books – Creative Meanderings

Third Book Out is Poetry

Going Mental, Literary Escapes No Responses »

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 🔥🐉♋️

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 😀

Keeping Up with Normal

Going Mental No Responses »

May 152020

This week, I decided to create a new “Quarantine Schedule” to try to get myself ready for the eventual return to regularly scheduled activities.

Since I have gotten used to having time at home everyday, I decided it was time to start behaving as if I were going to an office – just minus the commute. Also, I have allowed some flexibility with how I spend my time during the day just as I would even if I were in the office. I mean, I am always multitasking; it’s just what I do. 😉

To be honest, though, I am not eager to go back to the old normal. I am also unsure what the new normal will look like. A part of me is keen to be able to redefine my full-time work, which was starting to happen before ‘pandemic’ life took over. However, a bigger part of me is just content to let life continue as is – work from home all the time….

Having this time to reflect on what I would like life to be has been good. Something that I have become even more aware of than before is that all things are temporary.

In returning to a mindfulness meditation practice, I have been able to re-focus on the fact that our society, language, lives, environments, and circumstances are always in motion.

However, ironically, the one thing that seems to stay the same are people. You know that saying that a Zebra can’t change its stripes? On some level, I wholeheartedly disagree with this as people can change if they really want to. It takes work, reflective activity, and persistence, but it is humanly possible. Unfortunately, most people give up with the pathetic excuse that they ‘can’t’ change. Really, they should say they ‘won’t’ change.

These days, it is normal to say things like “I am who I am” or “I have to learn to love myself for who I am”. While the general sentiment behind these statements are true when we play negative recordings on repeat to self-sabotage, it does not excuse us from trying to be better human beings.

One thing that has contributed to my break from social media are the posts that suggest people should “forgive themselves” for not doing anything during these anxious times. It’s true that if your body and mind are feeling stressed and anxious that we should focus on keeping ourselves healthy. However, this should not be used as an excuse to be complacent or stagnant in life.

There is never a day or time that I can honestly say that I’m bored or that I have nothing to do. There are so many books in the world to read. There are thousands of online courses for free to take and learn something new. There are millions of YouTube videos to watch that teach us how to do things. There are gazillions of recipes to try. There are stories to write. There are miles to walk. There are billions of people to help. There is ALWAYS something to do. It is by this belief that I live my life.

In doing so, it’s hard to keep up with all there is out there to be done. Shouldn’t this be the new normal?

~T 😀

_Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide_ by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Going Mental 1 Response »

Jun 212019

_Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide_ by Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark

So about two years ago, I posted about the podcast My Favorite Murder with these two ladies. In the three years’ time that they have been entertaining me (and many others), they have enjoyed a successful growth with live shows, merchandise, etc.

Obviously, when I heard they were going to publish a book I knew that I would read it. Better yet, when I found out that they were offering an audiobook, it was a no-brainer. I mean I already listen to their voices twice a week, why not hear them read their own book?

These days I consume audiobooks much faster than printed or Kindle ones just due to commuting and walking around quite a bit. Thus, it took me very little time to get through the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🥰Even though I had heard some of the stories in the podcast, there were a lot of new stories and themes that came through while connecting back to their regular messages about being “street smart”, mental health, and protecting the badass naïveté that we all have inside of us.

Even though they tend to make light of their childhoods or traumas, this book also gave a deeper insight to them behind the humor. So, in some ways, it was rather dark compared to the regular storytelling about horrible murders. (Hard to imagine, right?!) 😳

While these ladies are talented and have worked hard to get where they are, they also make it seem somehow possible for the average person to do something with their lives. Dare I say they were inspiring? Hm…🤔 the cynic in me might not go that far, but I will admit that it fanned the slightly waning flame for writing in me to keep on going.

I’m not sure how the book would be received by those who do not listen to the podcast, but as a fellow murderino, I recommend this as a way of getting to know the hostesses even more. 😍

~T 😀

Day 19: #whyshewrites

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May 192019

Favorite book(s) on craft

I read Writing Down the Bones years ago, but I still remember it like yesterday. In fact, I should probably read it again as it might help motivate me.

More recently, I read Cameron’s book and, although I didn’t follow it exactly as suggested, I found it one of the most useful books of the craft I’ve read yet.

So, for the prompt I couldn’t choose just one. 😉

~T 😀

What Goes In

Going Mental, Literary Escapes No Responses »

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 😀

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