyed this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghosted-Novel-Rosie-Walsh/dp/0525522778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298583&sr=8-1&keywords=ghosted">Ghosted</a> by Rosie Walsh<br />
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I have a confession: I unfairly and harshly judge all books in the romance section. I know, it's gross and elitist, and it's fine for people to enjoy the bodice ripping, hunky male cover books as much as I absolutely don't. Luckily, "Ghosted" was not what I imagined a stereotypical romance novel to be, and I feel like it didn't really even fit in that section (general fiction, maybe?) I enjoyed it thoroughly and had to question all of my previous judgments of books based on genre.<br />
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When Sarah meets Eddie, they hit it off during the week they have together. That makes Eddie's disappearance even harder for Sarah to grasp. Did she imagine the whole experience was more than it really was? Did she slip up somewhere without knowing?<br />
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What we don't tell people is just as important as what we do, and as Walsh reveals the story of these lovers, we learn about their pasts and why they might feel the need to hide the details. I was intrigued and surprised until the very end.<br />
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<b><u>Memoir</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-One-Tells-You-This/dp/1501163132/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298696&sr=8-1&keywords=no+one+tells+you+this">No One Tells You This</a> by Glynnis MacNicol</div>
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I spent a couple of years as both the youngest and the only unmarried trainer in Texas for a major bank. A manager came to me and explained that as travel demands picked up, I might notice I was receiving more travel assignments than other people in my department. He went on to explain that this was because of my situation. "You have no people like the other employees." In his mind, unmarried and childless meant no people.</div>
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MacNicol addresses this attitude, the one we often have towards those whose lives haven't taken a conventional or expected direction, in her beautiful memoir. She talks about the death of her mother, the relationships she's tolerated, her career breakdown, and the realization that her life can and is enough.</div>
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I was particularly struck by MacNicol's ability to kindly point out sins we're all guilty of, even those of us who were victims of them in earlier stages of life. We expect the single, child-free people in our lives to take care of us, to arrange the showers and the parties and the events, because whether or not we acknowledge it, we all easily slip into the you-have-no-people mentality. We forget that every person needs care, and no one's choices or situations are subpar.</div>
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This is a great read for anyone, especially those in midlife, no matter your marriage or parental status.</div>
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<b><u>My Favorite Fall and Winter Reads</u></b><br />
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I pick these books up again almost every fall or winter because it feels like the right time to live in these worlds. Most of them have some darkness or rough edges, and when the sun starts setting at 5:30, it feels appropriate to settle in with something on the ominous side.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Historian-Elizabeth-Kostova/dp/0316070637/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541383938&sr=8-1&keywords=the+historian&dpID=41eRe72tKtL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The Historian</a> by Elizabeth Kostova<br />
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This book takes readers across the globe as a young woman reads through letters addressed to "My dear and unfortunate successor" and tries to figure out whether or not to go on a journey to find her father. The writing is beautiful and the story will send chills down your spine. Think vampires, Vlad the Impaler, and suspense that will keep you up all night reading.<br />
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Rich in history, love, and darkness, I am drawn to this one almost every year in November, and though it was optioned for a movie, I'm glad it wasn't made. I don't want the images in my mind replaced with anything else.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Complete-Collection-Rowling/dp/B01GFJTI20/ref=sr_1_cc_5?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1541388047&sr=1-5-catcorr&keywords=harry+potter+all+books">Harry Potter</a> by J.K. Rowling<br />
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Maybe it's because Hogwarts is the backdrop for most of these books, but I always feel the need to pick them back up in fall when school starts. I reread all seven, and I usually end up finishing by the end of November.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stieg-Larssons-Millennium-Trilogy-Hornets/dp/B0150WICIE/ref=sr_1_cc_6?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1541388096&sr=1-6-catcorr&keywords=the+girl+with+the+dragon+tattoo+books">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</a> series by Stieg Larsson<br />
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Dark is a great way to describe this series, and I still can't believe I made it through three books that are this gruesome in content. The story is addicting, and I read them all when the sun started setting super early and I was left up alone in the house nursing an infant Sam. Lisbeth kept me company while she kicked ass.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stieg-Larssons-Millennium-Trilogy-Hornets/dp/B0150WICIE/ref=sr_1_cc_6?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1541388096&sr=1-6-catcorr&keywords=the+girl+with+the+dragon+tattoo+books">Child 44</a> series by Tom Rob Smith<br />
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I didn't now if I was going to enjoy this book because the death of children is not a super fun topic. However, Smith weaves an intriguing tale of murders in Russia that aren't being investigated because the government refuses to acknowledge that they are murders. When Leo decides to investigate, the full picture comes together, and this is one that will have you looking behind you checking for strangers while you turn the last pages.<br />
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The next two books in the series are just as riveting and should keep you busy for a bit.<br />
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FYI-Do NOT see the movie. All the great acting couldn't make up for a crappy script.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ariel-Facsimile-Manuscript-Reinstating-Arrangement/dp/0060732601/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541384524&sr=1-1&keywords=ariel&dpID=51N0-Durq9L&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Ariel</a> by Sylvia Plath<br />
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I feel like fall is a great time to commit to reading poetry. As an artist friend of mine said, you can't rush poetry. You need to see every word, sometimes read it out loud, let it all settle. A quiet house with a cup of tea when the sun has fallen early is a great backdrop for this slow, measured exercise.<br />
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I love Plath's work and I always come back to her. Ariel is probably her most popular collection of poetry, and poems like "Poppies in October" and "Letter in November" make it a particularly appropriate collection for this time of year.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-35622191270180681192018-11-03T20:35:00.001-07:002018-11-03T20:35:03.694-07:00Persevering in October: Feelings, Outdoors, and DecorOctober is quite possibly my favorite month, so I always feel like it goes by too quickly. Besides celebrating D's birthday and hurting my back working on a puzzle (not kidding), I did a few other things.<br />
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<b><u>No Secondary Emotions</u></b><br />
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I had a Meniere's episode in the middle of October. While I am used to feeling unsteady on occasion, I don't deal with episodes that slam me to the ground for hours as often anymore. I did on the 13th, and besides being extremely dizzy, I lost about 75 percent of my hearing for eight hours.<br />
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It was horrifying in the way these things always are. I know I'm vulnerable at all times because that's how Meniere's works, but being reminded of how helpless it makes me is jarring. However, I tried something different this time; I didn't allow secondary emotions to participate.<br />
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When I have an episode, I already feel physically awful, and then my mind can really get away from me. I'm stuck in bed, unable to even sit up, and I have a lot of time to think about where these episodes can lead. When I had one a couple of months ago that wasn't even as bad as this one, I spent hours ruminating about the possibility of not being able to help my children now or when they are older. What if they move away and I can't even get on a plane to visit? What if they need my help but I'm down for weeks at a time? I let this go pretty far last time and ended up even more miserable than I started.<br />
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In October I simply shut down these thoughts the minute they started. I acknowledged that I don't know what the future holds, but I have to deal with where I am right now. I rested. D took the kids to the movies. I didn't think about not being able to hear or when my hearing would fully return. I just let myself be.<br />
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It wasn't a fun day, but it was relaxing to just let my body do what it needed to do without worrying about what came next. By that night, I was walking around the block trying to regain some equilibrium, tired but proud.<br />
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Meditation and mindfulness get credit for my approach in October. Just catching those thoughts before they had a chance to own me and intentionally showing myself compassion made a big difference.<br />
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<b><u>The Great Outdoors</u></b><br />
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We were outside a lot in October. The weather finally started to turn pleasant, and even during the weeks when it rained for days, we got outside if it wasn't lightning.<br />
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I read both <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Fix-Happier-Healthier-Creative/dp/0393355578/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298272&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nature+fix">The Nature Fix</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Theres-Such-Thing-Bad-Weather/dp/150114362X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541298327&sr=8-1&keywords=there%27s+no+such+thing+as+bad+weather">There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather</a> earlier this year, and they had a profound effect on the way I view my need for nature. I need it, my kids need it, and we will seek it every season, regardless of the weather.<br />
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<b><u>Hygge the Home</u></b><br />
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We've lived in our house for ten years, and we've added a lot of children to it. As far as really designing and decorating, not so much. However, I've been working on that lately, and it's been both fun and satisfying. My style tends to be minimalist and functional, with comfort as a priority.<br />
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This month, I hung some white boards and scored an awesome table for free. A neighbor put it on the curb, and my dumb ass decided to surprise Dennis. I pulled over in the minivan, sure I could lift the thing on my own. I could not. I don't know why I thought I was such a bad ass, but after successfully maneuvering it into the middle of the road on my own, D and the kids had to walk down the block to help me. This conversation followed when Dennis saw me sprawled on top of a table, claiming it with my body and protecting it from oncoming traffic.<br />
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Me: "I can run a mile now, so I really thought I had this."<br />
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D: "Um, how does that mean you can lift a table that weighs more than you do?"<br />
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Me: "I'm strong? Wait, uh, I didn't think this through, did I?"<br />
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D: "Can you even lift your side?"<br />
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Me: "Sure? Maybe? Wow, I got way too confident running that mile."<br />
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D: "Nice table, though."<br />
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She really is a beauty, right?<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-92002958834775287742018-10-09T12:18:00.002-07:002018-10-09T12:18:21.837-07:00September Book List<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Book Tower!</td></tr>
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<b>Non-fiction</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dress-Your-Family-Corduroy-Denim/dp/0316010790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539028863&sr=8-1&keywords=dress+your+family+in+corduroy+and+denim+by+david+sedaris">Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim</a> by David Sedaris<br />
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Sedaris' work is always flawless, and after reading "Calypso" I wanted to go back and explore essays I hadn't read before. Most fans have already devoured "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim." I will probably read it again since Sedaris' insights about family and his never-ending humor made this book a quick read that I loved.<br />
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<b>Fiction</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dunbar-William-Shakespeares-Hogarth-Shakespeare/dp/1101904283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539028818&sr=8-1&keywords=dunbar&dpID=41nVlWQ9fTL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Dunbar</a> by Edward St. Aubyn<br />
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Dunbar is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear. Henry Dunbar is stuck in a sanitarium after handing his company over to his greedy oldest daughters. He escapes with a fellow patient in tow, but his two oldest daughters, as well as Florence, his youngest daughter who wants nothing more than for him to be safe, attempt to find him, and it's a race to see who will make it to him first.<br />
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This was a good story, though the ending felt quick.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Female-Persuasion-Novel-Meg-Wolitzer/dp/1594488401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538939121&sr=8-1&keywords=the+female+persuasion+meg+wolitzer">The Female Persuasion</a> by Meg Wolitzer<br />
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When Greer meets Faith in college, her life changes. She wants to impress this feminist leader who has an effect on her life the first time they meet, and this helps direct the course of future events. Wolitzer has written a beautiful book about feminism, friendship, and the decisions we make that shape us and those around us.<br />
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Greer and Faith are both well drawn characters, as is the entire cast we're introduced to throughout the story. This book spans years, private and public tragedies, and it has a voice in today's world with all the issues currently in the spotlight. I highly recommend this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hey-Ladies-Story-Friends-Emails/dp/1419729136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538939254&sr=8-1&keywords=hey+ladies&dpID=51uo-dFj8fL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Hey Ladies! The Story of 8 Best Friends, 1 Year, and Way, Way Too Many Emails</a> by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss<br />
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I grabbed this one strictly for entertainment, and it did not disappoint. Written in emails, with an occasional text thrown in for variety, "Hello Ladies!" shows what some female friendships look like and the hilarious, cringeworthy, and heartfelt outcomes.<br />
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Yes, the characters are stereotypes, exaggerated for laughs. However, any woman who has ever been stuck on an email chain or group text or at the mercy of a Bridezilla will recognize these conversations and laugh her ass off. It's for entertainment, and it's entertaining.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Severance-Novel-Ling-Ma/dp/0374261598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538939341&sr=8-1&keywords=severance+ling+ma&dpID=41tqMyhPRYL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Severance</a> by Ling Ma<br />
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The world is coming to an end, but Candace doesn't feel the need to waver from her routine. Working in New York, an orphan after her parents died years ago, she goes about her life with her boyfriend and routine-driven job as those around her succumb to Shen Fever. What does it say about our lives that we can live so much of them on autopilot as the world around us falls apart?<br />
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Candance can't make it on her own forever, so she joins a group of survivors who have also evaded Shen Fever, a condition that leaves those suffering from it in a sort-of zombie state, though not aggressive zombies. They simply repeat their routines over and over again without cognitive awareness. But Candace's need to partner up with others introduces new challenges, and Ma unfolds this story using flashbacks and beautiful language.<br />
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This one ended abruptly to me, but that's my only complaint. Ma tackles the popular apocalypse genre in a way that adds depth to what otherwise would have been a familiar story.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Putney-Novel-Sofka-Zinovieff/dp/0062847570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538939401&sr=8-1&keywords=putney&dpID=41sXXIXvaqL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Putney</a> by Sofka Zinovieff<br />
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I wanted to read this one and I didn't want to read this one. "Putney" is a story told from three different points-of-view about an affair that happened years ago. The problem is the affair was between an adult male and an adolescent girl, and the friend who watched it happen is still disturbed by the way it played out (as anyone in their right mind would be.)<br />
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It takes a skilled writer to handle the issues of consent, grooming, and abuse in a way that audiences can keep reading through their rage and disgust. Zinovieff is one of those writers. This book was heartbreaking, disturbing, timely, and wonderful. She effortlessly explores sexual abuse, telling each person's perspective flawlessly. You'll be pissed when you put this one down, but it's worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Red-Clocks-Novel-Leni-Zumas/dp/0316434787/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539029161&sr=8-1&keywords=red+clocks">Red Clocks</a> by Leni Zumas<br />
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In the future, abortions are illegal, as is IVF treatment for infertility, and only heterosexual married couples can adopt. This world is where Zuma creates a story of the interconnecting lives of women, where she digs deep into big issues without being preachy.<br />
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Zuma offers characters we care about living in small-town Oregon who are affected by the current policies and whose decisions are fueled by desire and desperation. She introduces these women at first by their titles-mother, daughter, mender-but expands on what those roles mean to them and who each woman is at her inner core.<br />
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I finished this one and immediately passed it to a friend. Imagine me placing it into your hands now because it is an intelligent, full read.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Burn-Brighter-Shobha-Rao/dp/1250074258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539029870&sr=8-1&keywords=girls+burn+brighter">Girls Burn Brighter</a> by Shobha Rao<br />
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Poornima and Savitha become friends and fight for their places in a world not made for ambitious women. When Savitha is subjected to horrible cruelty, she disappears. Poornima follows closely behind, and this story unravels as each girl overcomes obstacles to try to survive and reunite.<br />
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This is not an easy read. After reading the non-fiction book "Half the Sky" years ago, which informs readers of the myriad of challenges many women face in the world daily, every word of "Girls Burn Brighter" read true to me. I'm not sure I could have believed all the author led her characters through if not for that previous book.<br />
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This is beautiful, tragic, and determined work.<br />
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-46222301131904958332018-10-08T19:39:00.001-07:002018-10-08T19:41:59.995-07:00Radical Resilience Building and Other Ways I Persevered in SeptemberI love fall, so I was happy to welcome the Texas version of it in September. Now, if October could just bring cooler weather, I could persevere at not sweating.<br />
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<b>Not Throwing Away Food</b><br />
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It has been determined that since I am lacking the ability to smell and a large decapitated rat was found in our yard last weekend, I cannot have a compost pile in the back yard. D feels this combination of issues will inevitably spell disaster, and he's probably not wrong.<br />
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Since I can't compost, I have upped my efforts to not waste any food if it's at all possible. We eat every bite of leftovers. I buy smaller amounts of perishable items at one time, and we just go back to the store often so we don't let them rot. I have gotten crazy creative at disguising leftovers as "new food" when everyone is over it in order to keep from throwing it away.<br />
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This is hard and ongoing, and I am still constantly surprised at how much we waste. Still, we're trying.<br />
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<b>Resilience Building in the Midst of Chaos</b><br />
<b></b><br />
If you had to make it through September watching a bunch of people not give a shit about sexual assault victims, I am so sorry. If you are a victim of rape or assault like I am, I am especially sorry for the hell this has been.<br />
<br />
