A Mix of Favorite Things

Similar to the protagonist in my upcoming novel, I’m currently attempting to stop the past and future from stealing my present. Couple that practice with being more honest about my feelings, and I’m not ashamed to admit that, pop psychology though they may be, these little tools are revolutionary, and also deliciously unsettling, for a Type A, INTJ personality like mine.

So, in the spirit of both the above practices, I admit feeling a bit torn about the fact I have a luscious to-be-read pile of books (which will here-to-fore be called the “overdue hoard” or “Oh!”), glowing, I kid-you-not, in a sunbeam, but it’s also a lovely fall day, the beauty of which even L.M. Montgomery might have difficulty fully describing, AND my oft-traveling husband, whose company I crave even these 36 years in, is out in said lovely day working on our deck railing. (Here’s a picture. Also, the terrier, guarding me from his scary power tools, and wondering why we’re not walking before it gets too hot).

I will get to that enticing Oh! pile. The walk will happen soon. But for now, I will be present in this perfect fall morning, only occasionally punctuated by the sound of power tools, with so many of my favorite things and creatures on this earth, and me gently exploding with gratitude.

Speaking of the library (I was, up there, I mentioned all my overdue books) my place of employment every other weekend, look at the fun programs going on today. You may be too late to enjoy one or both of these, but if you click on the picture, it will take you to the program calendar and all the offerings to come. It’s always free at the library…sort of like heaven, you know?

And speaking of books, I’m in the final stages of both the audio and print (I tend to switch back and forth) of Fourth Wing, probably the most popular YA novel to be published in a while. Once again, in the spirit of honesty, I have to admit I may have initially put FW at a disadvantage, as I was also for the first time listening to the audio of one of my all-time favorite novels, Scorpio Races, while finally painting my french doors, and it’s a phenomenal piece of work (I mean the Scorpio audio, but the doors turned out nice, too).

But I finished SR fairly quickly, and the further I get into Fourth Wing, the more interested I become. It’s non-stop action and, I mean, dragons! Reminds me a little of the first three Dragons of Pern novels (which I loved as a teen), except with more violence and explicit sex (wouldn’t recommend it if you avoid those in your novels). I had a friend who said FW felt like the perfect mix of Harry Potter, Eragon and Hunger Games, and I think she nailed it. I definitely get the appeal.

I also recently completed a charming little novel by Monica Wood (author of One-in-a-million Boy) called “How to Read A Book: A Novel.” Great writing, big-hearted and generous. I recommend.

As always, I’m interviewing contestants for Oh!, so let me know if you’ve read anything really great lately. Also, here’s a final picture of the chihuahua, who’s found a sunbeam of her own, and my Favorite Person, demonstrating the perfect coffee-cup-perching height of the future deck railing. Whether you’re working, creating or resting—or a combination of all three—my best wishes for a beautiful and satisfying weekend!