My Thoughts from Nanowrimo 2021
By Jessica Marie In the past I have competed in and even successfully completed all 50,000 words within the 30-day time frame of November that is nanowrimo. This was all part of my learning curve in becoming a better writer. Having done it, I know exactly how much time, energy, and daily dedication it takes to reach that mark. What other things must be sacrificed to make that goal. With my desire to make writing a joyful habit and not a chore I elected to not push myself too hard during nanowrimo. I started nano with nearly 70k words already written in my first book in The Shadows of Dawn duology that I started writing in April of this year. 50k words would have completed the book, but I have a different personal agenda. I have taken the rabbits pace in the past, sprinting hard and fast. Completing much in short periods of time, working when I have inspiration or energy and then going fallow for long periods of time. I also know how burnt out I can personally feel after trying to achieve so much in a short period of time. So, I opted to take things at my own pace, while pushing myself as hard as I reasonably can. Normally I can write around 15k words a month, upon finishing nano I had 18k words written. Which is three thousand more than usual, but still far short from the fifty thousand word mark. I don’t write every day; I usually only write 4-5 days a week. But I see myself as a person first, a person with dreams and desires. I need to put my rest, my mental, physical, and spiritual health before any activity I do. It has taken me 29 years to come to this realization and then begin to put that realization into practice. I have hustled and worked to the point of burn out. I have also taken things too easy and gotten no closer to any dream or goal I have. I have come to learn my middle ground. I have learned how to work with myself. How to have my finger in several pies and still make progress. I don’t write one project at a time, I work on several projects concurrently. I am writing my novel and a novelette, which is the first work in what I am calling my short story series Agency. I also write this blog, read, as well as work. Some people would say “that’s too much, you should focus on one thing and make more progress”. For them, that advice might be right, but not for me. I like having multiple things going, having options for my mind to work on and through. My pace might not be as fast as some people. But I’m not them. I am me. The more I compare the less I listen to myself. There is a fine line between gaining information, perspectives, and advice from others and trying to be someone else. Only you know where that line it. What it feels like. I have found mine. A pace I can keep and a method that makes progress I am content with. I may not have ‘won’ nanowrimo by having failed to write 50k words in November. But to me, I am a winner. I kept going. I watched and encouraged other writers to make their goals. Every day I progress even a little is a win, I had a net of more than zero words, that counts as a win in my book. Much Love, Jessica Marie
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November Book Reviews 2021
By Jessica Marie The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner 5/5 Stars I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have not spent much time studying philosophy, but this book was a fantastic introduction to it. Many a time did I pause and laugh or think as I enjoyed how well written this book was. He puts things in such a unique light that ranges from the hilarious to the thoughtful. I enjoyed every page and every philosopher in it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an introduction to philosophy or simply for a good non-fiction read. Devolution by Max Brooks 5/5 Stars I haven’t listened to audiobooks in quite a few years, possibly more than five years ago. In the past I would listen to music and podcasts, in the last 2-3 years I listened almost exclusively to podcasts. But I’ve grown tired of it and decided there were books I would like to have read but I may not really want to spend the time physically reading them. My friend told me about Libby a few weeks ago and I have been hooked ever since. Free audiobooks downloaded to my phone via my library card! Sign me up! One of the books I listened to on tape many years ago was World War Z and I remember loving World War Z in audio book form. When I saw this available as an audiobook I immediately clicked "borrow" from Libby. I was not disappointed! I love the full cast reading of the book and I love the realistic nature of his books. Where you can almost be convinced it's a documentary and not a novel. Where There’s Smoke by Jodi Picoult 4/5 Stars This was another audiobook that I listened to in November. This was actually a compilation of two short stories. I’ll be honest, I'm not entirely sure I like Jodi's method of writing. She goes backwards and forwards through time every other chapter. The back cover descriptions sometimes sound more supernatural but somehow the story is always