Do you have a hobby?

Maybe I just think of a hobby as more than it is.
Is a hobby just something you do to bring you pleasure?
Is reading a hobby?
Is enjoying a cigar a hobby?
Or does a hobby need to be an activity?

If you were to ask me what my hobbies are, I would probably say that I don't have any hobbies.
And yet --
I do enjoy reading and have finished 27 books in the first five months of the year.

Enjoying a good cigar is more than just sitting and smoking.
I want to know my cigar. I want to know its origin. I want to taste the cigar and note the subtle changes during a smoke. I want to value the time that it takes to smoke a good cigar and honor the skilled craftsmen (or women) that rolled it. 
It's weird, but I find there is purpose to smoking a good cigar.

Maybe it is more like the practice of meditation, and less like a hobby.
I know -- it's not a healthy choice. 
That is something to consider.

Taking care of the yard and flower gardens is just something I do -- often a bit reluctantly and not very well.. I enjoy the results more than I enjoy the work that goes into it. The work part often feels like -- well, work! 
I suppose it is the closest thing to having a hobby that I can think of.

What are your hobbies?
What activities or projects have you made a regular part of your life and who you are?
Do hobbies serve a valuable function or are they overrated and unnecessary?

John

Books (and upping my reading game)

I'm thinking about upping my reading game.
In 2002, the Norwegian Book Club compiled a list of the 100 best books of all time as voted on by 100 writers from 54 different countries. You can find The World Library List here.

I know that I have read some of these like 1984 or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in school, as well as several Shakespeare works and some of Poe's writings. I can't honestly say that I remember much about them. A number of these titles are on our book shelves or tucked away in boxes. I have to say that I find the list and the challenge to read these 100 books to be quite intimidating, especially the list of foreign titles.

Nevertheless, since I generally have more than one book going at a time, I plan to start checking some of these off -- even if it's just to say that I have or to sound more intellectual than I actually am.
I am about 85% of the way through my current non-fiction read, so maybe I'll be reading some Shakespeare over the holiday weekend.

What are you reading?

John 

Sunday morning thoughts

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and mothers!

     * * * * *

I've mostly enjoyed being lazy these past few days. The outside work that I have accomplished has been pretty minimal. I need to get busy. I haven't yet caught up on the work I missed while gone and yet new things are piling up while I'm going to baseball games or smoking cigars!
Unfortunately, I am unburdened by worry and it will all get done in due time -- or maybe it won't.
As I said -- I am unburdened by worry.

Thursday morning I began a Thursday Theology post that went unfinished and unpublished. I didn't delete it (yet) and I may get back to it at some point. It is difficult to express my thoughts on God and how all of the faith/spiritual stuff now figures into my life and personal being. It's quite far removed from how I once believed it all should. My personal deconstruction has gone much further than others that I have talked to about their own deconstruction journey, so it feels a little lonely out here. Heresy has few friends -- even among heretics.
I think I still have too many questions to be able to say that I firmly believe in something. Maybe I will continue the post by finding those things that I do believe in (for now) and work around the things that I will forever question.

     * * * * *

What are you reading?
I have read 24 books of my 52 book goal and am currently reading The Buddha and the Bee: Biking through America's Forgotten Roadways on an Accidental Journey of Discovery by Cory Mortensen (non-fiction), and The Watchmaker's Daughter by C. J. Archer (fiction).

Be well, my friends!

John

Poolside coffee

Estación Café is closed on Sundays so I walked a little bit farther to Organic Café for this morning's coffee. It is more of a walk-up and walk out kind of coffee shop so I am now enjoying my Americano by the pool at the kids place. 
It is pleasant out here this morning. 73 (23 C) now and it will be sunny and 90 (32 C) later this afternoon. 

By then we will be on the beach in nearby Bucerías. 
Life is pretty good. 

I finished another book and the next book in that series isn't due out until next spring, so I am on to something else. I had planned to stick to easy reading while I am enjoying the tropics, but I may double up with a second book as one of Jenny's friends dropped off a book that sounds pretty interesting -- Worse Than A Lie by author Ben Crump.
I'll have my Kindle book, Stolen Book, Shuttered Library by Stewart Buettner, to read when I'm out for coffee or on the beach and the actual book book to read here at the kids' place.

