Reading Happened

I am attempting a goal of at least sixty books this year. So far, I am meeting the requirements. I believe this year will be one where I read Kindle and my books instead of visiting the library.

The following are the books I have read thus far; all of them earned my five-star rating:

The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan
Harry Potter – Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter – Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
The History of Living Forever by Jake Wolff
The Silence by Don DeLillo
Possession by A.S. Byatt
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano (in translation)
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
Resilient by Rick & Forrest Hanson
The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco (in translation)

Many of these books are quite long. I will not write reviews of them all since you can get the information you need on Amazon. I will say my favorites are: The Age of Witches, The History of Living Forever, Possession, The Hunting Party, and Resilient.

Enjoy what reading you can. It feeds creativity and is an active entertainment.

Gifts We Cannot Buy

The quiet of home when we
Return from wrestling lions all day.
The satisfaction of writing letters,
Poems, songs for loved ones.
The taste of a meal carefully
Prepared with helpings of love.
A comfortable chair, bright light,
Books we are longing to read.
Songs we never realized existed
But for which we find a soul hunger.
A dog, cat, lizard, goat, cow, whoever
Comes snuggles up, revealing devotion.
Stolen hours when hearts, souls
Are permitted freedom to dance art.
Picking up a crying child, watching
As eyes go wide, kissed by a smile.
The sweet hug of those treasured
Who we raised despite everything.
Traveling to a far-off wonderland,
Returning to a space of belonging.
Knowing, growing with screen friends,
Finally, meeting with hugs, face to face.
Sunshine after a bleak succession
Of wickedly dark, sad stormy days.
The alabaster moon coming from behind
Clouds, in time for a sweetheart kiss.
Setting aside specific times to find those
Moments to sincerely pray to the Lord.
Laying down, fed, safe, warm, beneath
Covers, falling into deep refreshing sleep.
Awaking to a day full of opportunity,
Possibility, without doubt, we are loved.
Living in a blessed place where each one
Can achieve hopes, dreams, and success.

Keeping, As Might

Maybe it is such
An easy thing for some, but
For others proves a trial,
Errors
Continue adding up,
Dark clouds fill the horizon.
A refusal to quit
Being, dreaming, hoping,
Unfathomable
As specific thoughts may seem
An allowance meted freely,
Possibly altering faith, love.
Holding
To knowing life –
Assured in greatness;
Never giving up,
Victory counted dear, very near,
Climb, effectuate blessedness.

As a prompt, create something that pertains to your immediate plans in this new year.

Gratitude…
Sleep
Solitude
Singing
Reading
Being

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I hope it was a pleasant experience. If you wish, follow the site, or come back in the future.

I am trying this year to return to the original form of Creativity Project used on Chronicles. I included more elements each day than I did in 2020 on Haphazard Creative.

Bookish Wonders

There on the shelf
A constellation of stars,
Unwitting cooperation,
To be explored in
The privacy between
Covers, pages, air, space
Eyes, brain; finding life,
Love, the meaning only
Words can capture, present,
Gifts, mind to mind,
Heart to heart, no matter
The years apart and death
Or living, chronicles of
Everything worth ink
Spilled, durable notes.
Maybe it is our one
Ordinary magic shared
Extraordinarily deployed,
Fresh as a rosebud,
Blushing as a bloom
Recreating us, enhancing
Our understanding
And fostering creativity.

Spooky Recommendations

It is nearing the end of October, and it does not seem right that I would not mention a few spooky reads. I like a lot of SciFi, Fantasy, and the occasional dose of Horror. Really, I think 2020 has been a ride worthy of Washington Irving, but getting to the books…

The Animals At Lockwood Manor by Jane Healy is full of strangeness. What if a museum located to your home? I read this on Kindle, but due to tech problems, I am not linking at this time.

The Haunting of H.G. Wells by Robert Masello, if you can pass on that title you are a more substantial sort than I am. I thoroughly enjoyed this on Kindle.

Elsewhere by Dean Koontz, first, understand I adore his stories. If you have not read him, this an excellent place to begin. It is on Kindle Unlimited and is a trip elsewhere.

Usher’s Passing by Robert R. McCammon, what would the Halloween season be without something either by or inspired by the incomparable Poe. If you grew up on tales macabre, you know why this is here. Plus, Robert is someone to read in Horror.

I am using my tablet with a keyboard, not having yet resolved my issues. Still, I could not pass up a chance to share a few five-star reads with you all.

May you stay safe and find the enjoyment in those things you encounter. Thanks for spending a few moments here.