very realistic, as in real world. I generally prefer my fiction stories to be something a little more fantastical unless they are touching on some interesting topic. This is the second work of hers I've read. It's a good set of short stories. She is a good writer, she tells a story well, and the careers and knowledge of the characters she writes are well researched and feel real. It is nothing more than personal preference is why I am not a huge fan. I'd give these two stories 3.5 stars but I’m rounding up to 4. Who Am I? By Kurt Rieschick 4/5 Stars My Mom and I went to the 10 cent book sale that was hosted by our local library. She picked this one up just for fun. While she cooked dinner we all sat around the kitchen and I read the book out loud as we all tried to guess the answers to the questions. If you happen to know famous people from 1999 and before, then you’re going to rock this book. It was a fun evening! Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld 3/5 Stars This is an alternative history book in which Hillary Rodham never married Bill Clinton. The author then proceeds to see how Hillary’s life as well as the American political sphere may have been impacted by this change of events. This was another audiobook I checked out from Libby. I thought this was an interesting book. I found it fascinating Hilary and Bill go from lovers to rivals to enemies. There were some fun twists in the book. Though it was really strange to have sex scenes. These are public figures, not fictional characters, so the visuals are more than a bit strange. But overall, an interesting thought experiment. I would round up to 3.5 stars but Goodreads doesn’t let you, so 3 it is. On Wings of Ash and Dust series by Brittany Wang 5/5 Stars Wings of Betrayal, Palace of Potions, and Sea of Secrets are the three books in her series of six I finished in the month of November. I am going to hold off on giving a full book review on these until I finish the entire series. It is a fantasy series that takes place in a world where faeries rule and they are currently fighting for the crown to rule all of Faylan. There is a competition between all of the princes and princesses in each of the six kingdoms to compete against each other to win the crown for their kingdom, their family, and themselves forever. I was a little skeptical or rather trepidatious as I always am when starting a book from a new author. Especially one about faeries as it can be cliched or otherwise. But this series caught me from the start! I was and continue to be interested in the characters, the world, and the outcome. I am still really on my toes about what is going to happen as a lot is starting to pile up. If you are looking for a great new fantasy series (each book is around 100 pages long) I would suggest this one! Currently Reading: Forest of Blood by Brittany Wang The End of America by Naomi Wolf The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien Podcasts I'm Currently Listening to: Breaking Points Wise Traditions Finding Community
By Jessica Marie This is the first move I have made as an adult. And while the move was made with my parents and both of my brothers, it is still the first time that community has been difficult to attain rather than a given. I grew up in Florida and had friends at our church, at the stable I volunteered and eventually worked at, and many other places. When we moved to Wyoming all of us kids were homeschooled, so we joined homeschooling groups which led to friends, acquaintances, and a sense of community. When we traveled the US for 14 months in the mid 2000’s I joined online forums and felt a sense of community there. Though that was a temporary venture as was my online forum venture. Once we reached Colorado in 2008, as we were still being homeschooled, we found a homeschool group, a drama troop, and a sense of community quickly followed. And while that circle was wide it never quite stagnated as I made new friends when I attended University. But there is a theme here, something that innately involves you with other people, school or work. These two foundational elements in most people’s lives are what help them ground into an area. To feel like they belong and feel willing to explore their new home. All of us have attained the level of education we wish to hold at this time, so no school to join for meeting people; and getting work here has been difficult. I personally am trying to build a business from home, one I can take anywhere and I don’t have to leave home if I don’t want to. There are inherent upsides to this, but it also has its downfalls. By working from home, on my own, just me and my phone or laptop (and my family) it is difficult to integrate into the community. Those we meet are polite and generally welcoming, but there are few normal situations one can find themselves in where they can organically build a network of acquaintances that could become more. I haven’t attended church in many years, preferring to study on my own. Yesterday we were invited to a local church’s social event and it was both refreshing and