The minute the "Well even if he did it, does it matter?" questions started flowing, I flashbacked to all the things that were said when Trump openly admitted to violating women and certain voters did not care. I knew it was going to be this way and I still was not prepared for the flashbacks, the anger, or the anxiety that shadowed me this month as I wondered what I would do if I was Dr. Ford. Would I be as brave as she was, coming forward knowing I would receive death threats and my family would have to go into hiding? Would I recall my rape publicly in a room of people ready to rip me apart and question my integrity? Since it took me 13 years to tell anyone I had been raped, would that be the only question I received? Why didn't you come forward? Look around, folks, is it that hard to figure out?<br />
<br />
In the midst of this I did not want to spiral down to a bad place, so I practiced radical resilience building, also known as self-care. When I call it resilience building, I sometimes take it more seriously.<br />
<br />
I ran. I rested. I had coffee with girlfriends. I talked it out when I needed to. I got outside everyday for hours under the green canopy of trees. I unfriended people on social media. I counted the Beto signs going up all over my town. I meditated. I took stock of where my emotions were headed daily. I read poetry. I lit candles. I wrote. I gave thanks for Prozac. I parented calmly while rage at this world bubbled right under the surface. I made it. It was hard.<br />
<br />
Self-care needs to be practiced regularly, not just when everything hits the fan. Having the habits already in place helped me stick to them when I really just wanted to unravel. Yes, I did consume a few alcoholic beverages and partake in too many baked goods, which was self-comfort over self-care. But I definitely chose wisely more times than not, despite feeling like a piñata that the GOP enjoyed beating the shit out of daily.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Following the Perfect Curriculum for Us</b><br />
<b></b><br />
We have found our happy place with <a href="https://www.oakmeadow.com/">Oak Meadow homeschool curriculum</a>. It fits perfectly into our lives and values, and the kids love it. We are on a pretty consistent schedule, though we move around what time of day we school based on book club, Lego club, or park playdates. That's the beauty of homeschooling.<br />
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No one will ever be as cool as Eowyn hacking into the</div>
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library's computers in her beanie.</div>
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<b>Continuing the Writer Life</b><br />
<b></b><br />
The creative life is weird. After not submitting often and simply trying to consistently write, I ventured back into the world of seeking publication. I had a solid week in September, with two pieces accepted and an assignment offer from a Dallas magazine six months after submitting my resume. The horizon will probably be dead for the next seven or eight months, but I am happy for the abundant periods.<br />
<br />
And for October, I leave you with the wisdom of Pooh and Piglet. Happy October!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Pinterest</td></tr>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-50774048428571411282018-09-09T19:28:00.001-07:002018-09-09T19:36:01.967-07:00Trusting the Process: Persevering In August<b>Homeschool Planning</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working in pajamas</td></tr>
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<br />
I spent weeks in August planning our homeschool calendar until Christmas. It was hard and rewarding work, especially since we just finished the first week and everything, so far, is going according to plan.<br />
<br />
Planning doesn't mean we'll stay perfectly on track, but it gives me daily goals to shoot for, and I need that.<br />
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<b>Running</b><br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
Running might not be the right word for what I'm doing. Jogging is probably a stretch. It's not walking, not dying on the sidewalk, but I'm sure I don't look like one of those really determined runners who just can't get enough. I think the expression on my face probably reads, <i>I really love this, oh shit, I'm going to die, slow down, wait I can't go any slower without stopping. Yay for me because I'm still moving! Oh, I really might die</i>. But it's been great, and I mean that sincerely.<br />
<br />
I won't be posting about dramatic weight loss or how many sizes I've gone down because I am not weighing or attempting to drop inches during this process. If it happens, okay, but this is about how I feel.<br />
<br />
After I weaned the twins and my body did not come back to me with the same functioning parts as it had before all my pregnancies, I started losing hope that I would ever again feel strong or have endurance. Add in mental health issues, and I wondered what had happened to the girl who used to work out for fun for hours a day or who hiked through mountains in Oregon. I wanted to hang out with her again.<br />
<br />
I started very slowly, and I will likely remain very slow. I'm on week six of the Couch to 5K program, but I have no intentions of running a 5K or a marathon or anything really. I want to be able to run three solid miles just because, anytime I want. If I get there and want to do more, great. If not, I'm good.<br />
<br />
Sidenote: Any Meniere's sufferers should know that running is great for the condition. I know, how the hell are you supposed to run when you can barely stand and have trouble hearing cars that might mow you down as you trot? You don't until you are ready.<br />
<br />
My chiropractor, who I have been seeing forever and who has been helping me deal with my Meniere's since the beginning, said, "Running is one of the best things you can do for vestibular disorders" after I told him I was about to start running. I asked why he had never told me this before, and he said I wasn't ready before. The Meniere's had wrecked me, and he didn't want to send me out to fall on my face, literally, before my body was in a better place. Now that it is, he is cheering me on. That, and adjusting my sore but happy body.<br />
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<br />
<b>Panda Planning</b><br />
<b></b><br />
My friend showed me her Panda Planner when we were having coffee one night, and I was intrigued. When I received an Amazon gift card for my birthday, I decided to take a chance and purchase one. I still use my other planner on occasion, but the Panda Planner has definitely taken center stage in my everyday life.<br />
<br />
Using positive psychology and a layout that offers a chance to write down monthly, weekly, and daily goals, this planner is the first thing I grab in the morning when I wake up and the last thing I write in before going to bed. I have been more productive and have been able to see where I lose time since using this planner. It's my new personal favorite.<br />
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<b>Creating</b><br />
<b></b><br />
The calm down kit is created.<br />
The art/dining/homeschool room is painted.<br />
I am creating pockets of quality time with each child, pretty much daily. It may just be snuggling in the chair or going outside to look at bugs, but it's focused. This time can slow down a chaotic day and bring me back to focusing on who and what is right in front of me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's called stormy blue, and I love it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0zELLYnqVw/W5XWhXbb2rI/AAAAAAAABiA/OAUqfukAP3ceG3JnjGoxOX_myZYRpNi5ACLcBGAs/s1600/20180909_211455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0zELLYnqVw/W5XWhXbb2rI/AAAAAAAABiA/OAUqfukAP3ceG3JnjGoxOX_myZYRpNi5ACLcBGAs/s320/20180909_211455.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shake something, spin something, draw something: just calm down.</td></tr>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-45437957073607472222018-09-03T06:50:00.000-07:002018-09-03T06:50:40.030-07:00August Book ListHere are a dozen fabulous books to choose from. Enjoy!<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Fiction</u></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-One-Ever-Asked-Novel/dp/1601429045/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535852225&sr=1-1&keywords=no+one+ever+asked&dpID=413LBVAaaNL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch"></a><b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-One-Ever-Asked-Novel/dp/1601429045/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535852225&sr=1-1&keywords=no+one+ever+asked&dpID=413LBVAaaNL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">No One Ever Asked</a> by Katie Ganshert<br />
<br />
A friend put this book on my radar, and I am so glad she did. Ganshert develops her characters beautifully in a way that reminds me of Liane Moriarty, but the story was all her own and it resonates.<br />
<br />
Camille, Anaya, and Jen's lives overlap because a school in Missouri loses its accreditation, and the well off people of Crystal Ridge are forced to let these students attend their schools. Among protests and tension, Ganshert shares the personal lives of these women while also addressing the storm brewing in the community because of the changes. She is brilliant at creating understanding and sympathy, offering complex, flawed characters that readers will care about, and opening the eyes of readers to the real-life racism that exists throughout this country. This is a must read, and you won't be able to put it down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Any-Man-Novel-Amber-Tamblyn/dp/0062688928/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535852261&sr=1-1&keywords=any+man">Any Man</a> by Amber Tamblyn<br />
<br />
I had know idea actress Amber Tamblyn also wrote, but after reading this book I will likely pick up more of her work. Tamblyn takes a look at rape culture through the lens of men who are being preyed on by a merciless female rapist named Maude. Using poetic prose, texts, messenger, tweets, and conventional chapters, Tamblyn makes the reader feel compassion and shines a light on not only the horrors of rape but the horrors of the after, the shame, the trauma, and the victim blaming.<br />
<br />
This one is a quick read because it's hard to put down and is as terrifying as it is sympathetic. Even being a relatively short book the characters are full and multi-dimensional, and it's not hard for readers to connect with them. I devoured this one and then passed it to friends.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Word-Murder-Novel-Anthony-Horowitz/dp/0062676784/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535939553&sr=1-1&keywords=the+word+is+murder+-+anthony+horowitz">The Word is Murder</a> by Anthony Horowitz<br />
<br />
Horowitz has a way of messing with readers' minds right from the very start. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Magpie-Murders-Novel-Anthony-Horowitz/dp/0062645234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535982082&sr=8-1&keywords=magpie+murders+by+anthony+horowitz+paperback&dpID=41o4XTRBFVL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Magpie Murder</a>s, he offers readers a book within a book, a mystery within a mystery, and it is brilliant. In The Word is Murder, the protagonist is, well Horowitz, and he reveals so much detail about the narrator(him) that matches up with his real life that it's hard to remember this is fiction and Horowitz did not, in fact, live this story(as far as we know).<br />
<br />
A woman goes to a funeral home to plan her funeral service so her family won't have to. That night, she's found dead. Coincidence? Not in Horowitz's book. His narrator teams up with a Sherlock Holmes type so he can write about the case and help the detective make a name for himself. What unfolds are unforgettable characters and a story that left me guessing until the end. Grab this one for a summer read since fall is still technically three weeks away, and we're still baking here in Texas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Great-Believers-Rebecca-Makkai/dp/0735223521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535858011&sr=8-1&keywords=the+great+believers&dpID=518xQD%252BNaLL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">The Great Believers </a>by Rebecca Makkai<br />
<br />
This book slaughtered me. At over 400 pages, it's lengthy, but the chapters are short and alternate between the point of view of Yale in 1985, a gay man living in Chicago during the AIDS outbreak of the 80s, and Fiona in 1995 who is looking for her daughter in Paris. How their stories overlap and the devastation of the AIDS crisis are revealed in beautiful writing that builds characters the reader will care for, root for, and cry for.<br />
<br />
Makkai doesn't leave out the hard parts, like how AIDS victims were treated when the disease was considered a gay man's disease or how the U.S. watched its own citizens die after the battle they fought left them largely isolated since most people feared going near them. She touches on friendship and family and what it means to lose those around you while still being left in the world. It's a heartbreaking and wonderful book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Essie-Meghan-MacLean-Weir/dp/0525520317/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535425172&sr=8-1&keywords=the+book+of+essie&dpID=41qvnHHVuPL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">The Book of Essie</a> by Meghan MacLean Weir<br />
<br />
Esther Hicks has been on television her whole life because her family stars in <i>Six for Hicks</i>, a reality show based around their religion. Essie's teen pregnancy doesn't play well with the hellfire morals they preach, so her mother makes a plan to deal with the pregnancy in a way that benefits the family and their ratings. Essie, however, has a plan of her own, and she enlists a classmate named Roarke and a reporter, Liberty, to help her pull it off.<br />
<br />
This story was beautiful and horrifying due to Weir's ability to tap into the reader's emotions and push every button. None of it felt contrived, and that's why it worked. The characters were real, some of the plot lines could have been ripped from the news, and the back stories given along the way for Essie, Roarke, and Liberty moved the story along at precisely the right speed. I wanted to stand and applaud when I turned the last page while simultaneously wanting to start the whole book again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Machine-Goodnight-Katie-Williams/dp/0525533125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535424712&sr=8-1&keywords=tell+the+machine+goodnight+by+katie+williams&dpID=51A50lBmTOL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Tell the Machine Goodnight</a> by Katie Williams<br />
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The Apricity machine tells users the three things they need to do to be happy by testing their DNA, and Pearl is one of the employees who gives these tests and reads the results. Results can range from taking a walk to cutting off an appendage, and those who believe in the machine's suggestions are adamant about its knowledge, though some, like Pearl's son, have their doubts. Isn't this just another attempt to sell happiness to desperate consumers?<br />
<br />
William's story deals with our obsession with happiness and technology while also expertly weaving in our preoccupation with fame and the complications of personal relationships. I felt like she touched on so many topics, including art and betrayal, and she did it in a way that felt authentic every time.<br />
<br />
Each chapter seems to shift focus to a different character, but the book is beautifully interconnected and satisfying. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this one. It's one that leaves you thinking, and I always love those.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Requirement-Novel-Julie-Schumacher-ebook/dp/B077LQXBGR/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1535938988&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shakespeare+requirement">The Shakespeare Requirement</a> by Julie Schumacher<br />
<br />
I was touched by Schumacher's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Committee-Members-Julie-Schumacher-ebook/dp/B00ILWUKHM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1535939089&sr=1-1&keywords=dear+committee+members&dpID=41y4epuKwyL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Dear Committee Members</a>, almost to the point of being in tears when I finished it. It was hilarious because Schumacher has her finger on the pulse of the absurdities of academia, but it was touching and sincere as well.<br />
<br />
Schumacher picks up her tale of Jay in this sequel, who is now department head and dealing with an Econ department that wants to cut the English department completely out of the equation.<br />
Still heartfelt and full of characters I cared about, it didn't strike the same note for me as "Dear Committee Members." However, as a former English major, I always have a place for the writer brave enough to defend liberal arts and pull together a cast of professors who remind me of the ones I had in college. This is a solid book and Schumacher is reliable at portraying imperfect but lovable characters.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Think-Ill-Say-Stories/dp/0399592865/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535939229&sr=8-1&keywords=you+think+it%2C+ill+say+it+by+curtis+sittenfeld">You Think It, I'll Say It: Stories</a> by Curtis Sittenfeld<br />
<br />
I love short story collections and don't read nearly enough of them. Curtis Sittenfeld made me grateful that I picked this one up since she writes beautiful modern stories that peel back the layers of human behavior and emotions using characters that any of us could know or be in real life.<br />
<br />
In "A Regular Couple" a couple on their honeymoon struggle with their differences while also contending with an acquaintance from high school. "Prairie Wife" follows Kirsten as she tries to figure out if the now very public life of a past friend is real or posed. "Do-Over" takes a look at the casual sexism in everyday life and what happens when two people attempt to confront the past.<br />
<br />
These stories often go to unexpected places, but they don't feel contrived or manipulating. Sittenfeld is just good at looking at how humans work and pulling back the curtain on our behavior. I highly recommend this one. Take a story a day, if you can pace yourself, because each one will leave you with a lot to think about when you finish.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Nonfiction</u></b><br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-They-Call-You-Terrorist-ebook/dp/B071ZT28ZF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535938068&sr=8-1&keywords=when+they+call+you+a+terrorist&dpID=51D0uTHKlwL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir<span style="color: #b00000;"> </span></a><span style="color: black;">by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele</span><br />
<u></u><u></u><span style="color: #007600;"></span><span style="color: #b01100;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
Patrisse Khan-Cullors, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter Movement, writes candidly about her life and her mission in this memoir. The entire book was captivating, including Khan-Cullors journey through her personal life. It felt the strongest to me when she discussed national issues, specific cases that led her to help found BLM, and the discrimination she faced for simply doing so.<br />
<br />
After the killing of police officers in Dallas at a BLM rally by a rogue gunman, Khan-Cullors and other movement leaders were labeled terrorists, and she is able to set the record straight and explain why BLM is a necessary and non-violent group(the BLM leaders denounced the gunman, who had no connection to the BLM movement). However, many taunted the BLM movement leaders with the terrorist label, and I am glad the founders are using their voices to explain the important work they are doing, as well as how and why.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Body-Full-Stars-Passage-Motherhood/dp/1619024896/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535851588&sr=8-1&keywords=body+full+of+stars&dpID=41Rjz6qD2wL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span>Body Full of Stars: Female Rage and My Passage into Motherhood</a> by Molly Caro May<br />
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I was drawn to this book for personal reasons. May struggled with postpartum rage likely connected to PMDD after the birth of her daughter. Oddly, my mental health issues connected to PMDD and a couple of other factors started after my youngest hit the toddler phase, but I wanted to read the words of someone else who had been through it. May's words were exactly what I needed.<br />
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May's writing has a poetic element while also cutting to the basics of any sentiment. She explores her physical body's connection to her emotions and her mental health, and encourages women to get back in touch with their bodies. May's not afraid to shed light on what female rage looks like and the effect it can have on others, and she's breathtakingly honest about what she's gone through in her female form.<br />
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I wish women were warned that getting the baby out of the body is not always the beginning of the healing process, that there are times when other things break, though I'm not sure I would have wanted to have heard that while pregnant or trying to conceive because it's a lot to handle. Plus, I don't think I would have believed it. This book is for the woman who needs to hear now that she is not alone, that giving birth to a child can feel like new life and the death of certain parts of her physical health. It can mean rage, but it can also mean healing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Date-Jesus-Reasons-Beyoncé/dp/1501178857/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535851701&sr=1-1&keywords=i+can%27t+date+jesus&dpID=41qMPTy5%252BWL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé</a> by Michael Arceneaux<br />
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I heard Arceneaux speak about this book on NPR's Fresh Air, and I decided to grab it based on that interview. Arceneaux is from Houston, and he defines himself as a recovering Catholic. As a gay, black man, the church and his family don't know what to do with him, leading him to question his faith. His essays deal with that struggle and other issues he's faced throughout life.<br />
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These essays were both hilarious and touching, telling and hard to put down. Most of us have questioned why our churches and faith leaders draw the lines in certain places and not others, and Arceneaux does a wonderful job of exploring this openly and sharing the effect it's had on his life. He also explores dating, the college life at Howard, and his personal Queen, Beyoncé. There's a lot here, and it's good.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Takes-Courage-Think-Differently/dp/1523503556/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1535852018&sr=1-1&keywords=creativity+takes+courage&dpID=51BOfF0DINL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Creativity Takes Courage: Dare to Think Differently</a> by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst<br />
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There is pretty much nothing that the editors of Flow produce in book form that I don't buy, and I don't frequently buy books. I'm a library lover, but readers need to purchase this interactive journal that offers tips for tapping into creativity, as well as ways to set realistic goals that can lead to life-changing results.<br />
