Uncategorized Archives - Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog

In Review // November + An Announcement

November 30, 2015

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving had a great holiday. I love very quiet holidays and that’s exactly what mine was like, with lots of time for reading, writing and cuddling with Little One. The best!

Before I get into today’s “In Review” post I want to make a quick announcement. I have decided to post on a decreased schedule in December. I’ve been tired and overwhelmed and I didn’t want to feel that way through the holiday season, so I decided to post less in December. As soon as I made that decision I felt a lot of relief. A lot has fallen by the wayside lately: connecting with other bloggers, responding to comments, my own personal writing, art. I’ve also felt like the quality of my posts has gone down. I’ve never wanted to be a writer that puts out quantity over quality, but lately that has been the outcome. My schedule for December will be to post Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s. There will be a fourth post on Tuesday next week, because I have a book review to share as part of a blog tour.

So tomorrow there won’t be a post! That’s going to be strange… I’ve been posting every weekday for so long, it’s going to be strange to cut back for awhile, but I think it will be good! I’m excited to be able to put more time into posts and to be able to connect with all of you more. If I find that this is a good balance, the schedule will probably continue into 2016.

And now, let’s take a look at November. When I look back on the month and think of some of the things that happened–the release of the anthology and the release party–I can’t believe it all really happened. The first two weeks of November were surreal, but so inspiring, and I’m holding onto that inspiration as I finish out the year.

// WATCHING

I haven’t actually watched anything for awhile. November was a busy month, so the only show I tried to keep up with was Days of Our Lives, because um… Bo and Hope? And, biggest for me since I’m not actually the biggest fan of Bo and Hope (sorry! *hides*), Abigail/Chad/Ben!

// READING

Even though I haven’t been watching a lot, I’ve been reading a ton. At least, it feels like I have. I spent all last week buried in a series. I finished my reread of OMENS by Kelley Armstrong and then read VISIONS and DECEPTIONS and I loved it all. I read other books too (including the anthology that my story is in!), but right now I’m in such a book hangover over the Cainsville series, that it’s all I can think about. (A review will be coming Friday!)

// LOVING

Little One. This is such a cop-out answer, I’m sure, and I’ve probably used her as the answer before, but we’ve had a great weekend of hanging out and she’s my buddy/sidekick/the cutest thing ever and I love having her around.

// LISTENING

GO SET A WATCHMAN by Harper Lee. To be honest, I didn’t think I’d read this book. I wasn’t a big fan of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, although that’s probably not a fair statement to make. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t like it, and I haven’t read it since I was thirteen. Basically, thirteen-year-old me didn’t connect with it, but that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t like it now. So, I wasn’t sure I’d read Lee’s new release, but then I thought of this blog. If I talk about books a lot (and want to talk about books more) shouldn’t I read one of the biggest releases of the year? And it turns out that I really like it!

I decided to go with the audiobook, though, because Reese Witherspoon narrates. And she’s amazing, as you can imagine.

// DOING

Writing. A lot. Although I’m still failing NaNoWriMo. But even though I won’t make it to 50,000 words, I’ve been writing this month and part of a novel has been written. So really, it’s a fail for NaNo but a win for me.

// LEARNING

How to take a step back and rest and breathe.

// MOVING

My fingers, with all the typing I’ve been doing, but I’m thinking about starting a thirty days of yoga challenge in December. The word “challenge” makes it sound all official, but it’s nothing fancy. I just do yoga every day for thirty days. I do this every once in awhile, but haven’t for a year or two, so it’s time.

// YOUR FAVES

>> 10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week // 08

RAIN! For half of the week. I loved it.”

>> 10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week // Book Week

Holding a book that includes a story that I wrote.“

>> Currently // November 2015

…loving
The furniture rearranging that I have been doing.”

>> The Weekend // The Palmer House Hotel

This weekend I went to the Palmer House Hotel, which is said to be haunted. The Palmer House has quite the history–including a literary one. Sinclair Lewis worked there and I think he even based a location in one of his novels off of the hotel. The building has a presence when you see it as you drive down Main Street (the “original” main street). There are a couple of rooms that are thought to be haunted, as well as the hallway right outside the room that I stayed in.”

HOW WAS OUR NOVEMBER?

Life Uncategorized

Little One’s Adventures // “Rearranging”

October 21, 2015

Hello, everyone! Little One on the blog today. What’s shakin’?

I have a little problem, so I thought I’d see if there are any other pups out there that have this problem too.

My human. She “rearranged” things.

So basically she moved all of my furniture around!

Little One reflects on unauthorized changes in her life. // dreams-etc.com

Back in the day with my favorite tiny human.

I mean… her furniture.

I used to have a nice perch to look at the door on, but it isn’t by the door anymore. It’s by a “side table.” With a lamp on top! Do you know how awkward it is to try to perch when there’s a table with a lamp right by your tail? It just doesn’t work as well and if you try to drape yourself over the side of the couch the light shines in your eyes.

Back in the day at Christmas.

Just in case you were wondering what a pain it is now.

And she brought this new chair out. It used to hide out in a corner, but now it’s here, right in the middle of everything. Along with the pillow she won’t let me eat. Humans. They’re such a pain sometimes!

The least she could have done was asked me before she moved things, but no, while I wasn’t looking she went ahead and did this. I left the room and when I came back my world had changed. Without any heads up for me. I know! How rude!

But she changed everything and now she says she likes it so I guess I’ll have to get used to it, whether I like it or not.

In the present, with a new arrangement.

At least it’s still a comfortable place to wait for tummy rubs and snooze.

I guess that’s all for today. Until next time, friends, keep those tails waggin’!

Little One

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Movie Roundup // 11

October 8, 2015

I have watched some movies recently so I thought it was time to share my thoughts on some of them. Here are the ones that came to mind when I thought about the movies that I watched in the last month or so.

6 Years

6 Years follows a couple who is about to graduate from college, which could alter their six year relationship. This movie definitely isn’t for everyone and I wouldn’t say that I loved it, but it was something to watch one night when I was too tired to work or read but wasn’t ready to go to bed. What I really liked about it was watching the relationship dynamic between this couple. It wasn’t what I expected and could spark discussions.

Comet

Comet is about a couple that is in and out of a relationship over a five year period. I wasn’t sure how much I liked this one, either, but I want to watch it again. The more that I think about it, the more I think I liked it, and I’ve thought about it a lot since I watched it. It doesn’t follow a linear path, so you see glimpses of their relationship at different times. I like different storytelling methods, so that was one of my favorite things about this movie. And the cinematography is beautiful. This one left me feeling inspired. I’m really not sure why I thought I didn’t like it after I watched it!

To Write Love On Her Arms

To Write Love On Her Arms is the story behind the organization of the same name, which you should check out if you haven’t as they do a better job of describing what they do than I would. This is an organization that I’ve known about for awhile, so it was nice to see the story behind the organization. I really liked some of the things they did with this in terms of bringing her story and her perception of things to life. That’s probably kind of vague, but I also don’t want to spoil different parts of the movie or how they filmed it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it if you are interested in the story.

The Impossible

The Impossible is about a family vacationing in Thailand in 2004 when the tsunami hit. This wasn’t an easy movie to watch, but it definitely drew me in and I couldn’t turn away from the screen until I knew the outcome of the story. This isn’t one that I’d watch again just due to the hard-to-watch subject matter, but I’ve read other accounts of events like this and so it was definitely worth watching. One thing that really stands out about this is how they filmed the tsunami. I wondered how they’d do that and I thought it was well-done. My heart was racing and I was talking to the characters during that portion of the movie!

WHAT HAVE YOU WATCHED RECENTLY?

Books Uncategorized

Book Club Discussion // The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

October 5, 2015

Hello, everyone! Happy Monday!

Thank you for patiently waiting a few extra days for this post to go up. I am really excited to discuss The Bookseller today and see what you thought of the book! But first, let’s take a look at the book we’ll be reading in October. It is…

MARY AND O’NEIL BY JUSTIN CRONIN

And now, time for the discussion.

NOTE – THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR THE BOOKSELLER BY CYNTHIA SWANSON IN THIS POST AND IN THE COMMENTS.

Life Uncategorized

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week // It’s Fall! Edition

October 2, 2015

1 // Two new sweaters that are comfy and cozy AND I was told they look nice.

2 // New hair–the cut & color!

3 // It’s the weekend! (I need sleep.)