anxiety-inducing. Most of the people I talk with are either family or friends I have known for well over a decade. How do you introduce yourself to people? How do you go from strangers to acquaintances? In my younger years I was quite extroverted, as time has gone on I’ve become more and more introverted. This is made ever more difficult in our increasingly polarizing world. If you say the wrong thing, express the wrong sentiment, you can infuriate someone where they write you off forever. This is not a one side or the other issue, it is both sides. I don’t take sides, I flow down the middle preferring to see the merits of all. Willing to peer through the grey middle to find the truth and reality that resides there. All this to say, community and integration into an area is a daunting and slow process. One that is ever more hindered the less and less you prescribe to the norm. Be kind to the people you meet, you never know what they may be going through. I am blessed to have my family, but it’s important to have people to see and visit outside of family too. I’m excited and nervous to put myself out there and hope not to be rejected. I feel hopeful and guided by the Divine that this is a positive step into making Maine our home. I love being in new places and exploring new terrain. Yet this is part of exploring, the community that exists within a place. Much Love, Jessica Marie 2021 Holiday Shop Gift Guide from Wayfaring Jessica
Hello Wayfarers, and welcome to my first ever holiday shop gift guide! In this blog post I will be giving you some gift ideas and shops to peruse for your friends and family. Everyone on this list I either personally know, have personally enjoyed their product, or have their items on my personal Christmas list. Everyone on this list is a small business, independent author, or other small shop that is trying to make their dreams come true. I realized this is my first year of buying gifts entirely from small businesses, shops, or by making gifts. I haven’t purchased anything from Amazon or any other chain. It wasn’t intentional, it just worked out. Though now that I’ve done it, I may challenge myself to do so (as much as humanly possible) from here on out! I hope you enjoy this gift shop guide and can show your loved ones how much they mean to you, while also supporting small, independent creators. Your support directly enhances their lives and dreams and, in a way, you give them a gift by believing in their dreams too. This list is in no particular order! So, please see all the way to the end!
Selina also runs her own author services company, Wyvern Wing Editorial. If someone you know is looking for editing, formatting, or other author services, this could be a fantastic gift idea as well. 2. Holly C. Priestley find her at https://hollycpriestley.com/ and Instagram @hollycpriestley Holly is a full-time van-lifer, author in the making, explorer, and all-around talent! She has a podcast, YouTube, and most importantly for Christmas, a print shop! She sells her artwork and nature photography, which I must say is stunning! Anything you buy as a gift, you may have a hard time giving away. I found her on YouTube, fell in love with her podcast, and simply love her photography. 3. Day Dream Adventures find her at https://paigesdaydreamadventures.com/ and Instagram @daydreamadventures Paige at Day Dream Adventures is a fantastic photographer that will really capture your attention. Her photography can be bought as prints, on the cover of journals, magnets, and so much more. 4. Warmlite Gear find them at www.Warmlite.com and Instagram @warmlite_gear Warmlite is a family-owned and operated business, and has been since 1957. They make the highest quality camping gear for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers. Selling tents, sleeping bags, vapor barrier clothing, and more. 5. Was That An Aardvark find her at https://www.etsy.com/shop/wasthatanaardvark and Instagram @wasthatanaardvark Megan is a fantastic artist and wood worker. Her art features birds and nature in a simplistic yet inspiring way. Her woodworking is made from up-cycled wood and is entirely hand made. She has earrings, necklaces, collar chains, and more. I have been eyeing her earrings for some time now and it’s probably time I swipe a pair! 6. Brittany Wang find her https://linktr.ee/worderella and on Instagram @authorbrittanywang An author, YouTuber, and giver of writing advice. I am currently halfway through her On Wings of Ash and Dust series of eBooks. I love her story, characters, and world. She as crafted this story and world of faeries to feel real and not cliched. I will be doing a review of all six episodes in her series once I have finished reading them. She also has author services, if that is something you know someone is in need of, and perhaps has watched her videos on YouTube. 