Winter Writing Update
WARMEST WINTER WISHES
Greetings Friends & Readers, We're two weeks away from the winter solstice, but here on the chilly shores of Puget Sound's Hood Canal (25 degree low today) where the sun rose at 7:44 a.m. and will set at 4:22 p.m., I'm feeling the call to hibernate—or to at least wrap up in a blanket with a book. Yet, there's work to be done on our fixer upper so most of my literature these days is on audio—courtesy of our wonderful public library system. Below you'll find some listening recommendations, including a short story of mine, and a link to download my new booklet of Advent devotions to read and share with others. Wishing you warmth and wonder this holiday season. ~Cathy
The Painter is Here Podcast
I'm delighted to have new life breathed into one of my old short stories, thanks to the new Afictionada podcast for previously published short stories. Give it a listen when you have a chance; it's under 10 minutes.
Audiobook Recommendations
Need something to listen to besides the same Christmas songs on repeat while you're cooking, decorating, and wrapping for the holidays?
Here are some of my favorite listens (with links to Audible.com) from this summer:
• Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being near, in, on, or under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Written and read by Wallace J. Nichols. I was especially fascinated by the book since I've been blessed with a water view from each place we've lived in Washington—and now I know why water became a priority. Love a good bath, watching an aquarium, or the color blue? You'll enjoy this book.
• Rome 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World. Written and read by David Maraniss. Maraniss presents the athletes (including Wilma Rudolph, Rafer Johnson, and Cassius Clay), countries at the height of the Cold War (including two Chinas a "unified" Germany, and "new" independent African nations) and Olympic officials participating in the 1960 games with stories full of intrigue, gender divides, culture clashes, politics, and athletic achievement. History at its most interesting.
• Another Great Day at Sea: Life Aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. Written by Geoff Dyer. Read by Jonathon Cowley. I was introduced to British writer Geoff Dyer in my MFA program and was delighted to stumble upon this engaging account of his short residency aboard an American aircraft carrier. A witty and affectionate look at high-risk military life and camaraderie.
• Driven: A White-Knuckled Ride to Heartbreak and Back. Written by Melissa Stephenson. Read by Eileen Stevens. The publisher calls it "a searing memoir about one woman's road to hope following the death of her troubled brother, told through the series of cars that accompanied her on her journey." For anyone who's ever "succeeded" while a loved one "failed." Beautifully written.
* Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved. Written and Read by Kate Bowler. Another contribution in the vein of Nina Riggs' This Bright Hour and Paul Kalanithi's When Breath Becomes Air (both of which I also recommend), Bowler, a professor at Duke Divinity School takes on the disastrous "prosperity gospel" of American Christianity (her field of expertise) when she's diagnosed with cancer.
A Poem A Day?
In November I participated in a poem a day challenge with a dozen or so lovely writers, some of whom I met on the Key Peninsula, others new virtual connections. I fell well short of the goal but enjoyed the wonderful emails from our "prompter" and the exchange of poems. Here's one I posted on my blog after an afternoon walk.