After writing the last books about the Owens family, Alice Hoffman takes us on another magical realism adventure in The Invisible Hour.
If you have ever declared your love for a long dead author or fictional character, this book is for you. I myself have my three favorite fictional loves and they are “Aragorn” (LOTR), Lestat (The Vampire Chronicles) and Shadow (American Gods). In this book, we meet Nathaniel Hawthorne, the author of the book that most of us read in high school “The Scarlet Letter.” I will admit, my knowledge of this classic American author stops at that book and the little I learned from a college professor who did his dissertation on Hawthorne (but I only half paid attention). It is a delightful way to bring someone like Hawthorne alive and see him as a Man instead of some dead guy who wrote some cool stories.
Bringing Hawthorne to us, is Mia. A young woman who had a horrible childhood and found solace in Hawthorne’s words. It is his words that inspire her to make changes in her life.
I like Mia. Even as a child growing up in a very strict religious environment, she still asked questions. She never took an adult’s word as the absolute truth.
I do not want to give too much away, because I hate it when things are spoiled for me when I am reading, especially when a book came out just a few days ago. I will say this, if you are a long-time fan of Alice Hoffman and her work, not just the Practical Magic series, I think you will find some fun “easter egg” type of references in the book. Again, not spoiling, but if you know, you know.
If you are new to Hoffman or have only read her Practical Magic series, definitely check The Invisible Hour out along with “The Dovekeepers” and “The Museum of Extraordinary Things,” just to name two of my all-time favorite books by her that did not involve the Owens clan.
As the weather cools down and the days grow shorter, it can be easy to let your social life suffer. But because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit! There are plenty of cozy winter activities that are perfect for spending time with friends and loved ones. And the best part is, these activities will help keep you warm all season long.
From romantic winter date ideas to fun family activities, here are the best cozy winter activities to keep you warm this season!
Embrace the cold weather with some cozy winter activities
One of the best ways to enjoy the winter season is to embrace the cold weather and cozy up with some fun activities. That could mean taking a romantic sleigh ride, having an impromptu snowball fight, or going ice skating with friends. Even something as simple as visiting your local bakery or sipping hot cider can bring a warm and toasty feeling. Plus, the fresh air will help awaken the senses and revive a tired body. You could even try building a snowman or challenge your family members to a “snow angels” contest. No matter what type of activity you decide to do, the best part about embracing the cold weather is that you never have to worry about getting too hot. Instead, bundle up, pick a cozy winter activity, and get outside to enjoy the beauty of winter!
Get cozy with a blanket and a good book.
Nothing says cozy like curling up with a good book and a blanket. Whether chilling at home or cozying up at your favorite cafe, reading can be a great way to spend a quiet winter day. If you want to take it up a notch, you could also light a few candles, brew some hot tea, and get lost in a good book. You could challenge yourself to a friendly reading competition with a few friends and see who can finish the most books in a week. Reading isn’t the only way to get cozy with a blanket. You could also pick up a new knitting project or work on embroidery. These activities can help relax the mind and ease stress while keeping you warm. And the best part is you could try different activities each winter to add new cozy vibes to your winter season!
If your winter days are getting a little dull, there’s no better way to liven them up than with some hot cocoa. Nothing says winter, like sipping on a steaming mug of delicious hot cocoa. You can buy pre-made mixes, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try creating your own. Just get some cocoa powder, water, and a few ingredients like honey, coconut milk, and a pinch of cinnamon, and you’ll have a delicious concoction. Remember the marshmallows too! No matter how you decide to make your cocoa, it’s the perfect winter treat. Of course, to enjoy the cold weather even more, you can sip your hot cocoa while stargazing at night or walking in the snow. Either way, it’s a delicious and cozy way to enjoy the winter days.
Get out and explore! Winter is the perfect time to go for a hike or a walk in the snow.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get out and explore. Winter is the perfect time to take long hikes, explore nearby trails, and wander the snow-covered landscapes. Not only is it a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some much-needed fresh air, but it can also be a great way to stay active and get rid of those winter blues. Of course, ensure you wear suitable clothing and bundle up with a few layers, as it can get pretty chilly while hiking in the winter. Another great way to get out and explore is by going snowshoeing. This is a great low-impact activity that can help improve your overall fitness. Plus, it’s a great way to get around in the winter, especially if you’re in a place with lots of snow.
Stay warm indoors with some winter crafts or baking.