7. D.B.Carter find him MBM and on Facebook @magnificentblackmage D.B. Carter has created a fantastic world of heroes and villains in his comic series called, The Magnificent Black Mage. If you are interested in comics but don’t know where to start, I suggest the Magnificent Black Mage! 8. Christine Reed find her https://campsite.bio/ruggedoutdoorswoman and Instagram @ruggedoutdoorswoman Hiker, backpacker, adventurer, and author. I first heard of Christine on a podcast interview with Holly Priestley and have wanted to get my hands on a copy of her book ever since. This one is on my Christmas list. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, is a book about backpacking, love, grief, freedom, adventure and so much more. It has also won an Indie Excellence Book Award. 9. Sacha Black find her https://linktr.ee/sachablack and on Instagram @sachablackauthor Sacha Black is a British author, writing course creator, and podcast host. She writes YA fantasy, as well as non-fiction on how to write fiction. She is snarky, brilliant, and I feel like she’s my friend even though I’ve only ever heard her voice via her podcast. If you know someone who likes stories, or wants to write their own, pick them up something from Sacha! 10. Gnome and Pine find her https://www.etsy.com/shop/gnomeandpine/ and on Instagram @graceandtwoarrows Amanda has lovely themed book boxes for sale on her Etsy shop. Her packaging and aesthetic for these books are so on point. It’s beautiful and will absolutely inspire anyone. 11. Bumble Bee Apothecary find her https://linktr.ee/bumblebeeapothecary and on Instagram @bumblebeeapothecary Marisa at Bumble Bee Apothecary is a wealth of knowledge on natural living. From toxin free chemicals, to healthy diets, to handmade organic skincare and so much more. I have gotten recipe ideas for several homemade items from her YouTube channel, and her organic products are toxin free as well as beautiful. 12. Vic Hollins Art find her https://www.etsy.com/shop/vichollinsart and on Instagram @vichollinsart I discovered Vic Hollins Art at Denver Comic Con and I fell in love with her art illustrations. It’s colorful, realistic, and absolutely original. She sells prints, cosmetic bags with her art, comics, and more. Her art is so detailed you can look at each piece for awhile and continuously finding elements she has painted in. 13. Taylor @nahamsha.hiker on Instagram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCC4-uyWLlQ Taylor has recently created a board game called New Hampshire Hike-Opoly! I am very excited about this game and can’t wait to get my hands on a set. I love playing Monopoly and I can only imagine how fun this play on the traditional game will be. 14. Raine Alexandra Art https://rainealexandraart.com/ and on Instagram @r.aine I have been following Raine for a long time now and have been in love with their woodburning and art for years. I own one of their incense towers and it is so beautiful to look at. Their talent has expanded over the years and is truly a one-of-a-kind artist. Their nature and spirits of nature wood burnings are stunning. 15. Relics Art & Antiques https://www.etsy.com/shop/Relicsartandantiques and on Instagram @relicsartandantiques I couldn’t end this list without also including my own shop. It is actually a family shop as we all contribute our own talents to the shop. My brother sells his wood working, my Mom and I sell vintage and antique items, and I sell my eBooks and original collage artwork. Alright, that’s my list of 15 shops to check out for this holiday shopping season. There is something for everyone whether they like being outdoors, need new art for their homes, enjoy reading, or are collectors. Thanks for reading and I hope you support one if not all of these small businesses this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Jessica Marie The Seven Songs of Merlin by T.A. Barron 5/5 Stars
Another fun story! I started off so frustrated with Merlin and by the end understanding his lessons and this story. A very fun read and I think good for young minds who are growing and learning but also older ones who need reminders. The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult 3.5/5 Stars This was an alright book. From the description on the back I thought it would be a little more mystical. But it was mostly an adult love triangle story and the consequences of life. Yes, fate was addressed but it just seemed a lot more mystical in the premise, whereas the story was very normal and down-to-earth. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but unless you enjoy non-fantastical stories, you won't particularly love this book. The Magnificent Black Mage by D.B. Carter Issue #1 5/5 Stars I have not read very many comics, as I always assumed one needed to read Marvel or DC. Those stories are so large and long-running, they were too intimidating for me to want to dive into. But this comic is great for people who want to get into comics but don't know where to start. While also supporting an indie comic creator. It's a quick read, but a fun story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I know it's been about a month since I've written a blog post, and closer to two months since I have written consistently. But, I wanted to hop on and give some updates about what I've been up to and why I've been a little MIA.
