Ten on Tuesday #5

I've been thinking about what I could do for a top ten post today. I decided to go with the ten things I enjoy doing the most, in no particular order.

1. Reading. I love to read! I've been leaning towards ebooks lately, just because they're so easy, but I'm trying to get more hard copy reading in. I have so many books that I own that I haven't read yet, so I need to get going. I've been pretty consumed by other things the last couple of years, so I've fallen behind. I read every day, but not nearly like I used to. My goal is to change that and get back into the habit of reading more.

2. Watching nature documentaries. I adore the BBC! David Attenborough is my most favorite narrator ever, and I'll watch his documentaries over and over and over. I love learning about the natural world and what I can do to help preserve it. Nature is so fascinating, and while I don't want to spend all my time out in it, I love to learn about it. I guess I'm an armchair enthusiast.

3. Decorating. I really love doing home decor. My style has evolved into a French country look (surprise, surprise), and I find it so enjoyable to find new pieces. I like to find things that look vintage. I'm an old soul at heart, so I like an older look. I like candles, clocks, lamps, and flowers. I love lace and I even like ruffles. That's a huge departure for me, as I actively avoided anything with ruffles as I was growing up. Tastes change. I'm looking at moving into a new apartment (ground floor, because my poor joints aren't doing very well with the third floor) this year, and I can't wait to decorate it. Also, as a side note, I'm trying to get into a 3 bedroom place so that I can spread out a bit more. I love my apartment, but it does feel a little cramped because of all the books. My furniture feels cramped too, so it'll be nice to have more space. And I'll have an actual guest room!

4. Crafting. Now, I'm not a "crafty" person in the well-known sense of the word. I don't do toll painting (remember that?), scrapbooking, or stuff like that. I do needlework and sewing, and I do enjoy paint by number. I love to cross stitch and I have several projects lined up to do. I'd like to learn more embroidery and maybe even needle point. I really like to sew, and I've just purchased a new sewing machine. Mine is over 20 years old, and I've used it a lot. I use it every year to sew Idaho pillows for my students. The one I've purchased is a better machine, with more stitch options. I'm really excited to get it and start using it. Once I get moved in to my new apartment, my guest bedroom will also serve as my sewing room. I've wanted a dedicated sewing room for years, where I could have my sewing machine and supplies out and visible. I tend to forget I have things unless they're visible. I'll get a bed in the guest room, but then use the closet to put a sewing table in and have my machine set up. The third room will still be my office/library.

5. Organizing. Is it weird that I really like to organize things? I have spreadsheets for just about everything and I like to color code them. I like to have things in their place and know exactly where to find things that I need. I like to organize my bookshelves by genre and author, and my DVDs are organized by genre. My classroom is organized into sections based on what goes together, and my classroom library is organized by genre.

6. Cooking. This is weird, considering my eating disorder. But notice, I didn't say EATING. I still have issues with that. I do love cooking though. I love the smells of delicious things and I love plating dishes to look lovely. I enjoy the process quite a lot. I'm working hard on developing a healthy relationship with food, so I may actually start to enjoy eating one of these days!

7. Bubble baths. There's nothing more relaxing than a nice, hot bubble bath with a good book. I don't indulge in this hobby nearly often enough. I'm usually in too much of a hurry for anything more than a shower. That's something I'm working on too - slowing down to enjoy life rather than just live it.

8. Gardening. I currently have a wee flower garden on my balcony, and I love it. I love looking at my plants and wondering what they'll look like when they bloom. I love watching for the first peek of seedlings as they break through the ground. When my parents were on their mission and I was living in their house, I had a vegetable garden too. I planted WAY more than I needed for me, but I loved caring for that garden. I was out in it every day, weeding, hoeing, harvesting... It was amazing, and I long for the time when I own a home and can have a vegetable garden.

