Into the Wild: LOTR-inspired month with Strider (Aragorn)

 "Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." 

My garden roses in my library vase.

Hey fellow travelers! Here is a peek into my month of May which I attempted to fill with inspiration from "The Lord of the Rings,"  particularly focusing on the legendary figure, Aragorn, or as some may know him, Strider. I chose these themes below to represent Strider because to me they mirror his resourcefulness in nature.

Emergency Preparedness

I'm a strong advocate for contingency planning, so I immersed myself in a survival guide packed with practical insights titled "Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for Any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor"  by Fulton & Devon. This was a well-rounded resource that helped me reassess my emergency preparations and make necessary adjustments. One unexpected challenge this month was my car's alternator failing, reminding me of the importance of having emergency savings and of knowing of a trusted mechanic in town. Additionally, Oklahoma's unpredictable weather and frequent tornadoes motivated me to learn a new skill. I dedicated time to learning knot tying techniques on YouTube. Among the knots I'm practicing is the bowline knot which has emerged as a reliable favorite, perfect for securing items or creating a loop that won't slip under pressure. While knot tying may not be commonly taught to women, I recognize its value in various situations, from emergencies to outdoor activities with friends or kids, and even home organization tasks. I'm eager to expand my knot tying skills with guidance from my Papa, an experienced sailor who's well-versed in this essential skill!

Fresh & Herbal

My next goal for May was motivated by Strider's skill of using natural remedies. I researched the idea of "food as medicine," with a specific focus on fresh fruits and herbs. I dedicated time to juicing oranges and sampling different teas for relaxation. I also researched common herbs to add to my food more often like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries became more prominent in my diet this month as well since they have numerous health benefits. These berries are known for boosting heart health, regulating blood sugar levels, and alleviating inflammation.

In Conclusion

May has had its ups and downs, but I choose to remember it as a month of growth as I embraced some skills of a ranger. Next month, I'm shifting my focus to Faramir. He's portrayed as a thoughtful and noble character. Stay tuned, as I plan to visit a labyrinth in June!

Below are some cute animal pictures...just because! 

Jax sunning himself in the library window.

Gunner, dutch shepherd, giving a happy smile one morning.

Bubby having no cares as he relaxes in my lap.

All three Ragamese cats enjoying fresh air from a window and bird watching

 

 

Woman's Quarter Series: Maya Angelou

 

 

Maya Angelou was the next women's quarter I found! As I continue to delve into the rich tapestry of remarkable women who have shaped the landscape of the United States, Maya Angelou rightfully claims her place among the brightest stars.

📖 Famous Quote: "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."

💡 Little Known Facts:

 


1. International Influence: Maya Angelou's impact extended far beyond the borders of the United States. She lived in several countries, including Egypt and Ghana, where she worked as an editor and a freelance writer.

2. A Historic Appointment: In 1993, Maya Angelou made history when she became the first African American woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. Her stirring rendition of "On the Pulse of Morning" captivated audiences worldwide and solidified her status as a cultural icon.

3. A Trailblazer in Education: Despite facing numerous challenges in her early years, including a period of homelessness, Angelou's thirst for knowledge never waned. She became the first Black woman to conduct a streetcar in San Francisco and later worked as a professor at Wake Forest University, inspiring countless students with her wisdom and passion for learning.

Excerpt from, "On the Pulse of Morning"

Lift up your eyes upon The day breaking for you. Give birth again To the dream.

Women, children, men, Take it into the palms of your hands. Mold it into the shape of your most Private need. Sculpt it into The image of your most public self. Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances For new beginnings. Do not be wedded forever To fear, yoked eternally To brutishness...

Here on the pulse of this new day You may have the grace to look up and out And into your sister's eyes, Into your brother's face, your country And say simply Very simply With hope Good morning.

 

Romance, Cupcakes, and a baby Goat: The Magic of Abby Jimenez

Book cover: couple holding hands,
background split by two shades of blue
with a baby goat at their feet.

Abby Jimenez's 'Part of Your World' is delightful. For me, what sets Jimenez's writing apart is her ability to create characters that feel like friends. They're flawed, funny, and utterly endearing.

I liked how the characters developed. As Alexis and Daniel navigate their newfound connection, they must confront their own insecurities. Their journey is filled with humor, romance, and unexpected twists as they explore what it means to truly connect with someone who challenges their preconceived notions. And there is a baby goat...oh, and the squirrel section... [chuckling] well, you'll just have to read it. 

Without giving more away, let's just say I found this book to be medium stakes. What I mean is that it's not an overly intense or dramatic story, but rather one that's mostly cozy and funny but with a deep enough plot that I was fully invested in the characters' lives and their journey.

Although this book was released in 2021, 'Part of Your World' was my first 5 star read of 2024. If you're a fan of feel-good books with memorable characters, Abby Jimenez is an author to keep on your radar.

Bonuses: If you're looking for a 90-minute short read, check out Abby Jimenez's 'The Worst Wingman Ever.' Heartsy and humorous --Another gem from her collection. Also, Jimenez has a bakery called Nadia Cakes in real life that she often mentions in her books. And who can blame her since she was a winner of the Food Network's Cupcake wars! 

Book with pink cover, stars, and titled Worst Wingman Ever

The Rise of a Literary Phoenix

Phoenix with wings on fire, lifting from a pile of open books. Sunrise, mountains in background.

My childhood home was a sanctuary for books. My parents, avid readers themselves, instilled in me a love for literature. So, it came as no surprise that I always found solace in the pages of a good book. However, over the years as life got busier and responsibilities piled up, my reading habits changed.

It wasn't until recently that I took a moment to reflect on why I had veered away from being a versatile reader. By the age of 25, my reading had been confined mostly to the Bible and Christian devotionals. While these texts held their own significance in my life, I realized that I had unintentionally limited myself from exploring the vast array of genres and authors out there.

A turning point came when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore a local book club in my new hometown. Surrounded by enthusiastic readers discussing everything from gripping book series to captivating mysteries, I felt a spark reignite within me. Hearing the passion in their voices and the diversity of their literary preferences excited my heart. 

It's been liberating to dive into different genres, discover new authors, and immerse myself in stories that spoke to me on a deeper level. Over the past year, I realized that my love for reading was not lost but merely waiting to be rediscovered in new and unexpected ways. I am now a literary phoenix!

Today, I celebrated completing my 19th book of the year and I still have 7 months to go! So I am filled with gratitude to be brought back to the joy of reading because I find myself often choosing to grab a book instead of social media scrolling! So with my goal of reading 24 books this year well within reach, I am excited to continue exploring the bookstore landscape and discovering new worlds.

Screenshot of my Goodreads 2024 reading challenge percentage