Helping artists through coaching and big picture planning, to get clarity on the next best steps, so they can be confident, breathe easy and build a sustainable, successful career.
[Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter] Even the Weather Doesn't Know Which Way to Turn...
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“Books have the same enemies as people: ― Paul Valéry We've just stepped into February and although "some days must be dark and dreary", as Longfellow said, that must mean some days must be bright and vibrant, right? But... what about if the weather itself doesn't know what the heck it's doing? And... does our mood have to match? Well, of course our moods don't have to match the weather, but they sure seem to, a lot of the time. And in recent many years, with weather getting more and more erratic and unsure of which way it ought to turn, we are left with the same kind of uncertainty and unsettledness... those moods that we might find ourselves tangled up in. And the choices we make can't really help but to be influenced by that. Sometimes that influence is physical. Like when heat or humidity, cold or barometric pressure cause our bodies to respond to weather. Or when the overcast skies cause our emotions to become a tad wary of what storm might be brewing. Quite often it's the scariness of why the weather has become so erratic (or has been erratic for so long!) that sets us off in some way. It might be that we expect someone named Science will pop out of the bushes shouting, I told you so! It's no wonder that book choices might also be influenced by the kookiness of warm, warm weather in Winter, or by cold, snowy weather in places where we might normally retreat to for sun and sand. Why do I write so much about the weather and the many cycles of nature? Well, we have beach reads, travel logs and memoirs; we have cozy mysteries set in snow-bound inns, and spy novels set in dark and rainy streets... all of these setting the mood for a great read, using light and dark, cold and warmth ~ in essence the various cycles of nature playing a huge literary role. There are detailed accounts of explorations setting the stage with storms or blizzards, drought or plenty... all filled with brave deeds and derring do. We have science fiction and fantasy books where authors work diligently to build worlds that will touch on just enough of what we know of nature to make their own, created worlds believable to us. If you've followed my newsletters at all, you'll find that my thoughts very often turn to how our own lives reflect the rhythms of nature. I believe that despite our efforts to improve, progress, upgrade, and innovate, at the heart of things, we are part of nature. And as a reader, when I'm able to draw a line between my responses to things like weather and seasonal changes, and my responses to "which book should I read next?", I discover myself a little more. Sometimes it's seasons of wild warmth, and windy weather; sometimes it's seasons of a life well lived... either way the cycles and rhythms of seasons are an important part of my response to life... and to reading. · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · How do you choose your next read? I'd love to know what kinds of things influence your choices when it comes to picking your next book, your next story. Are you as influenced, as I am, by what's going on around you? Maybe I am planning to travel to Scotland and I want to read something stormy and mysterious. Perhaps I have been overworked and overwhelmed ~ so my next read simply has to be a light, palate-cleansing cozy mystery based on recipes and a cute sidekick pet. What about you? Do you have a to-be-read checklist that you stick to, faithfully going down, one by one, reading the next one in order? Or do you have a pile of books you shuffle around, close your eyes and plunge your hand in, pulling out the next story? I'd truly love to hear. · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Although many of my reading choices are based on what's going on in my life, from seasons to travel to holiday celebrations, there are many times that the choices are made for me... from book club to library holds coming due. So... This is what I've been reading... I am delighted to share that I am thoroughly enjoying Aunt Dimity's Death the first of 25 books in a mystery series by Nancy Atherton. So well written and believable, even in its fantastic little twists of tale. So far, halfway through, I would recommend this, Reader, if you enjoy the cozier brand of stories. Our last book club book, Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout, was rich with well developped characters and unexpected turns of story. I mentioned before about the author's choice of breaking of the fourth wall. I actually really enjoyed that part of the narrative, as it made me feel a little more invested. Our next read is Matrons and Madams (the first Bread and Roses book) by Sharon Johnston. I've yet to start it, but look forward to diving in. I'd truly love to know what's on your nightstand or cozy fireside table, Reader. · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · As always, please make sure you use the signup links... Another thank-you coming your way: we are so very grateful to those of you who are using the signup link: https://www.ticketleap.events/events/silent-book-club-ottawa. It truly helps us to keep our host venues up to date with how many people to expect at any meetup. So... thank you! Please bookmark that link and use it when making your SBC plans. Also... you can subscribe to the Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter's Google Calendar (if you use Google Calendar, that is) so that all of our meetups show up on your calendar. Go to our webpage scroll all the way to the bottom and click where the arrow points to. Follow the prompts and you'll get the info directly on your G'Calendar. In the description field of each meetup "event" in the calendar, you'll find the link you need to sign up. Easy peasy! Once you've visited the link and explored what's there, please let me know what you think! · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · As always... that's all from me for now. Happy reading! Warmly and bookishly, nicole · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · FEBRUARY EVENTS We're well on our way, with now SEVEN metups! Folks gathering all across the city to read and share about their current books. 📆 If you'd like to add our events to your Google calendar, please click here and subscribe! 📝 All meetups are now available for signup here! This helps our hosts know how many people to expect. Thank you! As always, please pay close attention in the list below to the start times for various gatherings. Not all meetups are at the same time. We have one that starts a touch earlier than most and one that's in the afternoon! Read carefully below and when you sign up. ⭐ = New! (Click here to email me, if you're looking to host a meetup in your area!) Upcoming events
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· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter If you received this email from a friend and would like to subscribe, please click here. |
little acorn creative coaching
Helping artists through coaching and big picture planning, to get clarity on the next best steps, so they can be confident, breathe easy and build a sustainable, successful career.
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