9. Canning. My mom taught me how to can when I was a teenager, and I've enjoyed it ever since. I love looking at the rows of beautifully preserved fruits and vegetables. I love knowing that my hard work paid off. I love feeling productive and I love opening a jar of food that I canned myself. I haven't done much canning over the last few years, but it's a hobby I mean to get back into. It probably won't happen this year, as I'm moving a classroom AND an apartment (hopefully an apartment). Moving bottled food is a pain in the behind, but next summer, when I'm settled in both places, I intend to fill my shelves again!

10. Traveling. I LOVE traveling! For someone with anxiety, that sounds a little strange. Getting into new places with people I don't know? That should be terrifying! I actually find that empowering instead. When I'm traveling, I don't feel the pressure to be a certain way. I can just be me and enjoy what I'm doing. Last year's trip to Europe was so refreshing and joyous. I loved every minute of it, even when I was beyond exhausted. I am planning to go back as soon as possible.

My goal this summer is to get into the habit of indulging in one of my hobbies each day, and not just the nature documentaries. I would like to do something creative every day, and I would like to continue that through the school year as well. I've been working hard to create balance in my life and take time to just be ME. I feel like as I get into the habit of doing that, my mental and physical health will improve, and I will be able to enjoy life rather than just living it.

Ten on Tuesday #4

 

I missed doing a Ten on Tuesday post last week. It was kind of a crazy week, with job interviews, grad school, and other things. Honestly, I'm proud of myself for getting any blog posts done these days!

This week, I'm going to share the ten best things in Paris, according to me. Because I love everything about Paris, these are in no particular order. All photos are my own, except 5 at the Arc de Triomphe - I was still in transit at that time and didn't get to go there on this trip. These pictures are from my nephew.

1. The Louvre. 

The Louvre is amazing. I could spend days there wandering the different wings. Of course, there are the major works that everyone knows. They are stunning and worth visiting. I love being in the presence of greatness. Some think the Mona Lisa is overrated, and they are okay to think that. However, I find her fascinating and mysterious. I love standing there wondering what she was thinking. I love being near the statues - the Venus di Milo, Michelangelo's Slaves, Winged Victory...I could spend all day just studying the exquisite details. I would never, ever go to Paris and skip the Louvre. It's a must for me.

2. Versailles.

Hear me out. So Versailles *is* a bit overrated, in my opinion. However, the wealth of history here makes it worth a visit. Looking at all the extravagant finishes, I honestly couldn't fault the revolutionaries in 1789. They may have gone about it the wrong way (off with their heads), but I can see why it happened. It sometimes takes an up close and personal experience with something to actually see. There are things I didn't get to visit this time - I went from the plane (after 48 hours of traveling because of canceled flights) to the Louvre to Versailles. I was dead on my feet by the time we saw a little bit of the gardens. I'd love to go back and see Marie Antionette's village and explore more of the gardens. There are parts of the palace I know I didn't get to see. So it'll be on my list for next time.

3. Montmartre.

Montmartre is my favorite part of Paris. I could spend days wandering its charming streets and watching the artists in Place du Tertre at work. This time around, I bought two small acrylic paintings from one of the artists, and they're among my most favorite paintings. Montmartre is home to fun shops, hidden gems of museums (the Dali museum is in the area), the Maison Rose (which I didn't get to see, so I obviously need to get back soon), and the famous Moulin Rouge. I've only seen that from a distance, and because it had topless pictures in the windows, I didn't snap any of my own. My favorite creperie is in a corner of Place du Tertre. Citron sucre is my favorite. Yum! I'm salivating just thinking about those crepes. Looking out over Paris from Sacre Coeur gives stunning panoramic views. You can see just about everything, including my favorite Parisian graffiti: can you spot it in the picture below?