4 // A raspberry and white chocolate scone that was heavy on the raspberries.

5 // Puppy cuddles–as the weather gets colder, the cuddles increase.

6 // A fun, impromptu adventure of errands with a friend.

7 // New TV shows have started!

8 // FINALLY responding to comments here!

9 // Went to bed at a decent hour TWICE this week! (That’s a record.)

10 // Fun conversations.

WHAT MADE YOU HAPPY THIS WEEK?

// Linking up with Why Girls are Weird and The Flynnigans

Life Uncategorized

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week // 04

September 25, 2015

Happy Friday! I’m so ready for the weekend.

1 // The official start of fall.

2 // Reading a good book.

3 // Pulling out autumn decor.

4 // Discovering a new tea.

5 // Scandal is back!

6 // Going to see Eagle Rock Gospel Singers.

7 // Rain!

8 // Going out for dinner with my dad.

9 // Feeling creatively fueled.

10 // Finding a library book that I thought was lost and didn’t want to pay for.

Also, a shout out and bonus happy thing goes to Little One, who was mad at me last week (for a long workday on Tuesday, I think) and ignored me most of the week. Or maybe she just had an introverted week, but Cavaliers are known for holding grudges. Even though I had more nights out of the house this week, she greeted me with an excited wiggle when I came home and got lots of cuddle time in while I was home.

WHAT MADE YOU HAPPY THIS WEEK?

// Linking up with Why Girls are Weird and The Flynnigans.

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A Quick Painting

September 22, 2015

I have a painting to share with you today! I haven’t shared any artwork since… January, back when I said I’d be sharing artwork more often. I haven’t been purposely keeping it off the blog, I just haven’t finished anything since then. Whenever I’ve had a chance to sit down with my sketchbook, it’s been for a more detailed piece. I have some that will (hopefully) be coming soon!

I was excited when I saw today’s prompt for Blogtember (which was to do something creative and share it) because it forced me to sit down with paints and just see what came out. So, here it is…

I see all the flaws in this, but my nephew looked it and said it was, “Pretty cool!” That little guy knows how to make his aunt’s day. And apparently what I thought was an unintentional abstract scene is not so abstract, as everyone who has looked at it (so far) has been able to tell what it is.

So, what do you think it is? 🙂

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One of My Favorite Quotes (& How It’s Impacted Me)

September 21, 2015

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.
{ Pablo Picasso }

I have surrounded myself with this quote. It’s on planner covers, it’s in my email signature. I put it places where I know I will see it regularly, because it’s a reminder. It’s a reminder that I cannot do what I love to do most (write) if I’m not actively working on it.

And by write, I mean my fiction or poetry. I love this blog and it’s something that I pour a lot of time and attention into, but the first thing that always comes to my mind when I think of “writing” is fiction and poetry.

As much as I love writing, it can be so hard sometimes. There are times when the words flow and that’s the best feeling in the world. But there are also times when it’s a struggle to put words on the page. There are times when it’s good to take a break. You need to rest and recharge from creative activities. But I also believe that you need to work through “blocks.” I don’t believe in writer’s block. At least, I don’t believe in the mystical writer’s block that hits and there’s nothing for the poor writer to do but suffer as they yearn to put words on a page but the words don’t come. I believe that you need to work through it and if you do, inspiration will come. If it doesn’t, you need to figure out what is causing the block. There’s a reason and you’ll be able to work through it. If you can’t work through it, it’s probably time to move on from that project.

So this quote is my reminder that I need to be working, even if it’s hard or I don’t want to or I feel “blocked.” If I keep working, inspiration will come, and if it’s already there, I’ll just get even more.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE QUOTES OR EXPRESSIONS AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

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Book Tour // Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald

September 18, 2015

MontpelierTomorrow Cov

Note – I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. No affiliate links were used in this post.

About Montpelier Tomorrow

Paperback: 318 pages
Publisher: All Things That Matter Press; First edition (August 21, 2014)

Mid-life mom, Colleen Gallagher, would do anything to protect her children from harm. When her daughter’s husband falls ill with ALS, Colleen rolls up her sleeves and moves in, juggling the multiple roles of grandma, cook, and caregiver, only to discover that even her superhuman efforts can’t fix what’s wrong.

