What I've been reading

Okay, I got sucked into the world of Lit and had a bit of trouble getting back to the real world.

I have read Jojo Moyes' Me Before You and After You. If you want a book that will make you laugh and cry, these are it. I'm sure many may have seen the movie for Me Before You. Let me tell you, the book is way better. And the sequel helps you deal with the first book, a little. A very, very little. I haven't gotten around to reading the last book, Still me, yet. I don't know if I've recovered enough.

I have read almost all of Georgette Heyer's Regency novels and read all her Georgian novels. Her work is smart, funny and witty. Reading one of her stories is like taking a trip into another world. She now ranks as one of my Favorite authors.

I've discovered a fondness for YA Dystopian. The Selection series, The Lunar Chronicles, The Maze Runner Trilogy, and (of course) The Hunger Games Trilogy are the ones I have read so far.


I owe you one by Sophie Kinsella is another laugh-out-loud joy by one of my favorite writers. Fixie Farr's biggest fault (in her eyes, anyway) is her overwhelming urge to fix thing. From a soda spill to her loved ones lives, Fixie has to fix it. I want to say congratulations to Sophie Kinsella on having Can you keep a secret? turned into a movie. I can't wait to see it. If you haven't read that folks, do it soon. You'll thank me later.

After watching The Finest Hours, I simply had to read the book. The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman is a book that I had trouble putting down. I love how they take you further than the movie and let you know what happened with the Pendleton and the Fort Mercer. While Disney did a great job on the movie, I don't think Bernie Webber would've liked the movie portrayal of himself. In short, if you enjoyed the movie you are going to want to read this book.

If you ever have gone a terrible breakup due to a lying cheating mate, The Ladies Room by Carolyn Brown is pure delight just waiting for you. When Trudy goes to the ladies room at her Great aunt Gert's funeral, she never expected to overhear her cousins gossip, much less about her. As Trudy learns that her perfect life is all a lie, she resolves that no one is going to call her "Poor Trudy" anymore. The best revenge is a life well lived. The Ladies Room is one novel you will struggle to put down at 3 am. This is experience talking.

Sofia Khan is not obliged by Ayisha Malik is for anyone who ever had to hear that irritating question from family members " So, why aren't you in a relationship?". Those questions ought to be banned. Sofia breaks up with her boyfriend right before Ramadan because she in no absolute way wants to move in with him, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law plus two kids, and his sister and brother-in-law plus three kids. It's a tad crowded. After mentioning it casually at a work meeting, her Boss asks her to write a book about Muslim dating. How on Earth is she supposed to do that? We follow Sofia for a year as she tries to write a book, hide her dad's cigarettes, and maybe, just maybe find true love. Sofia is a gem. Ayisha Malik does a wonderful job portraying what life is like when you're a hijabi in the UK.

This is only a portion of what I read. Keep Posted!

Eurovision 2019 Tel Aviv

Belated Congrats to Netta for her win last year! Loved your song. Here is my thoughts on 2019s contestants based on the Official Recap of all 41 contestants:

 1. Albania - Jonida Maliqi - Ktheju Tokēs - Sounds epic, like really truly epic. Wish I knew Albanian.
 2. Armenia - Srbuk - Walking out - Girl got pipes! She is not in my top 5, or 10 for that matter, but if she should win, it wouldn't surprise me.
 3. Australia - Kate Miller-Heidke - Zero Gravity - What on Earth were you thinking, Australia? You've sent Dami Im, Isaiah, and Jessica Mauboy and now you're sending her? I mean, she is no where near their level. I expected better to be honest.
 4. Austria - Pænda - Limits - She has a very smooth voice. Good job, Austria.
 5. Azerbaijan - Chingiz - Truth - Video clip is mild on the creepy meter, music has jam potential. Wouldn't surprise me ...
 6. Belarus - Zena - Like It - Why do I feel like my childhood is making a comeback? I think it may have something to do with her adopting a little of Christina Agulerà's s style from the early 2000s. She is number 8 on my top ten list.
 7. Belgium - Eliot - Wake up - I have no idea why I like this song so very much. I just do. It is number 7 in my top 10.
 8. Croatia - Roko - The Dream - He makes me think of the crooners of the past.
 9. Cyprus - Tamta - Replay - The song is very catchy. I just wanted to know, why is she in the men's locker room?
10. Czech Republic - Lake Malawi - Friend of a friend - Well, this video looks fun. LM has an easy, carefree flow.
11. Denmark - Leonora - Love is Forever - On that big chair, they all look like little kids.
12. Estonia - Victor Crone - Storm - Another song I have no idea why I like. Number 9 in my top 10.
13. Finland - Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman - Look away - Lady dancing over the DJ, dude singing, lights flashing and you want me to look away?
14. France - Bilal Hassani - Roi - Another very nice set of pipes. Again, not in my top 10, but it wouldn't surprise me...
15. Georgia - Oto Nemsadze - Sul Tsin Iare - Epic sounding Rock music with flame throwers? I like it. You get extra points for flames.
16. Germany - S!sters - Sister - A little off key at first but once they got going, they rocked it. Number 10 in my top 10.
17. Greece - Katerine Duska - Better Love - Video clip is approaching medium on the creepy meter. Nice voice.
18. Hungary - Joci Pápai - Az Èn Apàm - Joci's back! I love his song! Yes, I want him to win. He is number one in my top 10.
19. Iceland - Hatari - Hatrid Mun Sigra - Clip hit the high mark on the creepy meter.
20. Ireland - Sarah Mcternan - 22 - This is that song you raise the volume up on in the car when you're on the highway.
21. Israel - Kobi Marmi - Home - Uhhh... Ok. This is different, in a nice way. I'm just not feeling it, is all.
22. Italy - Mahmood - Soldi - This one is giving off bad boy vibes. I imagine he will get a lot of votes for that as well as his musical abilities.
23. Latvia - Carousel - That Night - They make me think about one of those classy lounges where you don't clap, you snap. I feel like I should be snapping my fingers right now.
24. Lithuania - Jurij Veklenko - Run with the Lions - Nice song.
25. Malta - Michela - Chameleon - Number 4 in my top 10. How can anyone not love this song? It's fun, catchy, and just ... perfect. Still want Joci to win.
26. Moldova - Anna Odobescu - Stay - As you may or may not know, I went through a Russian melodrama miniseries period. This song reminds me of it.
27. Montenegro - D Mol - Heaven - All those kids in white! How did they keep them clean? Oh, nice song by the way.
28. North Macedonia - Tamara Todevska - Proud - Another Epic Song.
29. Norway - Keiino - Spirit in the Sky - Epic Norwegian Jams, that is where this song is headed.
30. Poland - Tulia - Fire of Love (Pali Sie) - Is this song sung in traditional Polish style? The clip doesn't show. Must see video later.
31. Portugal - Conan Osiris - Telemoveis - The creepy meter for this clip goes high then shifts to the weird meter and just hangs out there.
32. Romania - Ester Peony - On a Sunday- Lovely singing but that clip made it to medium on the creepy meter.
33. Russia - Sergey Lazarev - Scream - Yes, Sergey is back. How many times has he been here? And why are all his songs all so epic sounding?
34. San Marino - Serhat - Say Na Na Na - Ah, San Marino. Thank you for always reminding us to party all night long like we have no responsibilities. Even when we very much do.
35. Serbia - Nevena Bozovic - Krena - She's got sparklers. She sounds very nice but she's got sparklers. She has an edge here, folks. Still Team Joci, though.
36. Slovenia - Lala Kralj & Gasper Santl - Sebi - Vocals are smooth and the beat is jam worthy.  This belongs in a chill out mix.
37. Spain - Miki - La Venda - We got Trumpets! This song is so fun. It makes me happy Spain is sending Miki.
38. Sweden - John Lundvic - Too late for love - This song is number 2 in my top ten. Of all the songs here, this is the only one I wish I could see performed in person.
39. Switzerland - Luca Hanni - She Got Me - Salsa dancing in Switzerland? Why not? I wish I could dance, I so would. Number 3 in my top ten.
40. The Netherlands - Duncan Laurence - Arcade - Epic Song of Sadness.
41. United Kingdom - Michael Rice - Bigger than Us - Written by John Lundvic, is it any wonder I like it? Number 6 in my top ten. I wouldn't be surprised...

I hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on the 41 contestants of Eurovision 2019. If you want to, feel free to leave a message below.

What on earth is Pulpitist?

A very painful condition, I'll tell you that. I've been out of it for a bit. The upside is I lost some weight. That was a plus, a small one but one none the less.

Pulpitist is when the pulp surrounding the nerves in your teeth swell, causing pain and agony. This occurs after your mouth has been in a thermal assault.You know, where hot and cold collide like a messed up particle accelerator, destroying all your comfort as you sit there thinking that your teeth cracked in half. There are two types, Temporary and Permanent. I got the temporary kind which means I get to keep my teeth. So, YAY!!!!!!!!!  

Because of that, I couldn't handle extreme hot or cold. Funny thing is that is what caused this whole mess any way. Word to the wise, never ever ever eat a bowl of soup with a icy cold fruit smoothie. No good will come of it.

For those who may or may not be worrying about me, I am almost all healed up. Key word : almost.

Chase Goehring and Books!

So, I like to look at acts from America's Got Talent from time to time. And today I found a singer who I just know will be big some day. His name is Chase Goehring. Check him out Below:

 I just love his voice! I've just had get his music.

 In other news, I finished Yours Truly by Kristy Greenwood. Absolute Laugh Riot! I also finished Remedial Rocket Science by Suzannah Nix. Adored it. For every nerd girl, this is your book.

I finished the Afghan. Look below to check it out.

My family seems to like it but I don't think I'll make another one soon. It took me a long time just to make this one.

Well, here it is. If you have any questions or comments, leave a message below.

Random things

So I'm working on an afghan for the back of my parent's couch. Progress is a little slow, to be honest. I'm using Sailors Delight from Bernat's blanket yarn collection. Here's a pic of the yarn.

In other news, I got a new mp3 player. It's an Eclipse Supra Fit BLK 8gb and I love it. The touch screen is a bit sensitive but I don't mind it.Here's what it looks like.

I haven't used the pedometer yet. The weather has been very fickle. One day it's hot, another it's cold. In May.

Typing out chapter two of Behind the Image has been very,very slow. I have started the rough draft of chapter 5 though. The cast has been set, the plot planned out, and the scene set. I just need to write it all down. It's a pain to have the whole story in my head and not on paper.

I am going to reveal the young man who looks like Jay to me. Look below.

His name is Jorge Jurado and he looks like Jay, to me at least.




In other news, Portugal has won Eurovision. I'm still trying to figure out why. The song is in Portuguese so I didn't understand it, but ... I don't know, I felt that someone else shouldv'e won. I don't know who but that is how I feel. Regardless of my feelings, Congrats, Portugal on your first ever win! Congrats Salvador Sobral on winning!

In the world of music, I was looking at the music of David Dunn when I discovered these two gems of a Cover. All I can say is that David Dunn and Jordan Feliz are incredible singing together. Check it out below.

That's it for today, folks. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a message down below.

Eurovision's Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, we all know I love the Eurovision Song Contest. So, it stands to reason that it's one of my favorite times of the year and I'm going to share it with as many willing (or unwilling, as my siblings say) people.

There are so many very good singers this year and I want to share my favorites (in no order of importance).

Here is an incredible Singer from Australia named Isaiah Firebrace. I dare you not to love him!

Another Gem is Anja Nissen. She will be representing Denmark. Girl got soul.

JOWST is THE BAND from Norway. Are you dancing yet?

The UK has shocked Europe by choosing the Beautiful Lucie Jones. *sniff sniff*

This Cutie from Austria is Nathan Trent. Feel free to sing along.

