Weirdness...

Every once in a while, there's a string of weird headlines and the ones below caught my eye. I had to see them - so now you do too 🤣

As if we don't have enough health crisis going on right now - there's the "diarrhea incident" on the set of NBC's Ultimate Slip 'N Slide  reality show that is supposed to air right after the Olympics.

The radioactive pig story isn't quite as bad as it first sounds. Wild boars have bred with domestic pigs left behind in Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster zone, creating a hybrid species. The domestics pigs are now hardier and have flourished. Unfortunately (or fortunately lol), they are not giant, glowing TERROR PIGS though. As people move back into the area there's bound to be a clash but I'm pretty sure the "terror pigs" will lose. 

This isn't a story but still weird lol and something we saw on the way home last month. Just your average ride or die driving companion.

The car has a Jurassic Park logo on the side so I assume the T-Rex travels to local events. I was sure that this was how I was going to die - our car hit by a giant rubber dinosaur but he was securely attached, despite flopping around and baring his menacing teeth at passersby.

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Summer reading spots

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 

It is co-hosted by (Linda from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, Roberta from Offbeat YA, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About, Berl's from Because Reading is Better than Real Life  and me) 

Join in by answering this weeks question in the comments or on your own blog.

If you would like to join TMST and receive periodic emails of upcoming topics, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. TMST is a laid back meme – join in or opt out depending on your interest in topics or schedule.

Question: Where is your favorite spot to read in the summer?

Answer: Honestly, I mostly read sitting on my sofa year round but in the summer I try to sit out on my deck to read for a little bit.

I tend to get distracted though, watching birds and bugs and my little hummingbird that visit my planters. And we sit higher up a hill so it gets windy too so I get cold. Wimp! 

We have a pergola covering a concrete pad downstairs where I planned to read this summer but they're building a house on the lot next door so its way too noisy.

I thought of brining a book down by the water to read but I cannot read with people around me or any kind of outside distractions. Weirdly enough though - I can read with the tv on.

Do you have a favorite summer reading spot?

Now Showing...Mercury 13, The Intouchables, Black Summer, Never Have I Ever

 

Here's a wrap-up of what I've been watching this past week. 

Mercury 13 - Netflix: You may have heard about that billionaire & his hat going to (not quite) space this week but the oldest passenger, at 82, Wally Funk, was on that flight and also part of a small group that were tested for women's suitability for space flight in 1961. They tested better than the men - but were still pushed aside. Mercury 13 is a documentary about their training and the assholery that followed.

My favorite part was when Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot the space shuttle, invited them all her launch and gave them the respect and accolades they deserved. 

The Intouchables - Netflix: This is the 2011 French film starting Omar Sy - not the 2017 remake starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart. It's a true story based on a wealthy quadriplegic who hires an inexperienced, troubled young man to be his caretaker. 

First of all, I implore you all to get on the Omar Sy fan club train and watch Lupin (also on Netflix). Thanks to Shybiker and Amber for rec'ing this movie to me after I posted about Omar in Lupin a few weeks ago.

I tried to check out reviews directly from people with disabilities to see if the representation was handled well. A few opinions don't represent everyone's experience, of course, but the consensus was, that overall, it was done well. 

I thought it was a great movie. Inspirational without being inspiration porn. Also funny and fun!

Black Summer S2 - Netflix; You have to be into zombies and gore for this one. I really loved S1. This show is super fast paced. It's more like a set of vignette's than episodes. People come and go, no one is safe and stories jump around and then weave back in together. 

It touches on morality and the "what would you do" question but it doesn't linger and wring it's hands about it - people make split second choices and the show moves along. 

Never Have I Ever S2 - Netflix: Devi. Devi. Devi. lol This series is pure YA drama (complete with love triangles) and, surprisingly, I love it. 

After losing her dad, Indian-American teen, Devi, tries to cope with the loss, navigate her relationship with her mom, get popular, juggle TWO boys and boy does she screw things up. But she tries to right her wrongs and definitely gets handed dire consequences for her actions. 

