Victoria Zigler's Blog: Zigler News, page 36
July 20, 2020
#MondayMotivation - #Quotes + Words Of #Wisdom 20-07-20
You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do.
~David Foster Wallace
We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.
~J. K. Rowling
If things go wrong, don't go with them.
~Roger Babson
Happiness is not the absence of problems; it's the ability to deal with them.
~Steve Maraboli
Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that’s what makes you strong.
~Sarah Dessen
If you ever think about giving up, remember why you held on for so long.
~Hayley Williams
Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.
~Carl Jung
A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.
~Hugh Downs
Ego says, 'Once everything falls into place, I'll feel peace.' Spirit says, 'Find your peace, and then everything will fall into place.
~Marianne Williamson
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
~Buddha
Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.
~Dr. Seuss
Do all the good you can, to as many people as you can, as often as you can.
~Unknown
July 17, 2020
A #Hygge #Tortoise Moment
I'd originally planned for today to be a check-in for my "Coronavirus Diaries" posts, since I haven't done one since the end of May. However, I feel the current circumstances around the world - virus related and otherwise - are already getting more than enough attention and media coverage (especially on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter) without me giving them room for discussion on my own blog. Not to mention, there are certain debates and arguments related to some of the current events that I don't want to encourage or be a part of, either here or via social media.
With that in mind, I've decided to abandon my plans for an update on the situation in my area, and instead share the photos I got of Artemis while we were enjoying a hygge moment on the sofa a few weeks ago. Some day soon I'll update you on the general happenings of my day to day life. For now though, here are the photos:
Whatever the situation is where you are, and whatever your views on the various matters, may you do as I have been doing with Artemis - and my other petkids too, of course - and find your own hygge moments amid the chaos.
With that in mind, I've decided to abandon my plans for an update on the situation in my area, and instead share the photos I got of Artemis while we were enjoying a hygge moment on the sofa a few weeks ago. Some day soon I'll update you on the general happenings of my day to day life. For now though, here are the photos:
Whatever the situation is where you are, and whatever your views on the various matters, may you do as I have been doing with Artemis - and my other petkids too, of course - and find your own hygge moments amid the chaos.July 16, 2020
#AmReading + #AmWatching + #AmListening - Media Shares And #Reviews 16-07-20
Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood.*~*~*
~John Green
Welcome to this week's weekly media shares and reviews post!
~
*Disclaimer: no matter what's being reviewed, all opinions in this post are entirely my own, and I reserve the right to have them, regardless of who may or may not share them. Feel free to express your own in the comments, but please respect my right - and the rights of other commenters - to have opinions that might differ from yours, and to express those opinions too.
Also, please remember that I read/watch/listen to things in a variety of genres, and for all ages, so you should make sure you check that the book/movie/show/song is suitable for the intended audience before reading/watching/listening to it, especially if children are involved. I take no responsibility for anything which may happen as a result of failing to do so.
If you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question. Please bear in mind that the format I've reviewed on Goodreads may not be the format I actually read.
Alternatively, if it's a movie or TV show you want to know more about, just click on the title to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Unless otherwise stated, all music videos are via YouTube.
*~*~*
OK. Let's see what I've been reading, watching, and listening to, and which song I'm going to share this week, shall we? After all, that's the point of this post, and why you're here today, right?
*~*~*
Reading:This week I once again finished one book and started another. I did think at one point I might finish the second book in time to include it in this week's post, but I didn't manage to do that after all. So, here's the review for the book I did manage to finish.
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra ClareMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it. It was nowhere near as good as book three, and took ages for anything to actually happen. To be honest, it's only the exxcellent last few chapters that stopped me giving this book only three stars, and if I could give half stars my actual rating would be 3.5 stars; this book only gets four stars from me because I always round up.
*~*~*
Watching:This week I didn't watch much, but I did manage to watch a few more "Outlander" episodes. That's it though.
*~*~*
Listening:This week I've been listening to very little music. So I'm just going to share a random song I really like with you this week. With that in mind, here's Aselin Debison singing "The Gift" - just because it's a beautiful song, and we could all use some beauty to enjoy right now. So... Enjoy!
July 15, 2020
#WriterWednesday: #Pet Themed #Book News + A #Sale Reminder + Writerly #Quotes And Links - #AmWriting 15-07-20
It's been an eventful couple of weeks in many ways, and I've got plenty of book news to share with you today.