I officially started the Wayfaring Jessica brand early this year and it has gone through a lot of growth and changes, just as I have. I have meandered my way through and around different ideas trying to find the most fitting pieces of myself for this brand. I also was severely overworking myself, and after 7 months of hardcore work I was extremely burnt out. Hence the blogging drop off. I have a history or working too hard on something until I am burned out, instead of taking things at a slower albeit more sustainable pace for myself. I also tend to think I have to 'do it all' or else I'm failing. I took some time away and am now sifting through every action I take and making sure it fills me up just as much as I hope it does to those I am serving. This is probably one of my biggest lessons from this past year. Not looking at everyone else and what they are doing, how they are doing it, but instead following my own energy. I've gone around the sun 29 times and I am coming more fully into my own. Knowing more of what does and does not work for me. Making lists and following my energy of when I can get them done. But I also need to remember to focus on what is most important. My mental and physical health, my writing and creativity, my rest, and my adventurous spirit. With this in mind I will be bringing my blog back at a pace that I can keep up with. With me keeping my priorities straight and not letting them become unbalanced. I will be making time for rest, giving myself grace on busy days when what I wanted to get done simply couldn't, and putting my creativity at the forefront of my responsibilities. I am hoping to finish the first draft of my current novel by the end of the year. I also would like to finish the first draft of my short story (the first of many in that series) by the end of the year. I am also making sure to give myself space and time to hike and explore the nature that surrounds me. I thank you for your patience and I hope you take this as a sign to follow your energy. To put yourself and your own dreams above the ones that others expect you to have. To follow the flow of your life and honor your unique life path. Much Love, Jessica Marie Not a Nation of Immigrants by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz - 5/5 Stars
This is an amazing book. I think this is so important for every American to read. This is full of the facts and information that gets swept under the rug and needs to be aired out, faced, understood, and accepted. In order to truly understand our country and the issues faced by those who live in it, we must face the facts of our history. It's Not About the Burqua by Miriam Khan - 4/5 Stars This was a lovely and fascinating read. To hear the stories and experiences of Muslim women of color is, as they say in the book, 'something that is spoken of but we rarely get to hear from the women themselves'. It's but a glimpse into these women, their histories, and experiences. But to better have empathy for people, it's important to listen to their words and not the words people speak for them. Mist Over the Lake
A Story from My Life It had been a warm day over the lake, despite the sky having been overcast. I had just finished my dinner at the small little cottage, and quickly washed up my dishes. Laughing at the lake water that flowed through the pipes for dishes and showers as this was only water source for the various cabins and cottages that lined it. Under normal circumstances one would never consider soap and lake water to be clean, but when on vacation one can set aside such considerations and simply enjoy the simplicity of life. I set my plate on the drying rack and looked down at my little dog. He was standing at my side, looking up at me with playful eyes. I looked from him out to the lake The sun had disappeared behind the mountains, but a dark blue and grey sky continued to light the landscape. It would be dark within an hour. “Do you want to go on the kayak?” I asked my little rescue pup, Holmes. His permanently erect Chihuahua ears perked up even higher. I knew he didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘kayak’, but he knew the phrase ‘do you want –‘ as that always meant we were going to do something. I smiled and grabbed his leash. He spun in excitement, half chasing his tail and half trying to dart towards the door. I managed to clip the leash onto his harness and we headed out the back door. I put the yellow kayak in the water, set little Holmes on top and we were off. He is my little adventure pup, he loves to go anywhere I go. Glued at the hip you might say. He liked to sit atop the kayak’s bow and watch as we went along. He knows how to swim and I keep his leash attached to me so as to not lose him should he fall in. I turned the kayak around and began to paddle south. The lake was silent, ducks and geese didn’t call or cackle from overhead, loons made no wails, not a single wave rippled the glass like surface. The most pure and peaceful silence had befallen the lake. The only sound was my paddle dipping in and out of the water with each stroke that propelled me forward. The sky was still overcast and