Happy Friday and the last day of June. Wow, this year is flying by! And it’s hotter than Hades here in Texas. But we expect it and won’t get a break for at least three months. So, we grin and bear it and stay hydrated and in the shade!
Today’s post is going to cover a lot of ground, but I’ll do what I can to keep it short.
First of all, I had two appointments this week to discuss the results of the recent MRI. The brain scan seemed fine, but my neck has some issues. There is some compression between the discs, some bulging, and arthritis. So, I am making a treatment plan with my chiropractor to work on that issue. When I met with the neurologist, I felt like it was a complete waste of my time. He refused to even acknowledge the neck issue as being a possible source of vertigo and referred me for another test—An MRA (which I never heard of.) So, I did that one today. We’ll see. I’m not putting much hope on any kind of positive spin from that doctor.
In the meantime, I am continuing to do QiGong exercises daily and doing my best to stay centered and grounded.
While at my chiropractor’s office this week, I purchased a new pillow. I can’t remember how long it had been since I bought one, but it was time. This pillow is called ChiroFlow, and you put water in it. Yep! That’s right. Water. I’ve slept on it for two nights, and today added a bit more water to get it where I want it. I have to admit to having a bit of paranoia about it leaking out on the bed. It reminds me of the seventies water beds. Raise your hand if you slept on one. Ha! Ha! Yep, me too.
I didn’t get nearly as much reading done this month as I normally do, so rather than make a separate book review post, I’ll share them here.
MY REVIEW:
There are so many aspects of this beautiful book that are unique and creative. Not only are there heartfelt syllabic poems, but personal photographs and even videos that enhance the reading experience. The author’s keen insight into the plight of these South African animals is honest and expressive. It carries an overarching theme in the different introductions, then poems, and that is that the animals are threatened with extinction by losing their natural habitats to human progress. How sad! And when will the lesson be learned? I struggled to pick a favorite poem, but being a Leo, I have a great affinity with lions. So, I’ll share this one:
Muscles of Iron crouch
He propels upward
Settling his bulk into the crook of a branch
A unique position
To survey and wait
Great head moving smoothly
Mane protecting neck
His expression is smug; can I see a smile?
Relishing his power
A king on his throne
An unobservant bird
Settles on the pond
He springs, slick and fast;
I hardly see him move
Just a splash of water
And a spray of blood
That’s just one sample of the visually expressive poetry that’s found within the pages of this book. Lion Scream culminates with a short story, The Nutcracker. Wow! The author dives deep into psychosis and its devastating effects on the sufferer and their loved ones. This is a must-read book for everyone who has any empathy for the plight of the beautiful endangered animals or knows about mental illness up close and personal.
MY REVIEW:
The time period is the 1800s. Tensions between the American settlers and Native American tribes run high. Lonely Spirit is a Comanche half-breed who doesn’t fit in either world. While his family embraces him, the tribe does not, and Lonely Spirit has a burning desire to find his father, a United States Senator. The first story opens with Lonely Spirit leaving the only home he’s ever known with a Comanche tribe in search of the father he’s never met. Thankfully, the senator welcomes him, gives him a new name, Quinn, and gets him a job with the U.S. Marshals.
This begins an entirely new life for Quinn. He’s good at his job. He can track criminals better than any white man, and though it takes some time, he earns the respect of the other men.
While this book is a short story collection, each story links together perfectly, so it is like reading a novella. Quinn’s experiences are often life-threatening, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen to him next. This is a quick, easy read with a great amount of historical accuracy. The author shows both sides of the issue between the Native American tribes and the Army, all while telling a compelling tale. If you have a penchant for Native American stories, I have no doubt you’d enjoy this one. The pacing is good and kept me engaged.
MY REVIEW:
With an upcoming trip to Ireland, I knew I needed to read this book. I enjoyed the history, myths, legends, and folklore of Ireland. I struggled with some of the words and had to look up a few, but it’s a great little book. I think my favorite part is the head-to-head competition between two of Ireland’s most famous legends, Fion MacCumhaill, who received his power from the salmon of knowledge, and Cú Chulainn, who was viewed as more of a demi-god than a mere legend. Which one won the competition? You’ll have to read the book to find out. If you have an interest in all things related to Irish myths, magic, and folklore, you will enjoy this book.
I leave for Ireland one week from today! Excited doesn’t begin to express it. If you want to take a look at this writer’s conference for next year, visit Ireland Writers Tours. That way, you can be in the loop for the next signup. It fills really fast as they only take twelve authors. I am so grateful to my girls for paying for this conference for me. I am blessed beyond measure!
I will make a Monday post with the tarot reading for July, then I will go silent until I return from Ireland.
