Category Archives: Books

Dec 8 2011

The Writer’s Journey, Third Edition, by Christopher Vogler

Yes, this book deserves to be the title of this blog…that good! I am loving this book! Brilliantly written, and the illustrations are amazing!! I honestly think it is in the top three of the best books I’ve read on writing. I am such a huge fan of this type of illustration in a book, and there are many of them, each beautiful and original to go with the stage of the hero’s journey. It’s so fairytale-ish. This book on the hero’s journey is written as the hero’s journey and is illustrated as such. The formatting is artistically done and compliments such a well-written book on writing. If you like reading books on writing…you want this one.  Don’t let the cover fool you. It’s incredible.

My kitty guest is back. Some cream, some turkey, and some playing, and now she’s in respose. Me and the awesome book are turning in for the night. Sweet dreams.

Aug 15 2009

Sheyu, Pearls of Wisdom from The China Study, and Writing of Things

Sheyu arrived yesterday from the People’s Republic of China. He had no jet lag. I am so amazed by this. The last time  I flew ten hours, I had jet lag for two days. His trip was good, no problems. Tonight I made an Asian-style salmon dinner, and he helped. We ate with chopsticks, and he showed me proper chopstick etiquette. It definitely improved my use of them. He’s wonderful like that.  Now, I’m a chopstick master. We watched Forbidden Kingdom, and I learned a lot about Chinese myth by asking questions. The reason why the actors can fly in fight scenes in certain movies like Forbidden Kingdom is that they are on a magic mountain. Very cool. I really enjoyed it. We both like Jackie Chan, and he is wonderful in this movie. I took him to the market today, and he bought snacks, and we also went to Subway for lunch. He wanted to eat there and really liked it. He gave me some beautiful presents that his mom sent me. She called today inquiring how he was. Both I and Sheyu spoke with her. She was much more at ease after we spoke. I could hear the sigh in her voice when I told her he was happy, healthy, and doing fine. Mothers…doesn’t matter…we’re all the same when it comes to our kids. He likes the area…keeps saying it’s beautiful. He likes the gorge with the mountains meeting the river. He likes our mountain summit in the community as well, has taken several photos of it so far, and thinks our school is nice which it is and very well taken care of here. People are receiving him warmly and sincerely which makes me proud of my community. It assures me that he will have a good year here. I will enjoy learning from him.

If you are American, read this book! Now! I have been reading T. Colin Campbell’s The China Study, and it is an eye opening read to say the least. I’m done with cow’s milk, folks. End of story. I’ll only drink soy milk from now on all the time. It’s that effing significant. Most significant to this study is that all proteins are not alike. Carcinogens are just a part of our environment, but when you combine that with milk protein, you get a recipe for cancer. Mice injected with aflatoxin (a common carcinogen) and kept on a 20% milk protein diet all developed liver cancer. The other group fed a 5-10% diet of milk protein also injected with aflatoxin did not. The percentages were reversed and the healthy group died of liver cancer while those who were ill completely recovered. This same experiment was conducted with soy protein. Neither group developed liver cancer (tumors). Other niblits of brilliance so far is that people who consume a primarily plant-based diet with protein intake limited to 5-7 grams a day did not acquire western-style diseases: diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer of the colon, lung, breast, leukemia, childhood brain, stomach, and liver. They did not have issues with cholesterol which is an indicator of the onset of western-style diseases. The data and the explanation of the case studies are all in the book. I’m summarizing. I’m also amazed. Furthermore, as intake of meat, milk, fish, eggs, fat, and animal protein goes up, so does cholesterol whereas consuming a plant-based diet makes cholesterol go down. This book contains information and conclusions of a study of rural and city Chinese in China and rural and city Americans to correlate disease and diet over a very, very long period of time. The data was consistent, significant, and points to a primarily plant-based diet as the golden ticket to a healthier life. I have lived both the animal-based and plant-based lifestyle, and I know for me personally the plant-based lifestyle makes me much, much healthier. So if you want to know more about how to live a healthier life based on nutrition, this is the one book that will rock your world. It’s revolutionary. It’s profound. It will change the way you think about eating and nutrition. Nutrition…can either cause western-style diseases or prevent them. Thank you, T. Colin Campbell for your brilliant research and the courage to publish your findings.

