Posts tagged outlander
LIFESTYLE | June 2021 Reads

Drums of Autumn | Diana Gabaldon

Rereading any Outlander book is a treat. This remained no exception. Leave it to Diana Gabaldon to give us even more epic story development that crosses time, eras, generations, genres and cultures. This is my second time sitting down with Drums of Autumn. #noregrets

Many Ways to Say I Love You: Wisdom for Parents and Children from Mister Rogers | Fred Rogers

Words of Wisdom from Fred Rogers on the various forms of love. There is nothing more healing than that.
(note, I read this through my ‘iBooks’ app,.

The Paragon Hotel | Lyndsay Faye

Not yet finished, but a riveting historical mystery set in the 1920’s during prohibition Oregan and New York City. With a character who refers to herself as ‘Nobody’, it’s a constant page turn to discover where she came from, where she plans to go next and what is keeping her at the Paragon Hotel.

FILMS /TV SHOWS of Note

Ted Lasso S01 - because it might be the best comedy that hit TV ever. Exposing mental health, real life and comedic life all in one.
Q Into the Storm - because although Q-anon was something I knew about, the deconstruction of where it all began and the ways it spread is something next level scary and worth taking in for the broader awareness of how conspiracy theories can either make or break you.

LIFESTYLE | December 2020 Reads
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24 / 6 | TIFFANY SHLAIN

This read all about taking a day to rest and unplug from screens was right up my ally. If you know me at all, you know that as a personal rule I am unplugged on Saturdays. This puts another spin and perspective on why that might be the best thing for you.

THE MOMENT OF LIFT | MELINDA GATES

I loved getting Melindas perspective on all things work/mothering and passion for both. Her relationship with her husband is one that they have honed and harnessed to inspire, collaborate with and love each other.

REFLECTION | ELIZABETH LIM

A fun rapid read twist on what happens after Mulan causes the avalanche.

ONCE UPON A RIVER | DIANE SETTERFEILD

At times, I struggled to keep track of the characters of this one. If you love a good plot twist, and major character weaving, this is a good one.

UNTAMED | GLENNON DOYLE

Does this really need any explanation? Glennon speaks to the heart of personal identity, womanhood and all that we have struggled to overcome in a society that repeats its mistakes over and over again.

THE SCOTTISH PRISONER | DIANA GABALDON

I admit, I found myself skimming sections of this huge novel. Mostly, because as this is an “aside” to the series of a side and main character, I accidentally fell into thinking I had already read sections, when really it was more zoomed in moments, filling in the gaps and giving us insight into what John & Jamie got up to while Claire was in the future.

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM | MARIE BENEDICT

An interesting take on a woman during WWII trying to navigate the pursuit and marriage of a dangerous man. I found it interesting. The main character a delightful read.

LIFESTYLE | September 2020 Reads
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The Wife Stalker | Liv Constantine

Another installment from the duo that makes the synanom Liv Constantine. I wouldn’t say this was my favorite of their books, but it did do their famous ‘turn the tables’ on the reader so to speak mid way and give you another way at looking at mental health, perspective and a fun psycological thriller.

The Enneagram in Love & Work | Helen Palmer

A borrow from my aunt. I admit, I didn’t count this book in my ‘goodreads’ list as read, as I ended up skimming the last section. This would be a perfect book to sit on ones shelf for reference when needed. I do like that it delves into the various pairings of personality in relationship both in work and personal life.

Outlander | Diana Gaboldon

Okay, okay, you caught me. I re-read it again. I spent this summer reading sections and re-watching Season 1. ‘Drought-lander’ is a thing, especially during the pandemic. I will be an old lady re-reading this series.

The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember | Fred Rogers

I forgot to capture this read before it left the house to go back to the library, but a simple small read of amazing quotations from Fred Rogers. A meditative book.

TV Shows / Films of note:

When Harry Met Sally | because I watched it for the first time. classic 90s
The Great Canadian Baking Show | why did it take me so long to get to this?
The Home Edit : Organized | because its perfection
Toy Story | Watching it with a kid for the first time is such a millenial thing to do.

LIFESTYLE | May 2020 Reads
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May was full of events and other such to-dos… reading was enjoyed as an escape but not as much time for it as I would have liked.

