I have a LOT of nightmares – at least three nights of the week. That’s too much, and it’s getting really wearisome. When I realized that most of my nightmares involve some sort of apocalyptic scenario, I made a decision to cut back on dystopian books, shows, and movies (at least temporarily). My subconscious would probably calm down if I didn’t feed it so many ideas. Revolution is new and features sword-wielding Billy Burke (how far you’ve come, Charlie Swan!), so it gets a pass. But I didn’t notice how many of the hot new books are dystopian, and I have to stop reaching for them automatically. There’s already enough happening in the real world to be scared about.
Unfortunately, that leaves me short on exciting reads. Can anyone recommend good, interesting fiction (YA or adult) that’s exciting but not traumatizing? I might focus more on memoirs and stuff for a while, but I need a good novel to relax and cleanse my brain at least once a month. I just saw that a new Lucy Valentine book came out in May, so I might start there!
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Some Words and Phrases That Give Me The Heebie-Jeebies
Belly fat
Bodycon
Love on (no offense to my many friends who say this)
Liquids
Nutrients/Nutrition
Nourish
Reach out to
Presh
12 Comments + Posted in: what i'm into
I received this novel from Netgalley, and stayed up past midnight on a work night to finish it! Layken, recently bereaved of her dad, moves from Texas to Michigan with her mother and brother right before her senior year. She’s understandably not happy about the move, but things look brighter after she meets her new (slightly older) neighbor, Will. They feel an immediate connection, which is strengthened when literary Will introduces Layken to the world of slam poetry. But just as their relationship begins to bloom, they’re forced apart by unforeseen circumstances. Yet, mainly because of their little brothers’ close friendship, they’re also forced to keep seeing each other. When more tragedy strikes, Layken needs Will more than ever. CAN THEY OVERCOME??
I’ve heard lots of buzz about this book, and at first I didn’t buy into it. In fact, the beginning seemed vaguely Twilightish (and I say that as someone who’s read and enjoyed Twilight). But once the first plot twist hit, I was hooked! Something about the writing struck me as a little amateurish, but it doesn’t matter because this book has a LOT of heart. It’s an interesting and unusual story with very likable characters (especially Layken’s instant best friend Eddie) and a good message. The romance is pretty swoon-worthy, as is Will himself. Time to read the sequel!
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| Contemplating life |
Between the unexpected trip to Texas and the planned one to Nashville, I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with Niecy this month! She’s four months old now (gaining on five, really) and pretty much the best, cutest baby in the world. No bias, of course. :)
Last weekend I was present for her first experience in a jumpy/bouncy chair! She hasn’t quite figured out the bouncing part yet, but enjoys playing with her toys in the chair. I’m sure she’ll be a little jumping bean within the week.
Niecy has a happy, sociable temperament and likes visiting with everyone. On our trip to Texas, my dad played “race car driver” with her several times and she was enthralled.
She LOVES her Dolly. The joy on her face at every reunion with Dolly is hilarious and heartwarming. I think a backup is already being sought just in case. :)
She and the family cat are currently about the same size. I had to document!
Being an aunt has already opened a new world to me. I’m not much practical help to my very capable sister and brother-in-law, but my confidence with babies has skyrocketed. I’ve always liked babies, but I used to feel very self-conscious around them. Or, more accurately, their moms. I felt like no one wanted some amateur childless woman interacting with their baby, or chiming in during mom conversations. Well, aunthood has brought that wall down. Now I have a baby in my own family and am learning a thing or two about the whole deal. Even though she’s not “mine,” I can understand and contribute to discussions a lot more. I have several friends who had babies right around the same time, and it’s fun to hear about them hitting different milestones together.
I’m determined not to be a cliche spinster aunt who acts like she’s the child’s mother. But I am really excited to be part of Niecy’s little life. :)
7 Comments + Posted in: aunthood
I went to Nashville last weekend for a Kelly Clarkson and The Fray concert at the Bridgestone! I’d been looking forward to it since Debra and I bought the tickets last spring, and I was NOT disappointed. We saw Taylor Swift there last year, and our spot directly to the left of the stage was a little too close. So for this show, we picked a more central location close to the floor. When we were ushered to our seats, I couldn’t believe how great they were! After scrimping on nosebleed seats for most of my life, I can confidently say that the extra money for good seats is totally worth it.
Carolina Liar opened. I love “Show Me What I’m Looking For,” but was sadly underwhelmed by the rest. Their lead singer was very demanding of the audience (and looked like the lost Nelson brother – that was unexpected).
This Colton guy from American Idol was taking pictures and signing autographs between sets. I haven’t watched Idol in years, so I had no idea who he was, but Debra recognized him. People were going crazy!
I’ve always liked The Fray and considered them excellent songwriters, but they were so overplayed for a while that I couldn’t get too excited about them. So now, after the initial hype, was the perfect time for me to see them live and fall in love. Sometimes you don’t realize how many good songs a group has until you hear them all at once. They’re all great musicians and have amazing stage presence – you can tell the songs are coming from their hearts. It was probably the most emotionally powerful concert I’ve ever been to.
Midway through the show, Isaac Slade (I had to look up his name) came to a keyboard on a riser in the middle of the floor and played “Be Still.” (I’d heard that The Fray are Christians, but that song basically confirmed it.) At the very end of the show, during “Over My Head,” he jumped off the stage and ran through the audience and up into the stands at the back of the arena right near us! It was awesome.
I downloaded two whole Fray albums from iTunes as soon as I got home. :)
Kelly Clarkson is one of my all-time favorite singers. Because so many of her songs are on my exercise playlist, I probably listen to her more than any other artist. Most of the major events and themes of the past ten years of my life can be summed up by a Kelly song. As I’ve said here before, Stronger definitely isn’t my favorite of her albums, but several of the tracks have really grown on me. In any case, she has enough hits to put on a four-hour show, but this one hit the high points! Man, that girl can sing.
Kelly also came out into the audience for a short set!
Singing with Giant Holographic Jason Aldean. Everyone flipped out upon hearing his voice and thought he was there because THIS IS NASHVILLE! But nope. Just a giant hologram. I even hoped Reba might make a cameo. (Kelly is dating Reba’s stepson, which I think is awesome.)
Tired post-concert pic! I was happy to share this experience with Debra. I was also happy to run into Stephanie, my former sister-in-law and still friend (we forgot to take a picture). She was just two sections over, and her friend actually got to meet Kelly! I didn’t realize she was going too until she left a comment on my Facebook status about it. We also passed each other on the highway going home the next day. :)
Our next possible hermanas concert outing is Carrie Underwood here in Memphis in December! We’ll see!