The "Magnificent Pets" colouring books featuring my Hermann's Tortoise, Artemis, are - as you'll know if you saw my post about it on July 1st - now available to purchase, regardless of whether you want to buy the children's edition, the mandala version for adults, or both. Also, the paperback version of my new release, "Snowlilie's Brother" - the story about Lilie the Westie and Logan the Cavapoo, based on events surrounding Logan joining our family last year - is now available too, as you'll know if you saw my post about it from June 24th. Plus, I've chosen a narrator for the audio version, so my chosen narrator, Claire Golden Drake,is currently working on producing the audio version. In fact, she's had the contract long enough, and is doing such a great job, that it won't be much longer before it becomes available too.
But that's not all! It's July, which means the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale is now on, and my books are enrolled at various levels of discount, from 50% off to 100% off. So either pop over to my Smashwords author page and grab yourself copies of my books - yes, I have included "Snowlilie's Brother" in the sale - at discounted prices, or check out my post from July 8th for full details.
“There's nothing more mine than my writing.”
The writing process, and writing life in general:Why you haven't been feeling inspired to write lately (and why that's okay)
The 10 habits you must develop before you can finish writing a book
The art of authoring
Trying to be everything
Why you need to start a self care routine
Marketing:A deeper look at reader guides
Cultivate your audience with this tip
The "Magnificent Pets" colouring books featuring my Hermann's Tortoise, Artemis, are - as you'll know if you saw my post about it on July 1st - now available to purchase, regardless of whether you want to buy the children's edition, the mandala version for adults, or both. Also, the paperback version of my new release, "Snowlilie's Brother" - the story about Lilie the Westie and Logan the Cavapoo, based on events surrounding Logan joining our family last year - is now available too, as you'll know if you saw my post about it from June 24th. Plus, I've chosen a narrator for the audio version, so my chosen narrator, Claire Golden Drake,is currently working on producing the audio version. In fact, she's had the contract long enough, and is doing such a great job, that it won't be much longer before it becomes available too.
But that's not all! It's July, which means the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale is now on, and my books are enrolled at various levels of discount, from 50% off to 100% off. So either pop over to my Smashwords author page and grab yourself copies of my books - yes, I have included "Snowlilie's Brother" in the sale - at discounted prices, or check out my post from July 8th for full details.
“There's nothing more mine than my writing.”
~Fran Lebowitz
The writing process, and writing life in general:Why you haven't been feeling inspired to write lately (and why that's okay)
The 10 habits you must develop before you can finish writing a book
The art of authoring
Trying to be everything
Why you need to start a self care routine
10 signs you are ready to start writing your book
Read what inspires you to write
Start writing a story that wakes you up
How to prioritize your writing ideas
10 reasons to write even when it feels like no one's listening
10 essential mantras to get you through a difficult writing session
Why writers must make mistakes
Top 5 mistakes new authors make and how to avoid them
Your writing will never make every reader happy
“The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while the art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art.”
~Junot Diaz
Characters:
Shy characters don't have to be passive
4 tips for creating the right impression of our characters
7 tips to writing underdog heroes
Random writing tips:
This happened... And then this happened: the dangers of anecdotal writing
7 tips to using curses in fiction
Psychological curses. Are they there or not?
7 tips to writing underwater adventures
“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”
~Bruce Lee
Poetry writing:
Poetry writing exercises: using connotation to find the perfect word
"To write you have to have stories you want to tell, you have to keep your mind alive, and work hard."
~Tracy Kidder
Using photographs in blogging and publishing:
"You never need to say you're an aspiring artist. You're not aspiring. You're creating right now.”
~Stephen Chbosky
Publishing:
Pen names: the good, the bad, the ugly
How to publish with KDP, part 11: previewing your eBook
Smashwords: post-pandemic publishing for indie authors
"A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world."~Susan Sontag
Marketing:A deeper look at reader guides
Cultivate your audience with this tip
July 14, 2020
The Pastry #Book Tag - #AmReading
If my sources are correct, this tag was created by Writing On A Vintage Typewriter. At least, this post seems to suggest as much.
Anyway, if you want to play along, feel free to do so, either in the comments section of this post, on your own blog, or whatever. If you do it somewhere other than the comments section of this post, don't forget to tell me where, so I can come read your answers. For now though, here are the questions, along with my own answers:
1. Croissant: Name A Popular Book/Series That Everyone (Including You) Loves
Actually, I don't think such a thing exists. I can name a couple of popular book series that I love, but there's always going to be someone who doesn't like it, even if the people who don't like it are in the minority. Still, I'm going to go with J K Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, because most people who have read it love it, and there are a lot of people who fall in to that catagory. As for me... Well, anyone who doesn't know I love that series obviously doesn't know me that well.
2. Macaroon: Name A Book That Was Difficult To Get Through But Worth It In The End
"The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks. It's a little dark and disturbing, but if you can handle it, it's worth the read.
3. Vol Au Vent: Name A Book You Thought Was Going To Be Amazing But Fell Flat
"Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee. Since "To Kill A Mockingbird" was so good, I thought this one would be too, but it really wasn't. In fact, it was awful, especially when compared to its prequel.
4. Pan Au Chocolat: Name A Book That You Thought Was Going To Be Something But Turned Into Something Else
"Artemis" by Andy Weir. I thought it was going to be more like "The Martian" but on the moon, so it was quite different from what I expected. Different in a good way though, because it was definitely a great read.
5. Profiterole: Name A Book/Series That Doesn’t Get Enough Attention
None of my series get enough attention. Does that count? *wink*
Oh, it doesn't?
Well, then I'm going to go with Jemima Pett's "Princelings" books, which you should definitely check out, especially if you're a fan of books like "The Wind In The Willows" and the "Redwall" series, where the characters are animals. In this case, they're guinea pigs. Seriously, the world Jemima has created is fantastic, and the stories are wonderful.
6. Croquembouche: Name A Book/Series That Is Extremely Complex
George R R Martin's "Song Of Ice And Fire" books immediately spring to mind. There are a lot of story threads and characters to follow, and a lot of events to keep track of.
7. Napoleon: Name A Movie/Series That You Liked Better Than The Book
Does such a thing exist?
Come to think of it, I'm sure I remember saying once that I actually liked the movie version of something better than the book. I can't for the life of me think what that movie was though. You'd have thought I'd remember, since it almost never happens, but... Nope. I've got nothing.
8. Empanada: Name A Book That Was Bittersweet
"Deathmarked" - the final book in the "Fatemarked" series by David Estes. There were both happy and sad events at the end, making it a very bittersweet ending, so that one definitely works here.
9. Kolompeh: Name A Book That Takes Place In A Country Other Than Your Home Country
I'm actually spoiled for choice with this one, since there are a lot of books that don't take place in the UK. But, since I should probably pick just one, and it gives me an excuse to give the series a shout-out, I'm going to go with "Storm Front" - the first book in Jim Butcher’s "Dresden Files" series. The bulk of the series takes place in and around Chicago, and even the few times they do come over to the UK, it's always up in Scotland, where I've never even been. Yes, I know Scotland is technically part of the UK, but since it's technically a different country to Wales (where I was born) and England (where I now live) and anyway very little of the series takes place there, it counts.
10. Pat Au Choux: Name A Food From A Book/Series You’d Like To Try
Where do I start? There are so many. Although, some of them - like some of the goodies from the "Harry Potter" and "Redwall" books, which are at the top of my list of series with foods in them I want to try - I've recreated versions of to try already. If you'd like to try them too, check out my website's recipe section. You're welcome!
Anyway, if you want to play along, feel free to do so, either in the comments section of this post, on your own blog, or whatever. If you do it somewhere other than the comments section of this post, don't forget to tell me where, so I can come read your answers. For now though, here are the questions, along with my own answers:
1. Croissant: Name A Popular Book/Series That Everyone (Including You) Loves
Actually, I don't think such a thing exists. I can name a couple of popular book series that I love, but there's always going to be someone who doesn't like it, even if the people who don't like it are in the minority. Still, I'm going to go with J K Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, because most people who have read it love it, and there are a lot of people who fall in to that catagory. As for me... Well, anyone who doesn't know I love that series obviously doesn't know me that well.
2. Macaroon: Name A Book That Was Difficult To Get Through But Worth It In The End
"The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks. It's a little dark and disturbing, but if you can handle it, it's worth the read.
3. Vol Au Vent: Name A Book You Thought Was Going To Be Amazing But Fell Flat
"Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee. Since "To Kill A Mockingbird" was so good, I thought this one would be too, but it really wasn't. In fact, it was awful, especially when compared to its prequel.
4. Pan Au Chocolat: Name A Book That You Thought Was Going To Be Something But Turned Into Something Else
"Artemis" by Andy Weir. I thought it was going to be more like "The Martian" but on the moon, so it was quite different from what I expected. Different in a good way though, because it was definitely a great read.
5. Profiterole: Name A Book/Series That Doesn’t Get Enough Attention
None of my series get enough attention. Does that count? *wink*
Oh, it doesn't?
Well, then I'm going to go with Jemima Pett's "Princelings" books, which you should definitely check out, especially if you're a fan of books like "The Wind In The Willows" and the "Redwall" series, where the characters are animals. In this case, they're guinea pigs. Seriously, the world Jemima has created is fantastic, and the stories are wonderful.
6. Croquembouche: Name A Book/Series That Is Extremely Complex
George R R Martin's "Song Of Ice And Fire" books immediately spring to mind. There are a lot of story threads and characters to follow, and a lot of events to keep track of.
7. Napoleon: Name A Movie/Series That You Liked Better Than The Book
Does such a thing exist?
Come to think of it, I'm sure I remember saying once that I actually liked the movie version of something better than the book. I can't for the life of me think what that movie was though. You'd have thought I'd remember, since it almost never happens, but... Nope. I've got nothing.
8. Empanada: Name A Book That Was Bittersweet
"Deathmarked" - the final book in the "Fatemarked" series by David Estes. There were both happy and sad events at the end, making it a very bittersweet ending, so that one definitely works here.
9. Kolompeh: Name A Book That Takes Place In A Country Other Than Your Home Country
I'm actually spoiled for choice with this one, since there are a lot of books that don't take place in the UK. But, since I should probably pick just one, and it gives me an excuse to give the series a shout-out, I'm going to go with "Storm Front" - the first book in Jim Butcher’s "Dresden Files" series. The bulk of the series takes place in and around Chicago, and even the few times they do come over to the UK, it's always up in Scotland, where I've never even been. Yes, I know Scotland is technically part of the UK, but since it's technically a different country to Wales (where I was born) and England (where I now live) and anyway very little of the series takes place there, it counts.
10. Pat Au Choux: Name A Food From A Book/Series You’d Like To Try
Where do I start? There are so many. Although, some of them - like some of the goodies from the "Harry Potter" and "Redwall" books, which are at the top of my list of series with foods in them I want to try - I've recreated versions of to try already. If you'd like to try them too, check out my website's recipe section. You're welcome!
July 13, 2020
#MondayMotivation - #Quotes + Words Of #Wisdom 13-07-20
The truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.
~Albus Dumbledore
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.
~Buddha
If your view is basic goodness, you see it wherever you go.
~Pema Chodron
He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.
~Raymond Hull
If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.
~Maya Angelou
Forget the past. Remember the lesson.
~Mandy Hale
Be a source of joy, & let the critics & haters complain about the world.
~Paulo Coelho
Having talent is fantastic. Having confidence is even more important.
~Robin Sharma
We cannot start over, but we can start now and make a new ending.
~Zig Ziglar
The past is the past and has nothing to do with you. It has nothing to do with right now. Do not let anything from your past inhibit you in this present moment. Start over. Start Fresh. Each day. Each hour. Each minute. Just get going.
~Neale Donald Walsch
Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.
~Robert Brault
The quieter we become, the more we can hear.
~Rumi
July 10, 2020
Lilie The #Westie And Logan The #Cavapoo's Socially Distanced Vet Trip - #Pets #Dogs #Covid19 #Coronavirus
Hi everyone. This is Lilie the Westie.
A couple of weeks ago, me and my Cavapoo brother, Logan, got to go to the vet place. We were meant to go on June 23rd, but the vet called and asked if we could come on June 26th instead, and Mummy said that was fine. So our vet trip was on Friday June 26th 2020.