Still, these are hefty books to have finished this month:

The Fiery Cross | Diana Gabaldon

I completed this fifth installment of the Outlander series as the fifth season of Outlander on STARZ finished airing. Diana Gabaldon continues to deliver with every read. At 979 pages, this read was chock-full of the description on history, character development, everyday living and, of course, epic adventures and happenings that could only happen in a book that is all genres in one. The Fiery Cross covers the lead up to the American Revolution, how Jamie and Claire Fraser, along with their extended family, manage while also knowing what is to come. The Outlander Series continues to be an incredible example that it is possible to capture the growth of a relationship over the decades.

The Testaments | Margaret Atwood

Having read The Handmaids Tale, it seemed fitting to see how Margaret continued the story. Jumping ahead of time, we are given multiple characters' perspectives both in and outside of Gilead.

I have always found The Handmaids Tale an intriguing take on the patriarchy, especially after hearing Margaret Atwood explain in an interview that people’s distaste for this world is in, fact, a direct reaction to the true happenings in our world. It’s easy to think this writer fluffed up a story with horrific details against women, but in fact, she researched and has only ever created the world of Gilead based on true experiences women have experienced either in the past or currently in the world. To have to be met with those truths, even in a fictional world, is jarring and helps me remember why I stand up for myself when actions towards me have gotten out of hand. It is not about creating a scene, but about continuing to create a world in which it is safe to speak up, choose and make mistakes as well as successes as women and for the future women.

To summarize, I was expecting more of a diabolical ending to The Testaments, but either way, Margaret Atwood gave us another piece of fiction to ponder over the words and actions of others and even ourselves.

WORK | Writers I am Inspired By
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We grab our inspiration in various places, here is a sampling of where mine has come from:

Sarah Polley

I think it’s safe to say there is nothing that I have taken in by Sarah Polley that hasn’t moved me. Most notably, Stories We Tell and Take This Waltz. Both of these pieces, one documentary and one fiction, has left me in awe about the complexities of life. I found peace and solidarity with the concept behind ‘Take This Waltz’ as it shows the process of a woman coming to terms with her choices in life, finding out her why’s, her how’s and how maybe life is not as simple as we thought it was. Stories We Tell gave me a deep dive as a human and storyteller how perspective and personality is everything. We are marked by our families, our DNA and our circumstances, no matter how we may fight it all.

Diana Gabaldon

This year I have been quite literally taken by Diana’s Outlander Series. I have only read four out of the eight already published in the series. (apparently there is to be 10 books in total.) What grabbed me with Diana’s writing, is her ability to weave together a time travel concept into history, romance, adventure, and so many more genres. She writes her characters deeper than three dimensional and has a way of making everything mundane in a persons life an integral part of the story. You believe in the characters as much as you believe in yourself, because that is how much she is able to give you in her writing.

Maya Angelou

Although I read ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ when I was a teenager, I fell in love with Maya’s words as I listened to her in various interviews. Interviews such as these: ‘Power of Words’, ‘Be a Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud’ , Best Advice Given, captivate me & still does. Her words are timeless, empowering and insightful and I turn to them when I need reminders to come back to myself, my values and my worthiness as a human. I will always hold her brevity, sincerity and intolerance for inhumanity close to my heart.

Elizabeth Gilbert

What I love about Elizabeth Gilbert is that not one of her works is remotely the same. Every book she has ever written is a complete departure from the last. It’s as if she shows up for the project and let’s it speak and if anything, the only thing that I can put my finger on about her, is that her own personal physical voice has a distinct soul to it that speaks of raw unashamed re-learned childlike abandon. My favourite of her works: ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’, ‘City of Girls’ and various of her clippings of words captured on the internet.

This short list didn’t even touch on ‘Anne Lamott, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Shonda Rhimes, The Brontë Sisters, Liv Constantine’…. it’s an endless list.

What writers or people inspire your work?

LIFESTYLE | April 2019 Reads
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Even when life is busy, I ALWAYS carry a book with me for those little moments in-between to squeeze in some pages.

12 Rules for Life | Jordan B. Peterson

When I posted this pic on my insta-feed this book got a few negative reviews. I will say I knew there was a contraversary with the author and I believe this is what peaked my interest to read it. It was already on my “TBR” list and wanting to understand more about the controversy and what this author puts out there in the world via book & in spoken world was my motivation for picking it up.

