"Bridgerton" in the Timeline

The new series on Netflix, based on a series of books by author Julia Quinn, is a period drama and is awesome. I have read the first four books of the series, and I loved the storyline. After watching the series, it is pretty different, but also pretty incredible too.

While several young women are making their debut into society, in order to find suitable matches for marriage, a society paper, kind of like a gossip column (a little like Gossip Girl), premiers as well, a tell-all about the Ton, a reference used during this time period, a term commonly used to refer to Britain's high society during the late Regency and the reign of George IV, and later. The first season focuses on Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter, and fourth in an exceptional large, loving family, and her finding love with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, and Regé-Jean Page.

Capturing Authentic Moments

Based loosely on the Regency period, in 1813 London, the show gives a glimpse at some fashion, and culture of this era. Starting with fashion, I recognized the empire dress, a silhouette also from Pride and Prejudice. This one of my favorites, because of the slim, elegant look, even on slightly small forms, was inspired apparently by the neoclassical look, meaning a simpler and elegant style of women’s fashion. Corsets were also in style, and while these were beautiful in design, they were probably not as comfortable, back then in history, or present for the actresses who had to wear half corsets for the show, while the bloomers were a little different.

While women were meant for extraordinarily little, we see in both the books, and the Netflix version, that they were a force to be reckoned with, and had ways to manage any situation they found themselves in. Particularly in the social seasons, the mothers were a driving force, for their sons and daughters.

How much of all this is historically accurate, the creators left some wiggle room, but did a lot of research to show a truly inspired period of time, and an incredible story. The first season was amazing and I’m excited to see what happens next.

Working on Sharing More of My Favorite Moments: T@gged 1x05

Been having trouble posting on YouTube, but so far Vimeo is working out well, and I'm also using MixDrop, and Userload now. I hope these don't these for anyone interested in my videos.

The night before, Jake and Rowan spend the night together. The next day, Rowan and Hailey figure out who knows where Elisia is. Ash helps the girls find, and rescue her, and they tell show him the video.

 

Loosely Based on the Books, Starting with Riverdale Mentioning

Several series have been returning to their networks, including Riverdale, and Nancy Drew. These are two of my favorites, but now, one of them maybe reading for its series finale, which always makes me sad.

Last season of Riverdale was somewhat epic, beginning with the actor Luke Perry, and his character, Fred Andrews, who had died, which was sad. It also kind of mentioned two series which we have heard of. Jughead starts attending a creepy prep school, where there is a competition to be the next ghost writer for the Baxter Brothers, a book series franchise. Moving forward, this sounds an awful like The Hardy Boys, especially when you add another character, Tracy True, into the mix. The season ended with Jughead, Betty, FP, and their half-brother, and Jughead’s grandfather, solving a horrific secret, and series of murders, surrounding this empire.

The Real Nancy Drew

Season two has finally released its first promo, and it looks even spookier, and mysterious. There’s a new sheriff in town, and Nancy and her friends are dealing with a scarier entity that wants payback, probably literally.

After re-watching the first season, I saw something near the end that caught by attention. Lucy Sable had her baby, and after giving her to the Drew’s, she went over the bluff to her death. While we all thought she just slipped off the cliff or jumped, what if she saw something that freaked her out, and she stepped back. At the end of the first season finale, Nancy had a vision of her being scared of something and falling backward on the bluffs, maybe just like Lucy.

The Hardy Boys Makes Their New Debut

On Hulu, we see a new version The Hardy Boys. It looked interesting, so I gave it a watch. It looks a little different than the actual books, or older series, but in the end, it was incredible series, and I hope there is another mystery for them, and their friends to solve.

Like Riverdale and Nancy Drew, the boys are hit by tragedy when their amazing mom, is killed in a car crash with suspicious circumstances. So, their dad packs the boys up to stay with his sister in their hometown, where their maternal grandmother nearby. A throwback to what their used to, the brothers deal their loss, figuring out their mom was murdered because she was looking into something going on in town, dealing with the old families and a mysterious antiquity. Frank and Joe Hardy have deal with thieves, assassins, and a bunch of other crazy people all after one thing. After all that, with the help of their family, and friends, they solve the case, and save their new home.

It was amazing, but there are still some unanswered questions. Hopefully, this means a new season will come forward in the future. I love when they keep those doors open.

Trivia Junkie: New WordPress Blog + Possible Podcast

I was working on my blogs theme when I just decided to try and work with WordPress and use this as another blog. It’s a little harder than on Google Blogger, but I’m hoping it will be worth it.

I though it would be cool to set it up as my site for my tidbits and trivia, maybe my podcast. I am still working on figuring out how many pictures I can use because there is a limit, unlike Blogger.

Original Reading Material: When Calls the Heart

I have been inspired to challenge myself to do some actual reading. I watched the pilot movie, When Calls the Heart, with Poppy Drayton, and Daniel Sherman, two of my favorite actors, and I wanted to see if the original story matched with the movie, and tv series.

I started reading the actual book, not just an epub file on my phone, but an actual paper bound book from the library. It was hard to get into the story, partly because the names get mixed up in my head. Elizabeth was the name of the protagonist in both the series, and the movie, as well as her aunt. In the show, Julie was her youngest sister, and she had an elder sister too. So, in the first book series, they are talking about the aunt, I think. So confusing.

The story starts out with Elizabeth talking about her family and giving kind of a run down about them all. It’s interesting the different types of writing styles. I’ve always wanted to work on my own stories and put them out there. Reading has always been both enjoyable, and a learning tool for me, in so many ways. This experience will hopefully help me again.

Getting to Share Your Work + T@gged Favorites 1x04

After Elisia is taken, Rowan and Hailey need to solve the clues given to them in order to find her, and now someone is getting closer then they know.  Rowan gives as good as gets, right back at Brandon and his crowd.

Vimeo is really good place to share my videos so far. I hope there enough room for most of what I would like to do. People can also find some of my other stuff on Instagram occasionally.

Publishing Personal Videos + T@gged 1x02+03

I’ve just started to post my own edited videos on Vimeo and YouTube. They first came through really nicely, but they second got snagged because of someone else has copy rights. How do I post the videos of my favorite moments, while not getting in trouble? That is the question. For right now, I don’t have to take the video down, but for those who are having trouble seeing, I backed it up on Vimeo, so check it out.

Rowan, Hailey, and Elisia get messaged a time and place. When they resist going, they get threatened with their secrets coming out. After arriving, Elisia gets grabbed, and driven away, leaving the other to shell shocked.

T@gged Favorite Moments 1x01

I found this one while looking for something new. While searching on YouTube, I saw an edited video about a couple shipped from a web series called, T@gged. I really got into it, so I looked it up. I was able to watch the entire series, in a few days.

Later I edited together some videos of my favorite moments of the storyline, you know the ones you just listen to while doing something else. Rowan, Hailey, and Elisia are all dealing with the stuff in their lives, when they are all tagged in a video from someone shooting a girl.

Binging Series: New and Old

I’ve been waiting for some new series, and season to start up again after the COVID-19 hit, and all productions halted. There have been some cool reruns lately, and I have been going through all my downloads, and Netflix to watch. Some days, I get so into what I am watching, I just binge a whole season, or series, movie after movie. I have also found some other cool stuff to watch.

Recently though, there have been some new movies from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries streaming. Two really good ones that have come out are my favorite. Aurora Teagarden: Reunited and It Feels So Deadly, that was scary good. Aurora and her friends, and new fiancé, Nick, head to her high school reunion, unfortunately where one of the football stars ends up being murdered. It ends up being someone close to them,

In Picture Perfect Mysteries: Exit Stage Death, our favorite photographer is invited to the play of formerly famous screen write, that her friend is in. However, when the lead lady is murdered, Allie Adams feels the need to solve the case, with police detective, Sam Acosta, right behind her.

Both of the amazing detective movies, and just part of what coming now that tv and movies productions are starting to roll again. It is exciting to see what coming next, including a bunch of holiday fun, and romance. I cannot wait to see what is next.

Autumn Apples + Everything Going On

Earlier this season, we started baking some apples that we had in the house. From the second we cut the apples, the smell was incredible, natural, and sweet, but not overwhelming. As they were baking, the scent changed, but it was still amazing, and afterwards, they tasted delicious. Maybe it was some kind of sign of how things would end because everything after that calmed down a little.

Snow already on the ground, it has been getting colder, there has just been so much that happened. Between dealing with going court, surgery for someone close, and holding down the fort at home, it was pretty overwhelming to talk or write about. In the end though, we can always get through them.

Halloween came and went bye, while mom and I enjoyed the holiday quietly, watching movies, some just scary enough. Later, we drove around looking at the cool decorations at some houses. It was interesting see the different ways people can celebrate with the social distancing, I practically like Disney Channel’s star, Chandler Kinney new song, Halloween House park.

Apples are still in as the season goes on, and will change, through autumn till winter. I’m already wondering, how long before the cold turns the rain to snow. I’ve already busted out my long sweatshirts. Here’s to getting better for the rest of this year and dealing with 2021.

GH Storyline: 2018 Baby Switch

Recently, I’ve looking back at what happened to Wiley, and how everything got started, beginning with Willow Tait's baby being delivered to GH to his adopted parents.

Michael Corinthos was dealing with Nelle Benson, the mother of his child. Willow’s baby dies, and Nelle manipulates Brad Cooper, one the adopting fathers, to switch the babies.

View this post on Instagram

Baby Tait is about to Arrive, meanwhile Chase is setting a Trap for Nelle

A post shared by MMMedia Favorite Storylines (@mmmedia.storylines) on Sep 14, 2020 at 6:12am PDT

Handling Our Situations Head On

It can be a challenge, facing everything that comes at us. We can stand firm, and let it roll over and around us, or even roll with it. Depends on what's going on.

Dealing with health crises is scary, especially for those of us who rely, sometimes a little too much, on people in our lives, those who we depend on for a lot more than others think.  Thinking about the worse outcomes, can drive any of us crazy, and that does not help anyone. Think on this, how do we help each stay focused, and not dwell on what will happen?

On another matter, when we get caught in hard place, and we end up in a bit of legal trouble, that might go to court, or some type of judgement, that can be just as overwhelming, and you have to be prepared to face that, it can make you feel like your waiting for the worst case, just like before.

So, here’s what we can do, rather the think of the worst, just take one thing at time. Don’t dwell on anything than what you can do in the moment. Focus on handling the first steps, and get your feelings out of the way, praying and giving them to God, and/or by writing them down so they are not inside of you so much. Make it a little less hard for those around you, and yourself. Remember also, life is hard, we'll get through it, we always do!

Getting in the Swing of Fall

Moving into autumn, there has been a lot going on. Between everything going on with the elections, and voting, and working on our home upkeep, and going back into time, watching old episode videos on Youtube, there has been a lot going on in my head.

Working on the hope that it is becoming more routine, I have done some added exploring on different subjects, based on living life, inspired by a lot of what has been going on around us. Now that we are about to hit October, and Halloween at its end, there’s some more interesting events coming, mysteries and drama included.

Speaking of, take a look at some of the special series, and videos on Netflix. High Seas has a third season, with rumors of four, but that remains to be seen after that ending. Another really good one is Enola Holmes, based on the book series of the same name, it tells the tale of the sister of Sherlock Holmes, starring Henry Cavill, and Sam Claflin as Mycroft Holmes, their eldest sibling. Wonderful, incredible stories, full of promise, and a possible option for Halloween watch party. Here’s to more series and mysteries to come.

What’s Going on GH

Since General Hospital continued in the start of August, there has been a lot going on. Starting from when Nina was giving her testimony, which ended with Michael, and Willow Corinthos winning custody of Wiley. Then, During the Nurses ball, which became a tele-a-thon, for first line workers, Nelle used Julian to kidnap Wiley.

In the race to get Wiley back and safe, Nelle and Carly had a confrontation, which ended with Nelle falling off a cliff. Wiley got home safe, and Michael and Willow connected, which has not been easy for Chase and Sasha.

After all that we had to say goodbye to a beloved character. Mike Corbin has finally come to an end, due to pneumonia caused by his Alzheimer's. It has been a prolonged farewell, and sad, but in a bittersweet twist, his daughter Courtney came to get him. RIP Mike, we’ll miss you.

Spinal Cord Injury Month This September

This month is about Spinal Cord Injury Awareness, by the US Senate in an effort to raise awareness about SCI, the need for better treatments and education on prevention, which can be really important in more ways than one. We need to work together, and all of us see, and reject the stereotype that confines people to those wheelchairs.

For myself, I have always felt sympathy for those stuck in the wheelchairs, because I thought they just needed them. It wasn’t until I did a little more digging, and tried to see those eyes, what it really means, and I’m still having to work on that. The people with those injuries may not walk like a lot of us, and they have a lot of other things to consider and deal with, but they are able to have a lot more independence then any one can think of if they have the right tools.

Wheelchairs can help them move freely, and even stop them from being in pain. Exercise can help them stay strong, and they can move in and out of the chair and do a lot of other activities. Those with types of spinal cord injuries, a lot of the time, learn how to be quite self-sufficient, even with others there to help them. There are also a number of activities that one can do, with or without the chair.

People can adapt when they have the knowledge, and are able to learn through their own, or other’s experiences. Organizations like Triumph Foundation are working getting others to be aware that everything that goes with SCI. I believe it’s very important to place yourself in those positions in order to understand.

Different Types of Art and Artists

Every artist has their own story. Not everyone starts off in a fine college, and ends in a sophisticated art gallery, which sells for quite a lot. Some start out in the streets, or urban neighborhoods, some start in the playground, kindergarten glass with chalk, as well as paint.

I have been working on a couple of interesting pieces. Something that has always fascinated me is the subject of street art. One of the main ways I have been discovering different artist is through the brands that promote them, mostly with Spray Planet, an online store for spray paint, and other materials and tools, either their website or on Instagram.

One of the first artists that I read about was Maya Hayuk. She didn’t always have it easy, and she used to be misunderstood when she was younger. Now a days though, she is known for her amazing murals, and other works of street art.
On Instagram, one can find a lot of other amazing artists, not just street/urban ones are using spray paint, here are some other incredible people, and their works.

Working Progress So Far

Lately, I've been work on how to make by blog better and trying to figure out what to write has been a lot harder. These last couple of months, some stuff has happened some good, some bad. Working through what life throws at you can be a challenge, especially when it's something you never thought would be tossed at you.

Among the main staples that have keeping me sane these last few months is Instagram. I like seeing the stories, and videos, and reading the post. Seeing the different perspectives has been interesting, and I like to see new things, and learn. Sometimes we see and hear things that make us uncomfortable, but we need to be able to face them because they are happening, and to people just like us.

One of the other things that has been part of my routine is General Hospital. This serial drama has been pushing me forward and has been giving some time frame throughout the days and weeks in the month. A lot of the time, I can get so caught up in the storyline, that everything else flies by, so that is something I need to work on.

With all that has been going on, I’m trying to keep a steady routine, not easy, but necessary. I’m going to continue writing, and hopefully post more frequently to my blog on what’s been going on the last couple of weeks.

General Hospital Resumes Production

For some time, we heard that GH had held up production of new episode due to coronavirus, but they did say they would begin soon. When they finally started spreading news of resuming in August, we knew that things would be different, there would be a lot of safety precautions, and probably a lot less interaction in certain scenes.

Today was the first new episode since, they ran out. It was somewhat epic. And the scenes with one of prominent partners, wasn’t terrible awkward either. I feel it shows a great deal of success in the future episodes despite all the extra work.

Going Forward this Summer

This month has been crazy, at the same time it's been streaming along. With everything that keeps happening, I've just been working on staying busy, looking forward to a lot of new series, and planning for the future.

Between keeping the home from becoming less of a disaster, and getting loss in old series on the computer, I've been hoping for something new to hope, and look forward to. Starting with some interesting Netflix series, and the resuming production of General Hospital, which should be the beginning of August. I'm eager to work on some new videos, to go with what I've been writing.

These last couple of days some interesting new, and promo videos have been popping up. I'm especially excited about the new season of High Seas, a Spanish whodunnit. It takes place on an old steamer, with a woman helping a spy.

I'm hoping to be able share a lot more of my favorite moments from these cool series, on my blog and social media. I know some google accounts have had trouble lately, but I hope to work on keeping up with my blog and keep everything in sync.

Misadventure Turns to Perspective

Some of us had to visit the University of Iowa Hospital, and is was a unique experience to say the least. I thought businesses in Burlington were cautious, even a little strict at times, but over there, it was insane the screening and protocol. 

First, the place in so complex, it is exceedingly difficult to find the right parking lot, and then, to make it to any appointment is even more challenging. Entering the building, you must get screened to see if you might have the virus, and if don’t have an appointment, they will not let you wait inside. We were lucky that outside, there was a soda machine that took debit cards, and that there was Wi-Fi accessible to us.

Later, our friend was able to get something for us to eat at the cafeteria, but we could not go through the building, so we had to the LONG way around. It had stopped raining, so that was good, but it seemed a lot harder at the time. When we finally made to the entrance, we were able to outside, and they even let us go in to use the bathroom, and go into the cafeteria, where they had two machines that made Starbuck’s coffee. I was surprised, and so happy! Walking back to the parking lot wasn’t so bad after, it gave me time to think of everything that has happened, and how we all have had to adjust with the COVID-19 sticking around.

After all that, we took a short drive to this awesome store, even better than Goodwill, and we found some amazing clothes, and houseware. Downstairs, there were incredible clearance items, I am definitely saving so I can go back. The drive home was peaceful, and I got to think about how the university and the hospital, were working within the new laws, and protocol.

Even though I understand why, it is still challenging when you must adjust to the way things are set up, when you cannot go through buildings to make things easier for example. We all need to examine how things are going to work, and everyone included. That goes for those of us you need to be more patient with healthcare as well.

Keep Talking About Change

Now, we need to get a handle all the other stuff that is handed to us. People have not always dealt with our differences the best way. All of this has come to a boiling point, which has been building over the years. People have been getting hurt, people we may not know, but who are still human beings, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and children. Whether their black, or Latino, or some other race entirely, everyone needs to be accountable for how we treat each other. We all live on this planet.

With all this going on, we need to stay connected, even from home, and keep talking about how to stay safe, that means keeping healthy, and working to fight injustice and racism. These are my thoughts, on what I have heard, read, and learned. This is my way to speak up, and I hope others do as well.

Spring Turns to Summer 2020

Getting into this time of year, most of us were hoping that the virus would die out, and we could find out way back to normal, or what could pass for it. The weather is warmer, some places are opening again, but we have other things going on we need to take care of. Our health, not just our looks and fashion styles for one.

We need to remember to take care and watch out for ourselves and others. That does not mean we cannot have fun though. Many of us have designed or bought cloth masks for when we need to go out. Speaking of places that are reopening, the YMCA in Burlington, Iowa has opened its swimming pool, as well as other areas for small groups. We go to the pool, and we need to be mindful of large groups, no one crowding. Time to work out and enjoying fitness again. To be able to go exploring when it is this warm out is great, and we get to see nature, and watch the scenery change.

So now, we can keep up with these regulations we have been doing, maybe this pandemic will not hold our lives in death grip, and that will be our new normal.

Dealing with Anxiety While Waiting

We all have been self-isolating for a couple months now, and right about now, the stress maybe starting to get to some of us. Now is the time to get creative and get started on something for yourself. Work on a project, clean out your house of the clutter, or get out of the house, and explore something new. 

It has been a slow time coming, for life to return to a new normal, if that is the right word. Right now, there has been a gentle reopening of stores, and salons in the area, while other large businesses around the world have keep their doors closed. Our church has started to resume worship, with some groups gathering inside, as well as its live streaming.

For as long as it takes, we still need be vigilante, work together to stay as healthy as possible. Working together is the only way we are going to the other side, and hopefully beat this pandemic, once and for all.

Somethings Just Getting Started

One of the interesting things that draws me into a series, or a storyline, is the beginning of a relationship, especially a couple that is just getting started. Seeing how they come together is part of the fun.

These are two examples that I have in mind. On GH, we have Michael and Willow. After Willow had her baby, and he was delivered to his adopted parents, Michael was dealing with Nelle, the mother of his child, when they got into a car crash. Willow’s baby dies, and Nelle manipulates Brad, on the adopting fathers, to switch the babies. So now, both Michael and Willow are dealing with loss. We see them meet, and deal with their feelings, and how they end up connecting with each other. Enter Chase, and then Sasha. Then all four become friends, and then the baby switch is revealed. Now, Michael is working on being a father and giving his child the best life, while Nelle is attempting to take their son, and have him all to herself. Willow still loves the little boy she thought was hers, and it pulls her towards Michael. Chase and Sasha want what is best for their loved ones, and child that keeps them connected. Another bomb is about to drop, on top of life changing choice that Chase and Sasha made, and it may bring together Michael and Willow, in a very unconventional way.

The other example is Kara Danvers and William Dey on Supergirl, an unexpected, yet somewhat predicted duo. Both reporters, both wanting justice, and going after the infamous Lex Luthor. Kara once had a great love, but fate had others plans. After a long time, she has been riding solo as one of fiercest female heroes. She is also a person, and a kick-ass, beautiful one at that, so why shouldn’t we see her paired with someone equally awesome, even if they are not wearing a suit. Even if William does not fit quite as we hoped, this opens the door for Kara to finding that special someone.

All these characters are just starting in these relationships, so it is somewhat early for any criticism. We just have to wait and see what happens next and enjoy all the interesting moments.

Social Connections Through Physical Distance

For a long while now, all over the globe, people have had to keep a fair distance from each other to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Friends, and families have had to stay apart, no visiting, or getting together for long periods of time. And yet, we have been able to find new opportunities to communicate and stay connected with each other.

It has also given us a chance to find others, people we would not have gotten to know otherwise. It has given us all the opportunity to explore friendships through social media, instant messenger, and video chats. For some, it is all so different, and exciting, and sometimes we just stumble upon meeting people by mistake, and come out finding true relationships, hopefully.

During this time, people have been experiencing each other differently. Getting to know each other is a unique experience in some ways. Personally, talking to someone face to face is a challenge, people can get off subject, and you can still listen. When you are messaging with someone, you need to be able to focus on the words to really understand what someone says, while with video chats, you have to keep facing the person, focusing on their face.

Truly, at this period, I do not know if these experiences will help us stay connected. I guess we will see what happens when we all get the chance to have that first physical meet and greet.

This World We Now Live In

It has been a while now since the coronavirus has spread around the globe, and it has changed just about everything, including the many ways we manage our health in our daily lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from people, it is also given us a different perspective as well.

For me, it has made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects other as well as myself, in public. I've been working on a better routine for myself, starting with having a regular exercise workout, and healthy eating habits. I work on keeping clean, including taking care of personal hygiene, as well washing my hands on a regular basis.
Now that physical distance is strictly required, there are different ways to communicate with others, enter social media. We’ve been able to use live streaming, and other mediums in ways we hadn’t before. Churches have been able steam through using Facebook, and YouTube. And friends, and family have been able to video chat, seeing each other.

If one does have to out in public, many have been finding ways to limit the spreading of germs. Quite a few stores have public sterile wipes, and different sanitizers. And many people have been using face masks, some custom and/or homemade ones.

All of this is to help fight the virus that has a firm grip all over the world. However, we as people, have managed to keep going, and have been able to adapt. Hopefully soon, a cure will be found, or the virus will fade into the background. All we can do is keep living our lives.

Dealing with What’s Happening

It’s been difficult for many of us around the world. The coronavirus has changed a lot of our lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from most people, it's also given us a different perspective. It’s made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects me outside, in public.

I’m working on discovering what I can do right now, from home, for my physical, and mental wellbeing. There are projects we can do, along with getting the house cleaned and sorted they way that you like. You can go over all your personal papers, and ephemera, try to figure out what you what you want, and what you really need. On the other hand, you can go over all your digital files, and try and make room for everything.

We can even work on improving our regular routines like I’ve been doing. Balancing everything, figuring out what we need to accomplish, and what really want to do. For example, finding time and ways to exercise in the day. Managing any stress and anxiety that can creep in on you, and dealing with it through meditation, and/or prayer.

For example, this individual does her best to get up each day, get tea/coffee and breakfast going, does housework on and off throughout the day, then takes a break and stretches, and works on her computer. Then she takes moments to pray for her loved ones, and all the others in the world, and their loved ones. We all need to deal with what’s happening and manage our lives the best way we can.

Going into Spring 2020

Starting now, the weather has been warming up, the snow is no more, and the birds are singing. From March, and going into April, there’ll be some new changes, including some interesting new looks and fashion styles to explore.

Different series will be having some season finales, and before long new seasons will start up. There are also some good Hallmark movies coming out to for the season, so it’ll be interesting to see and watch what happens. I’m hoping to work on editing some videos to start posting, but I’m not going to get any hopes up.

I will be sharing more about traveling via bicycling, and all the interesting sites where I’ve called home for a long while, and so many other interests hopefully.

Prayer for Nashville and Others in Tennessee

Some time ago, I'd heard about the tornado that hit Tennessee, and the devastation in Nashville. For me personally, it was terrifying to her, because my sister does not live that far from this incredible city. I still have photos from a car ride in Nashville, and it breaks my heart.

I felt a need to reach out, so after I texted my sister, I called a friend of mine from our church, and I told him of what happened, so hopefully, all of us can pray for the loved ones lost, and the ones left behind, and some way, all of us can help rebuild.

Investigate Trip Moments

My mom and I had to take a quick trip to Des Moines to deal some stuff, and on the way there, we got see some beautiful fields, and houses.

We went to Hoover State Office Building, which was very impressive, with wide spaces inside. Also driving up, there was this amazing building with this, golden dome, which was the highest point. I recently discovered it's the historical Iowa State Capitol building, I think. You can see a reflection of it in the windows of the Wallace State Building. Close by is the Holocaust Memorial, which is significant, and sad to acknowledge.

We didn’t get to make it over there except to get close while looking for a place to park, but maybe in few months, we’ll find some time to go check both the memorial, and the building out. That would be fascinating to see.

Different Types of Communities

There are all kinds of different communities, groups of people who share some commonality, something that connects them. Here are some examples I’ve been thinking about, out of great many all over.

Since people have seen all kinds of benefits from down-sizing, tiny homes have been gaining popularity. With time, communities have been coming together, where groups of people who’ve come to change their lifestyles, out of circumstance, and/or choice.