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Each chapter discusses a way to tap into creativity, such as spending time alone or going off-line, and there are tiny workbooks or questions at the end of almost every chapter. This allows the reader to write down their intentions and discover ways they want to grow their creativity. I love it.ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-67518347724040521792018-08-07T19:57:00.002-07:002018-08-07T19:57:23.913-07:00Praise for Prozac and Other Ways I Persevered in July<b>Started Medication</b><br />
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For over two years I've been working to get my mental health on course. This has taken the form of dealing with Meniere's disease symptoms, taking supplements for adrenal issues, having my thyroid meds adjusted, and being treated for anemia. I started a progesterone supplement a few months ago hoping that would knock out the last of the anxiety and depression I sometimes deal with, but after a promising start, it stopped working.<br />
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On July 7th, I took my first Prozac. I talked to my OB about both PMDD and my Meniere's, and she thinks they are overlapping to introduce me to a fresh hell every month. When she offered an antidepressant, I didn't even hesitate. I knew when I called her that I was ready to take whatever was offered.<br />
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I'm still taking extra omegas and exercising, drinking my water and meditating, and I feel like doing those things more often now that I'm on Prozac. There are side effects and I feel them at times, but they aren't more distracting than what I was going through before, so we'll see.<br />
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An antidepressant doesn't make a person happy, but it does give me a choice, a buffer, a distance from my emotions that I didn't have before. I respond, not just react. I feel more like me, the me I was before my body and brain just sort of collapsed. I am so grateful for that.<br />
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I am glad I finally committed to this because I avoided it for too long, I fear. It was like I had been shot but refused to see a doctor because I wasn't quite dead, just bleeding profusely. If I could have even a slice of a good day, I talked myself out of medication. This is not the way to go about things. I'm so thankful to all the people in my life who have been open about their mental health struggles. I admired the way they persevered in taking care of their mental health, and now I'm joining them.<br />
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<b>Cooking with Kids</b><br />
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Some people may have always loved getting in the kitchen and cooking with their kids, but I was not one of them. It's messy, it takes twice as long, and our flour costs $12 a bag. I had to bite my tongue to keep from screaming when it came flying out of the bowl while children attempted to stir.<br />
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Now that my oldest are actually capable of making something without leaving the kitchen looking like a crime scene, they helped menu plan in July and used a cookbook to buy ingredients for some great meals. Then, they either helped cook them or cooked them on their own. It was beautiful and tasty. Also, being on Prozac most definitely helped this process go smoothly for me.<br />
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<b>Summer Elongated</b><br />
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I've decided to kick it 1980s style and not start homeschooling the kids again until after Labor Day. We spent July swimming, on play dates, and making no particular plans for the future. Wren's curriculum arrives this week so I can start planning for September, but until then I am strictly about the summer vibes.ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-43393417497506442692018-08-06T19:57:00.004-07:002018-08-06T19:57:57.657-07:00July Book List<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Non-fiction was the majority this month, but all the books were pretty great. It was a good month for words in my world.<br />
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<b><u>Non-fiction</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Wash-Your-Face-Believing/dp/1400201659/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533607919&sr=8-1&keywords=girl%2C+wash+your+face&dpID=518iXO-fmcL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Girl, Wash Your Face</a> by Rachel Hollis<br />
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I did not know who Rachel Hollis was before picking up this book, but I enjoyed her work. Hollis, who is a mother, businesswoman, and eternal optimist, shares a rule for life in each chapter. She weaves her personal story between the pages and works to lift women up and help them realize their goals.<br />
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This could have easily fallen into the self-help, cheerleader fluff, but Hollis did pretty well at keeping it out of that territory. She reminded me to keep promises to myself, a great reminder to obligers if there ever was one, and that I don't have to waste my time on what other people think of me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-Falls-Fast-Understanding-Suicide/dp/0375701478/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533607999&sr=1-1&keywords=night+falls+fast"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Night-Falls-Fast-Understanding-Suicide/dp/0375701478/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533607999&sr=1-1&keywords=night+falls+fast">Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide</a> by Kay Redfield Jamison</div>
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I saw a lot of well-intended tweets and FB posts after the slew of suicides in June, and many of them made me nauseous. I know, that sounds awful, but so many were off the mark about suicide and mental health, and they left those of us who have weathered the harshness of depression thinking, "what the actual f*ck are you people talking about?!?"</div>
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Writer Sloane Crosley then tweeted about this book, how it had all anyone needed to know about suicide, and she was right.</div>
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It's a very difficult read, especially if you have suffered from suicidal thoughts or know someone who has taken their own life. Jamison paints the devastation through suicide notes, research, case studies, and her own experiences as a woman who suffers from manic depression. The takeaways are many, including the most effective ways that have been found to treat mental illnesses, which Jamison found are a factor in over 90 percent of suicides. Though this was written years ago, Jamison's work is extremely relevant, and her ability to paint a picture of what mental illness looks like through both research and personal stories is a gift.</div>
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Read this book. Those who have been to the dark place will understand and know they aren't alone(but be warned you may also have some strong flashbacks, and those aren't easy to weather) and those who haven't can hopefully develop empathy for people who have historically been thrown aside even after their deaths, sometimes even having their bodies refused burial.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Calypso-David-Sedaris/dp/0316392383/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533608179&sr=1-1&keywords=calypso">Calypso</a> by David Sedaris<br />
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Sitting down with an entire book of Sedaris' thoughts is always a treat. In his latest collection, he covers everything from family to middle age, from the devastation of his sister's suicide to having a tumor removed from his body to feed to a turtle. His writing is so hilarious that the serious, tough lessons hit me hard enough to knock the wind out of me. This is a fast read and a delight.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Draw-Your-Beautiful-Ordinary/dp/1523501154/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533608802&sr=1-1&keywords=50+ways+to+draw+your+beautiful+ordinary+life">50 Beautiful Ways to Draw Your Beautiful, Ordinary Life </a>by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst<br />
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I am drawing my way through this book and loving it. I am not finished and will likely take a full year to get through all the artistic activities, but I wanted to mention it on the book list because of the pure joy I feel every time I pick it up.<br />
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I am horrible at drawing, painting, anything related to visual arts, but I have still thoroughly enjoyed attempting to capture what I see. This book has made me a better observer, and time seems to slow down when I sit to draw. I have to remain focused, something that is a challenge in our fast-paced world, and that brings a stillness to the day no matter how my picture turns out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eloquent-Rage-Feminist-Discovers-Superpower/dp/1250112575/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533608981&sr=1-1&keywords=eloquent+rage&dpID=51rtebqUazL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Super Power</a> by Brittney Cooper<br />
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Britney Cooper writes honestly about what it means to be a black feminist in a world where feminism often doesn't do a great job of considering anything but white women's needs. Cooper still sees choosing to support feminism as worth it, and her words can help all of us make the movement better.<br />
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Cooper uses her anger, which many women are told is a bad thing to feel, in service of change. Her rage is eloquent, as the title implies, and she tells readers about harnessing her experiences and the feelings that come with them to affect the world.<br />
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Cooper shares her life, as well as research and deep analysis, and created a book I couldn't put down. I will likely pick it up to read again. I've never seen someone make such a convincing argument for black women owning and using their rage.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Work-Becoming-Mother/dp/0312311303/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533608385&sr=1-2&keywords=a+life%27s+work&dpID=41TsI7sgV6L&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">A Life's Work: On Becoming a Mother </a>by Rachel Cusk</div>
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I adore pretty much anything Rachel Cusk touches. She wastes no words, gets to the heart of an issue, and writes with such beauty that I often find myself holding my breath while reading her work. Her non-fiction book on motherhood is further evidence of her skills.</div>
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This was published years ago, but I found the emotions she expressed are familiar no matter when you become a mother. Far from being unloving, her thoughts were honest and conflicted, complicated and all-encompassing, just like motherhood. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Slow-Simple-Living-Frantic-World/dp/1492665541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533609442&sr=1-1&keywords=slow+simple+living+for+a+frantic+world">Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World</a> by Brooke McAlary</div>
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If I had a coffee table, this book would be on it, not just because it's gorgeous but because I need to read these pages regularly. McAlary writes about how postpartum depression and a prompt to write her own eulogy led to a life change that helped her simplify and slow down. She covers everything from how to declutter to how to responsibly use technology without letting it overrun our lives. She's honest about the challenges of trying to live a slow life in a fast-moving world, but the solutions she offers are practical and effective.</div>
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McAlary's section on mindfulness beautifully explained everything I've learned about this approach and how using mindfulness techniques in our everyday encounters can transform our lives. I recommend this book for everyone.</div>
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<b><u>Fiction</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Less-Winner-Pulitzer-Prize-Novel/dp/031631613X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533608331&sr=1-1&keywords=less&dpID=41SdL441MFL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Less</a> by Andrew Sean Greer<br />
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I'm not sure what those who award the Pulitzer Prize look for in a book, but the 2018 pick was charming. Arthur Less, a semi-successful writer, decides to escape his own life when a man he's been in a sort of relationship with gets engaged and marries someone else. He takes invitations to teach in other countries, to attend writer's retreats, and anything else that can fill his calendar so he can escape from his own feelings.<br />
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I loved the characters in this book, and Greer isn't afraid to poke fun at his protagonist while still obviously caring for his well being. I found this book to be charming.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Only-Story-novel-Julian-Barnes/dp/0525521216/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533608120&sr=8-1&keywords=the+only+story">The Only Story</a> by Julian Barnes</div>
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Barnes tells the story of Paul, a 19 year old who begins an affair with a married woman in her 40s. Paul lets his readers know that this isn't simply a sexual entanglement but a real relationship that spans time and challenges, and we see how the entire things unfolds from start to finish.</div>
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Barnes' writing is beautiful and even, flowing effortlessly. I enjoy his work and found this novel to read quickly and be full of compassion.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_10?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=things+fall+apart+by+chinua+achebe&sprefix=things+fal%2Caps%2C188&crid=3DMDFKL9B63U4">Things Fall Apart</a> by Chinua Achebe</div>
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"Things Fall Apart" is the first book in a trilogy, and many people read it in high school. I missed out, but I feel lucky that a friend recommended it to me. </div>
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Okonkwo is a warrior in Africa who is not happy to see both religion and politics affect his community. Achebe spends the first part of the book getting readers acquainted with the customs of Okonkwo's community and giving insight into the man himself. When the European's clash with Okonkwo's community, affecting even his closest family, he struggles to find his place. The longer I read this book, the harder it was for me to put it down.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Life-List-Adrian-Mandrick-Novel/dp/1501174304/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533608278&sr=8-1&keywords=the+life+list+of+adrian+mandrick&dpID=51nMXRj-ZmL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The Life List of Adrian Mandrick</a> by Chris White</div>
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It's hard to describe how I felt about this book. I enjoyed it and recommend it, but it was also heartbreaking due to White knowing how humans work so well. </div>
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Adrian Mandrick is an anesthesiologist who is also obsessed with birds, to the point that actual humans sometimes take a backseat to adding birds he's seen to his list.</div>
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When Mandrick's mother tries to reach him, we start to see his past story unfold alongside his current situation with his wife, his children, and his addiction. Though a couple of the last scenes felt a bit forced, the story was captivating and devastating in equal parts, though I believe White meant to offer hope in there as well.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-90111567362298017762018-07-15T19:08:00.002-07:002018-07-15T19:08:53.786-07:00The Birthday GirlsMy youngest kids are now five years-old, and that is just totally weird. Sticking to tradition, they were sick the week of their birthday, which has happened every single year since they turned one. The actual day of their birthday was fever-free, but the next day Asher came down with croup and Eowyn followed two days later. We had to postpone their party for a week, but they eventually hit the pool with friends, pizza, and so much sugar. I took no pictures of this party because I suck.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">When Wren and Sam went to VBS in June, I was with Asher and Eowyn on their own for a couple of hours a day for a week. This is something that pretty much never happens because we're all usually together. We went to the library everyday, and people kept telling me how kind they were and how well they shared. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm not going to lie, I was kind of shocked. All of the things those people said were true, but I had stopped seeing them. Having four kids is wonderful, but it leaves me simply commenting on bad behavior a lot in an attempt to keep the train on the tracks. Asher and Eowyn especially get this from me. That week reminded me that they do so much good, and I notice very little. I'm working on it.</span><br />
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<b><u>Eowyn this year</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwocmHIbAQk/W0rCwsnA5bI/AAAAAAAABfM/jRV_L0k4sBAyz8DWb38Vgsz5FCL_Mf0UwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180629_104508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwocmHIbAQk/W0rCwsnA5bI/AAAAAAAABfM/jRV_L0k4sBAyz8DWb38Vgsz5FCL_Mf0UwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180629_104508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwocmHIbAQk/W0rCwsnA5bI/AAAAAAAABfM/jRV_L0k4sBAyz8DWb38Vgsz5FCL_Mf0UwCLcBGAs/s320/20180629_104508.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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She tried spicy chicken and loved it.<br />
She loves roller coasters at Six Flags and cries when she isn't tall enough to ride one.<br />
Eowyn played lookout/potty flusher/evidence destroyer for Asher when Asher swallowed a non-edible item. We were waiting for Asher to poop it out, but she was adamant that she never swallowed it. Why, then, did she have her sister flush the toilet every time poop hit the water? Asher was still going while Eowyn was frantically flushing. I just hope these two use their forces for good. If not, sorry.<br />
Eowyn stuck a Perler bead up her nose. It was not awesome.<br />
She loves books and drawing, and D has even taken some of her characters and transformed them into adult art pieces.<br />
While mad at Asher, Eowyn screamed, "I don't want to be your twin!" to which Asher replied, "That happened in mom's stomach! You can't change it!"<br />
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<b><u>Asher this year</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay74Uvvx8y4/W0rC1qts0mI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JiEAns8aYioGDp93YuvI41gjq7TebA6uACLcBGAs/s1600/20180619_101035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay74Uvvx8y4/W0rC1qts0mI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JiEAns8aYioGDp93YuvI41gjq7TebA6uACLcBGAs/s320/20180619_101035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay74Uvvx8y4/W0rC1qts0mI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JiEAns8aYioGDp93YuvI41gjq7TebA6uACLcBGAs/s1600/20180619_101035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>She likely swallowed broccoli Shopkins, but who really knows.<br />
She is standing out on her own by choosing not to ride as many roller coasters as Eowyn.<br />
She is a total water baby who petitioned to remove her floaties and won.<br />
Asher loves to draw and loves books. The Ling and Ting series is a favorite of them both, and Asher really likes Peppa the Pig books.<br />
She interprets song lyrics to hilarious effect. We all now sing Sweet Dreams are Made of This with the lyrics, "Everybody's looking for dumplings."<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay74Uvvx8y4/W0rC1qts0mI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JiEAns8aYioGDp93YuvI41gjq7TebA6uACLcBGAs/s1600/20180619_101035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay74Uvvx8y4/W0rC1qts0mI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JiEAns8aYioGDp93YuvI41gjq7TebA6uACLcBGAs/s1600/20180619_101035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDm9tBae1_E/W0rCRY-xYkI/AAAAAAAABfE/xDubdBFw950kN0_2l2aSvzJp9PdZNMxugCLcBGAs/s1600/20180614_092117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDm9tBae1_E/W0rCRY-xYkI/AAAAAAAABfE/xDubdBFw950kN0_2l2aSvzJp9PdZNMxugCLcBGAs/s320/20180614_092117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eowyn smirking.</td></tr>
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These two are starting kindergarten this year, and I have no doubt they will be great learners. I'm lucky to have them.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-83612747758226384532018-07-02T20:43:00.003-07:002018-07-02T20:43:21.914-07:00June Book List<b><u><br /></u></b>
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We're halfway through the year, and I am officially proclaiming 2018 a great year for readers. The books I've read so far this year have given me so much joy, and here are the ones I made it through in June.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-983uOxS7OoU/WzrweYHZGCI/AAAAAAAABec/Em2s_vtjFIAM4Te5OzIZokxjGBobFZP4ACLcBGAs/s1600/20180628_130033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-983uOxS7OoU/WzrweYHZGCI/AAAAAAAABec/Em2s_vtjFIAM4Te5OzIZokxjGBobFZP4ACLcBGAs/s320/20180628_130033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Fiction</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Burgess-Boys-Novel-Elizabeth-Strout/dp/0812979516/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528650567&sr=8-1&keywords=the+burgess+boys+by+elizabeth+strout&dpID=51FJD36PIkL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The Burgess Boys </a>by Elizabeth Strout<br />
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Strout abandoned the style I know her for and opted for a straight-forward narrative told about the Burgess boys, two brothers from Maine held together by tragedy. Taking place in both Maine and New York, we learn about the Burgess boys when they try to help their sister with her son, a teen who has just committed a crime and started a major uproar in the small Maine community where the sister and son still live.<br />
<br />
Strout's characters are rich, the plot intriguing, and the overall effect enthralling. She knows people, what motivates them and how they fit, and this is one of her greatest gifts to readers.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143037749/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">On Beauty</a> by Zadie Smith<br />
<br />
I am continuing my obsession with Zadie Smith's work, and "On Beauty" did not disappoint. Smith tells the story of the Kipps and the Belseys, two families differing in political and ideological views whose lives collide, often to comic results, at an American university.<br />
<br />
