Soul Runnings

It occurred to me on the bus ride home last night why I prefer to take public transportation. Yes, I am still beating that dead horse. Why someone would beat an animal, in particular a dead animal is beyond me. Anyway, I have had people look at me like I am mad when I tell them that I have bused to work in Portland from Salem, Milwaukie, and now Vancouver, Washington. One man said, "I wouldn't have the patience!" But for me, it gives me time.  If I was driving, especially in traffic, that would be all I could do. Driver. I could listen to the radio.  I could think. But mostly I would be driving. And my knuckles would be white from clutching the steering wheel too tightly. I have observed freeway traffic in Portland from the Max. And lately, it looks more like southern California. I have way too much anxiety to submit myself to that. On the bus, I can read, I can knit, I can check emails and place phone calls. I can even nap. Going back to driving would send ...

  Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. ~ William Faulkner. I've got William Faulkner on the brain.And Mississippi. It started with two novels ago. The Reckoning by John Grisham.  His novel was set in Mississippi. In a fictional town of Clanton. Apparently it was the home of A Time to Kill , which I read ages ago and three other novels.  I remember clearly one of my favorite scenes, where Joel Banning, the son of Pete Banning, the main character gets William Faulkner's autograph at a restaurant in Oxford, MI.  I am again recommending The Reckoning . It seems I am not alone in my stellar review of this book! (See link below)   https://www.heraldnet.com/life/john-grishams-new-novel-wades-into-mississippis-racist-past/ William Faulkner, it turns out was from Oxford. I am ashamed to admit I have never read any Faulkner. That is about to change. Very soon. I have several of his books o...

I am rethinking my camper van dream.  I have had such remarkable experiences on public transportation lately, that I am afraid to shift the balance in my life.  More stress would definitely tilt the balance into a more negative direction. Owning and driving a vehicle again would entail more stress: Traffic, gas, maintenance. I can experience the freedom and travel I seek without a vehicle. Public transportation has been a friend of mine. As far as travel, there is always Amtrak. I think it would be quite an adventure to go cross country on the train! Think of the adventures I would experience. And I could share them with you! Eventually I would like to do some world travelling. I have been perusing Road Scholar brochures for years.  I think I'd better get my passport! As far as living situations, I am starting to search for a roommate situation where I can have my space without offending anyone.  Just a place to hang my hat, eat, read, shower.  Offering ...

I finished The Reckoning by John Grisham last night on the bus ride home. Just as I arrived at my final stop, I was reading the final paragraph. I hopped off the bus and finished the book right there at the bus stop. It was drizzling and chilly, but I was so engrossed, I hardly noticed. I relived the last few pages on my walk home.  There was a wonderful twist at the end.  It was a quick read. Grisham has an interesting style. Not much on fully developing the characters, but I found that was refreshing. I could flesh them out in my own imagination. But I ate up the historical references to the Bataan Death March. As I mentioned in my last post, I have already reserved a few more books regarding this horrifying moment in our history. I have now begun a new book: God's Middle Finger: Into the Lawless Heart of the Sierra Madre , by Richard Grant. This is not a work of fiction. The author is a "travel narrator".  I am eager to read more of his writing. He expressed som...

When I last blogged, on Sunday, I said I'd talk to you tomorrow. That was 4 days ago. Since then I've been on a trip. In my mind. I am immersed in an incredible novel: The Reckoning by John Grisham.  I've read his books before. They are most often described as "legal thrillers". The first half of The Reckoning does fit that mold.  I was pulled in from the first page. But the second half is phenomenal! It is more aptly described "historical fiction" as it goes back in time to the "Bataan Death March" in April 1942. It began in April 9, 1942.  77 years ago. Almost to the day! I am fascinated, horrified and intrigued. I have several other books on hold, a few that Mr. Grisham recommended himself in the "Author's Note". I asked my mother if she knew much about it. She said, "Oh, yes. And your father knows more than me!"  Her uncle was actually stationed in the Philipines in World War II, but was not part of the d...

Today is Day 30 of my return to daily hooping practice!  Time does fly!  And I am really starting to reap the benefits of my renewed discipline. The daily Qi Gong has been instrumental.  I realize now how important breathing is to health. Heck, it's important to life! I picked up another book on Qi Gong from the library yesterday. It's called The Qigong Workbook for Anxiety  by Master Kam Chuen Lam. This book was written for me.  At least that is how it feels. I do not, after all know Master Kam Chuen Lam personally. Although I certainly wish I did! I woke up early this morning and set out on a mission. To buy a gift certificat for my daughter. Tomorrow is her 29th birthday! Talk about time flying! I look at my granddaughter, and sometimes I feel like I am looking at my own baby girl. They have the same sweet, round, innocent face. And scathingly brilliant minds and precocious attitudes. I love them both dearly and wouldn't change a hair on their hea...

I am so pleased that I am at a place where I can truly enjoy immersing myself in a good novel, again.  Books have been my escape since I was a small child.  Escape has been a big part of my life.  I found comfort in going away on little imaginary journeys in my mind. Coming back to earth, I often landed with a thud. But now, at age 57, as a grandma who is finally finding balance in her life, I can truly enjoy a good book. And not land with a thud. Overall I enjoy the reality of my everyday life. Thank goodness I have established some healthy routines. Today, even on my last day off of spring break, I began with Qi Gong breathing exercises, followed by a hoop workout.  Then I read my bible, prayed, wrote in my journal, ate breakfast, cleaned the kitchen and put the makings for a sweet potato soup in my crockpot.  I was aiming for African Peanut soup, but I found a recipe for sweet potato soup with almond butter that sounded inviting.  It was from The...