Look what happened now...
Ready, Set, Jet!
|
So how is your week going? We are enjoying the rain today! It's been awhile (maybe a month?) since the last real rain. It's not cold enough presently to snow, but the rain is more than welcome. People here do not often drive in the rain, so it's the best time to go to the market or get errands done. But actually the pull to stay home and call in sick is strong, lol (I'm acting like a local, lol) In my defense I have new makeup to try and a pile of books to read, lol. I was planning on taking a break from purchasing both this month, but that didn't last a week! #FML I'm not a fan of reading about wars. So it doesn't interest me and I do not know enough about the history to know what is satire and what is fiction. But I will do a full review soon of this book, plus the other two I've read this month. And yes, I did go out in the rain. From what I understand, the after-the-rain smell is actually a complex equation. See the smell changes based on the acidity of the rain. Because of chemicals in the atmosphere, rainwater tends to be somewhat acidic, especially in urban environments. Have you noticed different cities smell differently? When rain comes in contact with organic debris or chemicals on the ground, it can cause some particularly aromatic reactions. It breaks apart soil and releases minerals trapped inside, and it reacts with chemicals, such as, I don't know, say petrol and this changes the scent, too. These reactions generally produce more unpleasant smells than bacteria spores, which is why the after-the-rain smell isn't always pleasant. But just like the smell caused by spores, the smell of chemical reactions is most noticeable when it rains following a dry spell. Since it does not rain often here, normally the scent is very distinct and took some getting used to. (I burned a lot of scented candles in the beginning.) Another after-the-rain smell comes from volatile oils that plants and trees release. The oil then collects on surfaces such as rocks, which we have plenty of. The rain reacts with the oil on the rocks and it becomes a gas. This scent is one that most people consider to be a pleasant, fresh smell. It has even been bottled and sold! The after-the-rain smell in the UK and EU is different from the smell after the rain in south Texas, Washington state or Florida. So it's crazy when you talk about the after-the-rain smell with someone else, you may mean one thing while your friend is thinking of something else entirely. Speak soon!
How's your weekend going? I've been waiting for this one. No appointments scheduled and no work, just time to chill. #BIGWIN One of my goals for 2018 was to get back into a regular exercise routine and also carve more downtime out for myself. Running two full-time businesses keeps me very busy, but I have hired more folks to help me and I can finally start to relax again. The weekends are MINE! lol Don't get me wrong I did take off some in 2017, and I even managed to exercise and loose some weight. But everything was based on when I could find time, and that was not as often as it should have been. So Saturday I was up early for yoga, meditation and to enjoy the fiery sunrise. One thing about living in the southwest is the sky, it's rare to see the sunrise or sunset without being moved. It's usually very dramatic and will inspire you, (as it has done for countless artists), to be more creative. If you really take the time to be present, it will also foster an appreciation for nature and our place in it, too. One of my friends in Paris sent me a picture this morning of his sunrise in comparison, I'm not gonna post it (because it's not mine) and because it was a dull, gray, overcast day complete with drizzle. Don't get me wrong I love Paris, and I also love rainy weather, *which I miss here. So it's a trade off. But I feel truly blessed to enjoy the best of both world. (Read between the lines: I will be returning to Europe soon.) So other than sunrise yoga, my weekend goals are to climb into my new books and practice the art of siestas, lol. This is the second and third book in the Anno series. I wrote a review here and told you how much I liked this authors writing style, yeah? Well, when I find an author I really like I proceed to buy everything in their catalogue, so far I'm three in and he hasn't disappointed.