Communal workplaces are another unique example. Places where groups of people: artists, entrepreneurs, and/or freelancers, can come work alongside one another is fascinating to someone like me. One can even be inspired by those around them.

These are just are some of the ways people have built inspiring communities in the present and future, both to work and co-exist. Who knows what will happen if we all find different, creative ways to live.

Working with Junk Journals

We’re getting started on mixed media projects now, going with junk journals in the beginning. My public library is working with me, setting up classes so all those interested, can work together to learn.

The first class was on the covers of our journals, and there were two kinds of them for those in the class to work on. We could use cardboard or cereal boxes to cut out, or use old books, and cut out the pages. This last session will be on working on the pages, and putting the book together. We also have a lot of interesting things to put into, and on the pages.

It was an interesting experience, setting up the classes, and working on the projects with everyone, and I believe that there are always ways to make things different, maybe better too. It's nice to see our groups come together.

On the Way to Tennessee

We stopped usually only for gas, coffee, and bathroom breaks. One of our first coffee stops on the road, was in City of Lake of St. Louis. One person held the door for me, before I got there, which I thought was nice of her. Inside was pleasant, with wide space to walk around. The baristas were friendly, and the counter was low enough for me to see almost everything they did to make the coffees. There was also this cool cup from a series at series, with images depicted Missouri. 

We also made a made a stop in a place called Shiloh, Illinois. The named reminded me of the character on General Hospital, although it probably got it’s name for a battle in the Civil War. We only stopped for a while, but we were grateful, and on we went.

Trip to Tennessee: First Part of the Adventure

Heading to Tennessee, one can see a lot of amazing scenery, buildings, and other structures. We started early, but we did get to see the sunrise while on the road, it was so nice. Later, at a pit stop, we found a Casey’s that had crullers, or pinwheel doughnuts, one of my favorites, and a similar one with cinnamon.

There some interesting buildings, and bridges, as we got further into Illinois, including a close glimpse of the St. Louis Arch, and a great big Ferris wheel. We went under a bridge, where there were some buildings that said Port or something (must do some digging), but it was exciting for me to see.

Driving further on we got to see some more pretty scenery, what I think of are wetlands, or land that was recently flooded. We later stopped a rest area that had an amazing view of a lake, named Rend Lake Rest Area. It was beautiful with a park, a foot bridge, and a gazebo.

One of the last stops we made was to Fort Massac Rest Area, in Metropolis, Illinois. There was a memorial, named Blue Star Memorial Highway, in tribute to the Armed Forces. There was another tribute, one that was a little less significant, since Metropolis was a big part of origin story of Superman. A Superman figure, where you can stand, and take a picture, so funny, I loved it. Doing some reading, I learned there is also a Superman, and Lois Lane statues in Metropolis, as well as a museum, though we didn’t go that far. One day though, that might be fun to see.

Inspirational Outline for 2020

This year is about half gone, and there's a lot going on that I want to write about, and share. From some of the more intense, yet familiar, events on our favorite serial dramas, like soap operas, to the classes I'm working on with my library for the junk journal community.

I'm so excited, to be starting the junk journal tutorials, and classes at our public library, here in Burlington, Iowa. One of the librarians, and a friend of mine, have already posted the event on Facebook, with a registration form separately.

A lot of what I've been watching is based on comics, starting with Agents of SHIELD, and CW's Arrow and others, along with some non-superhero ones, like Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Now there are more coming, one's I didn't know about until just recently that seem interesting. I can't wait to watch, write, and chronicle all the interesting things coming this year.

20's with Frankie Drake

After the first world war, Frankie Drake, came back to Toronto, after serving as a dispatch messenger and spy, and became a private detective, with her friend Trudy Clarke.

From the first season, Frankie and Trudy deal with investigating con artists, stopping thieves, and kidnappers, while dealing with some social, and economic issues like prohibition, and women's suffrage, Frankie also runs into interesting characters, like Ernest Hemingway.