Belarus' NAVIBAND has that fun infectious beat. Go ahead, clap your hands.

Hovig from Cyprus has an awesome sound. Got to love it.

Levina is Germany's choice. Lovely song, lovely girl.

Tamera Gachechiladze is from Georgia (the country, not the state) and her song is as beautiful and strong as she is. Got to love that hair, too.

Greece's Demy is incredible with her song that so easy to dance to. Go kick your shoes off and dance. #You have my blessing.

Joci Papai from Hungary is not ashamed of his Roma roots. Jam with his song and embrace it with him.

  Israel's IMRI has stellar techno dance vibes all over this song. Let's Dance!

Moldova has brought back Epic Sax Guy! Sunstroke Project's got your jam right here, Baby! Hit that replay button. You know you want to....

Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson represent San Marino with this Pop song with major disco feel. Dust off that Disco Ball folks. You're gonna need it.

This beach worthy song is from Spain's Manel Navarro. Don't it make you want to splash in the waves?

Sweden has sent Robin Bengtsson (a very likable JT wannabe with his own style). I had to hit the replay button, I tell you, I had to!

Last but not in the least bit least (if that makes any sense), is Ukraine's O.Torvald. As you know, Ukraine's Jamala won last year. And I think they chose just the right people to follow behind her. Feel free to rock to this song.

On a side note, I'm working on Chapter 2 of Beyond the Image and I hope to have it up soon. Keep Jammin' folks!

Name: Beyond the Image, Chapter 1: Jay

Sometimes I make stupid choices. There I said it. You don’t need to gloat over it. I’ll be the first to admit it, you know. I feel no shame in doing it.

But today, well, I just seemed to be making loads of them. The first mistake (and most serious, if you ask me) was asking my sister Gina to pick me up after school. “Why do you want me to pick you up, Jay? You’ve never asked me to do that before.” Trust Gina to point out that glaring fact. “Can’t a fella hang with his sister if he feels like it?” I asked. An eyebrow quirked up, how she does it, I’ll never know. At that point, I knew lying would be futile. So I tried another approach. “Ok, ok, I want to show off your new car. Hey, if a fella can’t drive, might as well ride, right?” I gave her my best showman smile. My reward was a small smirk and a sigh. “What time?” she asked, wearily. “3:30, on the dot. Thanks, Gina girl. You’re the best!” I raised my fist for a fist bump that wasn’t exactly forthcoming. Gina looked at it for a second like it was some dog about to bite her. With obvious reluctance, she returned my fist bump and went back to her partially eaten breakfast.

My second bad decision was to take the bus to school. Normally, I walk but it looked like it might rain. So, I just headed straight for the bus stop because I didn’t feel like getting wet. I jumped on board and sat in the first available seat I came across. That was my third stupid choice.

Of all the seats I could’ve chosen, I had to choose the one that “belonged” to Sam Reed. My sister says that pugs are so ugly, they’re cute. That’s Sam, minus the cute part. He’s a pug with the temperament of a pit-bull. Not a very good combo. Just saying.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” he asked rhetorically. “Hey, twerp, you keepin’ my seat warm for me?” He grinned as his three buddies hooted in laughter at his lame comment, as if he’s actually funny. At that point, my mind told me to say “Yes, here’s your seat. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting”. But my mouth said, “I’m keeping my seat warm, yes”. While my mind tries to kill people with kindness, my mouth keeps trying to get me killed with it’s rudeness. My big mouth made my fourth mistake.

“What did you say?” huffed Sam, turning an ugly shade of red. “It’s a free country and I don’t have to give up my seat if I don’t want to. I’m pulling a ‘Rosa’” I said quickly. Hey, what’s a few more feet to my already sizable hole. Sam grabbed the front of my shirt and lifted me off my seat. “Rosa who?” he growled. “Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights Activist. Wow, I know everybody says your dumb, but I never really believed them til now” I said rather loudly. Like loud enough for the whole bus to hear and start snickering.