I'll do a proper book review next week, but so far I'm enjoying the book and looking forward to reading more in the series. Now I'm off for a coffee with a friend in ABQ. I hope you are enjoying your weekend and find time to watch the sunrise/sunset. Speak soon- This is my 8th blog post of 2018. Last year I blogged 127 times, that makes 10.58 blog posts per month, almost 2 blog posts per week. HEY THAT’S NOT BAD. Considering that it is a luxury to actually have time to sleep. I even made the effort to update the look of the website and added video headers, plus some new pages. I have also opted to add a few affiliate links. I’m actually not sure if I want to continue them, we shall see. I also tried to refrain from bitching about work and being constantly exhausted all the time. My 2018 new year resolution is blog at least 3 posts per week. I have never really cared if anybody reads this silly little blog, it has been more about documenting some of the places I’ve been and the insights I’ve had. So I am always surprised that people do follow. I want to say a BIG THANK YOU! 🙂 for your continued support. Okay back to reviewing 2017... This is somewhat surprising. We are still here, on the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. I post mostly landscapes and of course food picture from here or random selfies, lol. Honestly I am so in love with the mountains and the blue sky here and of course the house. We have a nice garden and mostly this feels like heaven. So I try to keep the house tidy and minimal even though it's big 2 story with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a huge bonus room I use for an office, but I don't actually talk much about the house. The kitchen is nice, much better than what we had in the UK, but not as well thought out as the kitchen in France. But it works for us, as you may have noticed I am sharing more food picts and recipes. More Vegan Food I have posted more and more vegan recipes and cooking stuff in general this past year. Mostly because I have been home more and have the ability to cook more. I still want to remind you I am NOT a food blogger. 2017 hair I think I have taken more selfies in 2017 than all the past years combined. Remember when you wondered what I looked like? Yeah, those days are long gone. But back to my hair, it is still blonde - And yes, I’m bored with it. I considered cutting it off this year, but I think I will wait another year. It grows pretty fast though and if I do not flat iron it you can see it is really thick. Using the flat iron may make the style look better - but I hate how thin and flat it looks. :( Travel in 2017 Travel this past year was sparse. Well, compared to other years when I'm running back and forth to NOLA, Florida or France. But I did mange a few adventures... Janurary here in central New Mexico started out snowing... I am still impressed with snow. It was fun for a few days and then it was over. #Goodtimes Jan - left the odd snow storm and headed to New York City. It was dark, cold and snowing there too. But New York is always amazing no matter what the weather is like. This trip was part busines/part fun. In February we left the dark and flew to Iceland. This was a destination that's been on my son's bucket list for years, but I was not that excited. But guess what? I LOVED IT! And totally not what I expected. It did snow while we were there, but we still managed a night trip to see the Northern Lights. We stayed 7 days and it was not long enough. I'm sure we will return soon. March was a short Vegas get away and April was me at home planting a garden and experimenting in the kitchen. May I had company and showed them around the area here. You can read about it here. I also started a mini food diary to share what I eat (people still ask) and what I typically purchase at the market. August I began "What Are You Reading?" A quick review of my recent reads and such. Work was still very busy, but I made my mind up I was going to make time to read and relax more. September another review and of course the hurricane hitting my home in Texas. I actually didn't talk much about it. Maybe this year I will be able to share more, it's just completely overwhelming. STILL. October was Halloween and I was supposed to go to NOLA for a right old party, but I came down with a bug and spent it in bed. #FML (But look out this year!) November I blogged about American Myths and more book reviews. We debated on going somewhere exotic for Christmas, but decided against it. After spending the holidays in Europe and other amazing places it was nice to just stay in and chill for a change. We did explore around the area, here some. Check out this short video if you want to see an ancient Native American site we hiked. I also posted more about my not so secret love of flowers and house plants this past year. So I posted more about gardens and houseplants than ever before. It's not quite an obsession, but almost. So all in all it was a great year. We didn't travel as much as usual, but that's okay too. I'm so thankful we are able to live in a nice place, with lots of natural beauty and good people.
