ARE YOU HERE FOR THE #YASH? YOU’LL FIND IT HERE!
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The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world?
The co-hosts for the April 1 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! Be sure to visit and thank them for stepping up and co-hosting today.
This highway is usually bumper to bumper. Deer saunter across safely now.
My answer to this question is quiet. I’ve been walking every day at least 4 to 5 miles since the governor asked us to self-isolate. Self-isolating is easy because there are so few people out, I’m able to find deserted streets and trails everywhere. When I do meet people, we keep our distance, but manage a good morning and a smile. What I love seeing are the families walking together. Maybe they did this before, but maybe this is a new family activity and I applaud that. I know this virus has changed my life pattern, and I’m finding I really love my walks. I’ve been posting about them on. Facebook and once in a while Instagram since I started 15 days. And as of today, I’ve logged 64 miles. Maybe I don’t need a gym?
This is a busy month online at least. I’ll be doing the #YASH (Young Adult Scavenger Hunt) again with 80 other authors. This year I’m on the BLUE TEAM. I like this hop because I have a chance to meet other authors and find out something “Exclusive” about them or their books. I even like to do the HUNT. It started yesterday and will end April 5 at 12 P.M. PDT. If you like FREE BOOKS and you need some DISTRACTION during these isolating days, join us HERE.
Like many of you, I’ve been reading even more than usual. I finished Margaret Atwood’s Testaments, and liked it even more than her Handmaid’s Tale. Maybe I just like to see perverted religious cults crumble. I also read an oldie Ballad of the Sad Cafe and other Short Stories by Carson McCullers. I didn’t care much for the other stories in the collection, but Ballad will stick with me for some time. It has all the human foibles that make fascinating characters as well as love, betrayal, loneliness, and abandonment. Steph Cha’s Your House Will Pay is a dynamite story told from two points of view, both American born, but from different cultures-one Korean and one Black. The setting is L.A. after the Watts Riots. Highly charged drama that leaves you wondering if forgiveness is ever possible. Right now I’m reading Roland Yeoman’s newest book, French Quarter Requiem (Dark Hollywood). Roland’s living up to his reputation for capturing some of Hollywood’s nobility when the last thing they are is noble. Of course, there’s a New Orleans haunted mansion, ghosts, and Turkish demons as well. Give it a read and a review! David P. King has a new book out today. The Dragon’s Heart: A LaVondian Fairytale is out today April 1st! You can check it out (Amazon and Goodreads). It’s a clean fantasy, excellent for young readers and for anyone who may be in the mood for a fairy tale adventure. Another book to add to your TBR list.
Don’t forget there’s a new ANTHOLOGY CONTEST coming soon from IWSG. The genre is Sci-Fi, and take a look at the judges who will read your material:Dan Koboldt, author and #SFFpit founder, Lynda Young, author, Damien Larkin, author, Julie Gwinn, agent, The Seymour Agency, David Powers King, author, Ion Newcombe, editor and publisher
Quote of the Month: “Nothing makes me more nervous than people who say, ‘It can’t happen here.’ Anything can happen anywhere, given the right circumstances. Margaret Atwood.
You’re doing so good with your walking. I do one to two miles a day. Always feel better afterward. Tiger goes with me sometimes because we stay on the land and not in the road.
Thank you for posting about my book. I’ve been reading the new books and they are all super. Need to review them, too. That’s on my list, but I just keep reading. Don’t want to stop.
Cats can be such great walking companions! We had one that used to go along with us, and I really miss that.
Wishing you the best with this latest book.
Thanks for including me in this stellar lineup, Lee.
I’m glad you’re walking and I agree sometimes just getting away from a sticking point helps. I think the subconscious works on the problem while we are thinking of something else.
Walking does seem to free things up. It’s great to be outside and not sitting.
Really cool about your walking miles. We live in a walkable neighborhood, but so far have ventured out only once during this pandemic. I am also reading a lot more than I normally would, and I’m loving that. Stay safe.
I find it easier to sit if I’ve walked first. And I love to read, so that usually requires sitting. 🙂 Glad to hear that you’re well and safe at home.
What a wonderfully positive, informative, and well organized blog and post for May! Thank you for those walking pictures for those of us who have to limit such walks to 30 minutes. But we have luckily a pond nearby, and so we take solace on our walks. Be well in the coming month, and thank you again for your inspiration.
Whatever walks you take, they’re perfect. Hope you stay well and keep up those 30 minute walks to that beautiful pond.
You’ve no idea how much I wish I could join you on your walking journey! What a luxury! Some won’t think it so, but I do, and your scenery is amazing!
Congratulations on the reading too, that is an advantage! And what a gift to the authors! Thank you!
Thank you, Yolanda. I too think it’s a luxury. I never take my walks for granted the way I used to. I’m learning never to take anything for granted.
200 miles! That’s impressive. Sadly, we live in a Mexican neighbourhood and doing a walkabout is ill-advised. I used to walk on the beach. Miss doing that very much.
That is too bad. A walk to the beach is always delightful.
You walked such a long way! Impressive. Lots of people seem to be walking now.
It’s a healthy activity that anyone can do. No equipment required except some sturdy shoes and some water. I can see why people are doing it more during this lock down.
A scarily apt quote you chose there. Great you’re getting in so much walking. Another benefit is there’ll be cleaner air with the drop in traffic. I mentioned it on FB, but you’re lucky – over here we are supposed to stick to our very local area and are discouraged from going long distances. Nice to see some good book recommendations too.
There are signs on all of the trails to stay 6 feet apart and we can’t go into a store without a mask, but otherwise we can be out and about. Thank heaven. I’d been institutionalized by now otherwise.
64 miles?! That is impressive!
I looked up the description for The Dragon’s Heart on Goodreads and it sounds right up my alley! Adding it to my TBR, for sure!
Alexa
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verbosityreviews.com
Wow! You have logged a lot of miles. That is awesome! I live near two different trails and have seen more people walking there in the past month than all of my time living here (15 years) added together. So- I am thinking that more people are going out for walks and hikes as families than before (at least around here). Spring has also been coming early this year and things are a couple weeks ahead of when they normally bloom and I think that makes people want to get out as well. 🙂
Stay safe!
Hi, came from the A-Z, always great to visit here. My go-to stress buster is walking too, though I don’t clock anywhere as near impressive as you. Stay safe and well.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
I think it’s cool that you’ve been going for walks.
I still keep my usual dog-walking schedule from before all the lockdowns, but it seems now that my neighbors look forward to me walking my dog. They all wave and ask how she’s doing from their porches and windows.
Walks do help both your physical & mental health. Do stay safe!
64 miles, wow, I am impressed. Glad you are finding ways to stay busy and self-isolate. Stay safe, stay healthy, and belated IWSG.
You’ve done a lot of walking, Lee. Congrats! I’ve seen the facebook/instagram posts.
Everything is in limbo… neither here nor there… the global tailspin is crazy. Actually, it’s surreal. One of the bloggers used the word “discombobulated” and I had a good laugh. But she’s right. Just under a million virus infections within a month? Yes, discombobulated IS the word!
Stay safe in your corner of the globe.
I read that post, too. Discombobulated was perfect. I hope you stay safe, Michelle. Take care.
Glad you’re able to get out and walk during this. It has been quieter here, too. (Other than my spouse going a bit nuts.)
I hope you’ll stop by my blog on April 15, when M is for McKenzie (you).
Why does YASH have to also be in April! So many things to do this month.
I will stop by. In fact, I’ve been meaning to visit before now, but this week has been full of blog hops that have kept me…well, hopping!
That is a fantastic amount of miles you’ve logged! Combined with friendly faces, wildlife, fresh air, and tranquility its a wonderful prescription for health and well-being. Yay, you!
What I love is exploring new places in my own town. I never would have taken the time to do this except for this crisis lockdown. Something good out of something bad.
