Tag Archives: Books

After A Good Nap, It’s Time for A Good Book

Posted on by Gertie

Good Evening, World!!! It is seven twenty-nine in the evening here in Seattle and the weather is still yucky. With the weather being so yucky and me not feeling well I decided to take a nap after my last blog post. I am glad I took the nap despite sleeping longer than I had hoped to. I know I needed the sleep, and I hope that I have not created a not so good sleep cycle for myself.

Now that I am wide awake, I think I am going to read the book in a six-book series. In fact, it is part of the Fire and Brimstone series by Nikole Knight. I am so happy that I picked this book series out because I was just going off of what the back of the book said, and I read it online. So, I bought all six books on a whim after reading something about the first book online.

I do not have anything else to discuss or write about in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you the reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Feeling Like Sh!t

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World!!! It is a yucky weather day here in Seattle and I feel like shit. I feel like shit because my cold is not getting better. I wish I knew why I was not getting any better, but I am doing my best to feeling better. At this point in time, I am testing negative for covid which is a good thing. I am so very glad that I have so many take home tests for covid so I can test myself. Just knowing that it is not covid it is relief in itself.

Since I am relieved that I do not covid, I am a bit sad. I am sad because I am not feeling well, and I am not able volunteer at PAWS Cat City today. I look forward to volunteering at PAWS Cat City every Sunday. It something that I enjoy doing and it gives me a sense of purpose. Hell, I consider volunteering at PAWS Cat City fun. Yes, I know it sounds odd that volunteering with cats is fun, but it is or at least it is fun for me. It is not only fun, but I find it enjoyable as well.

Even though I will be missing out having fun with cat and enjoy time with them I can spend time curled up with my own cat, Billie as I start a new book today. I will be starting the third book in a six-book series called Fire & Brimstone by Nikole Knight. I am enjoying the series, and I highly recommend reading it. I am looking forward what the third book will bring to the story so far.

Besides reading and cuddling with my cat, Billie, I will be doing some artwork. I will be starting a new coloring page today as I finished one yesterday. I will also be continuing to color a giant poster which is taking forever and a day to do but I am enjoying it. Of course, I will be continuing to do the diamond art/painting project I started working on recently. The diamond art/painting that I am currently doing is that of a tuxedo cat in a tree. If you are regular reader, you know that my cat, Billie is a tuxedo cat which is why I picked the diamond art/painting that I am currently doing.

I do not have anything else to discuss or write about in this particular blog post except I have I feel better as I do not like feeling like shit. I do want to thank you the reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

So Far Lazy Type of Saturday

Posted on by Gertie

Good Afternoon, World!!! It is just a few minutes after twelve o’clock in the afternoon here in Seattle and so far, it has been a lazy type of Saturday for me. It is a good thing that it is a lazy type of day for me because I haven’t been feeling all that well for the last few days. I have been sick with a cold so just staying home and being lazy today is a good thing.

Since I woke up this morning with some great sadness over the loss of both my parents withing a two-month period, I realized that keeping myself busy would be a good idea. So, I figured out an idea how to keep myself busy at home without needing to do anything major. I decided to read a chapter or two in the book that I am currently reading. It turns out I ended up reading more than a couple of chapters. I ended up reading for almost two hours and I finished the book that I was reading. It was an awesome book, and I am looking forward to starting the third book in its series.

After finishing my book, I decided to start doing some artwork. I started out by coloring and ended up finishing up the particular coloring project that I chose to work on. I am so happy that I finished up that particular coloring project because I can now give it to the person, I colored it for. Since I finished a coloring project that is when I decided to do a diamond art/painting project. The diamond art/painting project that I am currently doing is that of a tuxedo cat. I chose this particular diamond are because my cat, Billie is a tuxedo cat. Billie is the reason I have a special place in my heart for tuxedo cats. Anyway, I made some major progress on the diamond art/painting project that I am doing.