Smith's gift is her use of dialogue, her understanding of who her characters are, and the way she weaves social issues into the daily lives of her characters. This book was funny and serious and heartbreaking, and I'm finding that to be true for most of Smiths' work. My introduction to her fiction was "Swing Time," but I think I loved "On Beauty" even more.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Florida-Lauren-Groff/dp/1594634513/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529721908&sr=1-1&keywords=florida&dpID=51XvxhYm-SL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Florida</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> by Lauren Groff</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It's not fair to go into a book expecting it to be an earlier book. I made that mistake with Groff's story collection "Florida" mainly because I fell hard for "Fates and Furies" a couple of years back and will likely hold every book she ever pens against that one.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Once I adjusted, I enjoyed the stories about people who are in Florida or are somehow connected to the state. Most stories don't actually connect at all, though there are some that have the same female protagonist. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The stories are character driven, interesting sketches of human beings and the circumstances they find themselves in surrounded by the relentless creatures and disasters of the Sunshine State. "Fates and Furies" is still my favorite by her, but this was a solid collection.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kudos-Outline-Trilogy-Rachel-Cusk/dp/0374279861/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529721841&sr=1-1&keywords=kudos&dpID=41V5MFKEE0L&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Kudos</a> by Rachel Cusk<br />
<br />
The third and final installment of Cusk's Outline trilogy is breathtaking, just like the previous books, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outline-Novel-Trilogy-Rachel-Cusk/dp/1250081548/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530587920&sr=1-1&keywords=outline">Outline</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transit-Outline-Trilogy-Rachel-Cusk/dp/1250151791/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530591648&sr=1-4&keywords=rachel+cusk">Transition</a>. Cusk's writing is unique because she does not give readers what they expect. The background of many characters, even the main protagonist, are sparse, but she creates conversations between characters that speak truths about humanity. People don't simply shoot the shit when they speak in a Cusk novel. They get down to the nitty gritty of existence in the best possible way.<br />
<br />
I love Cusk's work and fell in love with her words and style the moment I started reading "Outline." Kudos was a beautiful finale that offered depth and a shattering ending scene that will not leave me anytime soon, if ever.</div>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Asymmetry-Novel-Lisa-Halliday/dp/150116676X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530585203&sr=8-1&keywords=asymmetry">Asymmetry</a> by Lisa Halliday<br />
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So I can't say much about this one, but please, someone go read it and then let's chat. Here are the basics: young professional, Alice, begins an unlikely relationship with famous writer, Ezra. It's a strange courtship considering the fact that Ezra is many decades older than Alice, but it has its tender moments. This is the central focus of the first section of the book titled "Folly."<br />
<br />
Amar, an Iraqi-American, reflects on his past while held in an airport during the early 21st century. His story unfolds through flashbacks as readers wait to see his fate. This makes up the section called "Madness."<br />
<br />
These two stories lead to the final installment that will either leave readers satisfied or totally pissed. I am in the first category, but I've read enough reviews to know many people are not.<br />
<br />
"Asymmetry" is one of those books I love because I can't stop thinking about it. Halliday brings so many questions to the surface, and I absolutely do not have the answers. What more could you ask an author to do for you?</div>
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<b><u>Non-fiction</u></b><br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Dane-Secrets-Happiest-People/dp/0393608921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528650488&sr=8-1&keywords=happy+as+a+dane&dpID=51Qwe1rituL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Happy as a Dane: 10 Secrets of the Happiest People in the World</a> by Malene Rydahl<br />
<br />
If you're familiar with hygge and how Danes are so popular for their happiness status, this book won't offer any new revelations. However, it does explore some of the paradoxes, such as how Denmark rates so high in happiness rankings when suicide is still a major issue for this country.<br />
<br />
Rydahl covers ten basic values that give Danes the happiness edge, and she discusses how these work in real life settings and what it means for Danes who have to compete with other countries where productivity, not happiness, is the goal. It was an enjoyable read.<br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #000120;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Comfort-Detox-Finding-Freedom-Habits/dp/0830843280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529721749&sr=8-1&keywords=comfort+detox">Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You<span style="color: #b00000;"> </span></a></span>Erin M. Straza<br />
<br />
I had a hard time getting into "Comfort Detox." I loved the topic and the challenge to live outside of our comfort zones for a greater purpose, but the writing made me feel like I was slogging through, even when I enjoyed the content.<br />
<br />
Having read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Half-Sky-Oppression-Opportunity-Worldwide/dp/0307387097/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530588204&sr=1-1&keywords=half+the+sky">Half the Sky</a> and other books about problems around the globe caused by poverty, I am familiar with Straza's take on Christians needing to live outside of our comforts so others can simply live. It was a great reminder, and she brings up very relevant points about our habits and how many of us don't seek comfort from Christ. We like things and food and excess and comfort and use those as Band Aids instead of seeking God and serving others. Again, the writing wasn't my favorite, but the message is solid.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-That-Remains-Memoir-Minimalists/dp/1938793188/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529292244&sr=1-1&keywords=everything+that+remains&dpID=41E-3RsldwL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span>Everything That Remains: A Memoir</a> by the Minimalists<br />
<br />
I expected to like this book, and I did enjoy the content. However, like Straza's, I had a hard time with the writing. Set up as a journal, it felt like reading Joshua Fields Millburn's diary while also having to flip to the back for notes from Ryan Nicodemus, his friend and other half of the Minimalists. The dialogue often felt stilted, even though it was based off of real conversations.<br />
<br />
The point of the book and the focus on minimalism was good. Millburn walks reader through how he cleared his life of material excess, and this led to a whole other journey of ridding life of other excesses. From abandoning to-do lists, not having Internet access, and not worshipping achievements, Millburn shows how embracing minimalism is about so much more than just not buying junk. Unfortunately, for a book on minimalism the actual writing and format felt extremely clunky.<br />
<br />
I follow The Minimalists on Twitter and will likely start listening to their podcast, but this was not my favorite book on minimalism.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Real-Happiness-Meditation-28-Day-Program/dp/0761159258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1529295610&sr=8-1&keywords=real+happiness+by+sharon+salzberg">Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation</a> by Sharon Salzberg<br />
<br />
After reading both of Dan Harris' books on meditation and happiness, I picked up Sharon Salzberg's guide because Harris recommends her strongly. I will buy this book and keep it on my nightstand because it is the perfect guide for meditation, mindfulness, and compassion.<br />
<br />
Salzberg explains why we should mediate and then leads readers through many guided meditations to build their practice. The book is set up to be a 28 day guide with each week focusing on a different type of meditation. There is a CD to help with guided meditation, and Salzberg's writing is instructive, informative, and encouraging. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned meditator, this is a perfect read.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Here-Dignity-Whiteness/dp/1524760854/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530586154&sr=1-1&keywords=i%27m+still+here">I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness </a>by Austin Channing Brown<br />
<br />
This should be required reading for all white people. Austin Channing Brown tells what it is like growing up black in a world where her name was chosen to help her appear white on job applications because her parents knew that was her best shot at getting interviews as a black woman in America. She tells of her journey learning to love her Blackness and the challenges of working with organizations, mainly Christian ones, that say they want to have a diverse company but usually just want a few non-white faces to stand out in the crowd, not divergent views that might make other people face their own prejudices.<br />
<br />
You will be convicted and uncomfortable while reading this book, and that is good. Sit with those feelings and listen to Channing Brown as she gives us all advice on how we can do better.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Essays</u></b><br />
<b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-Never-Meeting-Real-Life/dp/1101912197/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529292097&sr=1-1&keywords=we+are+never+meeting+in+real+life">We Are Never Meeting in Real Life</a> by Samantha Irby<br />
<br />
I first read Irby's work in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nasty-Women-Feminism-Resistance-Revolution/dp/1250155509/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530588393&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=nasty+women&psc=1">Nasty Women</a>, where she penned an essay on being a black, queer woman in Trump country. Immediately enchanted, I put her newest book of essays on hold and devoured them in a matter of hours.<br />
<br />
Irby writes about serious life matters using humor to leave the reader unsure whether to laugh or weep. I managed both by the end of the book. She is honest and covers topics some readers may not be able to handle. Nothing I can think of is off limits, and Irby's vocabulary and imagination are vast.<br />
<br />
I love Irby's writing, her wit, her honesty, and her cynicism. This is another essay book from the first half of the year that I will likely read more than once.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meaty-Essays-Samantha-Irby/dp/0525436162/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529292123&sr=1-1&keywords=meaty">Meaty</a> by Samantha Irby<br />
<br />
Of course after reading Irby's latest publication, I went back for her earlier essays. I enjoyed "Meaty," especially when she dived into deeper topics like her complicated relationship with her mother.<br />
<br />
Irby pushes the exploration of taboo topics even further in "Meaty," and I think that's why I liked "We are Never Meeting in Real Life" better. I felt like Irby was still trying to find the balance between honesty and over-the-top in this one, but it is still an amazing book of essays that kept me laughing and thinking, a good combo.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/There-Are-Grown-ups-Coming-Age/dp/1594206376/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529292143&sr=1-1&keywords=there+are+no+grown-ups+a+midlife+coming-of-age+story&dpID=41NV2Q77cAL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">There are No Grown Ups: A Midlife Coming of Age Story</a> by Pamela Druckerman<br />
<br />
I had mixed feelings when I read Druckerman's previous book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bébé-Discovers-Parenting/dp/0143122967/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1530588546&sr=1-1&keywords=bringing+up+bebe">Bringing up Bebe</a>. One thing I knew for sure was that I would not fit in with French women, and that was totally confirmed in this book.<br />
<br />
Druckerman, an American journalist living in France, explores what it is like to be in the middle phase of life. Each chapter offers ways to know you're in your forties, such as cellulite on your arms (I have it and I am not yet forty) and people calling you ma'am. Because she lives in France, much of her exploration of middle age centers on French women, the affairs they have, the lingerie they wear in their sixties (I'm not even forty yet but the sixty year old in the sexy underthings is kicking my ass in this department) and what it means to have an identity as a middle aged woman in France. I didn't find these sections particularly useful, though it's interesting to know how women in other places are getting through midlife.<br />
<br />
Druckerman is at her best when she is researching wisdom, sharing tidbits from Freud and Jung, and opening up about her cancer diagnosis and how it altered her view of middle age in certain ways. The book beautifully evolves to an ending that explores more of Druckerman's ancestry and what shaped the approaches her family took to life, approaches that have led Druckerman to this place in her own midlife experience.<br />
<br />
If you want to know more about that ménage a trois she agreed to for her husband's 40th birthday, you will find it here, though I've informed D that asking me for a ménage a trois as a gift is the same as asking for a divorce. She wrote an article about it around the same time "Bringing up Bebe" came out, and it caused quite a stir. She explores more about that time in her life in a chapter of this book.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Memoir</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Berries-Terese-Marie-Mailhot/dp/1619023342/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529721872&sr=1-1&keywords=heart+berries&dpID=51OByBFg5yL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Heart Berries</a> by Terese Marie Mailhot<br />
<br />
It's hard to nail this one down, but I will try. Mailhot's memoir of her life as a Native American woman suffering with mental health issues and recovering from trauma is raw, beautiful, and as hard to read as it is to put down. She shares her experiences in sparse chapters that unashamedly point fingers, not just at others but often at herself, highlighting the losses she's lived through and the toll her cumulative experiences have had on her present life.<br />
<br />
In the interview at the end of the book, Mailhot admits that she started this book as fiction but decided to come out with the full truth and offer it as a memoir. Some reviewers have complained about this, saying it renders the writing less than authentic, but I don't agree. Anyone who has written knows that playing around with style doesn't mean the content isn't accurate. Mailhot said she worked for a detached voice, though most readers think that's just how she writes, and I understand her desire for a style that sounded both desperate yet removed. Reliving past trauma might be slightly less jarring if the author can play around with writing style to detach.<br />
<br />
I waited for this one to finally be available at the library, and it was worth it. Shattering and honest, it's a unique book from a real talent.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-74977821005234020952018-07-01T17:53:00.003-07:002018-07-01T19:15:37.219-07:00Persevering in JuneThe first six months of the year are gone. How exactly did that happen? Here's what I focused on in June.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Getting Rid of Plastic</b><br />
<b></b><br />
In our continued effort to treat the planet better, I purchased reusable bags to replace Ziploc bags in our house. I'm hoping that my kids won't throw them away and that we'll find them as convenient as the less eco-friendly type. I plan on reviewing them once we've used them longer.<br />
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<b>Letting Go of Expectations and Outcomes</b><br />
<b></b><br />
Part of what I've learned studying meditation and mindfulness is how important it is to let go of expectations. This doesn't mean I can't hope for things, but letting go of how I expect a situation to turn out or how I expect someone to act is freeing because it allows me to live in the experience. I notice what is actually happening. I respond to what is, not my disappointment about what isn't.<br />
This isn't easy, and I am working on it every day.<br />
<br />
<b>Writing Without Reader Eyes</b><br />
<b></b><br />
I spent the whole month of June writing creatively and did not submit one word. This goes back to letting go of outcomes and expectations. I am trying to master my craft, write what I care about, and plow through about 17 essays and stories that are started but not finished. It's been refreshing to just write without taking time out for the submission process.<br />
<br />
Yes, I do want these pieces to find homes, but that's not my primary concern right now. I'm writing for me and so I can grow in this area. I may continue this through July because I've enjoyed it so much. Maybe in August I can spend a ton of time just writing cover letters and submitting.<br />
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<b>Being the Support Person</b><br />
<b></b><br />
D is trying to finish his final graduate college classes this summer. That's been intense, and he's needed time to study as well as hold down a full-time job and parent. I'm trying to do what I can to take the load off of him in other areas of life, even if it's something as stupid as taking the trash out instead of waiting for him to drag that mess to the curb.<br />
<br />
Marriage is precious when each of you can slide into the role you need to fill at the time. D usually takes the kids to the pool in the afternoons so I can get a break, but I have been doing that this summer so he can come home from work and start studying. I've realized how much I take him for granted and how he constantly expresses gratitude, an area I need to majorly work on.<br />
<br />
<b>Actually Eating the Vegetables</b><br />
<b></b><br />
I'm still eating a sort of pescatarian diet that also includes eggs. Guess what I learned? There are tons of really unhealthy vegetarian-style foods out there. I knew this already because we have been through the gluten-free transition. Sure, you can eat healthier on a gluten-free diet, but you can also just eat gluten-free crap.<br />
<br />
I am trying to make taking meat out of my diet = adding more vegetables, not more meat-free trash food. It's hard. I am never going to be one of those girls who gets excited about cauliflower or who salivates thinking of a soup made with squash. Those people are adorable, but I'm not one of them.<br />
<br />
Salad? Yeah, I am trying to do that, but potato chips with black bean dip are also vegetarian, so I have to make myself choose wisely. This month has been a challenge, but I'm moving that direction.<br />
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<b>No Summer School, Sort Of</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For the first time in our homeschooling lives, we've decided to take a summer off. I ask the kids to read daily, but that's about it. However, we are working on other skills, mainly training our brains to handle big feelings without repressing or being totally controlled by them.<br />
<br />
I've introduced activities, books, and workbooks on mindfulness, empathy, and calming down, as well as working through techniques for dealing with anxiety. Being able to handle emotions is the gift that keeps on giving, and I am honestly just now getting better at dealing with repressed issues and investigating my feelings without being owned by them. I want my kids to be able to do this much earlier in life. The public library and Pinterest have helped tons on this journey.<br />
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<b>Creating</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I am in the process of:<br />
Creating a new art/homeschool room design<br />
Creating a calm down box for the kids(and maybe me)<br />
Creating quality time with each kid, each day<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8hKPpD8V0A/WzmKUQL2P3I/AAAAAAAABd0/Cgy2QmogGfo9pLxbZk_6wLJHHpeQbOayQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180514_221103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8hKPpD8V0A/WzmKUQL2P3I/AAAAAAAABd0/Cgy2QmogGfo9pLxbZk_6wLJHHpeQbOayQCLcBGAs/s320/20180514_221103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the beginning of the paint sample process.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRvJ13UVuXs/WzmJrTOnIgI/AAAAAAAABds/e2Fh-hSkud4TEPOXQQ5bgKKFOHsa56ZYgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180514_221107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRvJ13UVuXs/WzmJrTOnIgI/AAAAAAAABds/e2Fh-hSkud4TEPOXQQ5bgKKFOHsa56ZYgCLcBGAs/s320/20180514_221107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-15765451626352729502018-06-03T19:31:00.001-07:002018-06-03T19:31:03.824-07:00Persevering in May and Plans for June<b>Created a Home Office</b><br />
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Working freelance has its advantages, and I used to think one of them was that I could work anywhere. It's actually a blessing and a curse. Sometimes not having a space of my own makes me feel so unofficial that I don't get much work completed.<br />
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I remedied that by setting up my office...in our closet. It's a big closet, I had an extra table, problem solved. Plus, the kids always forget I'm back there so it's also become a great hiding place.<br />
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<b>Added Vegetables</b><br />
<br />
I love bacon, but I don't think bacon or any other meats like me anymore. I am not going full vegetarian, but I have worked to add more veggies and eat less meat lately, and it's been nice. There's a balance because I can't carb load to take the place of meat or I feel sick, but I have a lot more green on my plate than before, and I'm feeling a bit more energetic. Giving up sugar, unfortunately, is not a battle I've yet won.<br />
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<b>Learned to Sleep, for Like Two Weeks</b><br />
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You guys, I was doing <i>so </i>well. I was clocking anywhere from 7-8 hours a night by going to bed at a relatively decent hour and just setting my alarm. I have the twins to thank for this because they wake up at the butt crack of down demanding breakfast and company and a pony, and I just wanted to beat them out of bed in the mornings so I could have at least four minutes of quiet before the demands started. I knew what time I had to get up and I got twitchy if I stayed up so late I screwed myself out of at least seven hours of sleep.<br />
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D then too off for ten days. That was great, but it ruined my sleep cycle because we party hard with kombucha and movies on loan from the library. I stayed up so late and then took naps and now I'm starting all over again.<br />
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<b>Minimized</b><br />