Books are a respite — and so is walking, daily. When the sun comes out, all seems possible. Stay in good health.
So right, Beth! Thanks and same to you.
Wow, that’s a lot of walking. I used to go walking all the time in the mornings before I started this job. I enjoyed the fresh air and the thinking time. Now I don’t seem to find the time. I need to work on that. I’ve been doing more reading, too, and writing since the stay-at-home order. The one good thing that has come from all of this is that it has slowed life down from the hectic craziness and brought families closer together. Stay well.
I do enjoy the slower pace, and I seem to get more done and appreciate the time more when I’m being more mindful of each task or activity. When I first started, I thought I couldn’t do the 4 miles very easily. The other day I hit 5 and I didn’t even know it. Practice does make perfect and it adds to endurance. Great to hear from you. And so glad you are well.
Is certainly quiet around our village. We have quite strict lockdown in Oz but I don’t mind. Whatever it takes to beat this sucker I say.
My daughter is getting married 1,200 kms away and we can’t be there. We’re dressing up and having a 3-person party on our deck and videoing it for her as a surprise. Have to be creative to get through this.
Am reading a ton. And tutoring via skype. I’m as busy as ever which is good.
Take care. Keep walking and reading!
That party of three is so creative, Denise. She will be touched and very appreciative. Sorry you have to miss the actual event, but you’re so wise to make the best of this and stay where you are. Here’s to the end of 19 and to our continued good health.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I tried to leave a comment on last month’s post. Every time I clicked over to the page it said it doesn’t exist. Sorry!
You must be in great shape to walk 4 or 5 miles every day. It’s astonishing that you have logged 64 miles in only two weeks. This plague has pressed the reset button, hasn’t it? It is forcing us to slow down, enjoy solitary activities and commune with nature. It giving us a rare opportunity to examine our priorities, make changes to our lifestyle and set and adjust goals. That Quote of the Month is right on target. Outbreaks don’t just happen in third world countries. They can happen anywhere, even in the U.S. We have learned that lesson the hard way.
Thank you for visiting me today at SPMM, dear friend Cheryl-Lee. I hope you continue to enjoy your outdoor walks and that you stay healthy and in good spirits until we meet again.
Sorry about that glitch last month. Several of my posts vanished, but I found them in the trash and restored them. I’m less and less enamored with WordPress all the time.
You are so right about having to reexamine our priorities. If we look at this time in that light, it will keep our stress level under control.
Loved your “degrees of separation” post. You did an amazing job. And it was fun.
Good to see you’ve kept busy with reading and walking. Both great pastimes. 🙂
The mind and body. Got to keep them well-oiled, don’t we?
Sounds like you’ve done some good reading, Lee. I overdosed on Theology in February and March :)…. Walking is good, but mostly I’ve been bicycling–to the office in shorts!–cause on zoom, no one sees your pants!
http://www.thepulpitandthepen.com
Ha! Love that. You only have to be well-dressed from the waist up. What will your parishioners think? Hope they have a good sense of humor.
Walking has always helped me keep a clear head. So important now!
Margaret Atwood has somehow always been able to see into the future. So much of the Handmaid’s tale has come to fruition. People who’ve only read it in the last decade or so have no idea how prescient her ideas were. And the Oryx and Crake trilogy is stunning.
I haven’t read that trilogy. I’ll make a note to do that. She was supposed to speak at a local bookstore this month, but that’s been cancelled. I hope she returns. I’d love to hear her.
I’ve enjoyed the photos from your walks! You’ve put on so many miles!!
I read a lot of Atwood’s books way back in high school. I especially loved her poetry – such a brilliant mind. I’ll have to pick her up again.
You might like Testaments. It’s fast and satisfying. Congrats on that book of yours. I’m going to start reading it tonight.
Awesome that you are walking a lot. I always walk with my dog but now I’m walking at a county park most days with a friend while practicing social distancing. I’m reading too like you. Glad you’re adjusting okay to the isolation.