If you prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the winter season from the warmth of your own home. Try some winter crafting activities, such as creating birdseed ornaments out of supplies from your local hardware and grocery store. You could also organize a winter scavenger hunt for you and your family or make some homemade play-dough for extra creative fun. Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could join a cooking class or learn how to bake some winter treats. Not only will you get to warm up with the oven, but you’ll also learn new skills that you can use all year round.
Gather around the fireplace with some friends or family.
One of the coziest and most traditional winter activities is gathering friends or family around the fireplace. Watching the logs burn and the flames flicker can bring a sense of comfort and enhance the special bond between loved ones. You can watch classic winter movies, drink hot chocolate, nibble on some snacks, and enjoy the fire’s warmth. You could also host a spontaneous game night if you’re in the mood for something more active. So gather your friends, pick a few games, and get ready to have a warm and cozy night of entertainment.
Don’t let the cold weather get you down; there are plenty of cozy activities to enjoy this winter!
Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to get cabin fever. There are plenty of cozy winter activities to keep you warm and entertained all season long. From outdoor adventures in the cold air to cozy gatherings around a fireplace, there is something for everyone to enjoy this winter. No matter what activity you choose, remember to stay warm and get out and enjoy the season!
Relaxation is something I think we all need to do more. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels overwhelmed daily from daily life. Between commuting to work and the daily news, I find myself tense throughout the day.
Wouldn’t it be great to have your employer set time aside during the day for relaxation? I mean more than our lunch breaks, which, let’s face it, are never enough time to recharge. If you can find a way to relax while at work, your productivity and creativity get boosted. Everyone could use a boost, especially if your job is demanding.
So here are some quick ways to find relaxation at your desk, and they don’t take long either.
10 Ways to Relax at Work
Read
Maybe not read at your desk in the middle of a project. I read my book during my lunch break, mostly taken at my desk, which I know is not a great thing to do, but I need to find my breaks where I can. When I’m lucky enough to take a full lunch break (for me, it’s 30 minutes), I head outside to eat my lunch and read my book. I return to the office feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the afternoon.
Get Moving
When I take my break outdoors, I’ve noticed that many people from our office building are walking. Quite a few people walk around our building (we have two hills). Still, others like me can find 5 minutes to walk to the corner and back to the building on breaks. Not only does it clear my head, especially when I’m trying to resolve an issue, but it also boosts my energy.Meditate
I am a big supporter of meditation. Not only do I start and end my days with meditation, but I also find time during my work day to do so. Whether I’m outside on my lunch break or sitting in my car. I put my earbuds in and tune into a playlist that relaxes me. One of my favorites is a Spotify-made list that has nature sounds. If you go into the search category on Spotify, you can find playlists that may appeal to you. Nature sounds, guided meditation, white noise are all popular choices. Set your timer on your phone for at least 5 minutes and focus on your breathing for a quick break.
Tea Time
Many folks love coffee. For me, it’s tea. Green tea is my go-to, even during the summer months. Green tea has many health benefits, including helping regulate your blood sugar, which I need help with. Just taking the time to brew your tea is a way to stop for a few minutes and relax your mind for a few minutes.
Photo by Jane Palash on Unsplash
Have a Nosh
During your tea (or coffee) break, have a snack. Chocolate, nuts, fruit, etc., any healthy snack you choose, gives you time to not think about work for a few minutes. Be mindful when you’re eating. Some of us (I’m guilty of this) reach for a snack while working and do not pay attention. Which, of course, makes you overeat. Instead, take a break. Sip your drink. Eat your yummy snack and then head back to the task at hand. My favorite time of day to do this is around 2:30, before that “mid-afternoon” slump hits.
Get Away From Your Desk
I manage to leave my office to get some air a few times a day, even on bad weather days. My building has an awning out front. So on super cold or rainy days, I’ve gone out under the awning to just breathe some fresh air and give my mind a rest.
Play Your Tunes
If you are lucky to have your own office space, play your favorite tunes. At my former job, I always had music playing. It would help me focus on my tasks. My staff knew if the door was closed and the music was playing loud, they were not to come in and bother me.
Phone (or Text) a Friend
Have you ever have one of those days when everything seems to overwhelm you? Yeah, me too. I’ve been known to text my best friend. Most times, it’s to vent, but other times it is to ask them about their day, so I’m focused on something else than what is bothering me for a few minutes.
Doodling
When you are focused on a task, you need to give your mind a break, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Doodling can help. It’s easy to do, and you don’t have to be a great artist either. I’m far from a great artist, but I doodle hearts and cartoon dog faces that I learned to draw when I was 7. They are not very good, but for a few minutes, I can just relax and move on to the next task.