4. Sainte Chapelle.

Sainte Chapelle is the most ethereal place I've ever been. The chapel is renowned for its stained glass, and for good reason. It is beyond stunning. It's exquisite. It tells Bible stories, and it's fascinating to look at and see how artisans depicted the stories in glass. Sainte Chapelle is the site of one of my favorite memories in Paris. I got to hear part of Handel's Messiah there. It's not a huge cathedral like Notre Dame, but the acoustics are still amazing. Any time I hear of anyone going to Paris, I tell them that they simply MUST visit Sainte Chapelle. Yet another place I could spend hours in.

5. Notre Dame.

My heart broke back in 2019 when my beloved Notre Dame caught fire. I watched in horror as the spire collapsed and the roof was ruined. I've never felt so despondent. When I saw photos of the interior, I started to feel some hope. The most important things had been saved, including the rose windows. Notre Dame was one of my most favorite places to spend time as a missionary, and I'd so looked forward to going back inside and exploring when I went back. Sadly, it's still closed for renovation, but it will reopen in December! My parents were just there in March, and the spire has been rebuilt and placed atop the cathedral. My heart sang and I felt emotional. I am so glad that it was decided to restore Notre Dame to her original glory, and not try to make any weird statements with the reconstruction. Notre Dame is a special place, and deserves to be seen in all her majesty. Right now, they have a series of bleachers set up in front and you can watch the construction. Much of the bottom of the cathedral is obscured, but you can still see a great deal. I enjoyed sitting there watching the cranes at work. It really brought so much hope.

6. 

Musée d'Orsay.

This museum holds a very special place in my heart. I was on my way to this museum back in 1999 when I had a roller blading accident and tore up my knee. I had to come home from my mission for surgery and everything. It was awful. I hated having to come home early, but I hated that I didn't get to see the museum even more! Okay, maybe not *more*, but a lot. This museum houses my favorite painting in the entire world: Coquelicots by Claude Monet. I have a print of it hanging in my bedroom. This painting makes my heart sing, and seeing it in person for the first time last year was a core memory for me. I stood in front of it in awe, tears running down my face as I finally came face to face with this masterpiece. Someone tried to push me out of the way (rude!), but I was using my cane that day and I made good use of it. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. *wink wink*

7. Eiffel Tower.

Of course the Eiffel Tower was going to make my list. I love the Iron Lady! I love that every time I see a picture, I'm transported there and can almost smell Paris (a good smell, not nasty). I can feel the breeze on my face. This time, my niece was scared to go up. She doesn't like heights (neither do I), so we made a plan. We were going to do our hair and makeup all cute, and wear our cutest outfits and go up together. We did! She was so brave and I was so proud of her. It was a hard thing, but she did it. I love looking at Paris from the Eiffel Tower. We didn't get to go all the way up, because there was a mechanical failure that prevented it. Ugh! I didn't get to go up at all as a missionary. One of these times, I will make it clear to the top!!

8. Arc de Triomphe.

I love the majesty of this arch standing tall on the Champs Elysees. I love that it withstood Hitler and his Nazis. I love that it represents triumph - for me, triumph over hard things. As a missionary, I got to spend some time here. It was awe-inspiring! And, as young people often are, I was crazy and ran across the Etoile - the massive roundabout that circles the Arc, and where no insurance company will cover an accident. Yikes. Am I honestly kind of glad that I did it so that I can say I did? Yeah. I am. Would I do it again? Not a chance. 

9. Paris Architecture.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the buildings in Paris. They're so unique and beautiful. They have so much personality and intrigue. I always look at the buildings and wonder what history they've seen. I love looking at Paris doorways too. They're lovely!  I love wandering the streets and seeing what I can find. Next time I'm there (there WILL be a next time), I am going to take more pictures of what I see around me.

10. The food!!

Of course food was going to make this list. There really isn't anything like French food. It's rich, but not heavy. It's just exactly right. I came home with a goal to eat more like the French. It's something I'm still working on, but I have a stack of French cookbooks to go through. I didn't take pictures of everything I ate in Paris, but here are a few.

There are obviously so many more things I could include. This time, I focused on things that happened on last summer's trip. I could go on for days about all the other things I love about Paris. But I'll save that for another time.

