April 2024 - check in
my monthly list of quick reviews & recommendations, new this month: 6 word reviews
books
No Two Persons, Erica Bauermeister (2025 Whatcom Reads book) - connections bring purpose to the struggle
I’m just saying that a charachter can be as real as a person. Or teach you as much, anyway. (Kit p. 206)
the vulnerables, Sigrid Nunez - living and learning in pandemic times
By day I may have been so forgetful that I had forgotten what I had for breakfast, but in the dark hours of the night I was a memory genius. I could recall every regrettable moment of my life…every bad or stupid thing I had ever said or done. (p. 176)
Everything Sad is Untrue, Daniel Nayeri - truth is there for the finding
Maybe the lesson is you never know the damage you might do, when you’re trying to help. (p. 96)
It's Hard for Me fo Live with Me, Rex Chapman - charmed/rough life, lesons learned/learning
…I remain a work in progress. But at least I’m making progress. (p. 248)
Reading Genesis, Marilynne Robinson - revealing and complicated, all in one
Unlimited or misplaced vengence pervades our societies under the name of justice and always has. (p. 70)
music
2 playlists. First my list from the 80’s & 90’s. Moving into mid-life I found solace, a bit of humor and hope in these.
JRLS's (80's & 90"s) favorites & surprises
playlist #2, new music April 2024:
viewing
Shogun - better every week, please don’t end (do not miss Episode #9)
Manhunt - questions raised while possibilites are explored
We Were The Lucky Ones - hollowness of war, resiliance of humanity
Loot - need season 2 to wake up
Palm Royale - Carol Burnett bright light, rest average
pods
Kids are missing school at an alarming rate (The Daily) - alarming post-pandemic implcations looking forward
Ashley Judd: Grief, Love and Naomi (All There is with Anderson Cooper) - grief, embrace, struggle, learn, live again
Julia Gets Wise with Bonnie Raitt (Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus) - life realities, reflection, exploration, continuing forward
random (f)acts
Our front window view was drastically changed as this Giant Sequoia was about to be removed. Thankfully it was trimmed, but saved. Here is a great link to a Bellingham Trees map developed by John Wesselink (our former postal carrier).
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Another wonderful and varied list. I have Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson but have not had a chance to read it yet. I finished watching Shogun earlier this week -- great show!