All that to say, I got two chapters in, and being the minimalist that I am, I realized that I didn’t want to commit to 40 plus pages of ‘academic’ lectures on why standing with your shoulders back and head held high was a good idea. I did not finish the book. As Emily Gilmore says while tossing something, : “no joy.”

Voyager | Diana Gabaldon

Only a handful of chapters left on this fourth installement in the Outlander Series and I am dreading it coming to an end. I enjoy every single word in this series.

I have chosen to read in pace with the Starz Outlander Television Series which means I will not start reading book #5 until Season 5 is about to be released. I am doing this for the personal luxury of drawing out something I am LOVING, but also for the professional study of seeing how an in-depth book series is being turned into a television series. They are very different mediums and I am finding it a helpful way for me to grow in my story -arc thinking skills of how to craft a Sega for various mediums.

This book has us in two worlds, two time lines and many different characters to enjoy.

The Book of Essie | Meghan MacLean Weir

This read proved to be such a delight and intrigue.  It poses questions like, what happens to reality television stars who are born into it? How does one break out of a controlled environment? How does one break out of a carefully curated life and embrace space from ‘media’ and the constant need to ‘keep up appearences?’ These questions seem to only relate to the specific circumstance of the main character, but the author does an amazing job in showing us how they can also relate to us and the ‘everyday’ person.

Dare to Lead | Brené Brown

Dare to Lead is my spring Professional Development read and I am loving how Brené Brown brings her works into a professional arena.  She takes vulnerability, communication and courage to embrace leadership to a new level. I am spreading this read out over the next month or so to take my time and properly ‘rumble’ with it in it’s entirety.

Television Series of Note

Outlander S04 - The beautiful scenes in this series keep me coming back for more!

LIFESTYLE | Winter 2019 Favourites
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Here are a few of my Winter Favourites…

Outlander & Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

The Outlander series has always been in my periphery. It wasn’t until this Winter that I decided to pick up a copy to see what all the fuss is about. To say I like it would be an understatement. I LOVE IT! I have been swept away in Diana’s beautiful way of weaving history, romance, time travel, science fiction, drama, comedy and so much more. This woman is a master at creating a world that one doesn’t just get swept into, but falls into and never wants to return.

ROOTS Cabin Socks

I have been slyly wearing my husbands Cabin socks for over a year now and figured it was high time I got myself my own set. I LOVE how these are perfect in boots and keep the toes warm and dry.

Homemade Kale Smoothies

Good for whatever ailes you. There is nothing like a Kale Smoothie after indulging in holiday sweets, or just to boost the immune system.

Bedazzled Black Mittens

I may have MAJORLY hinted to my mother that I liked the look of these mittens at Bootlegger before Christmas. The biggest surprise upon receiving them was how warm they actually are. Warmer than any mitten I have ever owned.

Presidents Choice Hot Red Pepper Jelly

We have always liked this jelly on a cracker with harvarti cheese, BUT, for about a month after Christmas finding this Jelly was almost impossible. Finally it is back in stock and we may have gone mad over it….

Essie Bourdeaux Nail Polish

It’s just a great winter red…what more can I say.

QUO Best Dressed nail Polish

Classy, sassy and a bit bad assy.

Peppermint Scented Candle

A gift given from a close friend with a lovely holiday scent that isn’t too strong.

Blue/Grey Blanket

So utterly soft and comfortable. We have been LOVING this blanket the whole season since receiving it at Christmas time from my Aunt and Uncle. We comment about how much we love this blanket at least once a week.

LIFESTYLE | Winter 2019 Capsule Wardrobe
Top Centre - Clockwise : Pink Scarf | Suzy Shier, Reading animal socks | Indigo / gift from my Aunt, BlueBella Blue silk pyjamas | ASOS, Bedazzled Black Mittens | Bootlegger, Headband | gift from my mom, NARS duo orgasm blush | Sephora, black & …

Top Centre - Clockwise : Pink Scarf | Suzy Shier, Reading animal socks | Indigo / gift from my Aunt, BlueBella Blue silk pyjamas | ASOS, Bedazzled Black Mittens | Bootlegger, Headband | gift from my mom, NARS duo orgasm blush | Sephora, black & gold tank | Reitmans, Peppermint Candle | Gift from a close friend - Saje, White knit Sweater | Suzy Shier, Black skirt | H&M, Black pants (bottom right corner) | RW&Co, Pleather pants | Zara, Blue jeans | the Gap, rose gold watch | Fossil, Pink Sweater | Aerie, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon | Chapters, Black Basic long sleeve | H&M, Glasses, Grey Joggers | Roots, Yoga Pants | Aerie, Cabin Socks | Roots, Red Flannel shirt | Winners, Wool Winter Jacket | RW&co

This winter started out mild & became cold quickly! This made my additions to the Winter capsule focused on warmth over other pieces I may have been looking at.

New to Me

Bluebella Silk Pyjamas was a late autumn purchase that took forever to arrive due to the Canada post mail service interruption. Thankfully they still arrived & they were 100% worth the wait. I am not a fan of many ‘silk prints’ & finding a classic look in the city was difficult. ASOS is a great place to check for what you can’t find in your own city.

White Knit Sweater was a fun purchase from my mom to me. I was griping about my lack of sweaters and although she knew I was looking for something of a high quality, she thought this one might tide me over until I can make my mind up. & it has done the trick. Although already pilling a great deal it has given me a winter level up & received compliments where ever it goes.

Wool Winter Jacket was a combination of my own money and gift money from Christmas. I was given a lovely tank top that was a size too small (busts are a thing ya’ll) and upon return I realized that although we had gift cards to this store that would allow me to find other various tops and then some, the smartest and most valuable purchase would be to FINALLY get a proper winter coat. This coat is EXCELLENT at keeping one warm and although it won’t be one that I romp in the snow in, it is one that I can wear any other time and feel stylish while also staying ‘oh-so-toasty’.

Black Yoga Pants from Aerie are a lesson learned. Last year I bought a pair from them that had meshing along with some ‘hole’ patterns. It was my mistake to buy a design I knew full well may not stand up to my daily use. This pair of pants from Aerie has meshing and some stylized lines but do not have any places where wear and tear should show. Yoga pants being something I wear at least once a day , are a purchase not to be taken lightly!

Black Bedazzled Mittens from Bootlegger that my mom gave me for Christmas are the WARMEST mittens I have had in a LONG LONG time!

Still Going Strong

Roots joggers bought late Summer have continue to be a high enjoyment during a snow day or just any day that I am preferring cozy comfort wear.

Eye glasses I ‘had to’ purchase almost two years ago are still doing their job. Although I am due for a check-up…. my biggest decision is should I buy a new pair or forgo a new pair for an actual pair of prescription sun glasses?

Time to Go

The red flannel shirt pictured hear has MANY rips on the sleeves. Being a purchase from winners it continues to prove to me that shirts from winners don’t hold up as well as one would hope unless they are of a silk variety. I will not be getting rid of it per say, but I will be looking for a replacement next autumn.

The zipper on the Zara pleather pants is becoming a problem. It’s not the pants that should go, but the zipper itself should be looked at and possibly replaced.

Utterly ecstatic to pull out the warmer weather clothes and remind myself of what outfits are in store for me again!

LIFESTYLE | January 2019 Reads
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Bird by Bird | Anne Lamott

A book on writing and life that I have begun and will be savouring during this winter. Anne has a lyrical way of putting life and writing in the least amount of words that I find refreshing and a healthy dose of grounded spirituality.

The Hound of Baskervilles | Arthur Conan Doyle

A winter read that Jeremy and I will be reading aloud, our cold (which affected our voices) had to put this on hold for three weeks, but we are just about ready to get back to it! Reading Sherlock aloud is so enjoyable as the written format of the books is paced so like the character himself. Quite the challenge!

Outlander | Diana Gabaldon

Being one who loves television series as much as I love reading, it only made sense that before watching the episodes of Outlander, that I would begin to read it. This book has COMPLETELY taken over my life. A testament to her writing style and ability to take the highland history of Scotland and weave a tale of intrigue, history and suspense. I think it’s safe to say that this is a stand out novel and I will be following the series form her on out!

Television Series currently on the go of note:

  • Outlander S01 , slowly watching as I read.

  • Parenthood S06 - my rewatching of this amazing series is coming to a close with only a handful of episodes and tears left.

  • This is Us - Currently following the season being aired. Always amazed at the layers of life they pull out.