I hope the holiday season has been a happy one so far and here’s wishing everyone a great new year. Yes, we are already into the new year, but things got in the way as they so often do. Despite the heat, December for me has been somewhat chilling. I love the way the same word can have two connotations.
We live in a crazy world these days. I won’t go into the politics currently alive and thriving because I am no expert. The battle for power, for possessions feeds a frenzy of selfishness, callousness, and a general desire to ignore the fact that the behaviour wreaks pain. Unfortunately, pain and confusion, thanks to politicians and dubious people with agendas ordinary people don’t understand, ride in the same automobiles that carry joy and kindness. As in the word chilling, there are two sides to things we wish did not exist.
The countries vary, the way we look varies but we all face adversity and yes some worse than others both in our immediate circles and globally. We can’t control what is around us. Subsequently, like so many I am confused as to where we will all end up. It is important to keep our spirits up and question constantly.
I know the difference between right and wrong. The fact that people, normal, everyday people who also know the difference, can be blinded into a reality that doesn’t exist frightens me. Why? Because everyone longs for things to be magically better. They want the chilling to mean relaxing and not something uncomfortable, Unfortunately, we fool ourselves into thinking we don’t have to take an active part to have better happen. Magic, we forget, exists only in fairy tales. Where, I say with trepidation, big bad wolves too often make an appearance.
However rather than dwell I would prefer to foster a belief in myself and others that we are at the start of a new year, and we have the power to make our lives different. I am not a psychologist, a healer, I’m certainly not someone who builds or invents things and I don’t always understand about economics and strategies and thus my power to help is limited. The one thing I do know I am, is a human who cares about the things around us, and I want to help in some way.
Last year is gone but has left a legacy of mistakes and good things and we have the opportunity to make next year a better year. It begins by thinking less about differences and concentrating on what we have in common. We are humans sharing this planet. Surely with the gift of thought, we should understand that sharing is more than handing someone half a sandwich. Progress, real and worthwhile is in our hands if we are brave enough to grab the opportunities to help each other. More technology is not the answer. But I bow to the technology allowing me the power and freedom here and now to repeat – Happy New Year to all.
Barb’s News
My own books
I am currently a little overwhelmed with what my writing is demanding of me. Reading is inspiring and soothes the soul. As a result, I was reminded that the way others manipulate words is a learning curve, an important one. Every book brings us closer to understanding what makes a good book. It goes without saying (my apologies for using a cliched expression against the advice of the Word Editor but I prefer my own words) that it is also an entertaining and a pleasurable pastime.
What makes a book a good one? Wondering how to phrase my thoughts I remembered a day in Venice and the visual led me to these words.
‘An author puts us in a gondola and glides us through the characters’ lives. Is the boat crowded and uncomfortable causing us to fidget? Does the water look murky? Do our fellow passengers need a bath or is there a story behind the torn clothes – should we be afraid? Why does that matter? It matters because as readers we have a right to expect a book to have the power to make us think.’
Barbara Strickland ©
I have read a variety of books this month, some with more depth than others perhaps but yet I have walked away feeling something, feeling I don’t want to be like that or have been inspired to be more than I am at this present moment. I can only hope it translates to my own work. What makes a book good in your opinion? Please let me know your thoughts
The world around me
Quiet is all I can think to say.
Books I’ve read and Films/Television series I watched
Films
My time has been limited for many reasons, so I only have two films to talk about – From Time to Time starring the fabulous Maggie Smith, and Kate and Leopold with the delightful Meg Ryan and our own Hugh Jackman.
Both films involved time travel and films like books are not always perfect. Thus, I ignored critiquing to focus the good. From Time to Time, handled time travel with a light yet meaningful hand as it slid seamlessly into the past and back again. Just enjoying let the story make its point – the past intrudes on our present. Think about it. I still am.
Likewise in Kate and Leopold, though more of a romantic fantasy, the film nevertheless managed to reinforce the idea that the past has a huge effect on our present. We are somebody’s past behaviours, or not.
How can anyone resist films with charm, a haunting sadness and actors who know how to create the fantasy like the above two?
Books
Just a couple and all fun so chilling became a good word. This was a great way to end a year and enter a new one. I have quoted from my reviews.
Butt-dialling the Billionaire – Annika Martin
‘Loved Jack despite his bad behaviour, loved Jada and her attitude to work and the workplace and her ability to be a nice person with none of the insecurities that are forced into play at times for effect.’
When Our Stars Aligned – Tracy McJames
‘…so sweet, yet it managed to have heat, and some lovely, lovely characters and a plot about falling in love that is slow, sensuous and incredibly romantic.’
Rolling towards Clear Skies – Catherine Ryan Hyde
‘As a fan of this author from the moment I read and saw the book and film Paying it Forward, I am never surprised at the way I feel at the end of each book, and I have read many by this amazing writer. How do I feel? Like I have been forced into rethinking.’
A Stich in Time – Kelley Armstrong
‘Somehow this author has managed to make an impossible story seem possible and she has done it with a great pace, wonderful characters and very clever world building.’
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Happy reading and see you next time or as the Italians say,
Alla prossima,
Barb
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I love Hyde and Armstrong. Wishing you a happy 2025. I am trying not to doom scroll as the world goes to hell..
Yes, especially Hyde. She makes a statement. Maybe more of us should. Nice to see you.
I know what you mean, very much so but I keep hopeful. After all we exist along with so many other wonderful people.
I want to read Butt-dialling the Billionaire. It sounds like a fun one. Thank you for your review.
It was funny and sometimes reading is like a simple recipe. Butter on toast is just right for breakfast this particular day. Thanks for stopping by. You made my day.