Clean Your Desk
For some, a cluttered workspace adds to the stress of your day-to-day activities. Even if you work from home, cleaning your desk is a way to de-stress for a time.
During my workday, my workspace looks like a bomb went off. There are files, notes, and messages all over my area. Add my snacks and water bottle; it could stress anyone to look at it. However, for me, it’s a “chaotic order .” Everything in my workspace has a spot, so I can immediately find what I need during the day. Then, when I leave for the day at 5, my space is cleared and ready for the next day’s chaos.
Find the Time to Chill Out
Make it part of your daily plan whatever you choose to do to relax at work. You’ll be taking care of your mind and body, and in doing so, you’ll be able to contribute more to your job. Ultimately, allowing time for mindful relaxation helps you manage your stress and makes for a happier team at work.
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
I was not prepared for this story. I thought it would be a typical women’s fiction story based in a library. I love that it was not that type of story. The other surprise, at least to me, was that the main character was not your typical “young woman looking for purpose .” Liesel Weiss is middle-aged and knows her purpose. Or at least she thought she did.
While I love that Liesel was not your typical character, I was not a fan. I did not like her decisions, especially when it came to her family. I felt she mistreated her husband and was more smothering her daughter than a parent. I think you are meant not to like her. Because I wasn’t a fan of Liesel’s, I found that I didn’t care about her or any changes she may have gone through.
I feel the same for the rest of the characters featured. They all felt very one-note. I pushed through the story because I would hope that something would spark and make me like it, but sadly I didn’t care very much about the result of the main problem in the story. I so wanted to cheer for the team. I wanted them to come together to find a solution. Still, all they achieved was being a bunch of self-centered career people who could care less if their team succeeded or failed.
The setting was fun. I have not read many books where the location is Canada. I found it interesting to read about a place I have yet to visit as an adult (I went to Toronto once when I was 7, and I barely remember it). However, any setting in a library makes me smile. The story gave insight into how university libraries are run and the specialness of curating rare books. I related to the scenes at the bookseller conventions, as I have a museum background, and I’ve been to a few shows in NYC where there were rare book vendors. They are unique places.
Overall, while I’m not a fan of this book, I think the writing was decent. The plot has potential. I may not have liked it, but that’s the great thing about books; just because you don’t like a book doesn’t mean the next reader will feel the same.
The Forest of the Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
I received an ARC from NetGallery for an honest review.
The Forest of the Vanishing Stars is a story about family, survival, love, and discovering your place in the world. Set in World War II, a young woman named Yona, who was kidnapped and brought to the woods as a baby, is forced to make decisions in her life that she never expected to make. At least, that is what she tells herself in the beginning. Yona’s knowledge of nature, the woods where she lives, and religion help Yona help others.
I don’t want to say much more about the story and the plot because I don’t want to give any hints that may lead to spoilers. I really liked this book, and I think everyone should read it when it comes out.
I enjoyed the well-thought-out characters. I appreciated that all the characters were not totally good and not totally bad. Yona is brave, naïve, worldly, and stronger in mind and body. She is a character that will most likely stay with me for a very long time.
The story’s events were based on real events during World War II in Poland and authentic places. The author, Kristin Harmel, did thorough research for the book. Her descriptions of the woods and surviving the forest for long periods of time were so in-depth, I felt like the woods were right outside my house.
The story is both heartbreaking and triumphant and well worth the read.
Note: Thank you, NetGallery and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, for giving me a free ARC of Laurie R. King’s newest title, “Castle Shade,” for my honest review.
I’ve loved Sherlock Holmes stories for a long time, especially re-imagining versions of the stories, such as the Robert Downey Jr. movies and, of course, the excellent BBC series starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
This latest installment in Laurie R. King’s series focused on Mary Russell is right up there with the others for me. I love Mary’s ingenuity and her relationship with her husband. I’ve only read one other book in this series, and that was the first book, “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice”.
Castle Shade brought elements in a story I enjoy. History, the supernatural, mystery, and folklore.
The setting in Bran was familiar to me as I had previously read a historical non-fiction book on the Crimean war. I also felt that the small town featured in the story felt like any small town. I think whether it’s the early 20th century, 19th century, or today, small towns have the same feel all over, especially in fiction. There are family ties, legends, and feuds.
Using Dracula’s castle was delightful as I am a big fan of Bram Stoker’s novel and myth surrounding the most famous vampire.