Praise

“Each time I have reread this novel, I have felt rewarded by the connection it offers to the central character, Colleen. I can think of no single page in which her voice is not an irreplaceable gift to the reader.” – Kevin McIlvoy, author of The Fifth Station

“An affecting, deeply honest novel; at the same time, a lacerating indictment of our modern healthcare system” – Kirkus Reviews

“Öif you like well written books, wonderfully developed characters, and a story with a greater purpose you should read Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald. I cannot stress enough†how good this book is.” – Ben Green for Reader Views

“A heartrending story of love, loss and the endurance of the human spirit” – Literary Fiction Book†Review

“Montpelier Tomorrow portrays real issues of life; it exposes the multi-layers of human conflict and the heroism of motherhood.” – Cheryl E. Rodriguez for ReadersFavorite

“An amazing story of a family going through difficult times and each one trying to keep things going under those difficult circumstances.” – Mamta Madhavan for ReadersFavorite

My Thoughts

I was a little nervous to pick read this because of the subject matter; I knew it wouldn’t be the happiest of books! I have mixed feelings about this novel, so I’ll start with what didn’t work for me and then move onto what I liked about the novel.

This was a slow starter for me. I had trouble with the beginning and the reaction of family when they found out that Tony had ALS. I found their reactions to be a bit unbelievable and abrupt. Their reactions really didn’t say much about the character of each member of the family and I didn’t really like any of the characters or connect to them from the start. I expected this to change as the novel went on, but for the most part it didn’t. Sandy, the daughter, in particular became more rude and unlikable as the novel went on.

Even though I had trouble connecting with the characters, I did grow to care for some of them–in particular I really grew to care about Colleen. This book provides a difficult glimpse at a such a terrible illness and how it affects everyone in the family, particularly the one(s) who take care of the patient. Some of the descriptions really hit hard and, in a book like this, they should. I thought about this novel a lot when I wasn’t reading it and I’m sure it’ll stay with me for awhile.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Marylee MacDonald

A former carpenter and mother of five, Marylee MacDonald began writing when her last child left for college. Her fiction has won the Jeanne Leiby Chapbook Award, the Barry Hannah Prize, the Ron Rash Award, the Matt Clark Prize, and the ALR Fiction Award. Her novel, Montpelier Tomorrow, was a Finalist in the 2014 IPPY Awards and the Faulkner-Wisdom Prize. She is widely published in literary magazines such as American Literary Review, Bellevue Literary Review, Folio, Blue Moon Literary & Art Review, Broad River Review, Four Quarters, New Delta Review, North Atlantic Review, Raven Chronicles, Reunion: The Dallas Review, River Oak Review, Ruminate, StoryQuarterly, The Briar Cliff Review, and Yalobusha Review.

Find out more about Marylee at her website, see what she’s pinning on Pinterest, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow her blog and add her to your circles on Google+.

HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS?

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What I Can’t Get Enough of These Days

September 17, 2015

This is a fun topic for the Blogtember challenge: what is my latest obsession? What can’t I get enough of these days? There are two things to talk about on this list.

First up is planning. It started with watching Plan With Me videos…the shorter ones, at least. Some of them can get pretty long! The idea of decorating a planner seemed like a foreign concept to me… but it definitely adds cuteness to a planner. I don’t go all out, but I do use washi tape and some stickers. I ordered some stickers to track my workouts and little trash bag stickers so that all I have to do is quickly glance at my planner to see when it’s time to take the trash out. Of course, trying out a few stickers made me fall in love with them, so I have some more stickers on their way. I’ve found that having a cute planner is kind of like having cute workout clothes… you don’t need cute clothes or a cute planner to workout or plan, but having something that you enjoy wearing/looking at adds an extra incentive. Also, it’s kind of relaxing.

The second thing that I can’t get enough of these days is the violin. I go through phases where I am obsessed with the violin. My niece just started band and she’s playing the flute (she’s actually using the first flute that I had!), so now I’m thinking about all of the instruments that I have wanted to learn. My parents still have the violin that my grandpa played, so I would love to see if I can get it repaired and then learn how to play the violin on my grandpa’s violin. And since I’m obsessed with the violin right now, I’ve been watching David Garrett videos. One of my faves has always been The Fifth because it’s Beethoven.