retained a dark blue that faded to gray with every passing minute. It was raining on some nearby mountains. The temperature dropping as the light continued to fade. The sudden shift from warm to cool raised a mist that hovered just above the surface of the water, the mist swirling and parting as I floated past. I paused to take in the sights and silence. The mist still swirling from my passage. It rose no taller than the width of my hand above the water’s surface. The gray began to overtake all other colors. The mountains turning to various shades of grey, the trees seemed to coalesce into one singular mass upon the shore and beyond. I watched the rain storm move from mountain to valley. The lights of occupied cabins began to dot the shore. Though they could be a mile or more away, their light pierced bright and true across the ever-darkening scenery. Holmes turned his head to look at me, seeming to think the very same thought, we should start heading back. I nodded in agreement and slowly paddled the boat back towards the cottage. We passed a group of four loons. Whether they were enjoying the view or preparing for an evening of fishing I couldn’t be sure. Each stroke of my paddle creating a small ripple that propelled my craft forward with little effort as the surface offered no resistance. The subtle swoosh of water under my paddles the only sound breaking the silence. The bottom sliding over the gravel as we made landfall pierced the air. Little Holmes jumped from the bow onto the shore and wagged his tail slightly as I got out of the boat. I carried the kayak further onto the shore then stood to look over the lake as the last of the light disappeared from the sky. It would be an even darker night as the clouds overhead would block the moon and stars. But this lake held no malice, it was peaceful and beautiful no matter the conditions. We stepped back inside and started the fire. Few things are better on a cool and cloudy night on the lake than a reading a book beside a warm fire inside a cottage while your adventure pup snuggles close. Tame the Flames A story from the life of Jessica Marie It was a cool August afternoon out on the lake in my kayak with my little dog Holmes. He was perched on the front of the kayak, sitting atop my life vest. The lake was fairly calm, the occasional strong breeze would push me in a direction I hadn’t quite planned to go. But it was otherwise fairly smooth going. I paddled by a rock marker. I stopped paddling and peered over the edge, like I always did when I paddled over a hazard marker, trying to catch a glimpse of the boulder just beneath the surface. It was massive and only a few feet from the surface of the lake. A larger boat could damage their bottom or propellers if they passed over this rock. I couldn’t begin to imagine how large this boulder must be. I was a fair distance off shore, the water here was deep. Considering at 5 feet and less I could easily see the bottom, here the water was dark and murky, showing no bottom to its depths. But this rock somehow stretched from the unknowable depths of the lake to be mere inches from the surface. I looked in awe of the rock and felt perturbed by the murky depths of the lake. Even knowing it is devoid of any predators or other hazards, my mind often creates flashes of danger in place of any real threats. I looked up from the rock and across the lake. My ceasing to paddle had stopped my momentum and I was now simply floating. The aforementioned breeze had slowly spun my kayak to face the direction from which I had come. I gazed across the overcast waters to see a plume of smoke rising into the air from the opposite shore. I followed the plume to its source. Orange lapping flames taller than the hundreds of cabins that dotted the lake front. A cabin had caught fire. I quickly pulled my cell phone from my pocket. The lake was typically devoid of cell signal, but to my surprise I had one bar. I dialed 911. I could hear someone on shore in a nearby cabin on the phone with 911 as well. Sound carries well and easily over water. The aflame cabin was near the marina. I hung up the phone with the fire department and began to paddle towards the fire. Wary of getting too close as most homes used propane for heat and cooking. Should that tank explode, the blast and shrapnel could be deadly. From several football fields away, I watched the flames lap at the cottage and slowly ignite the cottage beside it. The backside or the backyard must have ignited the blaze as the cottages themselves showed no sign of fire from my vantage point on the lake. The flames growing and towering tall above the roofs and the ever-enlarging plume of smoke were my only cues. I could hear the sirens of the fire department as they made their way down the road towards the lake. I could see the four fire engines stop on the road. No one knew the address. We had told them it was near the marina, but we didn’t know the street or house. Dispatch called me to ask for directions, I quickly gave it to the best of my abilities. Being new to the area I didn’t know my cardinal directions yet or any street names. They found the fire. It was an