This is for… shake the dust…

The line comes from Shake the Dust by Anis Mojgani. I usually like more flowery prose but the line has got some gritty attitude to it that makes it beautiful in some way to me.  This is for the butterflies waiting to emerge from their cocoons, for those likewise trapped in stasis, for those whoContinue reading “This is for… shake the dust…”

Reading Highlights of 2023

I’ve had a particularly fruitful reading year this year, more than doubling my reading goals on Goodreads. Which is to say that I’ve already read more than 40 books this year.  So I’ve never done such a post before but I thought I would do one this year, not sure if I want this toContinue reading “Reading Highlights of 2023”

Adventures Aboard the Chen Xing- Chapter 29

Aurora adjusted the scanner to filter out background ambiance and the grav sled’s energy signature, smiling at the results. “There we go!” “You point, we drive.” Estella told her, waiting for a direction.  I kept my eye on plant creatures that blocked our paths while we went in a more or less straight line backContinue reading “Adventures Aboard the Chen Xing- Chapter 29”

It’s all in the frame…

This is based on a blog piece titled It’s all in the frame by Laurie Wagner. I think she said it was a line of dialogue one of her friends said. I’ve actually taken this line quite literally in the piece below where I’ve basically described all the framed photos that are sitting in theContinue reading “It’s all in the frame…”

Remarkable Woman in Ancient China (19)- Madame Xian

Who is she: One of the renowned female military strategists  Notable Life Events: Born in 522 AD, as daughter of a chieftain of the Li people (an ethnic minority) in Southern China during the era of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Her real name was either Xian Zhen or Xian Ying.  Married the son ofContinue reading “Remarkable Woman in Ancient China (19)- Madame Xian”

Adventures aboard the Chen Xing- Chapter 28

Estella’s voice came over the intercom. “Seems Hue’s upgrades have given us a massive speed boost, we’ll be there in a matter of hours, compared to the couple days our previous trip took.” “Impressive, let’s hope the upgrades don’t cause additional wear on ship components, getting spare parts this far out won’t be easy, asideContinue reading “Adventures aboard the Chen Xing- Chapter 28”

Broadening Horizon Reads 2023

I actually read (or listened to) the two BHR books concurrently. But, to be honest, I think I need to get back into the pacing of audiobooks as I think I’m half tuning out as I listened to them.  Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey  Technically, I might be able to learn something fromContinue reading “Broadening Horizon Reads 2023”

Chinese Lore- a selection of mythical fauna (15)

You Yan Physical Description: A monkey-like creature with a patterned body. Special Properties: It likes to laugh and pretend to sleep whenever a human is nearby. The sound of its call is like its name. Zu Zi Physical Description: A monkey-like creature with a long mane, a cow-like tail, horse-liek hooves and patterned arms. SpecialContinue reading “Chinese Lore- a selection of mythical fauna (15)”

What to do in Hong Kong…

The jump-off line is really What to do… from the title of What To Do The First Morning The Sun Comes Back by Roseann Lloyd. I just decided to make it about Hong Kong.  What to do in Hong Kong: Get some Hong Kong money to buy the Octopus which is the card to travelContinue reading “What to do in Hong Kong…”