And I adore the adults on this show! Devi's mom is awesome. Her cousin is sooo sweet, Devi's counselor lands those truth bombs like the pro she is.

This is another super fast paced show with mini cliffhangers at the end of each ep so you're like...just one more episode...

What have you been watching? Any recommendations?

Music: I Will Survive (hey hey!) & Astronaut in the Ocean

 

Since you all seemed to enjoy the older songs - I'm going to include one song from my weekly concerts in the park - which is almost always a cover band - and one new song that you will probably think is weird lol

So last week we saw 5 Guys Named Moe, a 12 piece dance band based in the PNW, Portland area and they play rock, motown, soul, r&b, disco and current top 40 hits. If you live out here and ever see them on the lineup GO! We've seen them twice and they're soooo good. 

Anyway - there was lots of old school music that brings me back to my disco days lol

Do you all remember this one? The ultimate post break up, sing it loud and angry with your friends song! A classic.

Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive

Masked Wolf - Astronaut in the Ocean

**If you're looking for fun, fast workouts - check out Mad Fit and her song length workouts - this is the Mad Fit total body workout to Astronaut in the Ocean

I'm Reading... The Zombie Stone by K.G. Campbell, Out of Character by Annabeth Albert

 

I feel like I'm finally hitting my groove reading-wise. I've cleared out two physical books (for the first time in almost 2 years) and usually have one audio and one other format book going at once now.

I don't have any arc's so it's all very low pressure. I wasn't so much a slump as I just haven't felt like reading. I don't feel like I need to read now but it also feels nice to be getting back to something I used to enjoy so much.

READ:

The Zombie Stone by K.G. Campbell ~ Goodreads

I really have to thank the author for being so patient with me on this one. He sent me a finished hardcover copy to review ages ago. I did inform him that my reading was not going great at the moment but still...I should have read it sooner. 

This is a sequel to A Small Zombie Problem (review) - a really cute mid-grade series about a awkward, shy boy named August Dupont and his (unwelcome) zombie companions. This installment is about August trying to find a stone that will send his zombie pals back to the grave. 

I'll have a full review up in a week or so. 

READING:

Out of Character (True Colors #2) by Annabeth Albert ~ Goodreads  I really love Albert's M/M romances, although her recent ones have fallen a little short for me. This one is NA (New Adult) and very sweet so far.

It follows Jasper and Milo as they try to recover a rare gamer card that Milo lost on a game. Second chance romance, cosplay, good deeds, make this a fun one so far.

I'm listening to it on audio and I dislike both narrators but I really like both characters and their sincerity and kindness shines though so I'm going to stick with the audio for now although it's also available as an e-book on Hoopla. 

What are you reading this week? Have you read anything you loved and recommend?

Monday inspiration...

Music...Boston, Lo-Fang

 

One of the best things about living where I do now is that every single town has an outdoor summer concert series. My town does it on Wednesday nights, one town over is Thursdays, the other direction on Tuesdays. The next night is usually movie night with big, inflatable screens, showing older family friendly films. It's really fun and just the cutest thing. I didn't think actual small town America was a thing that still existed lol

The music varies from local bands to a lot of cover bands or pop music from the 70's, 80's, 90's. 

Our first one this year was a Boston cover band and I'm always surprised by how I remember the lyrics even after not hearing the songs in decades.

Boston: More Than a Feeling

So, this is bit of a odd little song that I heard watching my nieces dance competition in June. I really love the lyrics.

Confusing Happiness by Lo-Fang

"I want this
A confusing happiness
Never knowing what comes next
I want this
All the agony and bliss
From confusing happiness"

Tell Me Something Tuesday: A few of my favorite things (post styles)

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 

It is co-hosted by (Linda from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, Roberta from Offbeat YA, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About, Berl's from Because Reading is Better than Real Life  and me) 

Join in by answering this weeks question in the comments or on your own blog.

If you would like to join TMST and receive periodic emails of upcoming topics, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. TMST is a laid back meme – join in or opt out depending on your interest in topics or schedule.

Question: What are your favorite posts to read?