I do not have much else to discuss or write about in the particular blog post except that I feel like today feels like an accomplished and productive day and it is only half over. I do want to thank you the reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Friday Evening Plans

Posted on by Gertie

Happy Friday, World!!! I have had a pretty productive day so far today and I am proud of myself, and it is few minutes after one o’clock in the afternoon here in Seattle. I hope me saying that I am proud of myself for a productive day doesn’t sound like I am conceded or narcissistic. I volunteered this morning for Alley Cat Project, did an entire chapter in a recovery focused workbook and started a continuing education course that I am halfway through already. Oh yeah before I forget, I also did some artwork. I worked on some diamond art/painting as well as did some coloring. I not only feel like I was productive today, but I feel very accomplished.

After having a productive and accomplished, I am planning to hang out with friends in an hour or two. My friends and I are going out for a late lunch. We are going to my favorite restaurant which is Red Robin. I love Red Robin and something many people do not know is that Red Robin started here In Seattle. Red Robin starting here in Seattle is not the reason why I love eating there so much. The reason I love Red Robin so much is because they have awesome food.

After dinner at Red Robin, I plan on coming back home and having a quiet evening at home with my cat, Billie. I plan on two main activities when I return home from Red Robin which are reading and doing some artwork. The book I am reading is the second book in a six-book series. It is a queer dark fantasy book as is the entire book series. As far as artwork goes, I most like will be doing a diamond art/painting. The diamond art/painting that I am currently doing is that of a tuxedo cat. Part of the reason why I chose to do a tuxedo cat is because my cat, Billie is a tuxedo cat.

I do not have anything else to discuss or write about in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you the reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my heart. Peace Out, World!!!

Insomnia Strikes Again

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World!!! It is a few minutes after two o’clock in the morning here in Seattle. I am sadly unable to sleep again due to insomnia. I am not a big fan of not being able to sleep as getting a good night’s sleep is crucial both physical health and mental health.

Speaking of mental health, since I am unable to sleep, I have been working on a recovery related workbook. I find that working on recovery related workbooks help me with my recovery and allows me to look inward on how I can improve myself and lessen the symptoms of my mental health challenges. The recovery related workbooks also helps me in between session with my therapist.

In addition to working on recovery related workbooks, I have been reading. I am reading the second book in a dark queer fantasy series. I am really enjoying the book as well as the series. Reading helps me get out of my head and is a way for me to focus on something other than my current problems.

I do not have much more to discuss or write about in this particular except that I am going to curl up with my cat, Billie and read. I do want to thank you the reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Daily Prompt; How Do You Relax?

Posted on by Gertie
Daily writing prompt
How do you relax?
View all responses

There are many ways that I relax. One of the ways that I have relaxed since I was a child is the water. I spent the first sixteen years of my life in California and there was not a week that I didn’t go to the beach at least once. Now that I live in Seattle, I go to various lakes as well as various places to access the Puget Sound. One of those things is taking the one hour ferry ride from Seattle to Bremerton. The water is so peaceful and relaxing. I go to the water at least once a week.

Another way I relax is by doing some artwork. I usually do art by coloring or diamond art/painting. I do paint rock on the occasional basis. I really like doing artwork as a way to relax and to be creative.

Another way I relax is music. I love listening to it as loud as my neighbors can tolerate when it is not quiet hours. I also love playing music on my flute even though I suck at it. It truly helps me relax.

Last but not least cats help me relax. That is one of the reasons why I volunteer with cats. Hell, that is why I have my cat, Billie. He helps me relax and I love him so very much. Anyone who has pets of any kind knows how relaxing they are. I love how Billie helps me relax.