out-of-control brush fire. Relieved that they had found it and that no one had lost their home or cottage I quickly began to paddle faster towards the flame. Now that there was no danger, I wanted to see the fire closer. From the lake I could observe without being a hazard or impediment to the fire department. As I paddled full speed towards the flames several motor boats and jet skis came from across the lake, like moths to a flame, we all convened not far from the shore. I overheard someone on a jet ski with three occupants talking to a group on a motor boat, relaying the information about the fire being a brush fire. But many of the observers hadn’t seen the fire or the smoke. They had heard the call on the county radio about a structure fire by the marina and had quickly clambered into their boats and hastened over to see the damage. The fire department managed to tame the flames so as to keep the fire from spreading and creating a true structure fire. As all the cabins and cottages are so close, if one when up, slowly they could all go up. Then they rolled up their hoses and headed back to the station. Little Holmes had moved to sit on my lap as bits of white ash began to fall over the lake. The plume of smoke now even larger than before. As what had been a larger flame moments ago had been diminished to a more manageable size. It almost seemed to be complaining at having been knocked down a peg or two. Having used up a lot of my energy, as I wasn’t accustomed to paddling so fast. I slowly made my way back towards our camp. I counted the cabins on the way back. Twelve structures stood between ours and the brush fire. I brought the kayak aground, plucked Holmes from the boat and entered the cottage. Grateful that the fire had been contained and hadn’t damaged anyone’s property August Book Reviews 2021 by Jessica Marie The Darkest Day By: Dennis L. McKiernan: I finished The Iron Tower series this month. As the story went on, I became more and more invested in the story and the characters. I started off reading it simply because I had the book, but in time I really grew to care about this story. I particularly enjoyed the last book, The Darkest Day. I thought the foreshadowing and characterization was well done and overall a fun read. If you enjoy fantasy, LOTR, and good versus evil you will enjoy this series. One of my favorite elements of the story was the idea that objects can have or help destiny. I thought it was a fun take on fantasy items and I enjoyed the outcome. The last book felt the most original, with its own twists and turns. Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy Goats By: Jerry Belanger : Another Storey’s guide book for me. We are deciding between potentially getting dairy goats or miniature dairy cattle. So, I am in research mode, reading on care and other requirements. While also looking at our needs and how well they may or may not fit with different livestock options. This book was a great introduction into dairy goats. Some of it is a harsh look at how some people keep livestock, but overall, the information is very helpful for people looking into dairy goats. These books are great reference for once you have livestock as well. Ghosts of Fort Collins by Lori Juszak: This was a fun read! I am a big believer in ghosts, ghost stories, and other paranormal events. The other fun element of local ghost books like this is the history. The ghost stories come from somewhere, so they offer fun little looks into history. I lived in Fort Collins for over 12 years. This book offered some fun insights on places I knew very well from my time there. Places like the tunnels under Old Town, the old Armadillo restaurant, the road to LaPorte and more. Ghosts on the Coast of Maine by Carol Schulte: Another fun read! Not quite as much history as I was hoping, but there was some thrown in. As Maine was a part of the revolutionary war there is a lot of European history here, as well as Native history. Trying to assimilate to a new area, now that we live in Maine, I thought reading about the area might help me get to know it. History and local legends can help one to understand a place. She did her best to make you feel like you were meeting people and hearing their stories as she moved from account to account. I’m curious if the stories in this book will resonate differently when I have lived here for longer. When I know the area better and have been to more places to picture the stories being told. Note: All books I purchased myself. I read and reviewed of my own accord. I was not paid, prompted, or promoted to read or review these works in any way. I do not receive any money or other stipends from these reviews. Books I am Currently Reading: The Seven Songs of Merlin by T. A. Barron Storey’s Guide to Raising Miniature Livestock by Sue Weaver Podcasts I am Binging Right Now: Goal Digger Podcast The Sister Diaries |
AuthorJessica Marie Cunningham - Intentional lifestyle blogger, aspiring author, and podcast host. All things Slow Living, Books, Writing, Art, creativity, Christianity, and personal stories. Archives
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