Sounds like a plan.

I know -- it is a privileged life to be able to read and to have the time to read. 
It is something I am aware of and I am grateful for it -- both for the privilege and for the many books that are available. 

John

Reading

I am ahead of pace to reach my 52 books for the year. It seems that I've been reading quite a bit lately, but I do expect that pace to slow as the weather warms up, there are more activities to occupy my time, and baseball season gets into full swing (so to speak).
Thursday ends the 14th week of the year and I just finished book number 20. I've been reading some action/adventure stuff similar to Jack Reacher style books -- easy to read, fast paced, purely entertainment.

I use my Kindle Unlimited subscription so I do pay to read "free" books, but I also download free books from other sources. Sometimes (not often) I use the Libby app to borrow e-books from the library. I should probably read a few more non-fiction books and maybe learn something along the way. Either way, I figure a decent book is better than scrolling through social media apps and reading the crap that's posted there. An entertaining novel is way better than the brain rotting fiction of Facebook.

I still haven't adapted to audio books. I've listened to two while on long drives, but I can't see using them in any other situation. If you are an audio book "reader" I would be interested in hearing about how and when you use them. Although I almost always use my Kindle, I still like the feel of reading an actual book.

G J Wagner and T L Payne are two authors that I've read recently and like their books and style of writing. Wagner's 8th book in the Jonathan Hunt series was just released on Sunday and I will be starting it sometime later today.

What are you reading?

John

In Like a Lion...

The worst of last night's severe weather stayed west and north of us. Highlandville got some of the heavy rain associated with the system, but nothing in the way of tornadoes, hail, nor damaging winds.
Light rain will continue throughout the morning and there are now flood warnings due to the heavy rainfall and swollen rivers and streams.
Hello, March!

In other news...
I am a little bit ahead of my reading goal of 52 books this year. Truthfully, I don't know if it's a goal. It's probably more of an estimate of what I think I'll read this year. I have really been pleased with returning to reading for enjoyment. For many years I read only for learning or some kind of self-improvement. Reading and enjoying fiction since being retired is a wonderful way to spend a day or evening. Typically, I prefer to read over watching TV. 

I have also been enjoying some one-on-one conversations, lately. I've had three different, purposeful meetings with individuals this week. It is amazing how much wisdom you can gather through understanding someone else's life experiences and how they have handled or even mishandled those events.

Perhaps I should consider spending more time with people.
It is surprising how just typing those words sets off warning bells in my mind. I am at peace in my little world and I tend to be very protective of that peace. I would have to be selective of the people that I would choose to spend time with. I seldom walk away from chance encounters feeling better from the experience, so I am cautious about where I spend my time and energy. 
I also understand and appreciate the privilege I have in being able to choose to be alone and live in peace.

Today's rain won't get me down. Although there is work to be done outside, it is March and such weather is to be expected. Besides, I have flower seeds planted and they need the rain. My bulbs are starting to grow, and the hostas should be emerging soon. Rain is a good thing.

Watch for the constellation Leo the Lion rising in the night sky.
The constellation -- not the weather -- is where the "in like a lion" comes from.

John

It's the weekend! (It is, isn't it?)

Normally, weekends aren't a big deal for us retired folk, but this has been a weird kind of week. Yesterday (Friday) was the first day all week that I didn't have to go somewhere or do something. It was nice to just stay at home all day. I didn't even manage to go down the street to check the mailbox.

Aside from being a busier than normal week, the first week of January was also unseasonably warm. It was nice to spend a couple of days doing some yard work and sitting in the sun. Winter is returning and that means it is back to work at the shelter for a couple of nights.

In a recent conversation with an overnight volunteer we discussed some of the reasons for volunteering or working at the shelter. There was a time when it gave me a sense of accomplishment or made me feel good about myself for doing a service in the community. I'm not certain that still exists for me. Now I feel like I am doing it just because it needs to be done and I don't really get the same sense of personal satisfaction from doing it that I once did. I just do it.
I don't think it's a good thing nor a bad thing. It's just the way it is. And maybe it does keep me from being the absolutely least productive member of society, although not by much.