Weekly Plans

Posted on by Gertie

Sunday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App.
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer at PAWS Cat City
  • Attend an in person 12 step meeting
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Monday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Go to the DSHS office
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Attend a second online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Tuesday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Appointment with my employment specialist
  • Appointment with my peer specialist
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Wednesday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Appointment with psychiatric nurse practitioner
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project
  • Attend a second online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Thursday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Friday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Go to the movies with my partner
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Saturday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Go to the U-District Farmers Market
  • Attend an online virtual 12 step meeting
  • Go to the movies (again) with my partner
  • Work on recovery related workbooks
  • Read
  • Artwork (diamond art/painting)

Family Drama + Middle of Night + PTSD + Insomnia = Sleepless in Seattle Type of Night

Posted on by Gertie

Good Morning, World!!! Sadly, more family drama has been occurring and this time in the middle of the night. My aunt is upset with me at the moment due to the fact that I will now no longer be paying for her train ticket to go my mom’s funeral at the end of this month. I asked multiple times via phone calls and text messages and she made it clear to me that she “doesn’t need help paying for a stupid train ticket.” So, when I bought mine, I didn’t buy hers. My aunt has been calling me and my other aunt who lives in Texas all night. My aunt in Texas is on my side due to the fact that I offered multiple times and was told “no” multiple times. My aunt in Texas is extremely angry with my other aunt because of being woken up multiple times. In fact my aunt in Texas blocked my other aunt so she could get some sleep. In fact I took my aunt who lives in Texas lead and blocked my other aunt as well. Sadly, my angry aunt called my two uncles and sadly got them involved. One uncle is on my side while the other uncle is upset but thinks I should pay for my aunts train ticket to “keep the peace” even though my aunt has said “no” multiple times but understands why I am not. Sadly, my uncles have now blocked my aunt so they can get some sleep.

Even though I blocked this aunt I am not able to get back to sleep due to insomnia and an increase of PTSD symptoms due to the family drama. Since I am unable to sleep I am cuddling with my cat, Billie. As I cuddle with my cat, Billie, I am reading an awesome book. The book I am reading is Sacrifice by Nikole Knight. Sacrifice is book two in the Fire and Brimstone series by Nikole Knight. I am really enjoying the book. In fact cuddling with my cat, Billie, and reading has been helping with the PTSD symptoms.

I do not have anything else to write about or even to discuss in this particular blog post. I do want to thank you my reader for reading my blog. It is greatly appreciated from my end of things that you the reader, read my blog. If it was not for you the reader, reading my blog, I would not be continuing to write my blog. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog. Peace Out, World!!!

Weekly Plans

Posted on by Gertie

Sunday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer at PAWS Cat City
  • Attend a hybrid 12 step meeting
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Monday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails.
  • Attend a second online 12 step meeting
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Tuesday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Volunteer at PAWS Cat City
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Attend an online orientation to volunteer at the Seattle Aquarium
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Wednesday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Appointment with my therapist
  • Lunch with my partner and some close friends at Red Robin
  • Attend a second online 12 step meeting
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Thursday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Friday

  • Mindfulness meditation through the Calm App
  • Morning Walk
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Dinner with my partner at Red Robin
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Saturday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning Walk
  • U-District Farmer Market with one of my closest friends
  • Attend an online 12 step meeting
  • Lunch with a high school friend at Red Robin
  • Attend a second online 12 step meeting
  • Work on a recovery related workbook
  • Read
  • Art (coloring and/or diamond art/painting)

Weekly Plans

Posted on by Gertie

Sunday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer a double shift at PAWS Cat City
  • Read
  • Art (diamond art/painting)

Monday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails
  • Read
  • Art (diamond art/painting)

Tuesday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Read
  • Art
  • Christmas Eve service with friends
  • Christmas Eve dinner with friends
  • Watch Christmas movies

Wednesday

  • Christmas Midnight Mass
  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Christmas breakfast by myself
  • Go watch the movie Mufasa; The Lion King
  • Christmas Dinner by myself
  • Read
  • Watch Christmas movies

Thursday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails
  • Volunteer at PAWS Cat City
  • Read
  • Art (diamond art/painting)

Friday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Volunteer with Alley Cat Project by returning calls and emails
  • Read
  • Art (diamond art/painting)

Saturday

  • Mindfulness meditation practice through the Calm App
  • Morning walk
  • Go to the U-District farmers market
  • Read
  • Art (diamond art/painting)
  • Watch movies