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My minimizing project is never going to be fully over, but we made major progress this month. I wish I had taken before and after pictures, but I never remember to do that. I would say we threw away or donated about 20 percent of the items that were left after the first big purge, and it feels great. The next step is to organize what we have and control the flow of items into the house.<br />
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<b>Became a Newbie</b><br />
<br />
Flow Magazine put out the incredible A Book That Takes Its Time, and I vowed to purchase any book they produced forever after I finished it. I found out last month that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Draw-Your-Beautiful-Ordinary/dp/1523501154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528079283&sr=8-1&keywords=50+ways+to+draw+your+beautiful+ordinary+life&dpID=61Vw1B0HUgL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">50 Ways to Draw Your Ordinary, Beautiful Life</a> was out, and because I experimented with lettering and drawing in the first book they published, I bought this one. <br />
<br />I can't draw, and I live in a house of extremely artistic people, but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying this book. Drawing is so far out of my comfort zone that it requires all my focus and concentration, and that offers me pauses in my day to just zero in on one thing. I also wish I'd taken an art class in high school because drawing is helping me with spatial learning and geometry in a way math class never did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8p3KFwuL8W0/WxSicbB2gdI/AAAAAAAABcY/XjuYQcnYsJ0MKIg-cvvp1JcWzjxBpEJ2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180509_141309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8p3KFwuL8W0/WxSicbB2gdI/AAAAAAAABcY/XjuYQcnYsJ0MKIg-cvvp1JcWzjxBpEJ2QCLcBGAs/s320/20180509_141309.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I drew coffee, my early morning love.</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Lived in the Hot, Sweaty Moment</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Our air conditioner died in May, and apparently so did everyone else's because no one came to fix it for ten days. The experience was not as bad as it sounds, and despite being slightly uncomfortable and out money to replace the unit, we were pretty awesome about the whole thing, especially considering our dishwasher was also broken and we had just replaced our washing machine, which went out the week all six of us caught a stomach virus and puked on everything. Yeah, we were awesome. <br />
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I practiced being mindful and living in the moment instead of wishing away the days until the AC was back on. We had a lot of fun finding places to haunt during the hottest times of the day and finding creative ways to cook dinner without having to use the oven.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPP7lSeIfdU/WxSilo4kiGI/AAAAAAAABc4/6FV6dwPynHMJZg5Gun9eW3h4Chqj1n2fACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180526_120330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EPP7lSeIfdU/WxSilo4kiGI/AAAAAAAABc4/6FV6dwPynHMJZg5Gun9eW3h4Chqj1n2fACEwYBhgL/s320/20180526_120330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We might have eaten out a lot when it got over 80 degrees in the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY8dyMvxwn0/WxSifpJVBkI/AAAAAAAABcw/tAZMe8hnJIAQydVL0Ax1fcvNF8acLD11QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180518_144042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY8dyMvxwn0/WxSifpJVBkI/AAAAAAAABcw/tAZMe8hnJIAQydVL0Ax1fcvNF8acLD11QCEwYBhgL/s320/20180518_144042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wal-Mart loves it when we come to explore.</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Preparing for D's School</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
D is attempting two graduate level courses this summer so, if all goes well, he will be finished with this college thing by fall. It's awesome, but it means the next 60 days are going to be stressful for him. D is an internalizer, so he copes with stress quietly until he just carries the outward appearance of death across his face and I finally pry his brain open and figure out what is wrong.<br />
<br />
We're trying to avoid that fate by setting up regular sit down check ins where he has to answer a series of questions about his current stress level while looking me in the eyes and not twitching. We're also going to give him whatever time he needs to study until he's comfortable with the material. It's going to be nuts because summer courses are fast and furious, but we're ready for the ride.<br />
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<b>June Plans</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<ul>
<li>Work my way through a 28 day meditation book</li>
<li>Complete projects around our house, which we moved into ten years ago this summer</li>
<li>Simply write without submitting so I focus on the quality of my work and not the stress of if any of it will find a home. Submissions can start in July.</li>
</ul>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-29433129043151429552018-05-30T20:43:00.001-07:002018-05-31T16:05:13.208-07:00May Book ListThe reading was good in May!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHJukNRqA0/WxB_Y3fMFtI/AAAAAAAABb4/4kcgpiXYHHUdukoABw9LHdxbNaZP_5TEACLcBGAs/s1600/20180520_140854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcHJukNRqA0/WxB_Y3fMFtI/AAAAAAAABb4/4kcgpiXYHHUdukoABw9LHdxbNaZP_5TEACLcBGAs/s320/20180520_140854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2ZT0WyBoxc/WxB_oLOmfSI/AAAAAAAABb8/VkgLSmQyDVwPf-VDFsxDzw9jyXJZG7FSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180517_211846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2ZT0WyBoxc/WxB_oLOmfSI/AAAAAAAABb8/VkgLSmQyDVwPf-VDFsxDzw9jyXJZG7FSwCLcBGAs/s320/20180517_211846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Fiction</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Olive-Kitteridge-Fiction-Elizabeth-Strout-ebook/dp/B0013TRR80/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527475122&sr=8-1&keywords=olive+kitteridge+by+elizabeth+strout">Olive Kitteridge</a> by Elizabeth Strout<br />
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I showed up late to the party when it comes to Elizabeth Strout. This is now the third book I have read by her, and I am obsessed. <br />
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"Olive Kitterdge" is a novel that is also thirteen separate stories that cankterorous, complicated Olive is a part of in some way. The stories span years in a Maine town and touch on love, loss, and the demons we can't outrun. <br />
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Lest you be put off by that description, Strout's writing is beautiful, sparse yet somehow full. She is one of the writers who makes me believe the studies that proclaim reading literary fiction can make you more empathetic. I wrestle into the minds of her characters and feel myself immersed in their situations. Her work is divine.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swing-Time-Novel-Zadie-Smith-ebook/dp/B01D9H1Q2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527475194&sr=1-1&keywords=swing+time">Swing Time</a> by Zadie Smith</span><br />
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I feel in love with Smith's essay collection "Feel Free" last month, and a friend gave me this book shortly after. I devoured the story of an unnamed narrator and her friend Tracey who bond over dance in London. Smith shines a light on the complications of relationships, racism, and the good intentions of philanthropists gone awry all in one book. <br />
<br />
The story travels from London to New York to Africa, and Smith's examination of relationships and privilege are profound without being preachy. Whether she sets her gaze on friends, lovers, or parents and children, she has a way of creating believable situations with authentic dialogue and interactions.<br />
<br />
I picked up NW for next month. I am likely going to read everything Smith has ever written.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=stray+city">Stray City</a> by Chelsey Johnson<br />
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I've seen this book described as a love letter to Portland in the 1990s, and I totally agree. It's a beautiful piece of work exploring the LGBTQ community that sought refuge in Portland during this time.<br />
<br />
Andrea Morales flees her small Nebraska town when coming out earns her rejection. She makes a home in Portland and joins the Lesbian Mafia. One night, broken-hearted and vulnerable, she starts a relationship with Ryan that leads to an accidental pregnancy and threatens to unravel the belonging she's found in the LGBTQ community.<br />
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The dialogue is believable, the characters are rich, and this story is fiction but weaves in threads of reality, including the death of Brandon Teena who happened to be from the same state Andrea's character fled. It examines the damage that is done when dogma overrules compassion, and it spans years in the life of Portland, showing us the way the city changes as well as the people within it.<br />
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Johnson's understanding of people is what makes this book shine as she observes, "The tyranny of family love is that you can't help but love people who think God can't stand the sight of you."<br />
<i></i><br />
Grab this one and settle in.<br />
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<b><u>Short Stories</u></b><br />
<i><b></b><u></u><br /></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Free-Danzy-Senna-ebook/dp/B004Q7DOQK/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527479127&sr=1-5&keywords=you+are+free">You are Free</a> by Danzy Senna</span></span><br />
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I picked up this collection of short stories because a) I had read about them in Zadie Smith's book of essays "Feel Free" last month b) Senna is married to Percival Everett whose book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Much-Blue-Percival-Everett-ebook/dp/B01M0Q8CY5/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527475552&sr=1-1&keywords=so+much+blue">So Much Blue</a> is still on my mind months after reading it. <br />
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I'm extremely curious about creative couples since D and I both write. I mean, we don't make the money or get the awards or general acclaim like Senna and Everett, but I still love to read their work and wonder if they revise together or just want the other person out of their creative space.<br />
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This is a thoughtful collection of stories that centers around women and race, and Senna's insight is generally spot on. She has a way of creating a pleasurable tension in each story while offering realistic characters.The stories are thought provoking and enjoyable.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>Essays</u></b></span></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-That-Bad-Dispatches-Culture-ebook/dp/B07257Z94B/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527475585&sr=1-1&keywords=not+that+bad&dpID=41kxCfc3y1L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture</a> edited by Roxane Gay</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The common theme in these essays about rape is one that victims know well: taking responsibility for something that isn't our fault. </span></span></span><br />
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Roxane Gay, who was gang raped at the age of 12, edited this book of essays to remind us that it is that bad, regardless of our experience in rape culture and regardless of how many people still refuse to acknowledge its existence.<br />
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The topic of rape is obviously a heavy one, but the essays are beautiful despite the violence that takes place within them. Each writer, both male and female, approaches the topic from their unique perspective and offers readers a glimpse of how rape culture has shaped their worlds.<br />
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A daughter discusses her mother's choice to stay in her marriage, despite her husband raping their child, to preserve the family; a woman whose sister was assaulted by a man now has to live with that man being a part of their family and her family's rejection of her due to her anger. Michelle Chen writes about the risks women face when crossing the border, their bodies used as collateral or as a way to punish them.<br />
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Every essay highlights the fact that when anyone is raped or assaulted, a lack of support or help recovering will leave damage in its wake. Not discussing trauma, categorizing it as not that bad or not as bad as what it could have been, does nothing but deny victims the right to heal as much as possible.<br />
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The essay "All the Angry Women" ends with "her anger is not going away." It's not. It shouldn't. It is that bad, and that anger is going to be a tool for many of us to fight.<br />
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<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nasty-Women-Feminism-Resistance-Revolution/dp/1250155509/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527476017&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=nasty+women&psc=1">Nasty Women: Feminism, Resistance, and Revolution in Trump's America</a><br />
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Go get this book. Read an essay a night. Let it sit in your brain. Meditate on these women's words and experiences and the research showing what it's like to be a nasty woman in Trump's America.<br />
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Jessica Valenti, Sady Doyle, and Sarah Hepola are just a handful of writers who contribute to this book. Doyle explores Trump's role as an abuser and explains why trying to give him a mental illness out is damaging for everyone. Hepola reflects on what it was like to be sober after the election after years of using alcohol as a crutch. Samantha Irby explains what it's like to be a queer black woman living in Trump country today.<br />
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All of these writers are incredible on their own, but having them together in one book discussing the current world we live in is a gift.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Hour-Motherhood-Essays-Swear-ebook/dp/B0746GRJRN/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527476472&sr=1-1&keywords=amateur+hour&dpID=41Wdjc7FO0L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Amateur Hour: Motherhood in Essays and Swear Words </a>by Kimberly Harrington<br />
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Let me start with the obvious: Kimberly Harrington is not an amateur, not at parenting or writing or life. I fell in love with her and I fell hard for this book.<br />
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These essays cover parenting, friendship, marriage, and middle age. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">This book is funny, laugh out loud worthy even, but it will also cause an array of emotional responses, sometimes on the same page. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Harrington finds a way to nail the difficulty of being a parent without sacrificing the joys, and she doesn't diminish either the hard parts or the privilege of being a mom. That's a tough line to walk, and she does it flawlessly.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
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She can go from writing about letting her kid bleed it out in "The Super Bowl of Interruptions" to "You are All the Joy", a letter to her kids that caused me to crawl in bed with all of mine for a reading cuddlefest. "Hot-Ass Chicks" is the ultimate ode to the girlfriends who keep us going, and it had me in tears. Harrington accurately opines "..I need my hot-ass chicks like I need oxygen. Because the first casualty of motherhood is honesty. And the second is vulnerability." That's true and lonely if you don't find your people.<br />
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This book is over 300 pages and covers using social media to broadcast our insecurities as well as what it means to be a working mom in the United States (spoiler alert: it's hard because our policies suck.)<br />
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I can't recommend this one enough. If you are one of my hot-ass chicks, you may find it randomly on your doorstep soon.<br />
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<b><u>Non-fiction</u></b></div>
<b></b><b><i><u><sub><br /></sub></u></i></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Path-Between-Us-Enneagram-Relationships/dp/0830846425/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527477469&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=the+path+between+us&psc=1">The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships</a> by Suzanne Stabile<br />
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Most of the people in my life know I am obsessed with the Enneagram. It's helped me understand my own behavior as a two, and it's been a wonderful tool to use when trying to understand how other people who are not twos view the world.<br />
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I started with Ian Morgan Cron's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190">The Road Back to You</a>, and Stabile was a co-writer on that one. Stabile set out on her own this time to explain how we can have healthy relationships with everyone on the Enneagram, no matter what our numbers. "The Road Back to You" helped me figure out what number I was on the Enneagram, and "The Path Between Us" helps us understand what that means for relationships with others. (I feel it's necessary to point out that Stabile is a two, and relationships are EVERYTHING to us. It doesn't surprise me at all that a two focused her book on the relational aspects of the Enneagram.)<br />
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This book is broken into chapters that cover each number and how to interact with people in that number. It's a quick read and a wonderful reference tool, and I will likely purchase it because the library frowns upon highlighting their copies.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logical-Family-Memoir-Armistead-Maupin-ebook/dp/B01MZ7XS47/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527477506&sr=1-1&keywords=logical+family&dpID=51YwdN2Pa6L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">Logical Family</a> by Armistead Maupin<br />
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I had never heard of Maupin before I grabbed his memoir, my first read for the month of May. As a gay man growing up in a conservative, racist home in the south, Maupin has a unique story to tell about finding your logical family when your biological one can't accept you.<br />
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Regardless of sexual orientation, most of us have found ourselves in the world finding our logical family, those friends that are chosen as family in a way we don't get to choose our biological relatives. Maupin takes us from the American south to Vietnam to San Francisco, and along the way he shows us what it mean to embrace who he truly is and shed who he was trying to be to garner acceptance by his family.<br />
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This book has endless stories about people you will recognize, but its best moments are when Maupin's worlds collide, like the one where he is marching with his logical family after the murder of Harvey Milk and his biological family shows up, still not ready to accept him but present in his hurt.<br />
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Maupin is a gifted storyteller, and this book will appeal to anyone who has made their home away from the one they were born into.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Lykke-Secrets-Happiest-ebook/dp/B071796GCR/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527477533&sr=1-1&keywords=the+little+book+of+lykke&dpID=51MrOm4I1sL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World's Happiest People</a> by Meik Wiking<br />
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Wiking wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Hygge-Danish-Secrets/dp/0062658808">The Little Book of Hygge</a>, my first read about the Danish concept of coziness and happiness in the moment. He's the reason I'm hooked on hygge, and I will gladly read anything he writes.<br />
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"The Little Book of Lykke" (pronounced looka) expands beyond the happiness secrets of the Danish to include how other countries find ways to be happy. This book is broken down into sections and covers topics such as freedom, trust, and togetherness. Wiking provides real, actionable ways to create a happier life wherever you live.<br />
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I love reading about other countries ideas of freedom. Wiking fairly points out that the U.S. is a country with a huge divide between those who have money and those who don't, and Denmark would not consider that freedom. Freedom to them, and many other socialist countries, means knowing your neighbor can go to the doctor, go to college, and buy food. It creates trust and togetherness.<br />
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He also points out that Breaking Bad could have never been a believable show in Denmark. Instead of working a full-time job and still needing to resort to cooking meth to receive cancer treatment, Walter would have simply heard, "Here is your treatment plan, Walter. I will see you on the fifth."<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Perfect-Christian-Comprehensive-Spiritual/dp/0735291527/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527476912&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=how+to+be+a+perfect+christian&psc=1">How to be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living </a>by The Babylon Bee<br />
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If you don't enjoy satire and sarcasm is not your love language then you best pass this one by. Sarcasm is basically a survival tool for me, so I loved The Babylon Bee's tips on how to be a perfect Christian without the inconvenience of, you know, authentic faith and a messy relationship with God.<br />
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This satire is cutting, and no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you can't help but be convicted of a few transgressions within this book. It's a reminder that there's no formula for faith, no way around love and messiness. <br />
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It's a welcoming invitation to get real about what life is really like following a Jewish carpenter who didn't play by the rules, even if it means we have to forego the image of perfection in other people's eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Shorts-Remarkably-Average-Parenting-ebook/dp/B01IDGS694/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527480664&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=the+mommy+shirts+guide+to+remarkably+average+parenting">The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting </a>by Ilana Wiles<br />
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Know a pregnant person? Give them this book. I grabbed this one after seeing someone on Instagram commenting about how funny it was, and it did not disappoint. I only wish I had read it when my littles were younger because I think it would have been a sanity saver.<br />