The relationship between Mary and Sherlock is wonderful. They make it work despite their huge age gap. If anyone could get the eternal bachelor to settle down, it was definitely Mary. I love their banter. I also enjoy that Sherlock doesn’t talk down to his wife. He encourages her to come up with her own opinions, and even if he disagrees, he doesn’t tear her down. At least in this book, I have yet to read the other books in this series.
I highly recommend picking this installment of Mary and Sherlock’s adventures. It’ll keep you guessing until the end.
The weather is getting warmer. One thing we can do during this shelter in place time is play in the dirt and grow crops of our own to feed our families.
I am a museum professional working at a local history museum. I was asked to write about growing beans at our provisional plantation property.
Recently, my Dad asked my siblings and me to start helping clean out his house in Virginia. I was able to head down that way last weekend with the BFFer. She’s like one of his kids and I was grateful for the company. She also keeps me accountable. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do all I did (which wasn’t much) if she wasn’t around. Cleaning is not one of my strong suits. I’m easily overwhelmed by large tasks.
My Dad has a lovely, Civil-War era home 45 minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg. He has Parkinson’s Disease and wants to sell the house because it is too hard for him to keep up with these days He is also not living full time in the house anymore since he’s now moved in with his girlfriend who is also his full-time caregiver.
Luckily, this house isn’t the house my brother and I, as well as our children, so it isn’t that hard to make decisions on what toss and what to keep. There isn’t much emotional attachment to items there, except my Dad’s family heirlooms.
It’s a huge house and my Dad likes to accumulate “stuff”. That meme about the Dad who has coffee cans full of screws and nails, that’s him. I don’t know if he is a hoarder but there are hoarder tendencies. The house isn’t stuffed full, but the garage, well, I’m leaving the garage for my brother and Uncle to cleanout. Lots of tools in there and other things.
I wish he didn’t have to sell the house. While not the house most of my family memories occurred, it’s a lovely home and I had hoped that one day I could move in and care for the house. Alas, I’m just a writer with a day job that pays my bills and not much else. The reality is that I could never afford that big house as much as I have fantasized about opening up a bed and breakfast or creating a homestead there.
Distance sucks.
It’s hard being a long-distance caregiver. I’ve offered to move down to Virginia to help out several times, but my Dad always says no. So I trek back to New York until my next visit. I used to visit only once a year, now its 3 or 4 times. I call him multiple times a week as well, to check-in and just to chat. It’s not as good as being there every day, but it’s something.
I do my best to focus on the little things when it comes to my Dad’s health. Some days when I call, it’s not a good day. I keep the conversation short and call again the next day. Sometimes, his depression kicks in hard. I completely understand these bad days because I have similar days as well. I do my best to keep the conversation light. When I need to have important conversations with him, I wait until we’re face to face.
One of the things I struggle with is the feeling of helplessness. I’m so grateful to his girlfriend who does all the daily living things for him and with him. She gets him to doctor appointments, makes sure he eats well, keeps him active and even takes him on vacations.
My Dad takes a lot of meds, not just for the Parkinson’s but he also suffers from PTSD. He tells me the combination of medications “fogs his brain”. His memory lapses worry me, but the reality is I cannot do anything about it. This past visit, he had a moment of not knowing where he was. I spoke with his girlfriend and my brother and we’ve agreed, he cannot drive himself any longer. Even around their little town.
I feel bad about taking the keys away. Driving is a sign of being independent. Anyone who knows my Dad knows he hates relying on other people. I know that I struggle with his declining health, I can’t even imagine how he feels. Every so often he lets slip a comment like “why is my body betraying me”. I do my best not to cry in front of him because I don’t want to add any stress to an already stressful situation.
Not all Dads wear capes.
For so long my Dad could and would fix anything. He’d build us bookshelves, dollhouses, fix toys, and even give us a safe place to be when the world was coming down on you. My son used to bring home broken toys from school to give to my Dad. He would tell his friends “If my Pop can’t fix it, it’s broken.”
Now more than anything I want to “fix it” for him and I can’t. I’m frustrated. I cannot even begin to imagine the frustration he feels daily. He went from being active every moment of the day to a man that worries about walking to the bathroom.
It’s not an easy situation we’re in. The distance makes it hard for me to gauge how quickly the disease is affecting him. When I talk with his girlfriend, she tries to keep the conversation light. She doesn’t like focusing on the negative. I appreciate that about her. As time and his disease progress, more difficult decisions will have to be made. I’m aware of that but for now, I’m going to focus on the good stuff. The time we spend together. Whether it’s taking him to a museum for the afternoon or just running him to Wal-Mart, I value the time more than I ever have before. I don’t want to look back when his time comes (or mine) and think “I didn’t spend enough time with Dad”.