And it sounds like a great opportunity to do the Scavenger Hunt. I’ll remember it if I ever get published.
Hi, Natalie. Sounds as if you’re of like mind. We’ll both be so fit we won’t recognize ourselves after this is over.
The YASH is a great way to meet authors and to get some great books.
Great post, Lee. Take care. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks, Anna.
Yes, lots of people are walking around here, too. More than before. We’re all going a bit stir crazy and need to get out from time to time.
I’m guessing your schools are closed, so you have some free time. Guess we have to treat this like a vacation and hope we don’t come in contact with that virus.
That’s great that you’re walking so much! Now that I can’t go to the gym, I’m being a lot lazier. But I still walk plenty at work.
I used to only walk on days I didn’t go to the gym and that was a great balance, but this daily walking is becoming more than just exercise. Interesting.
You have a great attitude about self-isolating. Reading and walking are two ways to make you emotionally and physically healthy. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
JQ Rose
Hi JQ,
Thanks for taking the time to check in. I know you’re doing a lot right now to spread some cheer with your writing.
Walking and reading – the best life ever! Why would anyone want anything else?
Exactly. This is not a punishment, but a luxury to relish!
Hooray for walking. And books to return to (and ponder while I walk).
Stay well, stay safe.
And the same to you. So far I’m delighted to hear that everyone I interact with online is well..
You’re making great use of your time. I’m working remotely from home and I love it. No cabin fever yet, but I’m a pretty big homebody. Thinking of ordering in margaritas, though, from the local El Torito for Friday night. LOL. Stay safe!
Hey, now that’s one great idea. I see signs in a lot of restaurants saying they will deliver cocktails! I’m usually a wine person, but a margarita sounds quite good.
Walking has been the best. If only the weather would cooperate. We’ve had so much rain. Stay safe.
We have some sunny days and then some rainy ones, so I’ve been out regardless. Of course, we’re not in freezing territory, so that makes a huge difference.
Streets are quiet around here, but on the weekend my wife & I went walking with the dogs, and everyone seemed to have the same idea. The trail was crowded, but people did keep their distance mindful of the risks.
I’m amazed at how cooperative everyone has been about this distancing. I’m sure it has helped in keeping the infection down. Fingers crossed.
Love to hear how you’re coping, Lee–and well. I walk a lot and like you, don’t run into a lot of people. My husband does the shopping. Thanks for the gorgeous picture of your neighborhood.
Walking helps a lot, doesn’t it? You’re very lucky to have a husband who shops. That’s big plus. So glad you’re staying well.
Walking is awesome! I love getting outside and seeing some of my neighbors (anyone who lives along my street). It’s good to get fresh air.
Being outside seems to alleviate a lot of stress. I can go home and be much more content after a long walk.
The one plus thing about where I live is when this blew up, there was still a bunch of snow on the ground and it was cold so I had an easy time not wanting to go outside. Of course, now the snow is melting and the sun is shining.
The temptation will be there when the sun’s out. Hope you have a chance for some outdoor time when it’s warm.
Keep enjoying your walks. They say they are good for both mind and body.
These are really helping me. I’m thinking it’s a good habit.
Great that you can log the miles. Maybe the virus will curb obesity and make people healthier. Silver lining.
It has to have something good in it. I think you’ve found one possibility.
Good to hear all is well with you. I like the idea of walking. I’ve been trying to work out in the yard more (when it’s not raining) and I meet a co-worker one or two times a week at our local track to walk and talk about work. We keep our distance and there’s no one else there but us.
It sounds as if you’re managing this time very well. I have a friend with asthma who literally is inside her house, fearful of any contamination. She’s going crazy.
Hi,
If there is anything that makes my heart sing, it is that mothers and fathers are using this time at home to get to know their children again. That is fun to see.
Hope you are able to keep enjoying your walks.
Take care and be safe.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
It’s is very nice to see this happening.
Maybe with a lot more people walking, there will be more healthy people in this country. We can only hope.
This would certainly be one very positive side effect of this terrible virus.