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Wiles is honest about parenting and reminds all of us that being a totally average parent is a worthy goal. Pick it up for laughs and cute baby pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Very-Worst-Missionary-Memoir-Whatever-ebook/dp/B073QZPYLX/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527477305&sr=1-1&keywords=the+very+worst+missionary&dpID=51LKn0bYW7L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">The Very Worst Missionary: A Memoir or Whatever</a> by Jamie Wright<br />
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If you've followed Jamie Wright's blog of the same name then you know her style: honest, smart, and challenging in the best possible way.<br />
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Wright's memoir focuses on her beginnings as a sort of Jewish kid before moving to her free-for-all teen years that led her to a baby, marriage, and a Christian faith that both saved her and almost sunk her. She handles the church and those within it kindly despite not always being handled kindly when she had questions, and she sheds light on what happens when short term mission trips aren't thought out journeys but simply ways for Christians to feel like they are doing something Jesus-like.<br />
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Wright's work is hilarious. You will laugh out loud reading this book. You'll also question some of the long-held beliefs about being a Christian and saving the world. I hope Wright continues to share the wisdom of her journeys because this book is beautifully written, accurate in its insight, and necessary for all of us.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/10-Happier-Self-Help-Actually-Works/dp/0062265431/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527737776&sr=8-1&keywords=10%25+happier&dpID=41BVobaX1-L&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works</a> by Dan Harris<br />
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I read "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics" and loved it, so I grabbed Harris' first book that chronicles his journey from majorly successful but stressed recreational drug user to meditation enthusiast. It did not disappoint.<br />
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Harris is a wonderful writer, and reading this book made me feel like I was listening to a friend tell a great story. Harris traces his complicated route to meditation, starting with Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra and finally leading to a set of meditation practitioners who can answer his questions and concerns about the practice. Along the way he offers practical advice and reasons to get started with meditation, and implementing the RAIN method and the "Is this useful?" question have helped everyone in my house considerably.<br />
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Harris reminds us that mindless living often comes with consequences, and the mindfulness meditation offers helps us train one of our most important tools: our minds. Meditator or not, read this book and it will be hard for you to stay unconvinced about the benefits.<br />
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<b><u>Graphic Novel</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Do-When-Im-Gone-ebook/dp/B079N964KH/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1527476796&sr=1-1&keywords=what+to+do+when+i%27m+gone&dpID=514QywHJ1PL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">What to do When I'm Gone: A Mother's Wisdom to Her Daughter</a> by Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman</div>
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This graphic novel is a beautiful quick read. When Hopkins realized she would one day have to navigate life without her mother, she approached her mom to receive advice about how to go on when she was gone. From that this book was born, and it is full of advice, recipes, and lessons about grief. </div>
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The illustrations are beautiful, the advice is sound, and this would make a great gift for any daughter or son.</div>
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-8196501336685223902018-05-08T10:47:00.000-07:002018-05-08T10:47:00.135-07:00Persevering in AprilPersevering in April had to do with setting limits, doing what I know needs to be done, and nature. I continued to minimize, ridding our home of even more junk, and we are spending as much time in nature as possible before the summer heat destroys that option. Here are other ways we persevered.<br />
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<b>Health</b><br />
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April was a weird month for health issues. Wren, despite being in remission and on a gluten-free diet, had some issues that are connected to having Celiac. We went through this same thing two years ago, and she was not pleased to know we'd have to work to get her through these problems again. Neither was I, but I've come to understand something since last time: you can do all of the right things and still end up with wonky results.<br />
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I should have already known this, but I prefer the narrative that says if you follow all the rules nothing bad happens. Where this affects me health wise is that the minute I follow the rules and things go off course, I don't want to follow them anymore. I didn't eat bread for a day and didn't lose five pounds? Fine, bring on the rolls.<br />
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Health decisions are long term and may or may not work out. It's still worth it, so in April I worked harder on thinking about the long haul as opposed to the immediate result. Even then, I could be one of those people who has a heart attack while running a marathon. Just kidding, I would never run a marathon. You see my point though. I eat well because it generally makes me feel better, I work out because it's good for me, we go gluten-free because even if Wren does still occasionally have issues, it's better than what would happen if we didn't. I'm trying to keep my motives right even when things go wrong, knowing that there are no guarantees but that I generally have better luck with spinach than pork rinds.<br />
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<b>Social Media</b><br />
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I am not here to denounce all social media. You are probably reading this blog post because you saw it on one of my social media pages. But in April I made some conscious decisions in this area that served me well. <br />
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I can't totally pull away from all social media because of my freelance work, but there were days I didn't go near it. When I did, it was for quick glances and not never-ending scrollfests. I used it to promote articles but not to advertise the everyday events in my life, and I enjoyed that approach.<br />
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Social media is not in and of itself evil, but it's not often a place I walk away from feeling better. For practical uses, it's good. However, when I'm reaching for it as a comfort tool, I am not really comforted, and I end up sad about the time I lost staring at a screen discovering all the ways I disagree with people I know. I'm going to continue to keep consumption low and enjoy the time it affords me.<br />
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<b>Delaying Gratification</b><br />
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It's kind of retro, but delayed gratification is awesome. Yes, it's a fancy way of saying waiting for what you want, which is not something we do often anymore. However, like snail mail or counting down until Christmas, it can evoke some strong positive feelings.<br />
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I knew I wanted a certain book and that I was going to have to purchase it, but I waited for weeks before I finally did. When I finally had it in my hands, it was a delicious feeling. Inspired by that experience, I now have a few items and experiences on my list, but I'm savoring the time leading up to actually possessing them.<br />
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<b>Positive Spin</b><br />
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I've set some limits for myself in hopes of achieving certain goals, and that's not a super fun thing to do. Instead of falling into the habit of saying, "No, I can't do that", I've flipped the words. Now I say, "Yes, I can do this." <br />
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No, I can't eat chocolate three days in a row, but yes I can take myself on a nice walk and throw back some kombucha. I still don't get the chocolate, but framing the conversation in my head around what I can do instead of what I can't makes the whole experience more empowering.<br />
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<b>Breaking It Down</b><br />
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Our house is almost 20 years old, and I love it. However, it needs work in many areas, and we are trying to do some small things in between raising kids and D finishing college. The problem is that I get overwhelmed easily in the face of home anything. Repairs, design, it all stresses me out.<br />
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I finally broke down my big picture to identify tiny tasks I could work on slowly that will eventually lead to the big picture. This has kept me from getting completely paralyzed by how big all these projects seem. One step at a time, one room painted, one washing machine replaced, one picture hung on the wall. We'll get there.<br />
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<b>Kept Finding Green</b><br />
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We made time for outside every day possible. We played and hiked through nature preserves, sprinted past overly friendly geese on walks with friends, and just found ways to see green while we can still get out. <br />
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Summer is fast approaching, and there's only so much hiking you can do in Texas in July without having a heat stroke. There's always swimming, but I need a canopy of green over my head and birds chirping to feel like I am fully immersed in nature. Chlorine is a poor substitute, so I will continue to drag everyone outdoors to hang out under tall tress until triple digit temperatures stop me.<br />
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-11697090222851234332018-05-01T09:37:00.001-07:002018-05-01T09:37:20.208-07:00April Book ListTwelve books filled April. I started the month with Sloane Crosley's essays and ended it with Tom Rachman's fiction. It's not a bad way to enjoy spring.<br />
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I haven't found anything as amazing as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Takes-Its-Time/dp/0761193774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525192230&sr=8-1&keywords=a+book+that+takes+its+time&dpID=614LXA5mbIL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">A Book that Takes its Time</a> for mindfulness journaling, but I did pick up a couple of fun journals to have on hand. Both remind me to slow down and give me excuses to sit around and color when stressed.<br />
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<b><u>Essays</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Look-Alive-Out-There-Essays/dp/0374279845/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523411579&sr=1-1&keywords=look+alive+out+there&dpID=51EobVielcL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Look Alive Out There</a> by Sloane Crosley<br />
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I discovered Sloane Crosley very late in the game, so I read her first two books last year instead of years ago when I should have. When I found out she had another book of essays coming out, I stalked three libraries to find it and succeeded quickly.<br />
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This collection of essays covers everything from rich, loud neighbors to retired porn stars. (Crosley's not-quite uncle was a porn star whose birth name is Johnny Seeman. Yep.) She explores what it's like to stumble across swingers in California and to appear as herself on Gossip Girl. She does all this with humor, wit, and insights that don't feel forced. That's her genius, and she's only gotten better at her craft over the last decade.<br />
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I was surprised to find out Crosley has Meniere's disease, the same vestibular disorder I have, and her descriptions of vertigo were so precise that I feared I might start spinning just reading her essay. I recommend her work to everyone and this, her best work to date, is perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Free-Essays-Zadie-Smith/dp/1594206252/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525050118&sr=1-1&keywords=feel+free">Feel Free</a> by Zadie Smith</div>
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I am almost too overwhelmed to even attempt a review of Smiths' essays. She is highly intelligent while still being accessible. She is not immune to her own shortcomings or limited thoughts, yet she's not self-deprecating in the way we usually see it done. She's aware, smart, and a very skilled writer who looks at any subject she tackles with the most comprehensive view possible before sharing her thoughts.</div>
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This book is over 400 pages but is broken into five parts depending on the topic. Every time I finished a section I was sure it was my favorite, only to make it to the end of the book to say I can't choose. I wouldn't want to have missed any of it.</div>
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Smith can discuss any issue, but she can see the issue beyond the issue and wrestle with that as well. Her commentary on the recent hit movie Get Out sits alongside views about Brexit and writers using their own lives to inspire work. She writes about books, politics, and the dynamic of the family, concluding that no matter the family experience "the family is a violent event." Her closing essay on joy versus pleasure nearly undid me, and I can't wait to read more by Smith as I was very late to discover her mastery.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-More-Stories-Learning/dp/039958837X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524793440&sr=8-1&keywords=tell+me+more">Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say</a> by Kelly Corrigan</div>
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Essays won it for me this month, and Corrigan's hilarious, thoughtful book helped get them there. Corrigan tells readers about the 12 phrases she is trying to say more, whether encouraging her child or a friend to express their emotions by asking for more information or getting rid of the craziness in life by simply saying no.</div>
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This is my first book by Corrigan, so I didn't know what to expect. I am now about to raid every library in my area for everything she has ever written. She comes off as an honest, smart, witty friend who isn't afraid to talk about the times she's stumbled in order to help us get it right.</div>
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Yes, yes, and yes to this one. Read it once with a highlighter, and then read it again.</div>
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<b><u>Non-fiction</u></b></div>
<b></b><b></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Fidgety-Skeptics-Happier-How/dp/0399588949/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523411483&sr=8-1&keywords=meditation+for+fidgety+skeptics">Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics </a><span style="color: #000032;">by Dan Harris, Jeffrey Warren, and Carlye Adler</span><br />
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<span style="color: #000032;"></span>I've had a very flirtatious relationship with mediation for a while now. I like the idea of it. I like all the benefits it offers. I like thinking of myself as someone who can sit still and find my Zen. However, it's only been in the last couple of months that my relationship with meditation has moved to the next level, and this book helped get it there.<br />
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Harris had a panic attack on live television in front of millions of viewers, and that started his journey to meditation. It's been so life changing for him that he went on a road trip to address people's concerns and excuses as to why they don't meditate. Along the way, he offered answers and assistance for how to get started and keep the practice alive for the long term.<br />
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Along for the journey was yoga expert, Jeff Warren, who writes easy-to-follow meditations for different situations that will guide readers who want to get started or elevate their practice. This book is a hilarious story, a wonderful how-to, and just plain fun. I am working through all the meditations in the book and feeling more confident now that Harris and crew helped clear up many meditation misconceptions for me. <br />
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Harris and Warren are also honest about life after meditation. It's generally more focused, calmer, but meditation doesn't mean we suddenly don't have bad days or that our old demons don't come back to haunt us. We're just equipped with better tools to handle them when we meditate.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing/dp/0735210624/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523411623&sr=1-1&keywords=when+the+scientific+secrets+of+perfect+timing&dpID=41Z0sxEkUBL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing</a> by Daniel H. Pink</div>
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Why do we feel compelled to make resolutions on January 1st? When is the best time to perform certain types of work? Are you a lark or an owl? Pink attempts to answer these questions and offers information to help us understand how beginnings, middles, breaks, and ends play a huge role in our lives.</div>
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Pink ends each chapter with a handbook to help apply the strategies he's discussed. I very much appreciated this since each chapter is full of useful information that is much easier to use when a quick, scannable plan for action is offered. If you like research and need an official, data-backed reason to take an afternoon siesta, this is a great read. </div>
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Warning: you will NEVER schedule medical procedures in the afternoon again.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Art-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/dp/1501173243">The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning</a> by Margareta Magnusson</div>
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I love the concept of Swedish death cleaning, and even wrote about it <a href="https://www.mother.ly/parenting/move-over-marie-kondo-swedish-death-cleaning-is-where-its-at">here</a>. So imagine my surprise when I did not love this book. I really wanted to, but it didn't work for me.</div>
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Death cleaning involves taking care of your earthly items so your loved ones won't have to go through it all when you're dead. It's considerate, and you don't have to wait until you're knocking on death's door to death clean. Adopting minimalist tendencies and making conscious decisions about purchases is a great way to make sure you never accumulate more than you need. If you start to acquire too much, practice some death cleaning.</div>
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The concept is easy, but Magnusson's meandering narrative about her death cleaning didn't interest me. I am used to books about tidying or minimizing containing a bit of narrative and a lot of practical tips. This felt more like a story about Magnusson that centered around her life with some death cleaning thoughts thrown in for good measure. That threw me.</div>
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Her advice to keep one vibrator instead of 15 is sound because finding that one is going to do your kids enough damage, but I didn't pick up any other super useful tips from this book. </div>
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If you want to tidy up, I recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Summary-Changing-Japanese-Decluttering-Organizing-ebook/dp/B077L85JGP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525051518&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=the+life+changing+magic+of+tidying+up&psc=1">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Things-New-Japanese-Minimalism/dp/0393609030/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525051560&sr=1-1&keywords=goodbye+things">Goodbye, Things </a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Minimalism-Decluttering-Sustainable-Intentional/dp/1632171325/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525051582&sr=1-1&keywords=new+minimalism">New Minimalism</a> or Soul Simplicity, which I review below.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trip-Echo-Spring-Writers-Drinking/dp/1250063736/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524418763&sr=1-1&keywords=the+trip+to+echo+spring&dpID=51GcCtQrVIL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The Trip to Echo Spring: On Writers and Drinking</a> by Olivia Laing</div>
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I read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-City-Adventures-Being-Alone/dp/1250118034/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524792498&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=the+lonely+city&psc=1">The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone</a> last year and was so taken by Laing's study of art and loneliness that I still think about her words. "The Trip to Echo Spring" had much the same effect. Laing wrote this one first and focused on writers and alcohol, a pairing that is much too common.</div>
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I find that though her books hover around the 300 page mark, I have to read them slowly. There is so much information: the research she has done on her subjects, the conclusions she draws, what she observes when she travels, and her own personal narrative, that I like to take in small amounts of material and let my brain marinate in it before moving on.</div>
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Laing focuses on Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Raymond Carver, John Cheever, John Berryman, and Tennessee Williams. At times these authors' lives overlap, and somehow Laing weaves all six of their stories into her book seamlessly while also visiting locations that were meaningful to the writers.</div>
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Her exploration of alcohol is sobering, and this book falls into a category best described as melancholy, as does "The Lonely City". If you have time and the desire, follow Laing wherever she leads. Her insight is priceless and often beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Simplicity-Living-Less-Lead/dp/0143130684/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525050335&sr=1-1&keywords=soul+simplicity&dpID=41-rWzr0juL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Soul Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More</a> by Courtney Carver</div>
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Carver was diagnosed with MS and forced to decide how she wanted to live with this chronic condition. Stress makes it worse, so Carver set to overhaul her life, cutting back on debt, purchases, possessions, stress, and bad habits. The goal was to live simply, and she devised a plan to make life simple across every possible aspect of her life in order to make the most of her health and her time.</div>
