Muse Letter: May 2024
My month in review. Lots of books, some great podcast episodes, renovations, special moments, and a not so special moment.
Dear Reader,
Is it safe to say, we did it? We actually did it!! We made it through another month, another spring, another school year. We saw good days, we saw hard days, we saw sunny days, and we saw rainy days. And sometimes we didn’t see anything at all because we were running on autopilot to get from point A to point B. But the bottom line is, we did it and we are still here. We should feel proud. I know I am.
With that said, yes May was a busy one for us and juggling was a must. But it was also a month of letting go, healing, freedom, clarity, bonding, and inspiration. Below are some of the areas that helped contribute to that. The sources that fueled my muse.
Reading
One of my goals for 2024 was to read LESS. I realized that my yearly reading average of nearly 100 books each year may have been keeping me from other projects and hobbies I also desired to dive into. Thus the goal for less. So far, my reading time has indeed reduced and I have been quite pleased with the balance generated from this shift. However the month of May was a solid reading month for me and in some ways sparked a desire to maybe not back off as much as I have been. Because honestly it was so nice and inspiring to reacquaint with my passion for reading in an elevated way again.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods - This book covers a slew of genres. From historical fiction, fantasy and magical realism, mystery, romance, contemporary, and books about books. It was a lot! And in some ways it didn’t always work for me. Overall, the story kept my attention in trying to find this little lost bookshop. The characters for the most part were interesting and at times it even made me chuckle. However the story was just a bit choppy for me. Which in my opinion probably steered from cramming too many genres in the mix. And at times parts felt random or rushed. I don’t know, I didn’t not like it. I just didn’t love it. It was ok. 3/5 stars
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch - Ugh...I so wanted to like this book. There is sooo much hype and praise on it too. I mean it won the Pultzer Prize! But I honestly did not connect with it at all! And I even tried to talk myself into thinking perhaps I did like it, but just didn’t know it yet. But nope, I stuck to my inner self and concluded that this book just wasn’t for me. I found myself lost and disconnected from the storyline as well as the characters involved. And the sci-fi vibes left me feeling out in the middle of nowhere with no resolution in sight (literally). It reminded me of the feeling I had when reading ‘Dark Matter’ by Blake Crouch which I didn’t like either. However I am actually enjoying the Dark Matter t.v. series currently streaming on Apple, so maybe Prophet Song needs to be a visual experience for me to enjoy it. Who knows?! I tried. 2/5 stars
Want to Know a Secret by Freida McFadden - After kicking off the month with two not so great books under my belt I was desperate for something easy, entertaining, and different from my norm. So I turned to my friend for a buddy read and she proposed this one for us to read together. This was my first book by this author and oh my goodness we had so much fun with it! It was fast paced, hilarious, and kept us guessing until the very end! I will definitely be trying more of her books in the near future. The Housemaid Series might be at the top of the list for my next read by McFadden. 4/5 stars
Beartown by Fredrik Backman - I happen to be a fan of this author and have been gradually making my way through his collection. I have already read his ‘A Man Called Ove’ and ‘Anxious People’ and loved them. His wit and moral of the story elements are so carefully intertwined in his books and move me emotionally and also have me laughing hysterically. A great combination in my opinion! Beartown didn’t tap into the witty style that I really like in his other two books that I read; however it is a wonderful story non the less.
The story centers around a very small town called Beartown barely surviving, yet hanging on by a thread through a connection for the love of hockey and the team that carries their town’s legacy. It is a beautiful story about dreams, lack thereof, status, loyalty, power, consequences, surviving, vengeance, and rising above. I became completely invested in the characters and fully engrossed in the crime and mystery elements that carried the story. I look forward to reading book #2 in the series for more Beartown goodness. 4/5 stars
The Bitter Season by Tami Hoag - I hardly ever read crime and mystery books, but chose to read this as a buddy read with my friend who primarily reads the genre. And I have to say I did not expect to like it near as much as I did. Whether it was the author’s handy work or I’m just broadening my genre tastes I’m honestly not sure. But I ended up really enjoying the little dance the author took me on in trying to solve both a cold and current case that brilliantly closed with a shocking ending. Wow! Clap, clap, clap. Note: This book was #5 in a series; however it can be read as a stand alone. Not once did I feel lost or that I was missing something revealed in the previous books. 4/5 Stars
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe - This was a random find that I had actually never heard of before, but picked it up because it just sounded like a book I would like. And I’m so glad I did because it ended up being my favorite read of the month.