Sam literally turned purple. I think he was one step away from either passing out or killing me. It’s a bit of a toss up at this point. If I had to put money on it, I’d say I was very close to death’s door at that moment. Sam pulled his fist back right as the bus driver yelled, “ Eight seconds is all I’m going to give you to find a seat before I go back there and throw you off my bus”. Giving me a glare, Sam threw me down and headed to the back of the bus with his crew. Tossing several nerds out their seats, they proceeded to glare at me the rest of the way to school.

I spent the whole school day blowing pop quizzes and avoiding Sam. Haley O’Dell, my one and only friend at W.L. Harmon High, thought I was being a coward. “Just face them and show them you’re not scared of them. They thrive on fear” she said as we walked out the doors together, another agonizing day of torturous education over. “That’s the thing, Hales. I am scared. You didn’t see him on the bus. He looked absolutely murderous.” Haley rolled her large blue-grey eyes and gave her red-brown hair an annoyed flip. “I don’t think he’ll kill you, Jay. Rough you up a little, perhaps, but killing you means jail time. He’s not dumb.” Her voice sounded as annoyed as her face looked. “Haley, I insulted his very intelligence. Bullies don’t let you live after that. Common knowledge” I said, shrugging. Sometimes she can be so clueless. “Um,hm. Fine, believe that. Whatever. Look, are you going to come over to my house so we can go over our Spanish assignment that Mrs. Martinez handed out?” she asked as we stood the sidewalk near the buses. “I’ll try to come by later. Right now, I’m going to wait for Gina to show”. Haley raised a skeptical eyebrow. How on earth does she do that? “Really now?” she asked. “Yes, really. She’s got a new car. Wanna stick around and see it?” I asked in turn, giving her a smirk. She’s one of the few girls I know who is into cars. “I’d love to but I’ll have to pass today. Catch you later” she yelled over her shoulder as she hopped on to her bus. I waited for her to get into her usual seat by a window and waved to her before walking toward the school entrance.

Only Sam and his gang were at the top of the steps scanning the crowd. I quickly turned around, but not before I heard Sam shout,” There! There’s the ‘Rosa’ dweeb!” At that, I took of running deep into the throng of exhausted teenagers. “Good luck getting me now” I thought. That is, until I realized that the crowd was parting like the Red Sea in front of Moses, giving Sam and Company good access to me. Nervous, I looked around for a place to hide. Noticing some bushes, I made for those and dove into them.

You know, bushes aren’t made for comfort. I should know. I sat there for two hours. For half that time, Sam and his gang hung around the school grounds, looking for me. The other half was spent there merely as a precautionary measure. Then as my poor luck would have it, the sky opened up and drenched me. Right as I ran for the skimpy shelter of the school steps, Gina drove up, looking distraught.

“Jay, I’m so, so, so sorry” she said, wringing her hands as I slid my soaked body inside her new car. “It’s cool, Gina. Are you alright? I was starting to worry” I asked and meant it too. I had been trying to call and text her for some time and got no answer. I was about to start checking for accidents. “My phone died. I forgot to charge it. Please remind me to get a new car charger. Mom took mine. And Mrs. Delaney kept me longer than usual. She, uh… was running late” she replied as she turned in to the road.

Now, I would’ve believed her, really I would’ve. But I knew she was lying for several reasons. One, her ears turned red the way they do when she lies. Second, her boss is so punctual she can make an atomic clock look super slow. Third, her phone rang. I picked up her fully charged phone. “It’s just a text from Mom. I think it’s time you tell me the truth though” I snapped. Gina’s shoulders slumped. “Francine and I went to lunch after work and did some stuff after. Oh, Chris proposed to her and she asked me to be her Maid of Honor.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Hmm, that’s nice. What kind of stuff?” I pressed. I don’t know why I bothered. Gina shrank into her seat and mumbled something. “What was that?” I asked. “Francine and I went to go see the new Jason Andez-Garcia movie, Okay?” she shouted. And I thought my day couldn’t get any worse.