The writing is going quite well. I’m enjoying this story that I’m working on, and am now sure that I want to  begin writing the next book very soon, possibly at the same time. I’m settling into multiple, simultaneous projects, and why not…I read that way. I’m mostly interested in myth, legend, and fantasy. So I’m sure this is where the bulk of my professional writing will reside.

I’m ready for bed and reading. So I’ll bid you all a good night and good tomorrow. I have finally had a dream that wasn’t really unpleasant, and I remembered it. Hopefully, my normal dream world is resuming which means that life isn’t robbing me of my dreams right now. I enjoy my vivid, interesting, detailed dreams. They’re often brilliant and creative. I keep a dream journal to record the impressions of really good ones and this has been a source of inspiration for me at times. So, back to saying goodnight.

Sweet dreams,

-Patricia

Jul 23 2009

The Spare Room, 20 Years Ago +/-, & Yogalicious

It began like any other ordinary day, cleaning a spare room for my Chinese exchange student and turning it into a hospitable and welcoming room. Boxes were moved out and then while considering their contents, I discovered my life 20 years ago and the days when my children were adoring children and not off being responsible adults.  There were enough clothing items, school projects, cards, and photos to put a wistful, reminiscent smile on my face and a far away glimmer in my eye. Some things are just worth keeping. They will go back in a box to explore again many years from now.

After a day of schlepping boxes, creating a donate pile, and a discard pile, I was able to quickly move things into the back of the Jeep and drop them off respectively on the way to yoga and swimming tonight. Usually it’s a list of what I did, but tonight after a day of constantly moving things, yoga and swimming really were enough. And yoga was way good tonight. We had an excellent teacher who understood the importance of vinyasa flow. I also love the work she has us do on the wall. We scoochie up against the wall, place our legs on the wall, and do simple stretches just before ending our session. It feels so good after sun salutations which is the more rigorous part of yoga. Yoga is a big part of my life  and is something that makes a genuine difference in the way my body works. Heating up the core muscles for me means sweating which detoxes, and the agility I gain from these stretches restores the flexibility in my body movements. Simply put, it makes me feel great. If you think you might be interested in yoga, check out YouTube or Meta Cafe by searching yoga and sun salutations.

And now a cool evening calls to just take a good book to bed and read.  Night

Blessings,

-Patricia

Jul 17 2009

Spirited Away, Another Chapter Explored, Sheyu, & Rarrr Day

Watched Spirited Away. Great story. Very imaginative. The illustrations were remarkable, too. So much to enjoy in this movie. The dvd included the bio of Miyazaki, his genius, and touches to the illustrations that bring it to life. Excellent. Very inspiring. Lots of great tips for those who like to write. I especially like how he included flight which I think is so important to children who are forever dreaming of flying. Or is it a dream?  I remember my flying dreams and still have them on fortunate occasions. They are my absolute favorite dreams.

I completed another chapter of my novel tonight. It’s coming along. I’m staying with it, and I’m interested in what happens. I’ve got a story to pursue.  Tonight I wanted to stay with it to see what happened next. It’s cool. My main character, Aisling, is a sensitive and a visionary. Tonight, she touched something and retrieved the history of a situation, and it included a tip of the iceberg whaaat moment. They don’t quite understand what it all means….just yet. But the things they will learn! It rocks. I know that’s vague, but it’s under wraps. I am loving writing this. For a first draft, it’s pretty sweet. Which means the final draft will rock your world!

Today I received an email from Sheyu, my soon to be living companion. He will be a Chinese exchange student who will live with me for the duration of the next school year. He’s quite fluent in English and is excited about coming to America. I’ve lined him up with one our best, brightest, and friendliest students. She is equally excited to meet him as well. I expect he will enjoy spending time with her. She’s Native American and enjoys culture as I do. I’m sure they will learn a lot from each other and have a great time getting to know each other. I’m hoping to get Sheyu out in the community meeting people and having some experiences with American families and lifestyle. So, invite him to dinner and things you think he might enjoy if you’re in the Glenwood community. He will be here at the end of August.