It is centered around the author Will Schwalbe and his journey with his mother during their hospital visits for her pancreatic cancer chemo treatments. Ultimately they had always had a strong connection through the love of books and their discussions were often generated based off of what they were currently reading. So over time their visits during her chemo evolved into a little mini book club between the two of them discussing their assigned reading that always became a platform for growth and wisdom between the two of them during these final days of her life.
It was such a magical book about books with so many thought provoking angles. But more importantly it was a beautiful demonstration on how powerful and diverse discussions can evolve in a relationship from a simple conversation starter “What are you reading?”. I loved it so much and it will probably stay with me for a very long time. 5/5 stars
So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell - I walked into this book with a desire for a short one that tapped into a more classic writing style. And not only did it hit both of those marks, but I surprisingly really enjoyed it more than I expected to. It is unique and beautifully written with suspenseful undertones that keep you turning page after page. It is a story centered around jealousy, mystery, neglect, cause and effect, and truths versus illusions. A tightly packed little novel! 5/5 stars
MUSIC
May wasn’t necessarily a big music month for me. Probably because I was too busy reading, lol. (I hardly ever combine the two...unless it’s instrumental). So my May monthly playlist doesn’t really jump at me as much as some of my others do. However there are some honorable mentions and a few artists that I was particularly drawn to over the month of May.
Masquerade by Stereophonic - think Fleetwood Mac, Daisy Jones and the Six, and a similar intro hook to Leann Rimes’ “Nottin Better to Do”. Definitely catchy! And I wouldn’t mind going to see the hit Stereophonic Broadway Play currently playing in New York City where this song came from.
Love & Hate by Michael Kiwanuka - I can’t get enough of this song. So good!
M. Ward - very into M. Ward lately (aka the male half from the musical duo She & Him). Really enjoying this album in particular. A nice easy and chill listen.
PODCAST
The Resetter Podcast - specifically the episode on understanding the changes in the female brain after 40 and the episode on customizing strategies in a fasting lifestyle.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chattergee - episode #438 on the surprising truth about alcohol with Andy Ramage.
All so insightful and educational. Highly recommend giving them a listen.
Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes - another great year down watching the races with a few friends and family. We kept it casual as usual with homemade muffuletta sandwiches and a little cocktail and mocktail station with signature beverages for the occasion. This weekend will complete the triple crown at The Belmont Races in Saratoga Springs, NY. Will you be watching?
Mothers Day - it was a lovely one! So thankful. I shared more about my day and my thoughts on motherhood here.
Flowers, Landscaping & Patio Upgrades - I am pleased to say that we tapped into our spring garden goals quite nicely. Between planting some new variegated pittosporum shrubs, a new pot for my Japanese Maple tree, getting new shears that work, extending our back patio, and adding some outdoor dining furniture, things are happening! We still have a ways to go, but we have definitely kicked into gear. Thank you Jesus!
Lately I have been trying to make a conscience effort to replenish fresh flowers around the house a bit more consistently. It’s amazing how a small ritual can bring me so much joy. And we mustn’t forget my surprise sunflower that has been gracing us with her beautiful presence!
Athena’s babies left their nest a few weeks ago and talk about emotional. Who knew I would grow so attached! This video shows the oldest owlet fleeing (or rather falling!) off its nest. And this video shows the youngest owlet fleeing with confidence a few weeks later. I must admit I was so worried in both scenarios! And honestly I have thought about the little owl family and the whole empty nesting for days. Nature is just so awesome! I miss them.
Weekly coffee (and a farm animal visit) with my church friends will be breaking for the summer, but our time together over the last few months have been so lovely. I look forward to meeting again in the fall!
And lastly, our refrigerator died. Which isn’t necessarily a special moment. But she did serve and feed our family of 5 for 17 years so RIP old refrigerator. We have yet to meet her replacement (don’t ask), but very eager because we miss having an ice machine. Thankfully our spare fridge in the garage is carrying us through this time of need and transition!
Well I think that covers my month of May for ya. Thank you so much for reading.
Oh - and if your interested in joining Textured Book Club we have kicked off June with “The Guest” by Emma Cline. It really is a lovely and casual way to engage digitally at your own leisure with others reading the same book. I hope to see you there.
Love,