Answer: I really love personality in blogs over actual content. Meaning - it doesn't have to be anything I actually read (in the case of reviews) or do but is still fun or informative to read anyway. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of blogs I love, but just an example of what and who I enjoy to read.

Book Haven - I love the variety over at Greg's blog. He covers movies, music, books and even original fiction. One of my favorite posts of Greg's is Movies that Suck where he breaks down movies that...well suck lol

Mostly, I love how spontaneous his posts feel and that you can visit and could find almost any topic. 

A Book a Week - What Ethan lacks in quantity he make sup for in quality. He reads widely and writes incredibly thorough and thoughtful reviews. I rarely read the same genres but his reviews have gotten me to pick up several books I wouldn't have otherwise - Me by Elton John and House Plant by Jeremy Ray.

My Pixie Blog - Charlotte's is the only "lifestyle" blog I follow but she's an wonderful person whose authenticity shines through whether it's sharing her challenges, joys or just a goofy dog picture or yummy meal. 

We Live and Breathe Books - Sam is a reading/reviewing machine but it's her Sundays With Sam posts that bring a smile to my face. My favorite is her Animal Crossing photos where she *meets up* with her daughter. This brought me such joy during the pandemic seeing these adorable little characters out having fun lol. 

Offbeat YA - Roberta is such a champion of small and indie press authors. She takes everything about blogging seriously and it shows in her thoughtful (& punny) reviews. 

We don't have much in common - reading wise but I enjoy both Roberta (we're both *ahem* older bloggers so we share that lol) and her quirky blog!

That's just a sampling of the type of posts I like to read that aren't your typical book reviews. Basically, I love any blog/posts that have a unique voice and if I follow or comment regularly on your blog then you have the favorite posts I like to read!

What are your favorite posts you like to read?

I'm Reading...The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

This has been another somewhat slower reading week. Kevin had a long weekend because of the 4th, so that messed up my schedule some and a house is being built next door and it's very loud - the dogs keep barking so it's not very reading friendly.

But here's what I'm reading now READ!

The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandi Colbert ~ Goodreads : "From Stonewall Award winner Brandy Colbert comes a novel about first love, family, and hidden secrets that will stay with you long after turning the last page.

I'm so happy to have finally started this one! Colbert is a favorite author of mine and I've had this book on my shelf for years.

Dove. "Birdie", Randolph adheres to all her mothers strict rules but starts to feel rebellious after meeting Booker, a boy she's fallen hard for but has a past that she knows her parents, especially her mother, won't approve of.

Her aunt Carlene, a recovering addict, comes to stay with the family and tensions grow as Birdie pushes boundaries and her mom and aunt are caught up in the past and family secrets and mistrust.  

I think Colbert does difficult family dynamics really well. My favorite by her is is Finding Yvonne but this book is a close second.

I was torn between - I did this myself as a teen Karen and adult Karen while reading. Birdie, understandably feels stifled by her mother's excessive control over her life. I got it. But she also keeps lying and seeing Booker on the down low, (light) drinking and sneaking out. Her mom has her reasons for being so strict but it really was too much and she was very, very hard on Birdie. It was a messy dynamic but I liked how honestly it was portrayed.

I also liked how it explored dealing with a loved one in recovery. Birdie's mom, for years, had gone through the stages of enabling her sister, then hurt by acts of betrayal, then tough love - while Birdie is coming at it as only knowing Carlene as she is now and sees all her potential and how she's trying to do better.

I figured out the big secret early on (but not one of the twists on that secret) but it didn't ruin my enjoyment at all. 

I felt like Booker was very underdeveloped and had concerns over that relationship. I'm all for second chances but he did commit a very violent act and has flare ups with his temper and is also lying and sneaking out - even though he did seem to have remorse and wanted to do better. We only see Birdie's OMG I love him side and red flags so that aspect didn't quite work for me. 

__________________

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner ~ Goodreads In this memoir, narrated by Zauner, she talks about growing up Korean-American in Eugene, OR and her often fraught relationship with her mother, only to lose her to cancer while Zauner was in her 20's. Now she struggles to find those connections to her mom through food and culture - including the H Mart - an Asian grocery store chain.