And tomorrow is my yoga/cardio/swimming/hot tubbing/steaming/rarrr day along with tea and some rough drafting at Doppios kind of day.  The whole exercise routine keeps me tuned up and fit and writing afterwards feels…wow. Like the river flows right through me. That’s it. That’s how I can put words to describing flowing chi and the benefits of exercise. It’s already into the wee hours, so I need to be brief in order to get some sleep tonight…err.. this morning. I want to read a little before bed, too. I’m reading Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.  It’s a collection of childhood short stories told in a  way that only he can tell. Funny stuff and great bedtime reading.

Okay, to bed with me. Sooo late!

-Patricia

Jun 15 2009

Wildflower Heaven, Writers’ Conference, Books on Writing

Merlin and I went for a long walk this afternoon. The wildflowers are coming on. There are fields full of summer daisies, the Cottonwood trees are still blooming and fragrant as are the beautiful pink wild roses. The lupine is blooming along with wild sweet peas, poppies, and dandelions. Lots of wildflowers here.  I think this week Merlin and I will head up to the meadows and take some photos of the wildflower fields. Mt. Adams has some amazing views of the summit and fields in bloom. I’ve always wanted to shoot a series of wildflowers. Now is a wonderful time. Everything is in wild, full bloom.

Next weekend I have a writers’ conference to attend. I am gleeful for that beyond words. Says everything doesn’t it. Approaching giddy. I am really anxious for this time to work on my writer’s craft and connect with others in the area. I have already sent a slice of a poetry manuscript on and want to take a chapter or two of my novel with me as well. So this week I will be spending much of my time  on writing. I will post information from the conference that seems useful to other writers so you can gain something from my experience.

Monday’s to do list is a to done list, so the rest of the week is writing, working out, dog walking, fun, and some photography. Good, like summer should be. There’s also an excellent book on writing fiction that I want to finish and post about here. It’s Immediate Fiction and is a great, helpful read. I’ve posted some things from it like want/obstacle/action, and I remember, I think, posting about tone and emotional hook.  I’ll post anything that I haven’t posted so far as I finish the book.Writing about writing just made me a bit excited which led to giggling at myself. I’ll take “Writing Nerds” for a $500, Alex.

-Patricia

Jun 10 2009

Uwajimaya, Powell’s Bookstore, and David Sedaris

It was a delightful evening in Portland…Beaverton specifically. My first stop was Uwajimaya, my favorite Asian market. I found some really nice soup bowls…cherry blossom pattern. How did those get in my cart?! I stopped there to pick up a few specific ingredients for bang bang chicken which is what’s for dinner tomorrow. Just needed a little black vinegar and sesame paste, not things found in your local western-style market. Doesn’t matter how good the market is, it’s not there. Small amounts of green onion and ginger.  And then I found myself in the wine section. Imagine that. Oooohh, a little sake in the cart and then some lychee bubble tea to sip on as I make my way to Powell’s at Cedar Hills Crossing…a few blocks away.

So I browsed the stacks to see whose work was on display, to note which titles Powell’s recommended, and I have yet to walk into a Powell’s and not leave with a book…or five. So I began frisking and flirting with books in the literature aisles and then on to children’s lit to see what was being written there. I love Powell’s bookstores. *Sigh*

-Patricia

Apr 2 2009

Road Trip to Vancouver, B.C., Books, Gaming, and Future Tea

Before crossing the border, I needed a bathroom break. Hey, it happens. And what do you think magically appeared out of nowhere? A Barnes and Noble! Poof! Just like that. So I went in. And helped myself to a very nicely appointed lavatory, coffee and cheesecake, and an armload of books and magazines. Always say “yes” to books! That’s my motto. And then I happily resumed my trip to the next stop, the CanAm border crossing. And here’s a picture of the arrival at the CanAm border.  The border patrol dude was a bit of a dick, but then I was on my way.

Once over the border, traffic was flowing great until someone got the idea to REVERSE the two lanes on my side! Now instead of having three lanes of traffic going my way, there was now one with two coming at me! Yikes!

As I reached Vancouver, B.C., there was a motel named The Sandman. Couldn’t help but think of Neil and imagined copies of The Sandman by every bed side, big picture of Neil in the lobby, and wall art of the illustrations in each room.

I did remember the driving thing in Vancouver. If you need to turn left in  oncoming traffic, when the light  turns red, turn or be honked (and worse) into oblivion. That’s right. Run the red light and turn left. What’s not to love!