He is my superhero. Even if he can’t climb ladders or take me for a drive in the mountains anymore, he will always be my superhero.
I am so very far behind with the rest of the group regarding these challenges. I had hoped to have them all finished by now, but because I read slowly and with purpose, it’s taken me a bit longer than usual to get through all the questions. I hope for those in our Word Nerd group following these posts can understand my position. Also, as we go forward with the challenges, spoilers will be happening with the book. You’ve been warned.
For Challenge #5 in the Writer Igniter challenge, we are asked to unpack the inciting incident in our story. It’s where our character passes the point from Act 1 to Act 2.
In The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna, the inciting event happens when Stella peeps at her parents having sex. Stella, like her siblings, could have slept through it every night, but one night Stella hears her mother’s voice and she sees her parents in the act. Stella is fascinated and disgusted by it all. She doesn’t like her father very much. He hasn’t been involved in her life for most of her 10 years. She finds him dirty and brutish. She also feels its unfair what “he’s doing to her mother”.
Tony catches his daughter peeping and comes over to the bed she is sleeping in with her siblings. He calls her a slut and tells her she’s a pervert for watching. He then reaches under his daughter’s nightdress, pinching her. Stella is determined not to cry out and stares down her father. He tells her no one is to ever touch her but her husband “Or I’ll kill you myself”.
Stella decides to never let anyone touch her or have sex with her. She has decided at the age of 10 never to get married if her parent’s so-called marriage is what it will be all about.
I feel sorry for the young Stella. While I do admire that she wants to be an independent woman, I feel bad because Stella is so fearful of the future. Her traditional way of being raised scares her. She has no positive role models. Stella feels her mother is a saint and the best person on this Earth, however, she can’t help but feel sorry for Assunta because she cannot stand up to her husband. Stella’s mother, aunts, and grandmother all repeat to her and her sister Tina how a good Italian girl grows up and gets married to be an obedient Italian wife and mother. There is no other goal for any female in their village but to get married. Even though everyone works, no one has any desire to move higher than where they are now in life.
I hope to keep up with the posts even though they’re moving behind the Member wall of DIYMFA as of today. Next up: Supporting Cast.
Today’s challenge from the Writer Igniter Challenge is to create a character compass. Gabriela Pereira has developed a chart to help writers and readers understand their characters more in-depth. It is also meant to use to help the writer see what methods they rely on most to reveal the characters in their story.
I have been reading and studying the book “The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna” by Juliet Grames. The scene I have chosen to analyze is from Part II – Youth, toward the end of the Death 5 section. Stella is about to be engaged.
The picture below shows that in this scene Grames uses thought the most to describe what is happening at this point in Stella’s life. The narrator tells us how Stella has decided to make a plan so that she may achieve her ultimate goal of being an independent woman. Stella realizes that if she wants to gain her freedom, she must agree to marry Carmello. Her main worry about the situation is that if her plan is successful, she may be torn away from her mother, who is the most important person to Stella.
Briefly, Stella has thoughts about being fair to Carmello. Carmello had been after Stella for years to get married and every time, Stella refused. This final time, she relents, knowing that she intends to not honor her promise. She convinces herself that it doesn’t matter what Carmello thinks or feels because he doesn’t care about Stella’s wants and desires.
There is very little dialogue in this scene. Carmello’s only dialogue is asking Stella to marry him and asking her after he slips the ring on her finger if she is sure. Stella’s reply to him is “Before I didn’t want to get married at all. Now I’ve decided I would never marry anyone else.” This statement from Stella is not in line with her thoughts. Stella knows she plans on not honoring her promise, but her words placate her fiancé and her family.
Action and appearance are the two other methods Grames uses in this scene. In this scene, these methods are linked together to describe not just what is happening in the scene but how Grames can establish Stella’s character more. Stella’s actions when she comes home from work is to “make herself pretty”. She takes time to dress in her favorite dress and do her makeup and hair. When Carmello arrives at the house her sister Cettina knocks on the bathroom door to tell her sister of his arrival. Stella tells her sister she’d be out in a moment as she applies slowly a final coat of lipstick before putting her plan into action.
This exercise was a little hard for me. Visual learning is not my strong suit. However, I did appreciate learning a new technique to understand not just what I read, but how I can improve my writing as well.
I’m very slow with these challenges. I’m hoping to have all the challenges finished by the deadline of February 7th.