That's why I picked this one up. We have an H Mart in nearby Portland and it seems to be the thing of legend. I want to get there one day and figured I would vicariously visit through the book for now.

On audio, the author's narration comes off as monotone, and I didn't love it, but the subject matter is deeply personal and filled with love, longing and regret. But also moments of joy - especially when it comes to the sharing of food. 

It's difficult to listen to at times - I lost my mom to cancer at 16 so I can relate to that loss. But more so her caring for her mother in her final days and trying to make up for so many complicated experiences and perform this final act of love. This reminded more of my father, who I also had a complicated relationship with over the years, when I cared for him in his last year or so and it was one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I've gone through. 

Despite the sadness, it's also such a warm love letter to her mom. Hearing Zauner come around to viewing some of her mothers harshest criticisms as displays of love in hopes of giving Michelle a better future or to hide difficult truths, doesn't excuse the pain she went through but can provide healing when you're able to see it from a new perspective.

I don't think I would recommend this one on audio - or maybe try a sample first but it was an interesting memoir.

Now Showing...Boss Baby 2, Luca, Wish Dragon

 

First of all, I'm having a ridiculously good time making sheltie graphics lol I apologize in advance if you're like...Karen! enough with the sheltie stuff 😂 (there are a few Figgy graphics too so don't worry, I'm not neglecting my curmudgeon kitty.) I may need an intervention and have someone take away my sheltie clip art.

Anyhoo....

This is what we watched over the 4th long weekend. We're in the middle of a few series (Loki & Black Summer) but I guess we got sidetracked and went on a bit of a animation bender. 

Boss Baby 2 - streaming free on Peacock : Cute enough with a few good laughs and lessons learned but not as good as the first. Also had some fairly adult humor in the beginning. I'm not sure a second movie was necessary or added much but not bad for a freebie.

Luca - Disney+ : For some reason I thought they were going to charge extra to watch Luca on Disney since it was new but it's included with the regular subscription. I wasn't at all interested in this when I first started seeing the previews but it's a REALLY sweet film. 

Luca and his new best friend Alberto spend the summer living above the sea with humans, trying not to get wet and reveal their true identity as sea monsters.

This movie is filled with adventure, humor and heart. And you must watch to the very end - all the credits because it serves as an epilogue and it's the cutest thing ever and I would like every movie to do this from now on please. 

Wish Dragon - Netflix : So sweet!! Din & Li Na are the bestest of friends as children until her father moves them away and they don't see each other again for years. Din pines over her (platonically) and gets his chance to be the man her father would approve of when he's handed a magic tea pot with a wish dragon inside. 

This movie isn't breaking any new ground but it was just adorable and funny with a great ending. 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Writing reviews

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 

It is co-hosted by (Linda from Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, Roberta from Offbeat YA, Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About, Berl's from Because Reading is Better than Real Life  and me) 

Join in by answering this weeks question in the comments or on your own blog.

If you would like to join TMST and receive periodic emails of upcoming topics, please fill out this GOOGLE FORM. TMST is a laid back meme – join in or opt out depending on your interest in topics or schedule.

Question: How do you approach writing reviews?

Answer: I do take notes while I'm reading but reviews have to just come to me. Sometimes that's right after I put down the book, at other times it can be up to two weeks before a review forms in my head. 

It's almost always at an inopportune time - like when I'm falling asleep or out hiking. 😭🤣 I use a note app on my phone and have pad/pens scattered around the house for when this happens because I will inevitably forget my brilliant post if I don't jot it down while it's fresh in my mind. 

As far as the actual structure, I don't have anything concrete there either (no surprise there lol). Some books lend themselves to longer reviews, some mini's and some fall in between the two.

No matter the style, I try to include my overall thoughts, pros and cons so the book might reach the right reader.

At this stage of blogging, I'm just trying to stay flexible and do what works for me at any given time. I feel like I'm mentioning the book so it gets it out there and (hopefully) my opinion comes through no matter the length of my thoughts.  

What is your approach to writing reviews?