Literary Escapes – Creative Meanderings

Third Book Out is Poetry

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Jul 122024

When I was eight-years-old, I moved in with the Bilyeus and decided I liked them enough to want to remember who they were in my life. Previous families were, and still are, a blur as nightmares or questionable realities of buried memories. So, it was then that my writing persona began.

At the time, I really only focused on journals and getting my page of writing in each day about what I had done, whether or not my brother was mean to me, thoughts about the current life I was living. It took me many years to accept that I was staying with this family and that I could call them mine.

Intermingled with all of that was poetry.

My mom was a unique mother in her lack of helicopter-parenting and reserved demeanor. I never really questioned her loyalty or affection, but I took for granted the smaller gestures that showed how well she understood me. One of those elements was in not buying me typical children’s coloring books, but she got me ones with geometric figures, images of the Greek gods and mythology, and blank books where I could color the cover but fill in the pages for myself.

Many of those books, I still have. Most are filled with my childish poems.

Yet, somewhere along my writing journey I ignored the inner poet. My creative energies focused in different areas. My writing focused on what seemed “proper writing”. Still, my journals are peppered with poems. These blog posts have poems. Poetry has been a thread throughout.

So, when I attended that yoga-writing retreat a few months ago, I discovered I actually DO write poetry. I might really be a poet AND a writer. Then, I got to work.

Shortly after the retreat, I collated all the poems that I have posted on this blog with ones from recent journals. Of course, I did not go too far back in the annals of my diaries. But, I had enough poems to create a book manuscript. After many edits, it is ready for public consumption.

More than the other two books I have published, this one brings me more pride. Perhaps, it is because these represent a true creation of my own rather than synthesizing and analyzing information for easier consumption which the Umbria books offer.

Anyway, I hope readers will enjoy these as simple offerings of silliness, thoughts, and ponderings when one leaves the clouds. More poems in the making and more ideas for books to come!

~ T 🔥🐉♋️

Start of Summer Reading

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Aug 032023

One of the best parts of beach days is the uninterrupted reading time. Since we have been on the Atlantic Ocean seaside, which is famous/popular for surfing and jumping waves, I have been enjoying time on the sand in the sun. Being more of a land-lover keeps me well away from the waves that I dramatically consider a threat to my life. 🤪

In the past few days, I have finished these two books: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes.

Both of these books were recommended to me ages ago, but they have sat on my list. However, they both came up on my Kindle Unlimited suggestions and I decided to give them a go in preparation for my summer reading time.

I enjoyed both in different ways. The Rosie Project was cute and made me think in the mindset of someone on the Asperger’s spectrum. I could relate to a lot of the main character’s tendencies for schedules and order in life yet also see the freedom and openness that can be found in letting go for the controls.

With The Letter, it was a quick compact read that I could imagine happening. It had the elements of mystery and love as well, so that was a definite win for me.

So, I would definitely recommend both as quick and light reads that aren’t the usual James Patterson or Danielle Steel type of “trash novels”. Though, I’m still a fan of those too!

With that, I’m off to get started on my next read! 😅

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Literary Consumption

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Aug 092022

When the voices in my head are quiet, I am not quite sure what to do with myself. I am never clear as to whether or not it is “normal” to not have the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in my mind. I suppose my normal is not this, though it may be for others.

Lately, I have been more in consumption mode rather than output. It is one way for me to deal with the lack of time to myself, keeping to a routine, and general control of my own activities. So, as I have not shared what I have been reading since January, I shall share what I have consumed over the last six months.

Some of these titles I listened to on audio, some I read on my Kindle, and others I read in good old-fashioned paper. None of these titles caused me to struggle through them, which is impressive as I usually find one or two a challenge.

Of these, my favorite fiction read was Pachinko and I am looking forward to watching the series based on it. In terms of non-fiction, the most enjoyable was Will, which we listened to on a road trip before “the slap” occurred and gave us some insight as to how that situation came to be enacted.

So, while I am slow to write new content lately, I am definitely enjoying my reads. 😅

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Audiobooks: January 2022

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Jan 272022

Along with my ‘reading’ books, I usually have an audiobook going for those times when reading is not easily done but I can listen away. The past few years, I had moved more towards podcasts, but for some reason I have returned to the books. So, I thought that I would share what I listened to this month – since I am sure that I won’t finish the current one before the month is over.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This was recommended to me by a friend and it sounded like an interesting one. I started it a few weeks ago and was instantly captivated by the story of a neurosurgeon who eventually gets lung cancer that spreads over time even after some promising treatments.

Because I once dreamed of being a neurosurgeon when I was younger, I found it interesting to hear about his path to the field and commitment to his patients. If it hadn’t been for the required number of years of study and a lack of understanding how to listen for one’s calling, I might have enjoyed that field myself. However, as I listened to his cancer journey and then all the ups and downs of the treatments I was glad that I chose a bit happier field of education. 😜

It also made me consider my own mortality and whether or not I would bother with cancer treatment should I ever (hopefully not!) face such a situation.