Have you been to Paris? Do we share any favorite things? Let me know in the comments!

Ten on Tuesday #3

 Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is my ten favorite modern bands/singers. I've been thinking about music a lot, and I decided I wanted to share my favorites. I have a lot of favorites from earlier time periods, but I'll share those a different week.

1. U2. I LOVE the way U2 gels. I love that they've been together since 1976 - they're my age! Okay, the band members aren't, but the band is. In my opinion, Bono has the best voice in music today. It's smoky, sultry, and sexy. I could listen to Bono for hours (and sometimes do). The Edge is a mastermind on the guitar, and Adam Clayton is my favorite bassist out there. Larry Mullen, Jr. is brilliant on the drums. I love U2 lyrics. They're so poignant and heartfelt. If I had to choose one favorite U2 song, it would be With or Without You. That song moves me. It speaks to my soul. The Joshua Tree is my favorite U2 album, with Achtung Baby a very close second.

I've been lucky enough to see U2 live three times. Each concert was so different and so brilliant. The first time I saw them was the Elevation tour. My sister and I got tickets and ended up in the general admission section. The heart-shaped stage was surrounded by hundreds of fans. Diane and I ended up on the first row at the point of the heart. We were RIGHT THERE. As luck would have it, Bono spent a good portion of that concert right in front of us. I have a picture somewhere of him looking directly at me. It just happened to be while he was singing With or Without You. Yes, there were tears shed that night. It was transcendent. 

2. Depeche Mode. Dave Gahan is right up there with Bono in the sexy voice department. Another singer I could listen to for hours. I love the edgy, electronic sound that Depeche Mode is famous for. Their lyrics are poetic. The songs are memorable. My favorite Depeche Mode album is Violator, and I'd be hard pressed to choose just one favorite song. I love almost every DM song out there. I was able to see them live in Las Vegas. That concert was awe-inspiring! I loved every second of it. I was there with my other sister, Shelley. We had an amazing time. We sang our hearts out and spent the entire concert on our feet, dancing. When it was over, we left on an emotional high. It was brilliant. The next morning, we found out about the mass shooting that took place. We were right there. We almost stayed at the Mandalay Bay (thankfully, we decided to get on the road and ended up staying in Mesquite). We felt so lucky that our concert wasn't targeted. It could have been. So easily could have been. It was an experience I never want to have again. I'm grateful that I have my memories of the concert to look back on. Sadly, I'll never be able to see Depeche Mode as it was again. Andy Fletcher passed away a couple years ago, and the band will never be the same. I'm so glad I got to see them before he passed.

3. INXS. Speaking of amazing voices, Michael Hutchence. MICHAEL HUTCHENCE. Oh my goodness, that voice. Honestly, he ranks right up there with Bono and Dave Gahan. I've loved INXS for as long as I remember listening to music. I've seen them live too, but sadly, not while Michael Hutchence was alive. The fellow who replaced him for a time was fantastic though, and sounded so much like Michael. I think my favorite INXS song would be Never Tear Us Apart. I love their sound and I love how playful they can be, but also serious and sexy. Good music!

4. The Cure. Ah, Robert Smith. The one time I've seen The Cure live was at an outdoor festival in Salt Lake. It was so fun, but I do wish they'd stuck to more well-known songs. They played their entire new (new at that time) album, and it was unfamiliar. I wanted to hear my favorites! It was still fun - Robert Smith is WEIRD. He looked like a big spider hunkered over the microphone. I had to laugh at that! He's an amazing singer though. I love that voice! My favorite Cure song is Lovesong.

5. Imagine Dragons. I was introduced to Imagine Dragons by my students several years ago. I immediately fell in love with their music. It's the kind of music that gets in your head, but not in a bad way. I haven't had the chance to see them live yet, but I hope to! I did have tickets once, but I got so sick that I couldn't go. I was bummed! Someday. My favorite ID song is Radioactive.