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Years later she is helping others find ways to live simple, soulful lives. I loved this book because D and I have been on the simplicity journey for a while, deciding what to keep, what to toss, and how to build a life around our values. It's a never-ending process, so I find that having a book around to continue to help motivate us is always good.</div>
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Carver's book is extensive and offers ways to help readers implement simplicity practices into their everyday lives. Grab it and get ready to chunk the excess and embrace the soulful simplicity of each moment.</div>
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<b><u>Fiction</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Confusion-Languages-Siobhan-Fallon/dp/0399158928/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523411599&sr=1-1&keywords=the+confusion+of+languages">The Confusion of Languages</a> by Siobhan Fallon<br />
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Cassie and Margaret couldn't be more different. Living in Jordan with their military husbands, Cassie is the one who has been there for a while and follows the rules. Margaret is the newcomer who thinks she can figure out how to adapt following her own set of rules. Their unlikely friendship leads to a study of human relationships and reminds us that every decision we make has a consequence.<br />
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When Cassie and Margaret are involved in a minor car accident, Cassie keeps Margaret's young son while she goes to clear up the paperwork. When Margaret doesn't return in a timely manner, we see the story of their friendship unfold in flashbacks that lead the reader into a complicated web of jealousy, desire, and pain.<br />
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Fallon does a wonderful job creating rich, multidimensional characters. Nothing feels contrived and everything that happens moves like dominoes falling, leading to an inevitable conclusion. I picked this one up on a whim, and I'm really glad I did.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Future-Home-Living-God-Novel/dp/0062694057/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525050307&sr=1-1&keywords=future+home+of+the+living+god">Future Home of the Living God</a> by Louise Erdrich<br />
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Cedar was adopted and raised by two kind liberal do-gooders, but she seeks to find her birth family upon finding out she's pregnant. There's also the issue of her pregnancy occurring when evolution is reversing, offering babies who are a different species of human when they survive at all.<br />
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During any major event, humans and systems don't always shine, and that's true here. A registry is started to bring in pregnant women so they can be monitored, and neighbors start turning people in for rewards. As the story of what could be the end of the world occurs, Cedar attempts to keep her baby safe, leaning on her biological and adopted family to help her when they can.<br />
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This story touches on the dangers of technology, climate change, and militarized churches. It is original and horrifying, but the fact that it is written as a journal for Cedar's unborn child offers the reader some of the ridiculous human optimism that Cedar, and many other humans, hold onto in times of despair. <br />
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I read this one over many days, only able to absorb so much. It's a shattering, human story, and Erdrich presents it perfectly.<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Stop-Time-Matt-Haig/dp/0525522875">How To Stop Time </a>by Matt Haig<br />
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This book has a lot of buzz around it, and it's well deserved. Protagonist Tom Hazard was born in the 1500s but is still alive, looking quite young, in the 21st century. He's one of those rare humans who doesn't age on a normal schedule, and that has made his life long but not easy.<br />
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When he's introduced to The Albatross Society, he's offered a way to move every few years before anyone takes notice of his lack of aging. The only condition is that he has to perform certain tasks for the society. Driven by fear of things that have occurred in his past due to his eternal youth, he joins.<br />
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This is an interesting story that has flashbacks from Hazard's time knowing Shakespeare and F. Scott Fitzgerald, but it's more than that. Days after reading this, I was shocked by the symbolism, how Hendrich, the leader of The Albatross Society, is a stand-in for America, a fear driven person with a for-us-or-against-us mentality. Hazard's past experiences exacerbate his fear, allowing him to overlook evil for what he views as safety with Hendrich.<br />
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Though a work of fiction, Haig captures much about the human condition and offers profound insight about time and how we respond to our limited amount. <br />
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<i>The longer you live, the more you realise that nothing is fixed. Everyone will become a refugee if they live long enough...everyone would realise that the thing that defines a human being is <b>being a human. </b></i><br />
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Haig's words are an important message for our time.<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Teacher-Tom-Rachman/dp/073522269X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525050235&sr=1-1&keywords=the+italian+teacher&dpID=618rvSCVnOL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The Italian Teacher</a> by Tom Rachman<br />
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Rachman tells the story of Charles "Pinch" Bavinsky, son of famous artist Bear Bavinsky. Bear's art comes first, before his children, his many wives, or any other earthly obligation. When Charles attempts to become an artist like his father, one sentence destroys his dream and sends him on a journey to find his place in the world.<br />
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Rachman creates flawed characters that the reader will still care about. Pinch's longing for his father is desperate and hard to read, and even when readers wonder what Pinch is thinking they still can't forget the situation he came from and throw him some grace. <br />
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The book also explores the idea of art, what it is, what it means, and who gets to decide what art matters. The pacing felt off at times, with Rachman seeming to narrate us quickly from one place to another, but the book overall is a solid, thoughtful read.<br />
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-55976281022592005202018-04-03T16:05:00.002-07:002018-04-03T16:09:45.155-07:00March Book ListMarch was a full, rich month of books. Most of my non-fiction choices leaned towards mindfulness, appreciating each day, and slowing down. Fiction picks were a bit more random. Enjoy!<br />
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<b><u>Non-fiction</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522202335&sr=8-1&keywords=educated&dpID=41eliTRAsHL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Educated </a>by Tara Westover<br />
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I started the month with Westover's enthralling tale of growing up in Idaho with survivalist parents. Her parents, wary of the government, didn't obtain birth certificates for their children, and Westover still isn't sure when her birthday is. She was also not allowed to see doctors and wasn't schooled, publicly or in a homeschool environment.<br />
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Westover writes honestly about her life lived in this environment. She somehow takes almost a spectator's view, offering details without over personalizing, as she rolls out moments in her life that most of us have never had to live. Her writing is beautiful, even though the subject matter is rough.<br />
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When a sibling turns violent, the misogyny bred within the walls of her home forbids her protection. Following some of her older siblings' paths, she attempts to get into college and out of the place that can no longer guarantee her safety, and never really could.<br />
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One reviewer said that if Westover's story was fiction, it'd be a lot easier to stomach. However, it's not, and we are better because Westover came forward to share it. You will root for Westover from the very first page and feel emotionally invested even when you turn the last one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/DIY-Rules-WTF-World-Creative/dp/1538712334/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202463&sr=1-1&keywords=diy+rules+for+a+wtf+world&dpID=51GbSo-TF4L&preST=_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch">DIY Rules for a WTF World</a> by Krista Suh<br />
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This book would be easy to dismiss as cutesy or too millennial. That would be a mistake. One of the creators of the pussyhat movement, Suh shares her tips for using our talents and passions to create a life of meaning and change, and her advice is sound.<br />
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From encouraging us to figure out if we're in a time of taking in or putting work out into the world to encouraging us all to beware of secondary emotions, Suh's advice makes sense for the world we're living in. She encourages us to know we're already enough, to choose the non-negotiables and stick with them, and to keep working until being a feminist is the obvious choice for everyone instead of something people view as a threat.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Am-Seventeen-Brushes-Death/dp/0525520228/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522206133&sr=1-1&keywords=i+am+i+am+i+am+maggie+o%27farrell">I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death</a> by Maggie O'Farrell</span><br />
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I fell in love with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/This-Must-Place-Vintage-Contemporaries/dp/0345804724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522787105&sr=8-1&keywords=this+must+be+the+place&dpID=51%252B7BFH60VL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">This Must be the Place</a>, a novel by O'Farrell. Still, I didn't know exactly how to feel about her approach to her memoir since she based it around 17 near death experiences. It was a unique design, and it paid off.<br />
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From the first chapter where she describes narrowly escaping murder to the last where she details the challenges of having a daughter with an autoimmune/severe allergy issue, I could not look away. O'Farrell's life has been unique in many ways, but she points out the truth and makes readers feel it: we're always teetering on the edge, never sure when the end is coming. Most of us likely don't even know how many times we've barely scraped by, cheated death by a matter of seconds. O'Farrell, due to many factors in her life, is acutely aware of many of these times in her life, and it gives her a wonderful perspective to offer advice to the rest of us on what it means to really live.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Takes-Its-Time/dp/0761193774/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202580&sr=1-1&keywords=a+book+that+takes+its+time&dpID=614LXA5mbIL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">A Book that Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness </a>by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst<br />
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I don't buy books. I know, weird. However, I occasionally make exceptions, and this is a must-buy. Really, buy it, because no library in their right mind would stock it because it's interactive and patrons would destroy it on day one.<br />
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It's not an exaggeration to call this book life changing. Created by the editors of Flow Magazine, it is a mix of written articles and interviews, journaling, illustrations, and invitations to create in a variety of ways. I looked forward to picking it up every day and savoring whatever activity I decided to try. I'm still working my way through the 30 day mindfulness journal, and I reread the essays regularly.<br />
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This book encourages me to slow down, sit with my kids and create art, and remember that the little moments in life are the big moments, if only we don't miss them. There are post cards I've mailed to friends, beautiful moments I've captured on illustrated paper, and a collage that I made that I'm pretty proud of. Grab this book and make space in your day to dive into it.<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unbound-Finding-Unrealistic-Expectations-Motherhood/dp/1546031987/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202668&sr=1-1&keywords=jamie+sumner&dpID=51CwEj3u3fL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Unbound: From Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood</a> by Jamie Sumner</span><br />
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Jamie and I both wrote for Parent.Co, and this should tell you tons about what I think of Jamie's writing: when we received an email telling us to archive our work before the site shut down, I archived some of Jamie's. Yes, I was in a mad panic, crying and worried about losing my writing, but I wanted to make sure I could go back and find her words as well. <br />
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I'm on the launch team for her book that comes out April 10th, and I gave a full review of it on Goodreads. You can also find that review below. <br />
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<span id="freeTextreview2338773008" style="display: inline; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I received an early copy of this book and devoured it. Jamie Sumner's honest look at the expectations we put on ourselves as mothers, as well as how to try to release them, is beautiful, hilarious, and gut-wrenching. Sumner shares her journey to motherhood, which included infertility and many unexpected turns, and opens up about all the emotions she experienced while waiting for her life as a mother to begin.<br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />Interspersed with Sumner's story are the stories of women from the Bible. Sumner seamlessly weaves these Biblical narratives in and helps even those of us who have read them a thousand times see these women in a new light.<br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />Sumner's voice is unique, her message redemptive, and her story impossible to put down. The messages and lessons she learned are universal and already etched in my mind to recall when I have one of those days where I need to remember to release my expectations and lean into the already-written story. <br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="font-family: "Merriweather","Georgia",serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" />The questions at the end of each chapter make this book perfect to use for daily journaling, and it would also be a great read for any book club or Bible study. No matter how you choose to read it, this is a book worth reading. </span></span></td></tr>
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<br />
However, I have even more to say because it has stuck with me weeks after turning the last page.<br />
<br />
You need Jamie's story and her grace-giving ways in your life. I sat up a couple of nights ago googling, "how to fix the damage you've already done to your kids", so I definitely need it. In the moments where other writers might remind us to act right, fly straight, and pull ourselves up to our full potential, Jamie reminds us that God already knows we're going to muck it up often and loves us anyway. That message inspires me to want to love harder instead of sending me down the shame spiral.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Happens-Reason-Other-Loved/dp/0399592067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202724&sr=1-1&keywords=everything+happens+for+a+reason+and+other+lies+i%27ve+loved&dpID=51ZrY79YPdL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Everything Happens for a Reason: and Other Lives I've Loved </a>by Kate Bowler<br />
<br />
Prepare yourself now: you will laugh often reading a book about a woman who has terminal cancer. I know, it was weird, but Bowler's voice is unique. She is able to capture the sorrow and questions that come with a colon cancer diagnosis in her 30s as well as the joys and absurdity of life.<br />
<br />
Due to Bowler's first book on the prosperity gospel, she is an expert at recognizing the kind of faith that believes it should be rewarded with health, wealth, and prosperity. While it's easy enough for most of us to laugh off preachers in mega-mansions and people practicing a name-it-and-claim-it faith, Bowler shows that many Christians still subscribe to the belief that we should get some rewards for our faith. A life with our children, cancer-free, perhaps.<br />
<br />
In exploring why and how we believe this, as well as what happens when we don't get that life, she offers insights to how people often try and fail at sitting with others in pain. The appendix of the book offers tips on what to say and what not to say to those grieving or living with incurable illnesses, and it should be required reading.<br />
<br />
The narrative is not always linear, but that didn't take away from the experience for me at all. Bowler affirmed something I have felt for years: things happen, not always for a reason, and that's okay. We don't have to lesson the hell out of people's tragedies. (Bowler also begs us to stop Eastering the crap out of people's Lent). We can sit with them, mourn with them, and be okay in the not knowing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=new+minimalism">New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living </a>by Cary Telander Fortin and Kyle Louise Quilici<br />
<br />
This book is pretty, informative, and simple. I have not turned it back into the library yet because I'm in love with it.<br />
<br />
The authors introduce us to new minimalism, the type that isn't defined by number of items or deprivation. It's defined by having what we need, enjoying what we have, and practicing clutter cutting in every area of life. That' includes materials, but it also means clearing up our mental space and schedules to lead a quality life.<br />
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Whether you're a newbie to the minimalist movement or have been at it for years, you will thoroughly enjoy this one. The first section that covered principles over how-tos was my favorite, but that may be because I've read a ton of how-to books before. I like being reminded of the why behind minimalism to keep my endurance for the process up and moving forward.<br />
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<u><span style="color: #000120;"><b>Fiction</b></span></u></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Husbands-Wife-Jane-Corry/dp/0735220964/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202906&sr=1-1&keywords=my+husbands+wife&dpID=61sLXvzt4EL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">My Husband's Wife </a>by Jane Corry<br />
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I stuck in for over 300 pages of what I will call a very disappointing labyrinth of dysfunction. A lawyer with a mysterious past, a lying husband, and a maybe-criminal collide with a single mom and her beautiful young daughter. That's about all I retained.<br />
<br />
Mysteries have to be pretty amazing these days to compete with the masters out there, and this wasn't. It was intriguing enough to make me see it through, but I was indifferent and exhausted by the end. I don't really have the endurance to even thoroughly review it, so that says a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Alaska-John-Green/dp/0142402516/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202951&sr=1-1&keywords=looking+for+alaska&dpID=41fhbI2cyYL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Looking for Alaska</a> by John Green<br />
<br />
I was way behind in picking up this one, but when one of the second avid readers in my life recommended it, I knew it was time. Green's account of teenage Mile's life away at school is funny, honest, and heartbreaking. When he meets Alaska Young and makes friends with a group of intelligent misfits, his life takes turns he couldn't have imagined before, some that lead to great memories and others to tragedy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Still-Me-Novel-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0399562451/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522206708&sr=1-1&keywords=still+me+jojo+moyes">Still Me</a> by Jojo Moyes</div>
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I love Louisa Clark, and she's the reason I came back for the third installment of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Me-Before-You-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0143124544/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522787500&sr=1-1&keywords=me+before+you&dpID=51fUUVAZ5PL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Me Before You</a> trilogy. The second book was not bad, but it paled in comparison to the first. The third is better and fully displays Moyes' genius when writing Louisa Clark and her quirky ways.<br />
<br />
The book picks up with Clark in New York having left ambulance Sam behind to pursue the move. They work at a long-distance relationship, and it is predictably fraught. The people Louisa is working for are complicated and interesting, and so are the wonderful/awful characters she meets along the way.<br />
<br />
At some point in life all of us have to decide who we are and what that means for the direction of our lives. Louisa faces that choice, and the consequences are meaningful, hilarious, and honest, just like her.</div>
<b></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Woman-Window-Novel-J-Finn/dp/0062678418/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522203144&sr=1-1&keywords=the+woman+in+the+window">The Woman in the Window </a>by A.J. Finn<br />
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D read this one before I did, so I was determined to finish it quickly so he would stop taunting me about knowing the ending. Finn made that pretty easy. This mystery is told in short chapters that accelerate to a satisfying ending.<br />
<br />
Anna Fox has some problems, one of them being that she likes to watch her neighbors' lives play out from the safety of her own home. A shut in, she is the creepy lady who spies on those not wise enough to close their curtains. When she sees something that causes her concern, is it real? Can someone who has problems leaving her own front porch be trusted to know what she saw? Will anyone believe her?<br />
<br />
The story twists and turns, and while a couple of parts are predictable, I was still surprised by the ending. Finn does a good job at rolling out the story at just the right speed, and I enjoyed it.<br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Calls-Inspired-idea-Siobhan/dp/0763660655/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522202768&sr=1-1&keywords=a+monster+calls&dpID=61vTxJTnOsL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">A Monster Calls </a>by Patrick Ness<br />
