I don’t know what it is but it’s so beautiful.
Sunday in the Garden: bugs
Camping Fashion: #fashionblog
So I might have to go camping this year. We didn’t go anywhere last year -like everyone else in the world. We can’t really go out of the country – except Iceland and Mexico- without quarantine restrictions. Maybe this is the year to visit the Grand Canyon and do a Route 66 trip.
I’ve been working on getting my travel agent certification. So this week, I finished my initial training and received my certificate.
It makes sense. When I was in 5th grade, my favorite project was studying maps and finding out how to get places. Today, I found an old travel journal from when I was in my 20s.
So here’s the link to my travel agent page: Destination Backstage in case anyone is interested in planning a trip.
Flawless Friday Video: Girl Ray
YouTube recommended this video from Girl Ray and they were on the mark this time. Girl Ray recently released their video for “Give Me Your Love.” It might be the most perfect song for this summer. The video is so lovely. I also need a video about how to make floral crowns since I have forgotten.
Connect with Girl Ray:
Book Riot Challenge 2021
When I was a kid, I really loved it when the English teacher would give us a list of 100 or so books to read. It was nerdy and challenging.
So if you need a challenging book challenge, let me suggest the Book Riot Book Challenge. Plus, there’s a PDF that you can print out and check books off. You can also use the same books for your Goodreads challenge if you want.
At the moment, I’m reading “Hood Feminism” by Mikki Kendall. It has definitely been an eye opener for me. No regrets.
The point of the challenge is to read outside of the box. Read books that you wouldn’t normally read. Read books by authors that you have never heard of before. Expand your reading horizons.
Meet and Greet: Reuben James
Who: Reuben James
What: The coolest R & B . So, so cool.
Why: Because all of the cool kids are going to be listening to Reuben James. Why not get a head start? I think he might just be a hepcat. Google that term. It’s not one I get to use very often because I’m not 100 years old yet. Anyway, can we bring back hepcat?
He has a song called “BBQ Energy” that I’m 100% sure will be my new favorite. I love music and BBQ. I want the BBQ Energy. Probably.
Where:
https://www.reubenjames.com
https://twitter.com/ItsReubenJames
https://soundcloud.com/reubenj
Sleep Deprived Music Review: Nane’
Nane’ of Austin, Texas released a self-titled debut album in November 2020. I cannot express to you how dope this album is. It deserves any and all of the hype. Brittany Howard loves this band so that is saying something.
Actually, the band reminds me of Brittany Howard. She’s amazing so it is a compliment. They both are in that genre of indie/rock/soul music that I love. Positive vibes all around for and from Nane’ and Brittany Howard.
My personal favorite song on the album is “Always on My Mind.” Let me know which song is your favorite!
I want to listen to this album everywhere. If I could, I would keep the lead singer in my pocket. What if I need a boost of sexiness and confidence? Since he isn’t my possession, I will just keep the band playing on Spotify. I highly recommend that you listen to and support Nane’ for your own boost of good vibes.
Connect with Nane’
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: #bookreview
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel begins in Berlin in 1922. An old woman, Jerusza, takes a two-year-old girl from her home and raises her in the forest. The girl is called Yona from that time on. Yona means “dove” in Hebrew. The girl has a dove birthmark on her left hand.
Jerusza taught Yona everything about surviving in the forest: what you could eat or not, herbs that were medicinal, how to track. She also taught Yona other subjects like religion, languages and a hundred ways to kill a man.
After Jerusza passes away, Yona is alone in the forest somewhere in eastern Europe. She learns about how the Jewish people are trying to escape from the Nazis. She vows to help people survive in the forest. Yona teaches many people how to survive.
At one point, she hides with a group of people on an island surrounded by a swamp. This part is based on a story that actually happened.
Yona has seen the best and the worst of people. She finds love and heartache.
If you want to see the good fight against evil, then you might like this book. I wish that more people were like Yona. She is so kind and knowledgeable.
If you are anti-Semitic or a Nazi sympathizer, then shame on you. You need to change your evil ways before you read this book.
* I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
Sunday in the Garden.
Floral Shorts: #fashionblog
Flawless Friday Video: Pageants
Ohhhh a video from Pageants with Beanie Babies and Caboodles. I still want a Caboodle. Who had a high school boyfriend that they could make cute music videos with? I’ll stick with the Caboodle. Caboodles are classic and won’t let you down. Pageants knows.
Connect with Pageants:
