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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Crows, Books, and other trivial things...

 

fake crows  - hoping to attract real ones

I put out peanuts in the shell as well as apple peelings every day. Something is eating them... probably squirrels. But I'm hoping to attract some of the crows I see in the area to our yard. 





I mentioned books since they play a large part in my life... always have. I read 2-3 books a week... and am at a loss when I run out. Thank goodness for Kindle on my iPhone. It's my 'go to' when I run out of the real thing. 

Right now I have 4 - all picked up at the Senior Center. The one I'm reading at the moment is "The Echo of Old Books" and it's good. The other 3 are: "Good Grief", "The Rhythm Section", and "The Painter's Daughters"... all look good, but won't know till I get into those pages.

I find books very subjective. I want a good story... but nothing horrific or depressing. It's true that some do have hard times, but as long as that is not the main theme of the story, I can handle it. Guess I tend to like ones that have a little humor and mystery... the mystery can be crime related, or science, or family - as long as the characters are likable and believable.

Some books on the best sellers list or even those recommended by Oprah aren't my type of read. And I do read almost anything... but mostly fiction. My type of book is one I can't wait to get back to. So, yes, very subjective. 

My own 2 self-published books "Time After Time" and "Carrick Cove" are like this in that they're simply a good story about good people. Add in a little mystery, a bookstore, and good food... and that's all I need. Not everyone's taste, I'm sure. But that's OK. I enjoyed writing them and am over the moon that many have enjoyed reading them.




Now for other trivial things: 

Still playing around with sketching and water-coloring - no great progress there. 

Still playing around with Nintendo Switch's Animal Crossing with my youngest granddaughter. That game can go on forever... keep learning new things it can do. 

She also recently introduced me to another video game called Little Kitty Big City which is fascinating... not only the simple game theme which is to get the little black cat who has fallen from his high apartment window back up there - but the technology involved and how it works. Maybe just being a Baby Boomer (1945) makes me appreciate the intricacies involved in these games.  

Watched some good movies and series lately (and some not so good). The Perfect Couple (Prime) was a good series. The King's Daughter (Prime) was a good movie. Neither was spectacular... but enjoyable - again - subjective. One of my old favorite movies that I recently watched again was "Dragonfly" (Prime).

We also listened to a talk (one at the Senior Center and one on TV) about AI - another fascinating and controversial subject. 


And for something 'not so trivial'... the November Presidential Election. 


Boy, does my gut instinct play a part in this...


And here is where I land:




Life goes on... (at least we hope it does - or will)


Hugs,

Rian

21 comments:

  1. This post speaks loudly to me. I am an avid reader and usually have at least two books on the go at once. Authors are my heroes. I am so grateful for your work and talent.
    I love cats and have a very soft spot for crows.

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    1. Books can never be replaced. E-books are great, but not the same. Audio books serve a purpose too... but not the same as a book in hand (IMO). And I too love cats and have loved some special ones all my life.

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  2. You can always take that good cat advice and turn the page!

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  3. I enjoy a good mystery or thriller as long as they're not too depressing - but I don't enjoy psychological thrillers at all. I'm also lost if I don't have a book handy, I'm always worried I'll finish a library book over the weekend when the library is closed.
    Apparently we have crows in NZ and I've only just found out in my 77th year. You live and learn.

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    1. If you have an iPhone, you can get Kindle on your phone for free... and then books are always available at the touch of a button (if the library is closed)... just a thought.

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  4. I wish I could give you some of our crows, but they are probably not going to like Texas. And I simply loved both of your books. Probably time to reread them again!

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    1. Send your crows to me! Please! Also it makes my heart happy to think someone enjoys Annie's story.

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  5. I do enjoy reading as well. Lately it has been a lot of crime stories, but I really enjoy what is referred to as herstories. Stories of women and their lives, often ordinary, but interesting. No romance for me - I always find those books so predictable. I don't read nearly as often as I ought to but have gone back to reading for a bit before bed and putting down the device.
    I'll admit, as a late boomer (1959), my technological skills are not great, and my fear of AI is quite high. Good on you for doing more to learn about both.

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    1. Reading at bedtime is a good habit for me... I look forward to getting back to the book. But I also read anytime I get a minute (waiting in the doctor's office, waiting for something to cook, etc.) As for AI, I'm trying to learn all it's pros and cons. I think it's with us - for both.

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  6. Rian, love your fake crows and book-cat meme. My goodness you are quite the reader I'm impressed. I hope all is well with you and your family.

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    1. Hi Dug! We are all fine. So happy to get a comment from you. Hope it means you are feeling better. Fingers crossed!

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  7. i am not a reader because i can't remember most of what i read. i even have trouble remembering long blog entries when i get to the end. i often have to go back and then it is an "oh i remember now" moment. my friends have read "the painter's daughters" and i am pretty sure they liked it!! i have a hard time picturing you playing a video game but good for you!! i like the last meme, words to live by!!

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    1. My grandson (25) lives with us and he's big into video games (works for a cyber-security company). He got me into Nintendo Switch's Animal Crossing during the pandemic and I've been 'involved' with it ever since. Got my youngest granddaughter the game so we could play together (her at her house and me at mine). It's not a game you win... it's a living on an island game. And you're right, except for this game (and the one she recently acquired), I'm not a 'game person'... not cards either.

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    2. makes sence and i am glad you enjoy it!!

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  8. OK... I need to breathe because today was not an easy day.

    I'm reading a book a friend recommended called Island of Sea Women. I'm glued to it.

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    1. OK, Kay... just breathe. And I know you must think I'm crazy trying to attract crows when you had such a difficult time getting rid of pigeons. But I don't think we'd ever get many due to the feral cats, but maybe just a few.

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  9. We have about six crows that visit daily, mostly because our neighbor throws out food, and if not they can be heard screaming until she does.
    They are smart birds indeed.
    Jo

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    1. I know they are smart... and hope that they will see the food I throw out for them (and maybe be attracted by the fake crows?). We have seen a few closer to the house... and they are cawing... so maybe they are beginning to notice?

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  10. Hey Rian. You always write the best posts. I cannot imagine reading 2 or 3 books a week. My sister Shelby is a reader. Growing up, I used to get so mad at her. She never heard a word I said because of having her nose in a book. But really, I envied her. I've just never been a reader. I try, I really do. Her favorite author is Jan Karon, The Mitford Series books. She wants me to read them and has picked up, in thrift stores mostly, the entire set for me. I read the first, and did manage to read her Christmas book, Shepherds Abiding and over the years have read a few other books. I just can't sit long enough to enjoy reading. :) Hope you get some crows to visit soon. We have them light in the chicken lot, but the hens chase them away. I love the crows.

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    1. Henny, I've read all of the Jan Karan's book... even bought her cookbook. I don't say they are my favorites, but the Mitford Series is my type of story. My daughter is like you, can't sit still long enough to read... loves being outside, etc. (has bunnies, chickens, dogs, cats, horses, and turtles)

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