6. One Republic. I really like One Republic, not to be confused with One Direction, whom I do NOT like. One Republic feels like a band for adults, not teenagers. I like that. I like their sound and their lyrics. I'd love to see them live someday! I'd pick Love Runs Out or Apologize as my favorite songs.

7. Adele. That voice! Oh, that voice. The first time I heard Adele, I was in awe. I've always wished I was that powerful, but I don't even come close. I love the emotion, the strength, and the storytelling in Adele's songs. My favorite is Rolling in the Deep, and I love to sing it even though I'm definitely nowhere near her league. Someday, I hope to see her in concert.

8. Coldplay. Coldplay is my go-to on a dreary day. Their songs are so mellow and calming. They're good for my anxiety! I'd love to see them live. My favorite Coldplay song is Fix You. When I was first starting to notice that my mental health wasn't as it should be, I listened to that song on repeat for HOURS. It really did have a calming effect on me, and made me feel like maybe I could actually be fixed. It was lovely!

9. Def Leppard. I don't actually seem like a Def Leppard fan, but I adore them! I like the harder sound, and that it's not metal-sounding. I can still understand their lyrics and hear their voices loud and clear. I think they're brilliant! One time, they played the Eastern Idaho State Fair and boy, do I wish I'd gone! Missed opportunity. My favorite DL song is Pour Some Sugar on Me.

10. R.E.M. I went through a pretty big R.E.M. phase in my 20s. My brother was really into them and got me hooked. I've liked them ever since. I used to be able to play Superman on the guitar, but since I haven't played the guitar in years (maybe even decades?), I can't anymore. I bet I could pick it back up though. I love so many of their songs, but if I had to choose, I'd probably choose It's the End of the World as We Know It.

There you go! Do we share any favorite bands? Let me know in the comments!

Ten on Tuesday #2

This week's Ten on Tuesday focuses on my Top Ten Adult Historical Fiction Authors. It was HARD to narrow it down, because HF is my favorite genre and I love SO MANY authors! 

1. Sarah Sundin

Sarah is first on my list for a great reason: she write World War II fiction, and that's my absolute favorite era. I've read every one of her books and I've loved every one of them. They're all five stars for me! Sarah is a master at bringing history to life. She creates strong characters who are so relatable and realistic. I feel like I'm right there when I read one of her books. I don't think I could choose one favorite among them, because I love them all so much. Sarah is a gem, and sends me signed bookplates for every book. One of these days, my dream is to actually get to meet her and get them signed in person!

2. Nichole Van

Nichole Van write the dreamiest slow burn romances. Hoo boy, do I love her stories! One thing she's a master of is the flawed villain/hero. Her most recent book is probably my favorite: A Heart Sufficient. It features a fellow we all love to hate: Tristan, Duke of Kendall. I disliked him through the previous books in the series, all while also loving him. I do not make sense, I know. Nichole is just such a great writer that it works that way. You love them and you hate them and you can't wait to find out more. I have all of her books on Kindle, and decided that wasn't enough, so I got them all in hard copy. Now I need a signing that I can get to... (hint hint)

3. Sarah M. Eden

I love Sarah Eden's books! They're so sweet and wonderful. She is so good at storytelling and so good at making you feel like you could be part of the world she's writing in. She does grumpy sunshine super well, which I love because that's one of my favorite tropes. Reading a Sarah Eden book is always time well spent. Sarah comes up to Southeast Idaho from time to time, so I've been able to meet her and get all my books signed. I do love signed books!

4. Jen Turano

Every time I read one of Jen Turano's books, I catch myself laughing out loud. Seriously. I can't stop! Her characters are just so funny and witty. They're people I want to picnic with, even though I wouldn't be invited because I am definitely not New York 400 material. Still. They're just delightful people who are a blast to read about. I doubt I could ever make it to a signing (I'm wondering if Jen Turano does signings?), but I can always hope.