Anyway, although not a happy story overall, it was a positive one and I would recommend it if this kind of story interests you. 😁

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level-ebook/dp/B0026772QU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H3V66X3GR0PS&keywords=big+leap&qid=1643213297&s=digital-text&sprefix=%2Cdigital-text%2C812&sr=1-1

This was a great book to listen to during my road trip to and from France. It is on my reading list for the book coaching course that I am still slowly, but surely, making my way through. I have also seen it on different recommended book lists, so it was a definite one to eventually be read/listened to.

While most of these kinds of books tend to be dry or more advice-y than helpful, this was not that. In fact, the stories were relatable and the suggestions practical. Hendricks challenged general beliefs related to upper limiting and offered reasonable ways to break through the barriers that we create for ourselves. It is useful to everyone and anyone, in my opinion and will likely go on my list of always recommend when it comes to books. 📚 😁

~T 😀

Books: January 2022

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Jan 172022

This weekend, I finished two books that have been ongoing for a while. That puts me at three books done in 2022 already! Woo!

One came to me through the platform and I initially started it out of a sense of obligation to read the books that come through to us. I’m not one to pass up a book anyway! Although it took me a bit to get into, I found myself still wanting to read it because of the work that Henry Zhang has done for the Asian community in the US to protect and empower them against the ridiculous violence that has come out of the C19 saga.

It is long and there is quite a bit of extra detail, but I think it is worth a read. It’s available on the US Kindle Unlimited, if you’re subscribed to that.

Dragons on the Spectrum (Dragons on the Spectrum Saga Book 1) by [Henry Zhang] — https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Spectrum-Henry-Zhang-ebook/dp/B097TRL3KR

The other one was one given to me by my step-daughter sometime last year – perhaps around my birthday. It was a book I put in my beach bag since paperbacks are often better in the sun than my electronic devices on which I usually read. However, I found that I wasn’t often reading whilst at the beach, so I took it out and put it in the living room for fireside nights or would wander around outside on sunny days with it in hand.

Although it has taken me some months to get through it, it is not a statement of the quality of the story or writing. In fact, it is beautifully written and weaves a realistic yet romantic story of love, race, and finding of self. One reason that it took me some time was in the density of the pages and the depth of the words. I found that I needed to put the book down to digest and then return later.

This is definitely not a book I would have probably chosen on my own to read, but I am very glad that I received it and read it.

Americanah: A novel (Ala Notable Books for Adults) by [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie] — https://www.amazon.com/Americanah-Ala-Notable-Books-Adults-ebook/dp/B00A9ET4MC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=americanah&qid=1642411677&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

The third book that I finished last week was a James Patterson book that does not really need comment. I’m a bit behind in his Women’s Murder Club series as I was finding myself liking every other book or so. However, at the end of 2021, I found that I wanted to read some quick entertaining books to mix it up a bit, so I finally read the 19th of 22 so far in the series. I also received the 20th book for Christmas from my bro, so I will be getting to that soon enough.

However, I have already started a new Gregg Olsen one for now. 😉 So many books to read!!

~T 😀

2020’s 20 Books…so far…

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Nov 112020

Well, not quite as many books as I read last year (31), but the year is not yet over. I have a feeling that I’ll be getting through a few more by then, but thought that while I was thinking of it, I’d start reflecting back on what I’ve covered so far.

All of these titles have contributed to the positive year that I’ve had so far. While many may be looking forward to the end of the year, I’m looking back at how amazing it has been with excitement at how 2021 is going to be even better.

I may do specific commentary on some of these titles at some point, but feel free to comment on the thread if you want to discuss any before I circle back to writing about them. 😉

Happy Reading!!!

~T 😀

For the Love of Books!

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Aug 222019

Reading is my joy. Reading is my escape. Reading keeps me sane. Reading is life!

In past posts, I have mentioned this first set of three books that were on my read-ar, but as I was thinking that it is probably about time that I update on the other books I’ve covered, I realized just how much I have read since my last proper literary escapes post in February.

One way that I can get through many of these books is through Audible. Audiobooks have been a thing for me since I was young since my parents went through a phase of listening to books on their road trips. I used to buy books and download as gifts for years.

However, when I had less time for listening and more time to lounge around on my balcony or home, I read books on my Kindle or in paper form.

Now, being back in the land of a lot more walking and train commuting, I am back to having a ton more time to listen and less to carry around a ‘book’. Therefore, of the 14 titles posted here, I only “read” three and a half of them in totality. The half was _Sapiens_ as I ended up getting the audio version as it was just taking me far too long to read it on my Kindle before bed at night.

So, I’m up to 20 books for the year so far, which is pretty good. I’ve got another audiobook going now, plus one I read at night to slow my brain down.

Of these titles, I have enjoyed all of them. But, will give you a short rundown of my thoughts.

_Spilled Milk_ and _Educated_ fall into a similar genre of the autobiography of a girl who overcomes her circumstances to be ‘successful’ in life. I use quotes because, of course, this is a subjective idea. Both were inspiring in ways and very challenging to read/listen to in parts. I am still processing the impressions they have left on me.

_Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered_, _The Killer Collective_, The Weight of Silence, and _Lying Next to Me_ fit into the ‘murder’/crime genre. Though, the first title is less about crime per se, but is what binds the story together. All were great reads. I recommend the first, though if you are interested in the ladies behind the same titled podcast – which I love!

_Sapiens_ and _My Spiritual Journey_ were historical reads. Neither of which I can say I enjoyed in the sense of the storytelling aspect, but both of which gave me new information about the historical contexts they relayed. I also recognized that though it is good for me to read this genre now and then, I’m just not so interested in it.

_I Feel Bad About My Neck_, _I’m Fine and Neither Are You_, and _Trail of Broken Wings_ were a kind of journey into the mind of women whether from the challenges of aging as in the Ephron book or in finding oneself in the second title, or redefining our inner strengths like with the latter, each offered a different view of the female world. Although I am not necessarily a fan of this kind of literature, I am somehow finding my own female voice through these kinds of works. Of the three, I enjoyed the latter the most, but possibly because it was the more depressing of them all. 😛

_A Year in Provence_ and _Where the Crawdads Sing_ were lovely fiction stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend both, though they are not similar at all.

Finally, the self-help genre with _The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F…_ and _Dare to Lead_ were informative and motivational in different ways. I didn’t quite get all the hype over ‘subtle’ because it assumes a reader who is not reflective or thoughtful already. Thus, not much sunk in as I took much of the advice as ‘duh’ statements. 🙁 Not to say that I didn’t have anything to learn from it, just that an introverted over-thinker such as I had already processed these points. As for Brene Brown’s book read by the author, well, I have been motivated to research the possibility of completing my PhD somewhere. It’s not a for sure thing and, quite possibly I’ll change my mind next month, but through her book, I realized I am indeed still fascinated by leadership and development. So…we shall see.

With that, these are the inputs to my brain the past six months. Still got a few more months to go in 2019 and plenty of trains, planes and automobiles to entertain myself in until then! 😀

Happy Reading!

~T 😀

Waking Up With Gratitude

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Feb 252019

This morning, I had the luxury of not having much on my schedule until the afternoon. Although I had initially thought to try a new hot yoga class at my gym, I was not committed to that plan. 🧘🏽‍♀️ So, when I looked at The Power by Rhonda Byrne book, I thought it was as good a time as any to read it.

Little did I know that my soul was thirsting for something like this. For three straight hours I read the book cover to cover. 🤓

Many years ago, I read The Secret at a time when new age spirituality was making an entrance to the mainstream. People were skeptically discussing the Law of Attraction and I was absolutely no exception, if you read the linked post about my thoughts on it. 🤔 However, the 2010 version of myself has changed greatly in the past eight years and I find myself regularly thinking how to ‘secret’ things to go my way.

Even stranger is that when I met my husband, he was also a big believer and fan of the book. 💑 He was/is more of a believer in the Law than anyone else I had ever met. So, when The Power entered our family this Christmas, it came around to me “by chance” through M. He said it was better than the first, but I still hesitated to read it for some reason.

Recently, I started reading The Dalai Lama’s My Spiritual Journey, which should have been a sign that I was in need of some spiritual refreshment. So, I had planned to read The Power once I finished this.

Then, this morning happened.

It was indeed better than the first and gave me quite a lot to think about. Here is a quote that stood out for me:

Life isn’t happening to you; life is responding to you. Life is your call. You are the creator of your life. You are the writer of your life story. You are the director of your life movie. You decide what your life will be – by what you give out.” p. 35

The whole premise of the book is that the power that we have to make everything that we dream of happen is within us and based on the love that we give out. This ‘love’ is a combination of agape (charitable love) 💙 and philia (brotherly love) 💕, not eros (sexual love). By focusing on what we love and loving others, we are creating positive karma and reflecting the positivity that is returned to us. 💞 When we don’t, the opposite happens.

Reading this fits into my 2019 goal of not enabling others to affect me negatively. 🙅🏽‍♀️ I’ve already struggled with this, but now I see that perhaps I was attracting it. So, with this in mind now, I feel better armed 💪🏽 to make this goal easier to reach and within my control rather than blaming other people for their affect on me. 😛

Another point that I need to incorporate more concertedly is waking up with gratitude. 🙏🏽 The truth is that most mornings I feel a sense of denial that I have to get up. It’s not particularly a negative thought nor it is it a positive one, but more of a neutral view of the choice and preferring to go back to sleep. 😜 However, if I were to practice a view of gratitude towards being able to wake up, being healthy, having a job I like, seeing a husband I love, etc., then perhaps my view towards the choice will be filled with love and light instead.

