Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Me, desperately applying myself to side-hustles

So.

Before I launch into the changes that you will see around this Words Have Power, I just want to remind everyone that I am not a fast bloomer or an early adapter. To me, it feels very much like I'm reinventing this blog when, in fact, I'm just going to start using it for its intended purpose. I'm so far behind in this concept, I'm practically vintage.What can I say, self-promotion and public vulnerability are NOT my wheelhouse. I'm much better at self-deprecation, deflection, perhaps even... stalling?

Surely not...

Anyway - here's the general idea: I will post far more often. I will post things like book reviews, songs that move me, my latest artwork or craft project, and writing from prompts. I will post pieces of my work that are for sale and pieces of my work that are so comically horrible, they will likely become memes.  I might even post videos of the work in progress; those are super-fun to watch. I will let you know what I struggle with and when I succeed. I will try to be vulnerable in a way that is true and not sugar-coated. I will integrate my Facebook shop and my Pinterest boards for more of a well-rounded presence. I will, as I said, use the blog for its intended purpose.

Right now, I'm struggling to move my handmade jewelry from my personal Facebook page to the business one. The system is clunky and slow and has repeatedly sited me for items that are against Facebook Marketplace policies when they are actually just pearl or crystal earrings. Also, I think it's easier to add items from your phone to Facebook than it is to do so from a laptop - is this on purpose? Are most people not using their laptop to handle business stuff? Typing out descriptions is so annoying on my phone.

Should be fun. Hope you come along.

Book review: The Bear and the Nightingale

Confession: I read Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale in one sitting. It's just over 300 pages and every single page was a joy to read.

The Bear and the Nightingale reads like a very detailed fairy tale. The story takes place in the frozen wilderness of medieval Russia - before, in fact, the area is known as Russia. The Petrovich family lives in a small community where life is hard but not bitter. The youngest daughter, Vasilisa, is the center of most of the action.

Vasilisa was brought into the world at great cost because her mother knew that she would inherit the talents of her mysterious, magical grandmother. As a child, Vasilisa haunts the woods like a wild creature. She can see the traditional spirits that inhabit her world and speak to them. Unfortunately, a pious new stepmother and a glory-seeking priest seek to rid Vasilisa's village of their pagan ways. Without observance, the old spirits weaken and allow darker entities to take hold, threatening everything Vasilisa knows and loves.

This story is dark and heartbreaking at times and so rich with details and well-written characters, you never want it to end. I got so into the book that I forgot that it was summer outside and almost reminded my husband to wear a coat! I am glad to see that Katherine Arden is writing a trilogy for this amazing world, I can't wait to dive back in.

** Hey guys, I read a lot and I read in a bunch of different genres so I was thinking about doing more book reviews. Some upcoming reviews would include: graphic novels, Neil Gaiman, kids books, autobiographies, Seanan McGuire, books about writing, self-help books, and Nnedi Okorafor. If you'd like to read more reviews or if you have recommendations, please let me know in the comments!