I'm also thankful for you, taking the time to read my silly little blog. I appreciate it and the encouraging emails I get from ya'll. Thank you for your friendship and support! Do you have big plans for this year? I can't wait to see what adventures 2018 will bring! See you at the airport-
I went through a pile of books inJanuary...too cold to do much outside and all, lol
Here are the ones I have managed to rate so far - I have also included the "3 Word Rating" system...if you don't have time to read my full review. Generally if I don't like a book I stop reading it and do not review it...as I figure it is a waste of my time. So usually any book I take the time to review I at least mildly like or can find some virtue in. As you can see by my past reading posts here and here - I have eclectic taste in reading material. If you click the image of the books you will go directly to Amazon and can grab them at a good price, used or otherwise. This is an affiliate link. I have four more books I still need to write a review on so hopefully there will be a part three before March, lol. Of all the books I've read lately I really enjoyed Anno-Dracula. It could be because I just came off a week long binge of watching Black Butler and was already in a dark and depraved Victorian mindset, IDK. But it really is a witty, well written book, complete with Mrs, Stoker, Professor Moriarty, Inspector Lestrade and other notable characters.
Anno Dracula
3 Word Reivew: "I LOVED IT" Two pages in and I'm looking for more in the series! This was witty, well written and an all around brilliant read. I loved all the classic characters and events woven in an alternative Victorian London ruled by Dracula. I played "spot the vampire" and other famous people in this gritty alternative reality. I found quite a few and was surprised at the ones I missed- check Wiki to see if you can recognize all of the classics woven into the plot. Warning: if you are a lover of the "Twilight Saga" this isn't for you. This is gritty, ugly, vampires and other beings behaving badly, chewing up Victorian London in a deep fog and not a single one is sparkly. Looking forward to reading the next in this series. When I'm not reading about vampires in Victorain London I like to read about Ancient Ruins in the Southwest, lol
Ancient Ruins of the Southwest
3 Word Rating: I Need THIS This is a welcome guide for every traveler when they are exploring the southwest, so glad I found it. In this book there is a clear descriptions of each site, time-saving tips for the traveler, nearby towns and other helpful information. Filled with photos of ruins, petroglyphs, artifacts, and maps, this easy to follow book will enhance your trip to the areas listed. Use this book to plan your visit and make the most of each trip. #Win Overall great guide to archaeological ruins of the American Southwest. Can't wait to start exploring some of the sites listed in this book! I also happened on a good book on modern astrology...
True as the Stars Above
3 Word Rating: Well Written Book Well, actually I had to search this book down, as I understand it is out of print now. It was the worth the effort! I enjoyed the writing style and loved the book is full of information. It's a witty and a well researched look at astrology in modern times. The author shares information and answers questions about astrology you might have. Believe in it or not, you will learn more about this art and the also some of the famous people who swear by it. Glad to have this book in my collection. What are you currently reading? Catch you later!
I sometimes acquire books with every intention of reading them but then I don’t. For some reason they get pushed back and forgotten about. So this month I am clearing out that stack.
The Artists Way is one of those books I was super excited to read, but never got around to. So many people have told me about it and how much it helped them push their creativity forward. TBH I know personally when I'm stressed I can't create...ANYTHING! Including a good dinner, mush less paint or write, so I'm think I should read this book today, lol. Not that I'm stressed, I'm just uber busy at work. (Okay, read that as stressed from approaching deadlines.)
Anyway, this book has now been out for 15 years! So it's past time I read it. There are also journals and workbooks to go with.
I will post my full review (including the other books I read this month) in February. In the meantime if you wanna read along with me. Grab the books here @ Amazon. (This is a paid link) By clicking it I get a few pennies (you don't pay any more) and I get to keep buying books and organic veggies.
Catch you later- I don’t actually regret reading these books, but I am not adding either to my library, either. I shall pass them on to some other reader whom I'm sure will appreciate them. This was my fault, I really enjoy Ms Harris's southern writing style. Her horror genre is funny, creepy and cool all rolled into one book. But obstinate me, why read reviews? Just buy the damn book, it has to be cool! Well, I should have read the reviews. See this series, so far I’ve counted 8 books, is just a good old fashion murder mystery series. No vampires, witches or were-anythings. (Insert sad face here.) I felt the characters, while likable, were not as folksy (another thing I like about her Sookie and Midnight, Texas series) or as detailed. It was an easy, quick read with a few surprise twists along the way.