Accepting that having a good or bad day is based on my own creation and what I’m sending out into the world, I am definitely more motivated to focus on the positives. I mean who doesn’t want to have a great day every day?! 🤷🏽‍♀️

So, I still have some points that I am processing and will probably touch on in future posts here, but if nothing else, I am grateful for the time to be able to consume a book 📖 in one sitting. That in itself is a great day! 🥰

~T 😀

What Goes In

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Feb 112019

One of my goals this year is to read more. Though I do read a relatively good amount most years, it is usually done in a binge-style manner on holidays like a plant 🌱 soaking up water when it’s soil is dry.

So, to avoid this pattern and to shift what gets inputted into my mind, I’ve made a bit of a reading list based on recommendations from FB friends (thank you!!! 🙏) and my own Amazon wishlist that seems to only grow longer.

Also, in my aim to write more myself, I have learned that I need to expose myself to a variety of writing styles and methods to find what resonates with my own style.

In less than two months, I have covered these five books with Becoming being the one I just finished yesterday.

Many years ago, I listened to audiobooks especially as my dad liked them while on road trips and such. In those days, it was cassette tapes or DVD 📀 recordings. Now, it’s all on my phone 📲 coming from some ‘cloud’ above.

The digitalization of books may have been a lament to paper book 📚 lovers, but traveling and frequent moves has pushed me to appreciate digital ones. Of course, there is still something to the tactile experience of flipping pages and connecting physically to the book itself.

However, I’m finding that the joy of audiobooks is useful for long walks to the station, commutes and workouts. While I still love my podcasts, which is like a TV series vs a movie, I run out of episodes very quickly so then I can ‘read’ while waiting for new ones. Strangely, I prefer TV series to movies though….

Anyway, three of the five titles above were ‘read’ aurally rather than with my eyes. But, I have experienced them similarly.

Plus, my reading 📖 consumption has practically tripled! 😉

As for my thoughts on them, they were all enjoyed in different ways. So, I’ll only write a few sentences or two on them.

The Sakey book is part of a trilogy and I will definitely read the next one. It’s a bit like X-men without the extreme fantasy side of their ‘talents’.

James Patterson is always a good quick read on a cold or sick day. 🤪

I discovered Olsen from trolling someone else’s reading requests online as he’s a Pacific Northwest writer. It’s nice to read/hear the references to ‘home’ along with his engaging storytelling as a psychological thriller type author. This is the second of his I’ve read and won’t be the last.

Listening to Trevor Noah with his voice was amazing really as there is something about having the person tell his own story. I don’t follow him on The Daily Show as it’ll never be what Jon Stewart made it (sorry…), but I feel it was an inspiring story of his beginnings.

Having just finished Becoming, I am still processing it. Probably I’ll write a separate post on it soon as I can only express my feelings at the moment in one word – inspiring. And, I really have a hang up about this word…yet there it is.

So, by increasing what goes in my mind through reading, I am enjoying mundane activities each day more while maintaining my before-bed reading habit and fueling my own imagination.

Can’t wait for my next read….

~T 😀

Summer Reading Plans

Going Mental, Literary Escapes No Responses »

Jun 132017

Okay, so it has been months that I have been stuck on a book from Book Club. It just has not kept my attention even though it is actually interesting. Perhaps it is because it is depressing and it not really told in a way that makes me properly connect with any of the characters. I think it is fiction based on true events, but in any case I am struggling through it. Now, some people might say to just put it down and leave it. However, my reading nature will not let me…once I start a book it must be completed! I know….

A month or so ago I bought two books. One on the Kindle that I could read on my phone since I use my iPad mini for the book mentioned above. This way, I thought I would enjoy reading when I am waiting for something, but not allow myself to get fully sucked in until I finish the other one….

Then, seeking a book of some intellectual stimulation I bought a paper book (yes they still make these!) to read when I go to the beach or the pool since reading digitally can become difficult when the device gets overheated or the sun is glaring a bit too bright. 😉

The problem with this method is that I end up not reading any of them because each book has been mentally allocated to a particular purpose. I thought perhaps I just need a good page-turner (James Patterson or something) to kick start my reading frenzy again. I still have not decided.

However, I have put more effort into finishing the initial book because I think once it is done and dusted I will feel freer to read other things…only 10 more hours to go on it according to Kindle. 😛

In the meantime, I am putting together other titles to add to my list of possible summer reads. I am getting excited about this as I write, so I guess maybe I will be reading more soon!!! 😀

~T 😀

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