Hello Sleevers, t’s been a while since we’ve talked. Life has been interfering with my blog.
I hope you are doing well. I thought a nice way to ease in back here is to share what I’m currently reading, doing and anticipating this Spring. We’re half way through spring, that’s true but it’s not too late to share what’s happening mid-season.
First, let’s talk books.
Joseph Campbell’s Hero With a Thousand Faces. I’m sure you’ve all heard of it. I found this gem at a used bookstore last year but have only begun reading it about a month ago. I’ve put it down in the last few weeks to take up a library book and a lighter read for our recent vacation. The book is fascinating especially the historic folklore and mythology. Campbell takes you through the hero’s journey from Departure (some do not answer the call), Initiation (the perils they must overcome), Return (some do not return) and the Keys (I haven’t gotten to this part of the book yet). In any case, the theme is that we are all on a journey that looks similar to the hero’s. It’s interesting to note that our modern day tropes in fiction and film are also based on the premise of hero’s journey.
After the Funeral and Other Stories by British author, Tessa Hadley. This is a new release from a debut author who has been compared to Alice Munro. I had to check her out as Munro is one of my all time favourite authors and not just because she is Canadian.
I loved the first story which is the title story of the collection. However, so far each successive story has become more grim, the characters less enchanting. I hate to say it because this author’s style is typically the kind of writing I like to dig into. However, some of her similes are simply ridiculously over written. There’s nothing worse than a writer who shows off their finessing of words to the point of distraction. I’m still reading it though, so I am not reviewing it, just sharing my thoughts on it so far.
Cedar Cove #6 Ranier Drive by Debbie Macomber. I picked this up at the drugstore to take on my vacation because Macomber’s books have always satisfied my need for a cozy, laid back read. Turns out this book is one of the Cedar Cove series. It’s a popular television series on the W Network although I have never watched it. It was a slow start as there are so many characters my head was spinning and it wasn’t from the Mai Tais. Now that I’ve gotten halfway through, I am getting to know the characters and enjoying the stories of each one. She writes child characters very well, too.
Taking one last go through of my manuscript, Daughter of the Moon, before sending it to the editor in May. I’m very excited to take the next step and get the editor’s eyes on it. As for the cover, I have done some mockups but I’m not satisfied with any of them. I’m considering having no image on the cover.
As a reader and buyer of books, what do you think of a cover with simply a nice colour and the title like the After the Funeral book cover pictured above? Let me know in the comments what you think.
Packing. We are moving again. I’m very excited as we are moving to a larger space and will have a yard for the first time in years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed where we are living now. The apartment itself was perfection, the location also perfection. City life was lots of fun and convenient for my husband’s work. I’ve enjoyed a space of my own here for painting and writing, with windows facing the Northshore mountains. Walking distance to amazing restaurants, the seawall and popular beaches. Sigh. I will miss it but of course, we won’t be too far away and will still call the city home.
A road trip with my daughter! This should be adventurous. What could go wrong? A mother and daughter in a car together for two days…well, she has promised my playlist. She has also asked me for my favorite podcasts because “We can’t listen to Abba the whole way.” Haha! Absolutely true. We are driving from Vancouver to Edmonton, Alberta. One night’s stay in Jasper. I haven’t been to Jasper in over a decade so it will be lovely to see again. It really is beautiful there with the majestic Rockies and ice blue lakes.
Packing, packing, packing. Moving and setting up house. These will be taking up most of my month of May.
Closing arguments. Last week of May I will be attending court to listen to closing arguments of my trial that took place January 29-February 28. Here is a pic my husband took of me about to begin day 7 (day four of cross examination) on the witness stand.
Me about to begin my last day of cross examination. I’m certainly relieved that’s behind me now.
So lots going on this spring. Lots of change and perhaps some closure along with a little adventure.