Then there was this guy on the street in Vancouver. I have no idea what his deal was. He was just standing there, doing like vogue moves from the 80′s. Seemed random and funny at the time. So I took a picture. Love street performers! They’re the spice in life.

Okay, off to dinner out and rest for tomorrow’s tea quest. Vancouver has a nice selection of tea shops, and I’m going to go/taste/select something new. I also collect tea and have quite an assortment of teas back at the homefront.

G’night,

-Patricia

Apr 1 2009

Spring Break, Road Trip, Tatooes, Books, and Library

Hi all, and it’s the end of another day. Wow. I have been a whirlwind of activity today, ticking off the final hold outs on the to-do list before taking to the road to Vancouver, B.C.  I’ve been properly exercised and car maintenance complete, writing project due dates met, yep. Life is good. Now to other things that I enjoy.

A Spring storm is blowing away outside, and I’m tucked warmly, comfortably in bed thinking about, I don’t know,  nothing terribly complicated. The sound of the rain on the roof, perhaps, and how relaxing it is.  I have been making an effort to just relax and recharge over the past few days as school, the schedule, the rigors, and finishing National Boards has all played its own role in draining the last ounce of energy out of me and leaving me wrung out and at a  deficit.  So, my focus has been getting healthy with my time on break.  Summer vacation will soon follow.

I heart books. Books have always been there for me to enter new worlds. I was reading some pretty heady stuff before I was out of fifth grade, reading for pleasure. Things like Arthurian Legends, Treasure Island, A Thousand and One Arabian Knights, Shakespeare, the KJ version of the Bible, Huck Finn, etc. I have always enjoyed reading. In high school, it was Dune, F451, Salem’s Lot, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Asimov, and such. I was a very active-minded, adventurous kid, so reading really helped me to have amazing adventures in an otherwise trying adolescence. But this started it all. I have been an active reader at least since fifth grade. That’s when I can remember always reading after school. And library was a safe haven for me. My free time was spent in a library somewhere…school, public. I have spent my free time in libraries since my school days. I love being in libraries surrounded by books, reading, perusing. It’s the best. I can remember discovering in school that I could go the library at lunch time, which I did often to sit and read whatever my heart desired. Then in the summer, I spent many days at the public library cruising the stacks finding great things to read. During my college years, again in the library and much of it for pleasure. Now, it’s a library or a bookstore combing through books to read. Most often it’s now a bookstore as I want to keep the books I read.  So it’s safe to say that lost in a good book is where you’ll find me. Now some sleep.

G’night,

-Patricia

Mar 28 2009

Earth Hour, Twittering, Movies, and Road Trip

So today’s Earth Hour…one hour to think about mother earth and all she does for us. I think she deserves our love and attention year round. We give our moms that much, and earth mom gives us many important things, too, that collectively create a sustainable living environment for us human types.

Here in the PNW the notion goes that you leave is as good or better than you found it meaning do not deplete the land and leave it.  Respect and work with the land, air, and sea.  When land is logged here, two trees are replanted for each harvested tree.  Fish counts are monitored and seeded with fish hatchery raised salmon  to maintain healthy, viable levels of salmon.  Clamming is monitored and digging seasons are open or closed depending on abundance.  Natural resources are managed and cared for. Leave it as good or better than you found it. Please be responsible in your decisions that impact the earth.  Care for the earth and its inhabitants. There’s only one earth, and we’re all counting on it.

Today was a day of restfulness for me. My strength meter indicates a need for recharging my life source, so I eat and sleep until I feel more like myself. Today I twittered and watched two movies, Waking Ned Devine and Maid of Honor, both passing good. So now a bit of bed blogging and web surfing to end my day. Some things done today, some will wait, so mostly a leisurely pace today. It usually takes me a few days at the beginning of Spring Break to regain my strength. Then I get on with traveling, etc.

This coming week takes me to Vancouver, B.C. namely Granville Island for some time with family and getting out and about for daily  walks, visiting tea shops and book stores, having new dining experiences, and talking with the locals. Merlin will be boarding with his nice kennel caretakers who walk him several times a day, play music for him,  provide play time, and aroma therapy. It’s really a vacation for him, too.  The family I am visiting are bird people, and that’s it. They have parrots and aren’t comfortable with other animals around. I’ll be sure to blog a bit while there.

G’night,

-Patricia