I'm now at 19 of my 25 books for 2017 Goodreads reading challenge. Did you take the challenge too? According to the site I am “on track” to reaching my goal. Bravely on to the next book... Heart In The Night by Karen Bishop This book.....sadly I could not handle. It could have been me, but I wasn’t able to even finish it. I just skimmed it and was so done. (And it was recommended to me!) It was just of no interest to me. And that says a lot because I read just about anything from Young Adult to Science Journals. In defense of Young Adult, if a book is well written it will just draw you in. So that being said, maybe it was just me? I honestly don't know. The book has good, sold star ratings (I just checked) but suspiciously no actual written reviews. It was published in 2011 and is 172 pages long.
Sigh..... Have you read either book? What did you think? Was it just me or do you agree? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books. I'm currently reading the Elegant Universe. At the rate I'm blogging expect a review sometime last 2020! Catch you later!
Is it just me, or is August just flying by? I feel like between all the traveling, working, and repacking, that it’s been hard to catch up. And sadly I have to admit I started this post way back in MAY! WTF?! But May was a busy month....I had company, a large project to get off the ground at work, new challenges with xxxx (I will share that one later) and then all the normal stuff. But I did manage to read a few new good books! Reading helps me relax, so no matter how busy I am, I usually can carve out time to read. The Beauty Myth - It was recommended to me from a British mate. It's a smart book we all should read, but WARNING - it will make you angry. Why? There are so many subtle ways we are culturally defined as women! I feel after having lived not only in the US but in Europe that it is much worse in America and in particular in the southern United States. So yeah, it's a smart book. It is well written and it will make you stop and think about what we consider as "normal" espically how women are judged and defined by their beauty. And honestly this book hooked me from the beginning, with the fascinating topic of "How images of beauty are used against women." Heady stuff that will piss you off and make you question what you accept about yourself or your daughters/sisters/girlfriends. Also just how does religion play into this? Honestly I never considered religion in the whole beauty debacle so that was an eye opening theory too. So it is worth a read? Yes. Actually, I dare you to read it- You might think, "Oh it's cultural," but honestly I think it's a global attitude about women. Yes, of course it is much worse in some countries, but even in more forward thinking countries it is totally crazy how women are compared, judged and held to crazy standard while men are not. But its even more unbelievable that we as intelligent, educated women accept it! So yes, I think you should read this book and then tell me what you think. Do you think it's accurate where you live? Let's discuss. I want to hear your take on it. I'm off now to work on more long, over due posts!
See you at the bookstore~ Better Late Than Never... *Warning! Random Picture Post* I started this in June (2017) I have no idea why I didn't finish... So let's start from the beginning... This was the Vegancuts monthly snack box. It was GREAT, per usual. Check out all these healthy treats! So I searched my phone for other random June pictures... So that was my June, more or less.
Now on to the next 300 post in the queue! Catch you later- |
Ms One~🌍 Welcome to My Adventures! 🌱 Foto Friday's
🗣️ Featured Blog Posts: Nature-Inspired Creativity: Overcoming Creative Blocks by the Bay: An easy way to overcome writers block. Plant-Powered Living: Raw Till 4 This an older post, but a great place to start it you want to eat healthier. "Life Lessons": Foto Friday: Glass & Light Join me in reflecting on the simple joys and lessons life brings our way. 🌟 Connect with Me: 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msoneworld4me/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsOneWorld4Me 📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/msoneworld4me/ Follow for Daily Inspiration 🚀 Upcoming Adventures: Stay tuned for my next travel destination and upcoming blog posts. Where should I go next? Share your suggestions! Share Your Ideas 📚 Book Nook:
Join me in exploring captivating worlds through book reviews and literary adventures. Discover Books here: https://www.msoneworld4me.com/apps/search?q=book 🌿 Vegan Corner: From mouthwatering recipes to tips on embracing a plant-based lifestyle, find your daily dose of green inspiration. https://www.msoneworld4me.com/apps/search?q=recipes ✨ Join the Conversation: Share your own travel stories, vegan recipes, and life musings. The best conversations happen when we share our experiences! Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
Most Popular Blog
|