Restoration: Week 33.

This past week, I finished a huge book of short stories. It intimidated me, but I got through it with Bruce. We started reading a book on the brain and creativity. Major topics include writing and bipolar disorder. It may end up being over my head, but I'm trying to repair and restore my reading practice and confidence.

Based on an insistent recommendation from my brother, James, Bruce and I watched Annihilation. It was strange and intense. James and I had a long phone conversation full of questions for each other.

I also started thinking about how one would write a horror story or a psychological thriller. How can one create that under-the-skin feeling? So maybe I'm restoring a little link to product (stories, essays, poems) writing. I feel like that part of my mind is slowly waking--lighting--up.

Oliver seems particularly bonded to me right now. It's different when Josh and I can't take turns with tasks like putting Oliver to bed. But Oliver's love restores and warms cold places in my heart.

Restoration: Week 29.

I want to expand my thoughts. I just started a DK Eyewitness book on ancient Egypt, a topic about which I'm curious. That was my favorite unit in my AP Art History class. Leaning something new may soothe my fevered mind or help to repair my brain.

Bruce and I have continued to watch Black Mirror. It's restoring the joy I've always had in science fiction, and it's helping to fill my need for new, strange stories.

I went swimming with the boys. I'm not as strong as I was, but I think I belong with the water.

Restoration is something I need to work toward daily. It's a practice. How can I restore my relationship with myself, my relationships with others, my sense of self?

Restoration: Week 12.

This past week, I finished four books! Now, I'm eight books ahead of schedule with my goal for the year. I also caught up with my Bible reading. Reading feels great. I also wrapped up my children's lit focus for the winter, so I'm going to start young adult books for the spring. I'd like to read at least 5 YA books this season. Bruce and I finished another book together. I wonder how many books we've read together.

I posted on Facebook to request some Stephen King horror suggestions. I got several responses. Then, my brother, James, called me. We talked about books, and it made my day.

Bruce and I started watching two new shows: Electric Dreams (based on Philip K. Dick short stories) and Lore (based on a podcast, it seems to be focused on the emergence of horror myths), and we like both! They seem likely to restore my sense of wonder or awe, and they inspire my curiosity. I don't have a TV at home, so watching TV with Bruce is extra fun.

I listened to Phantom in the car all week! I want to start a book I have that discusses the story from book to movies to the show. It's another book I should have read long ago.

The coming week is full of books and love, and I'm ready.