Please tell me, what are you reading currently? What are you up to this spring? Don’t forget to let me know what you think of book covers without images.
image source: Ben Nelms for CBC “Aggressive Wildfire Threatens Major Okanagan Cities”
Untitled
Only the Lucky Ones
Orange, smokey skies
Cloud our thoughts
Confusion and loss
Invade our lives
Burning out of control
Devil’s breath destroys
Leaving our home behind
Only the lucky ones
Get out alive
-LTW
With the wildfires foremost on my mind, the above poem came to me naturally. I can’t think of a title though. Strange as usually titles come to me first.
I’ve been thinking about the evacuees due to wildfires in both the Interior British Columbia and Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories. In addition, the tragedy of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii has weighed heavily on my mind as I’m sure it has with you as well.
Normally I would write about ‘summer’ and what I’ve been up to but summer hasn’t been pleasant with wildfires dominating the news. The season’s no longer as charming as its endless blue skies and incredible sunsets. It is disturbing. I do feel that our world is truly on fire.
Just for reference, the city of Yellowknife is the most northern city in Canada. There is no daylight on the winter solstice and no darkness on the summer solstice. I’ve heard from people who have lived there that it is a magical place where the Aurora Borealis dances and the community, although fraught with a colorful history, is tight knit.
If you are curious about this city, I recommend reading Elizabeth Hay’s Late Nights On Air. I’ve read it twice because it’s that good. It is fiction (semi-autobiographical) and takes place in the mid-late 1970’s. She weaves the political issues and the growth of the city of Yellowknife in her story making the city itself a central character. The story takes you through the wilderness as well which is a vicarious way to experience the Great North without leaving your couch (haha).
I pray the city will survive and the evacuees can return to their homes and livelihoods. Ditto for the city of Kelowna which has been hit hard in the suburban areas. I saw on the news that the conditions for fighting the fires have improved but still, no rain in forecast to assist.
To give you a visual, you see on the map below exactly where Yellowknife is located. The Interior cities in British Columbia are southwestern part of the map.
Summer isn’t over yet and nor are the wildfire dangers. Let’s hope for improvement in the next few days. What’s happening in your part of the world? Do you feel overwhelmed by climate change, or the ‘news’ in general? Let’s chat in the comments. Also, if you can suggest a title for my poem please tell me in the comments. 🙂 Thank you, LA CONTESSA who suggested the title for my poem!
Feeling Overwhelmed? Self care is always in vogue but I can’t think of a more urgent time than now, to take care of our body and mind. Following the news, specifically in the U.S., can cause our heart rates to speed up, stress hormones to release and trigger all kinds of negative energy. Now, more than ever we really need to remember the importance of self care. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know but consider this a strong reminder.
The darkness is falling simultaneously with more violence and political unrest. Although we cannot ignore it, too much focus on this causes sadness and energy depletion. So, today let’s look at how to take care of our own spirit to ensure we can continue taking care of the ones we love and get the most out of life.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on this meme; Catch Up Over Coffee. So, it’s time for a chat over espresso or maybe you prefer plain old drip. Cream? Sugar? Help yourself…it’s on the table.
I’ve been getting random comments on archived blog posts. Many of them from law firms or lawyers. These are legitimate comments and even thoughtful and interesting. They are definitely not spam. Apparently a blog post lives on, long after we’ve written it. I guess it’s what they call ‘evergreen’ content. The other ones that continue to garner comments are 5 Tips To Handle the Divorce Bully and Narcissist or A**hole? Know the Difference. In case you missed either of those and you need help with a bully or narc, then check those out.
image; Jan’spageofawesomeness tumblr
It’s mid-September already and we’re fast approaching autumn equinox. The cooler days, the turning leaves, cozy blankets and sweaters, corn on the cob, fresh picked apples, and warm cider are just a few of my favorite things.
It’s also a time for changing things up. So, how do you like the new look of lisathomsonlive? I hope you do as much as I. Take a moment to look around and if there’s anything out of place or hard to navigate give me a shout via email or here in the comments.
Hey friends, how is your summer experience? Remember two summers ago, I wrote about frolicking in your bikini? Well, I’ve actually done that this summer so can say I’m experiencing IT. Good old Hilda knows how! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read no further before clicking the above link.
So, checking in with my July goals re-cap;
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