Mummy and Daddy both came with us, because Logan doesn't like to go places without Mummy, and Mummy has trouble managing both me and Logan with that stick thing she has to use. This "trouble" naturally has nothing at all to do with the fact I love the ball on the end of it and keep trying to play with it while Mummy is trying to use it. Nope. I don't know what she's talking about, because it's nothing at all to do with that, and I certainly wouldn't do a thing like that anyhow. Nope. Not me. *innocent doggy look*
Anyway, they said right now - because of that Avirus thing - they're usually asking for just one human to come with the animals, but were willing to let both Mummy and Daddy come because of how Mummy has broken eyes. We all thought that was very nice of them.
So, we had a ride in one of those taxi things, because it's a bit too far for Mummy to walk. Probably Logan too, because he gets tired real quickly. Me and Daddy could have done the walk if we were going on our own, but we weren't. Never mind. Even though I love walkies, I also love rides in the taxi things, so it's OK.
Usually when we get to the vet we go right in, and then we have to sit on the chairs while we wait for our turn. But because of something called, "Social distancing," the vet asked Mummy and Daddy if they'd wait outside. I don't know what that actually means, but Mummy and Daddy say it has something to do with that Avirus thing again. A lot of strange things have been happening this year because of Avirus. Anyway, whatever social distancing means, the vets left us outside and wouldn't let us go in. I was really confused. It wasn't because both Mummy and Daddy came either, because we saw them doing the same thing with the person who was just finishing up when we got there, and the one who arrived while we were waiting for our taxi to go back home.
At least it was between thunder storms, so none of us minded staying out there too much. Except for how I was confused, like I said. Besides, with how hot it was that day - in fact, that week - it was actually nice to be out there with the breeze, instead of inside where the wind wasn't allowed. I was starting to wonder what the point of going was if we were just going to stand outside. But then the vet came and asked which one of me and Logan wanted to be first. I did really, but Logan started bouncing like an idiot, so the vet took him first instead. Mummy and Daddy told me I'd get a turn, and I was worried I wouldn't, but then Logan came back out, and the vet took me inside. So I guess Mummy and Daddy knew what they were talking about.
The vet poked and prodded me, and stuck a sharp thing in my neck. He also weighed me. I was a good girl and let him do it all while wagging my tail. Mostly I was just enjoying the attention. Apparently Logan was good too, apart from how he took a lot of persuading to go with the vet after he noticed Mummy wasn't following. Serve him right for insisting on being first. He'd have known that was coming if he let me go first like I wanted to.
Me and Logan are both a bit heavier than we're meant to be. I weigh 10.6 kilos, and Logan weighs 16.6 kilos. About 0.3 kilos of that is probably where we need haircuts - or did when we went, since we've since had a grooming appointment - but that still makes us a little heavier than we should be. The vet was nice about it because of how we've been locked down, and keeping Mummy home as much as possible because of Avirus has meant less walkies, but says Logan especially needs to watch the treats.
Logan says he does watch them. He pointed out he watches them very closely so he can grab any that come close enough to eat. But I told him I'm pretty sure that's not what the vet means.
Anyway, while we were there, we picked up the packages with the funny tasting treat we sometimes get because of worms - I'm three, and that still doesn't make sense to me - and the wet stuff they put on our neck because of fleas. The vet gave us enough of those for three months.
Even though he's now well and truely over a year old, Logan still isn't getting his neuter, because it's not essential for it to be rushed, and the vets are still not doing things that can wait until Avirus is over. Mummy says she's half glad because she hates when we have to have surgery for any reason, and half disappointed because she agrees it's always a good idea to spay and neuter your pets. Well, at least I got my spay when I was a puppy, so there won't be any accidents at home, and Logan's always on a lead when we go walkies.
So, that was what Mummy calls our socially distanced vet trip. I'll tell you about the groomer another day.
Lots of licks,Lilie
A couple of weeks ago, me and my Cavapoo brother, Logan, got to go to the vet place. We were meant to go on June 23rd, but the vet called and asked if we could come on June 26th instead, and Mummy said that was fine. So our vet trip was on Friday June 26th 2020.
Mummy and Daddy both came with us, because Logan doesn't like to go places without Mummy, and Mummy has trouble managing both me and Logan with that stick thing she has to use. This "trouble" naturally has nothing at all to do with the fact I love the ball on the end of it and keep trying to play with it while Mummy is trying to use it. Nope. I don't know what she's talking about, because it's nothing at all to do with that, and I certainly wouldn't do a thing like that anyhow. Nope. Not me. *innocent doggy look*
Anyway, they said right now - because of that Avirus thing - they're usually asking for just one human to come with the animals, but were willing to let both Mummy and Daddy come because of how Mummy has broken eyes. We all thought that was very nice of them.
So, we had a ride in one of those taxi things, because it's a bit too far for Mummy to walk. Probably Logan too, because he gets tired real quickly. Me and Daddy could have done the walk if we were going on our own, but we weren't. Never mind. Even though I love walkies, I also love rides in the taxi things, so it's OK.
Usually when we get to the vet we go right in, and then we have to sit on the chairs while we wait for our turn. But because of something called, "Social distancing," the vet asked Mummy and Daddy if they'd wait outside. I don't know what that actually means, but Mummy and Daddy say it has something to do with that Avirus thing again. A lot of strange things have been happening this year because of Avirus. Anyway, whatever social distancing means, the vets left us outside and wouldn't let us go in. I was really confused. It wasn't because both Mummy and Daddy came either, because we saw them doing the same thing with the person who was just finishing up when we got there, and the one who arrived while we were waiting for our taxi to go back home.
At least it was between thunder storms, so none of us minded staying out there too much. Except for how I was confused, like I said. Besides, with how hot it was that day - in fact, that week - it was actually nice to be out there with the breeze, instead of inside where the wind wasn't allowed. I was starting to wonder what the point of going was if we were just going to stand outside. But then the vet came and asked which one of me and Logan wanted to be first. I did really, but Logan started bouncing like an idiot, so the vet took him first instead. Mummy and Daddy told me I'd get a turn, and I was worried I wouldn't, but then Logan came back out, and the vet took me inside. So I guess Mummy and Daddy knew what they were talking about.
The vet poked and prodded me, and stuck a sharp thing in my neck. He also weighed me. I was a good girl and let him do it all while wagging my tail. Mostly I was just enjoying the attention. Apparently Logan was good too, apart from how he took a lot of persuading to go with the vet after he noticed Mummy wasn't following. Serve him right for insisting on being first. He'd have known that was coming if he let me go first like I wanted to.
Me and Logan are both a bit heavier than we're meant to be. I weigh 10.6 kilos, and Logan weighs 16.6 kilos. About 0.3 kilos of that is probably where we need haircuts - or did when we went, since we've since had a grooming appointment - but that still makes us a little heavier than we should be. The vet was nice about it because of how we've been locked down, and keeping Mummy home as much as possible because of Avirus has meant less walkies, but says Logan especially needs to watch the treats.
Logan says he does watch them. He pointed out he watches them very closely so he can grab any that come close enough to eat. But I told him I'm pretty sure that's not what the vet means.
Anyway, while we were there, we picked up the packages with the funny tasting treat we sometimes get because of worms - I'm three, and that still doesn't make sense to me - and the wet stuff they put on our neck because of fleas. The vet gave us enough of those for three months.
Even though he's now well and truely over a year old, Logan still isn't getting his neuter, because it's not essential for it to be rushed, and the vets are still not doing things that can wait until Avirus is over. Mummy says she's half glad because she hates when we have to have surgery for any reason, and half disappointed because she agrees it's always a good idea to spay and neuter your pets. Well, at least I got my spay when I was a puppy, so there won't be any accidents at home, and Logan's always on a lead when we go walkies.
So, that was what Mummy calls our socially distanced vet trip. I'll tell you about the groomer another day.
Lots of licks,Lilie
July 9, 2020
#AmReading + #AmWatching + #AmListening - Media Shares And #Reviews 09-07-20
Someone reading should be someone intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.
~Ezra Pound
*~*~* Welcome to this week's weekly media shares and reviews post! *~*~*
*Disclaimer: no matter what's being reviewed, all opinions in this post are entirely my own, and I reserve the right to have them, regardless of who may or may not share them. Feel free to express your own in the comments, but please respect my right - and the rights of other commenters - to have opinions that might differ from yours, and to express those opinions too.
Also, please remember that I read/watch/listen to things in a variety of genres, and for all ages, so you should make sure you check that the book/movie/show/song is suitable for the intended audience before reading/watching/listening to it, especially if children are involved. I take no responsibility for anything which may happen as a result of failing to do so.
If you want to know more about the book, or the author, click on whichever it is you want to learn more about, and it will take you to the appropriate page on Goodreads. Clicking on my rating should take you to my actual Goodreads review for the book in question. Please bear in mind that the format I've reviewed on Goodreads may not be the format I actually read.
Alternatively, if it's a movie or TV show you want to know more about, just click on the title to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Unless otherwise stated, all music videos are via YouTube.
*~*~*
OK. Let's see what I've been reading, watching, and listening to, and which song I'm going to share this week, shall we? After all, that's the point of this post, and why you're here today, right?
*~*~*
Reading:This week I finished reading the book I was in the middle of this time last week, and started another I haven't had time to finish yet. So, here's the review for the one I was able to finish.
City of Glass by Cassandra ClareMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent read! This is so far my favourite of the series. So many feels, and so much going on... i’m loving the character development, and there were quite a few questions from the first couple of books answered in this book too. Plus, it had a wonderful ending.
*~*~*
Watching:This week I watched several more episodes of "Outlander" - I'm now on season 2, and still really loving it as much as I did the books. Although, I will say - for the benifit of anyone who wants to know - that they've changed the way several things happen, or the order they happen in, from the books. It still essentially gets you to the same outcome (or has so far) and both the books and TV show are excellent, but I know some people like to know how they compare, so I thought I'd mention that. *~*~*
Listening:This week I've been listening to very little music. But, since I've watched so many episodes of "Outlander" this week there is one song I've heard a lot of, which I thought I'd share, since those who are fans might appreciate it, and those who aren't might still enjoy the tune. It's the one for the opening of the show, and is called "The Skye Boat Song" - enjoy!
July 8, 2020
My #Poetry And #KidLit Is Enrolled In The #Smashwords 2020 Summer/Winter #eBook #Sale
It's July, which means it's time for the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale!
All my books are enrolled at various discounted levels, with some 50% off, some 75% off, and some 100% off!
That's 55 titles - 46 children's stories, and nine poetry collections - at prices ranging from $1.50 to absolutely FREE!
So, head over to my Smashwords author page, pick your book(s), add it/them to your cart, and grab your eBook bargain(s).
The sale runs from July 1st 2020 through July 31st 2020, and is exclusive to Smashwords.
Worried they won't have the right format for your eReader of choice? Don't be. Smashwords offers multiple eBook formats, and I make my books available in all formats they offer, so there's bound to be a format that works for you, regardless of whether you read your eBooks via Kindle, Nook, iPad, or any other eReading device. In fact, they also offer a PDF you can read on your computer, and since there's a html version as well, which will work with your browser, if you can read this post, you'll be able to read my books.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to my Smashwords author page today, and grab yourself some discounted eBooks!
Plenty of other authors have their books enrolled too, so consider checking out the sale catalogue while you're at it. You never know, you might discover a new favourite author, while at the same time filling your eReader for less than it would otherwise have cost you. Some don't enable all formats for their eBooks though, so be sure to check the vailability of your prefered format before buying. Not an issue you have to deal with when it comes to my own books - like I said, I enable every single format Smashwords will let me - but watch out for it with other authors. NOTE: Coupons will automatically apply themselves when you're adding my books to your cart, so you don't need to do anything except go to my Smashwords author page and grab your eBook bargains before July 31st 2020.
All my books are enrolled at various discounted levels, with some 50% off, some 75% off, and some 100% off!
That's 55 titles - 46 children's stories, and nine poetry collections - at prices ranging from $1.50 to absolutely FREE!
So, head over to my Smashwords author page, pick your book(s), add it/them to your cart, and grab your eBook bargain(s).
The sale runs from July 1st 2020 through July 31st 2020, and is exclusive to Smashwords.
Worried they won't have the right format for your eReader of choice? Don't be. Smashwords offers multiple eBook formats, and I make my books available in all formats they offer, so there's bound to be a format that works for you, regardless of whether you read your eBooks via Kindle, Nook, iPad, or any other eReading device. In fact, they also offer a PDF you can read on your computer, and since there's a html version as well, which will work with your browser, if you can read this post, you'll be able to read my books.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to my Smashwords author page today, and grab yourself some discounted eBooks!
Plenty of other authors have their books enrolled too, so consider checking out the sale catalogue while you're at it. You never know, you might discover a new favourite author, while at the same time filling your eReader for less than it would otherwise have cost you. Some don't enable all formats for their eBooks though, so be sure to check the vailability of your prefered format before buying. Not an issue you have to deal with when it comes to my own books - like I said, I enable every single format Smashwords will let me - but watch out for it with other authors. NOTE: Coupons will automatically apply themselves when you're adding my books to your cart, so you don't need to do anything except go to my Smashwords author page and grab your eBook bargains before July 31st 2020.
July 7, 2020
The Finished #Book Tag - #AmReading
Today I’m going to be doing a short tag all about what you do when you’ve finished reading a book, which I grabbed from this post on Cat's blog a couple of months ago, but am only now getting a chance to post.
As usual, I'm not going to tag anyone. But if you want to play along, that would be great. So, if you do, feel free to do so either in the comments section of this post on my blog, in the comments of wherever you read this on social media, or on your own blog. Just make sure to let me know you're doing it if you don't do it directly in the comments of this post, because I'd hate to miss your answers.
Anyway, here are the questions, along with my answers to them:
1. Do you keep a list of the books you have read?
They're on my read shelf on Goodreads, and many of them are also mentioned on my blog. Other than that though, no.
2. If you record statistics, what statistics do you record?
By checking out the books on my read shelf on Goodreads, you can find out when I started reading it, when I finished reading it, my rating, and - if I gave it one - my review.
3. Do you give star ratings for books and if so, what do you score books out of and how do you come about this score?
I give a rating out of five stars, based on how I feel after reading the book. Five stars means I absolutely loved it. Four means I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't awesome for me. Three means I liked it, but there was a lot I didn't like about it too. Two means I really didn't like it, but I suppose it could have been worse. One means I absolutely hated it. It's incredibly rare for me to give something lower than three stars.
4. Do you review books?
Yes. I used to just give ratings on Goodreads, but these days I try to do a review too, even if just a few words.
5. Where do you put your finished books?
Since I mostly read eBooks or listen to audio downloads, they just stay on my Kindle mostly. If I'm actually dealing with a physical copy of something - say if I have an actual audio CD - it will go on my bookshelves after I'm done.
6. Do you have any other rituals for when you have finished a book?
Not really. When I've finished a book, I either write its review right away, settle to sleep, go do something else, or start the next one, depending on when I finish it, what I'm meant to be doing, or how close to bed time it is.
As usual, I'm not going to tag anyone. But if you want to play along, that would be great. So, if you do, feel free to do so either in the comments section of this post on my blog, in the comments of wherever you read this on social media, or on your own blog. Just make sure to let me know you're doing it if you don't do it directly in the comments of this post, because I'd hate to miss your answers.
Anyway, here are the questions, along with my answers to them:
1. Do you keep a list of the books you have read?
They're on my read shelf on Goodreads, and many of them are also mentioned on my blog. Other than that though, no.
2. If you record statistics, what statistics do you record?
By checking out the books on my read shelf on Goodreads, you can find out when I started reading it, when I finished reading it, my rating, and - if I gave it one - my review.
3. Do you give star ratings for books and if so, what do you score books out of and how do you come about this score?
I give a rating out of five stars, based on how I feel after reading the book. Five stars means I absolutely loved it. Four means I really enjoyed it, but it wasn't awesome for me. Three means I liked it, but there was a lot I didn't like about it too. Two means I really didn't like it, but I suppose it could have been worse. One means I absolutely hated it. It's incredibly rare for me to give something lower than three stars.
4. Do you review books?
Yes. I used to just give ratings on Goodreads, but these days I try to do a review too, even if just a few words.
5. Where do you put your finished books?
Since I mostly read eBooks or listen to audio downloads, they just stay on my Kindle mostly. If I'm actually dealing with a physical copy of something - say if I have an actual audio CD - it will go on my bookshelves after I'm done.
6. Do you have any other rituals for when you have finished a book?
Not really. When I've finished a book, I either write its review right away, settle to sleep, go do something else, or start the next one, depending on when I finish it, what I'm meant to be doing, or how close to bed time it is.
Zigler News
Author and book news for children's author and poet, Victoria Zigler, as well as general news from the life of the Zigler family; furry and otherwise!
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