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I did not know that Siobhan Dowd, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/London-Eye-Mystery-Siobhan-Dowd/dp/0385751842/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522787608&sr=1-1&keywords=the+london+eye+mystery&dpID=51KQIVGFNEL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">The London Eye Mystery</a>, had any other works in progress when she passed away. I read "The London Eye Mystery" almost a decade ago and fell in love with her work just in time to find out she had lost her battle with cancer.<br />
<br />
When I picked up "A Monster Calls", another recommendation from reader friends, and saw that it was based on Dowd's story idea, I felt grateful and sad to have found her again after so long. After reading this YA story, I was wrecked even more by the end.<br />
<br />
When a tree turns into a monster that speaks to Conor at night, telling him stories to make Conor offer his in return, questions arise about why this monster has arrived. As Conor deals with his sick mom, his absent father, and a grandmother he doesn't connect with, he is forced to deal with his own feelings and thoughts, and in this he learns lessons that will resonate for both younger and older audiences.<br />
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<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-5691971242792029522018-04-01T21:07:00.002-07:002018-04-01T21:07:57.704-07:00Moving On in March: What Persevering Looked Like March's perseverance was a bit different. It was less externally results based and more about mindfulness, finding balance, and figuring out balance on the journey. The checking off the to-do list took a back seat to figuring out why I put certain items on the to-do list and really evaluating if I'm living out my values.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I did a lot less and lived a lot more. Yes, there are things I have to do, but I also get to choose how I spend much of my time. </span>The small, everyday moments are everything, movement is not always progress, and what I do matters, especially if it's offering my time with love.<br />
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In March I:<br />
<br />
watched beeswax melt;<br />
rejoiced over seeds sprouting;<br />
signed out of my virtual life for four straight days;<br />
became more okay with our homeschool life leaning towards the unstructured side;<br />
stopped just trying to get to the next thing.<br />
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I also:<br />
<br />
<b>Made My Phone a Phone</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have not been able to access social media on my phone for a while, but I took a step out of my comfort zone and now cannot access email on it. This means if I want to check email, I have to sit down at my computer with an intentional purpose. It's fabulous.<br />
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<b>Practiced 52/17</b><br />
<b></b><br />
The change in my freelance situation has left me with a ton of projects that I've started but not completed. It's messed with my focus. Where do I put my time? What if I decide to just scoot over, open another document, oh, wait, what was I working on? How is it one in the morning and I have NOTHING completed to show for all the time I've been sitting here opening 64 documents?<br />
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I ran across the<a href="https://lifehacker.com/52-minute-work-17-minute-break-is-the-ideal-productivi-1616541102"> 52/17 rule</a>, and it has helped me with focus. Basically, you stick to one task for 52 minutes and then give yourself a brain break for 17. No flipping between windows, scanning websites when I should be focusing, or forgetting what I was doing in the first place.<br />
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<b>Writing</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I wrote in mindfulness journals, practiced <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252">The Artist's Way</a> journaling, wrote pieces and submitted, wrote pieces and didn't submit. Here are two that found homes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.perfectionpending.net/2018/03/16/found-secret-connecting-tween/">I Found the Secret to Connecting with My Tween</a><br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u>
<a href="https://www.sammichespsychmeds.com/stop-telling-me-to-put-my-twins-in-matching-clothes/">Stop Telling Me to Put My Twins in Matching Clothes</a><br />
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<b>Lent</b><br />
<b></b><br />
I had some goals for Lent. As usual, God took them and turned them into something better, both showing I am incapable of doing what He did and bringing me through Lent a different person.<br />
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<b>Meditation/Mindfulness</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I have flirted with meditation for months, but I committed in March. I meditate on my own and with the kids, and the kid-attended sessions are entertaining. During our first, one kid was jumping and one kid was farting and one kid said "stop farting, I'm meditating", and one kid answered, "you can't stop farts" and if you can find your happy place among all the talking and the room smelling like ass, well, congratulations because you are amazing at meditation. <br />
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For creativity's sake and calm, I also meditate alone. <br />
<br />
I worked through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-That-Takes-Its-Time/dp/0761193774/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522642038&sr=1-1&keywords=a+book+that+takes+its+time">A Book That Takes Its Time</a>, an amazing mindfulness journey. It has helped me immeasurably, and I will review it in March's book review post.<br />
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<b>Marriage</b><br />
<b></b><br />
D and I have been married for 12 years. Our anniversary is in the middle of March, and we spent it preparing to take the kids on a vacation with friends. It was perfect. We woke up to a mountain view and the kids asking to feed the horses. I was fascinated watching D hot tub with little people and take them for rides in the canoe. I got lucky with this guy.<br />
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-53396385486947599942018-03-04T18:10:00.003-08:002018-03-04T18:11:11.334-08:00February Book List<span style="color: #000032;">Fiction ruled the 28 days of February, with two non fiction books thrown in for good measure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #000050;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;"><b>Non fiction</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lagom-Swedish-Art-Balanced-Living/dp/0762463759/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1520215629&sr=8-2&keywords=lagom&dpID=51k4C0KYzEL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living</a> by Linnea Dunne<br />
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Yes, another book about the concept of lagom. This was one of my favorites, with practical tips for living a lagom life broken into sections that cover work, home, style, and more. Add in beautiful pictures and design and I loved the whole experience of reading this book.<br />
<u></u><span style="color: #000120;"></span><span style="color: #000032;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><b></b><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Kitchen-Year-Recipes-Saved/dp/140006998X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519964456&sr=8-1&keywords=the+kitchen+year">My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life</a> by Ruth Reichl<br />
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This cookbook/journey book was not on my radar until a fellow freelancer, trying to help those of us who were reeling from the closing of Parent Co., recommended it. Reichl was editor-in-chief when Gourmet magazine went under after 70 years, and she was understandably also reeling. During her journey through grief, she kept a journal, made Twitter friends, and cooked her way back to life and her next big project.<br />
<br />
Reichl's book is a great reminder of what happens when you grab beautiful ingredients, slow down, and absorb the entire experience of making a meal. Reichl splits her book into seasons, and as winter melts into spring and the process of time carries on, she shares the pain and the triumph of starting over, as well as 136 recipes that will bring even the most desperate mourner back to life.<br />
<br />
Besides being a great read, it's a phenomenal cookbook. I now make the meanest gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches on the block, so look out.<br />
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<b>Fiction</b><br />
<u><span style="color: #000120;"><br /></span></u>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sing-Unburied-Novel-Jesmyn-Ward/dp/1501126067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964526&sr=1-1&keywords=sing+unburied+sing+jesmyn+ward">Sing, Unburied, Sing </a>by Jesmyn Ward<br />
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This book is as amazing and shattering as everyone says. I felt like the first few pages were slow, but when I got hooked, I couldn't put it down. <br />
<br />
Told from different points of view, Ward has a gift when it comes to giving each character a unique voice. Spanning generations and taking an honest look at the results of racism, "Sing, Unburied, Sing" should leave every reader unsettled. There were times I was holding my breath as I followed 13 year-old Jojo on his journey as he tried to come to terms with a father in prison, a mother with issues, and grandparents who wouldn't be around forever to protect him. Then there's the fact that he can communicate and hear things other people can't.<br />
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I'm not much of a ghosts-just-show-up-in-books person, but it happens here and it is done exceptionally well. That should say tons about Ward's writing and storytelling skills.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Novel-Xhenet-Aliu/dp/0399590242/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964628&sr=1-1&keywords=Brass">Brass </a>by Xhenet Aliu<br />
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Told from the perspective of a mother and daughter at two different points in life, this is so much more than just a mother/daughter tale, though it does shed beautiful light on the complications of those relationships. It looks at the immigrant experience in the states and explores the stories we don't know about others, even those we're closest to.<br />
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When Luljeta rebels for the first time in her life, she goes all in. After being rejected from her first college choice, she sets out to find her father, who walked out of her life before he was born. Her journey leads her away from her mother, Elsie, while also revealing her mom's story and the conditions that left her stuck in the situation Luljeta desperately wants to leave.<br />
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This book kept me interested until the end. It was a human story with heartbreaking moments, and I recommend it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Immortalists-Chloe-Benjamin/dp/0735213186/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964669&sr=1-1&keywords=the+immortalists+chloe+benjamin">The Immortalists </a>by Chloe Benjamin<br />
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I was worried going into this one because I saw the book everywhere, reviewed and marketed endlessly. That's either the sign of an amazing book or a set-up for disappointment because the book can't live up to the hype. I am happy to report that, for me, this book lived up to at least some of the hype. It's not the best I've read this year, but it's very good.<br />
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We meet the four Gold siblings in 1969 when they visit a fortune teller to find out the date each of them will die. From there, the stories are told by each sibling in different chapters. Will they each die when they were told? Are there benefits to supposedly knowing the expiration date on your life? These are the questions Benjamin seeks to answer, as well as if our decisions make a difference in the ultimate outcomes of our lives.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mudbound-Hillary-Jordan-2009-03-17/dp/B017V8C07O/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964699&sr=1-2&keywords=mudbound&dpID=515oKT34iCL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch">Mudbound </a>by Hillary Jordan<br />
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In the post WWII world, when men of color fought in the war but came home to a country that still viewed them as second class citizens, we meet a cast of characters whose fates will intertwine to create a shattering story.<br />
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Ronsel comes back from Europe to the Mississippi Delta and helps his dad work the land he still doesn't own for the McAllan family.Jamie McAllan comes back to help his brother Henry and to try to get a grip on his life. Told from rotating points of view, we meet many characters and get to peer into their minds, giving us a glimpse into the racism, sexism, and horror of the not-so-recent past (and unfortunately, this kind of racism and sexism is still not rare.) <br />
<br />
Jordan is an expert at creating full, rich, characters and putting them into a story that speeds to a horrifying conclusion.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Station-Away-Olaf-Olafsson/dp/0062677489/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964820&sr=1-1&keywords=one+station+away">One Station Away</a> by Olaf Olafsson</div>
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I don't know why the word meandering comes to mind when I think of this novel, though it might very well fit. Olafssen tells the story of Magnus, a man mourning a loss while trying to deal with strained parental relations and work as a neurologist. Three women in his life connect the story, and the book is told partially through flashbacks that allow us to view Magnus' childhood and relationship with his fiancée. </div>
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I enjoyed this book. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was thoughtful and well written.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exit-West-Novel-Mohsin-Hamid/dp/0735212171/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519964780&sr=1-1&keywords=exit+west">Exit West</a> by Mohsin Hamid<br />
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Hamid's book couldn't have existed at a better time than the present. Nadia and Saeed meet in the war-ravished country they live in and decide to escape through the magic doors that are popping up all over the place. These doors carry people to other locations, and though Nadia and Saeed leave the threats of their home country, they are forced to deal with the hostile attitude towards foreigners when they arrive in other lands.<br />
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This story explores major world issues while still remaining a personal story about two young people in a relationship. That may be its magic. This is my favorite book by Hamid.ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3619021226868304995.post-2134721184869644532018-02-27T18:23:00.006-08:002018-02-28T07:47:40.148-08:00Persevering in FebruaryThis month was short but full. As I continue to try to persevere in certain areas, I find that it takes mindfulness to stay on course. Here's where my mind and actions focused this month.<br />
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<b>Autonomy for My Kids</b><br />
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I've always known my job as a parent is to get my kids ready to launch. We have a very short time to accomplish that, and I've started seeing how short since my oldest is halfway to 18. I'm trying to give all four more autonomy, still being there when they need me but not being there when I feel like I need to be and they don't. Sometimes it's hard to know the difference.<br />
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We've spent more time in nature, one area I want to continue to persevere in, and the kids are natural leaders there. I've also been handing over recipes and letting them cook, something that wasn't easy for me when they were younger since our flour costs $12 a bag. Messes are costly, but so is robbing them of the independence of prepping food for their whole family.<br />
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Basically, I've been doing what I've always done but more often and with more natural consequences: let them make their mistakes, make their choices, test their limits, and deal with the outcomes. Sometimes it's gone well, like a three hour outdoor exploration led entirely by the kids where we came home wet, tired, and exuberant. Sometimes it's been pretty awful, like when one kid didn't want to do AWANAS work, didn't do AWANAS work, then had a massive breakdown when the verses weren't magically memorized. Or when one kid didn't get out of the bathtub when asked just to throw sass and had to shove dinner down her throat in four minutes, miss bedtime stories and her nightly smoothie. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">That's life, and that's what we're preparing them for.</span><br />
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<b>Loving the Planet</b><br />
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I've always cared about the planet, but I'm also kind of lazy. I have tried to make all the very big, environmentally positive changes in one day, and I've inevitably failed at all of them. Not this year.<br />
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I am making small changes that will hopefully have large impacts when it comes to taking care of the environment. We've always recycled, but I also started making myself carry reusable bags to the store this month. I have done this in the past, but when I forgot I'd just take plastic. Now if I forget, I make myself by another reusable bag. I'm cheap, so this is really working to jog my memory.<br />
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I needed new jeans (need is the accurate word in this case since I had one pair and they started ripping in two places that were going to eventually lead to indecent exposure charges), so I ordered from ThredUp, a used clothing company. Reusing is environmentally friendly, and the new jeans were made for me, even if I'm not the first one to wear them.<br />
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We're going to explore the recycling center in March to help the kids see the impact of our decisions. I'm also trying to wear D down in the hopes that he will eventually get on board with composting. He has some concerns since I can't smell, and rats the size of squirrels are often seen on the sidewalks in our neighborhood, but I know I can make it work. I don't really know that, but I'm trying to convince us all.<br />
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We're also eating loads of leftovers to decrease food waste, and that's decreasing our grocery bill in the process. <br />
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<b>Accepting Constructive Criticism</b><br />
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I got the coolest rejection email last week, and I cannot shut up about it. Okay, I've only told D, but he will tell you that I can't shut up about it. A local, wonderful publication rejected one of my short stories, but they took the time to send me feedback because the story was well received by most of their reading committee. They only send feedback about 10 percent of the time when they think stories have a real shot if revisions are made.<br />
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There were two detailed, very honest reviews of what did not go well with the story, and I hopped around the house like a toddler who found mom's secret chocolate stash for an hour after I read them. Why? Because they responded. They took the time. Also, they were right. I did what they said I did, it weakened the story and caused it to go unpublished, and now I can fix it. They also shed light on habits I have in my writing that I need to work to overcome, and I am eternally grateful for that.<br />
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It's easy to get stuck on the rejection part, but I try to teach my kids that learning, even if you don't win, is invaluable. I actually felt that this month. I didn't personalize the rejection; I appreciated the opportunity to improve.<br />
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<b>Anxiety Tracking</b><br />
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It's come to my attention that many people still don't fully understand what anxiety is like, as evidenced by the many conversations I've sat through where things like "don't worry", "have faith", and "let go of control" are repeated. <br />
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Sure, people get anxious when they are stressed, but anxiety is also a recognized mental health issue that some of us can't fully control. I wake up on certain mornings with my heart rate elevated to the point that I can't take deep breaths. Nothing changed while I was sleeping except for a hormonal shift that affected my brain or my adrenals wigging out and not controlling my cortisol levels. I didn't just forget to "let go and let God".<br />
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Anyway, I started tracking my anxious days because they follow a pretty regular pattern. I am much better since my adrenals are recovering, but when I ovulate, I still have issues. The adrenals produce progesterone, mine still seem to be failing at this, so ovulation is a hard time for my body.<br />
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I may deal with this forever, or at least until menopause when I will begin a whole different load of challenges, so I'm trying to do what I can with what I have. I'm tracking my anxiety days because the best thing I can do when I'm anxious is contain the damage. I need to pull away as much as I can on these days, which isn't completely possible since I homeschool my kids. Still, when D gets home and I've pegged a days as falling on the anxious scale, I leave. <br />
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My anxiety looks nothing like me worrying 24/7. It looks like me being so irritable that there is nothing anyone can do that does not startle me and then push me into an all-out angry response. Imagine all sounds causing my heart rate to spike and put me in fight or flight mode + four kids under the age of 10. You'd be glad to see me leave, too.<br />
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<b>Social Justice Activities</b><br />
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I voted in the Democratic primaries. It didn't take much time, I felt great about who I voted for, and I am counting down until November. It's not hard to get politically involved.<br />
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D and I also found a sitter so we can go meet with our church about the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. D and I haven't had a sitter in about three years. This is important, and we both want to be around the table discussing next steps, me as a survivor and him as the best damn feminist I know.<br />
<br />ramirezkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09721136389576126921noreply@blogger.com0