5. Heidi Kimball

If you haven't read anything by Heidi Kimball, go fix that right now. She's such a fantastic writer. She draws you in and you're right there living the story. I think my favorite of hers is Where the Stars Meet the Sea (2020). I was teary eyed for so much of it. Not because I was sad, but because I loved it so much! Her other books are must reads as well! Goal: make it to a book signing, because I need these signed!

6. Sian Ann Bessey

So far, I have read all of the Georgian Gentlemen series, which I love. I own a whole bunch of other books that I'm getting to. I'm very interested in her medieval books. I haven't read a ton of books set in that time period, so I'm excited to see what one of my favorite authors does with it. I think one of my favorite things about Sian's books is how they're full of things that could absolutely happen and they're not weird about it. Does that even make sense? I just like that I could be there and it would make perfect sense for me to be. Fun fact: Sian Ann Bessey lives in my hometown, and has done a couple of events here. I've been able to meet her and get my books signed!

7. Rebecca Connolly

I love Rebecca Connolly's historical fiction books so much! They're full of really fun people, crazy situations, hope, and love. I especially loved the Spinster Chronicles. Probably because I am one... I just found those ladies so delightful. I would have loved to be able to take tea with them and write fun, secret columns! I'm just about ready to jump into the third Cornwall book, and I can't wait! Goal: also make it to an event where Rebecca is so that I can get my books signed. I have them all on my Kindle, and also in hard copy.

8. Mimi Matthews

Oh my gosh, Mimi Matthews! Could I even choose a favorite series from her? No, no I could not. I've loved every one of her books and for good reason. They're just amazing. I'm very character driven in my reading, and Mimi's characters are top notch. I have so many book best friends thanks to her. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to come out! I am trying to be strong, but I may have to push the checkout button on my Amazon cart with all her books in hard copy. I have them on my Kindle.

9. Julianne Donaldson

Julianne Donaldson was my introduction to sweet historical romance with Edenbrooke. It's one of my all-time favorite books. Philip - SWOON. One of the highlights of my summer last year was getting to meet Julianne and have my copy of Edenbrooke and Blackmore signed. I do believe it's time for a reread.

10. Nancy Campbell Allen

Nancy Campbell Allen's books are So. Much. FUN! I love steampunk, and NCA is a genius at it. Her books don't fall into the weird steampunk category - they feel like they could be happening. They're so clever and amazing! I loved getting to meet her last summer and have my books signed. Always a highlight for me!

I was going to do an Honorable Mention list as well, but I decided that I'll do other Ten on Tuesday posts where I can showcase all my other favorites. There were so many that I was afraid I'd miss someone!

Now you have a whole bunch of reading to do. You're welcome.

Ten on Tuesday #1

I used to be heavily involved in the Young Adult book blogging community. One of the weekly themed posts we did was Top Ten Tuesday. It was a lot of fun, and focused on books. I've been seeing old posts pop up in my Facebook memories, and I thought it might be fun to bring it back, but with my own spin.

I think I will do ten things on Tuesdays that I am thinking about. No specific schedule, no limits to what it could be. Just something I'm thinking about and have ten things to include.

I think today my top ten are best things to binge while home sick...I may be having some personal experience with this.

1. Tournament of Champions, Food Network

2. Spring Baking Championship, Food Network

3. Bad Batch, Disney+

4. Andor, Disney+

5. Planet Earth, Discovery+ and sometimes Netflix

6. Irish People Try, YouTube (language, so be warned)

7. Mission Impossible movies, Tubi

8. NCIS, Paramount+

9. Clone Wars, Disney+

10. Any true crime show, Discovery+

The bad side is that I'm sick, going on my third day out of work, and going crazy. The good side is that I'm catching up on shows I've wanted to watch for a while now...

Next week, I think I'll do something bookish.

(This is a derivative of Top Ten Tuesday from that artsy reader girl)