     * * * * *

In other news -- I finished my first book of the year! It was the historical fiction, The Runes Of Victory about Anglos and Saxons defending against Viking attacks in early 9th century England. Today, I will finish Let Them. 
I've already started a new non-fiction book, Inner Anarchy by deconstructed mega-church pastor Jim Palmer. I believe this is his most recent book. I should probably read some of his earlier works, as well. Fwiw, this is another paper and ink book. I'll figure out what fiction book I'll read from my Kindle library later today.

I may help setup the shelter cots tonight, but otherwise it looks to be another non-productive day in the life of John. If you are doing something to make the world a better place -- thank you. 

John

What are you reading?

It is highly unusual for me to have four books going at a time, but that is my current situation. Three books is rare, but not too weird. Two books (usually a fiction and non-fiction) is pretty normal. One book happens about as often as three books.

Of my current four, only one is fiction -- The Runes of Victory by John Broughton, an 8th century English tale of a small village and Viking invaders. I started it because I just needed a fiction book to read and it was in my Kindle library, no doubt a free download from a regular listing of free or cheap books somewhere. I'll probably finish it before I finish the others.

The main one open is Mel Robbins' bestseller, Let Them. I had some Amazon credits and decided to see what all the hype was. I've got to say, I think it's mostly hype.
The material is decent and I pretty much already use the philosophies I've read so far. I'm not a podcast listener and I can't imagine hyping this simple stress relief to the point of some viral sensation. One of the difficult things for me in working through the book is that I believe she is writing primarily to women. I only know her story from what I've read in the book and I may have that wrong, but I think that she probably writes like she talks on her podcast and that means she fills a lot of time with unnecessary words. 
I am almost to the halfway point and I will finish it, but it may take another week as I can only read the rambling monologue for so long before needing a break. If you have an over-stressed life and need a self-proclaimed expert to tell you to stop doing stupid stuff and caring about what meaningless people think about you -- well, this book is for you. 
That may be a little premature as I am not even halfway through it yet, but that would be my assessment to this point.

The third book is more of a lesson book that is a part of my quest to learn to speak and understand Spanish. Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish is a way to help me increase my Spanish vocabulary and pick up whatever help I can as I try to pick up the language while living as a hermit in SWMO.

The fourth and final book is a book of meditations of the former Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. 
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of his personal writings that were likely meant just for is own reflection. They were discovered and made public in the mid 1500s, The writings share his stoic philosophy and wisdom and will be something I use in my own meditative time rather than something that I simply read to get through.

Two of these books I read on Kindle and two are actual paper and ink books.

It's 2026.
What are you reading?

John

Reading

Reading can be so much more than just understanding words on a page and passing time.
Reading can be more than informative; it can be educational. Even fictional stories can expose a reader to different cultures, times, and people.

Reading can be its own meditative kind of escape. It can transport the reader into a fantasy world of dragons, ancient gods, or futuristic super heroes and high tech wizards. I almost always have at least one book that I am reading -- often one fiction, one non-fiction.
I find reading of any kind to be good for either mental stimulation or for a calming, relaxing effect, depending on the material and my needs when I open a book or turn on my Kindle.

I also use reading (books) to keep from spending too much time reading internet garbage. I've done fairly well at reducing my screen time and social media time recently. I hope to be even more purposeful about my screen time in the future.

So...
What are you reading?
Why do you read?
How do you learn?

John

A Different Kind of Book Club

I've read books as a group book club thing only a couple of times. I have to say that I really haven't embraced the idea of reading a book that I normally wouldn't read in order to be able to talk about it in a group setting. It's like a high school literature class without the teacher to give background on the author and the author's meaning and purpose.
Maybe I could learn to like a book club. I really don't mind reading out of my normal scope if I can find some interest or purpose in reading an author or genre.

But I'm wondering...
How about a book club just for people that always read?
When you meet regularly, people can talk about what they are reading or what they've learned from reading since the last meeting. You can share and recommend books or you can listen and accept ideas about what to read. Whether you read to learn or read for enjoyment and entertainment everyone can participate either by sharing or listening.

I'm wondering if anyone in my local area would be interested in a readers' club like this. 
It's just an idea. Anyone is free to try it in your own area. Let me know if you do.

Springfield area people, anyone interested?
Anyone?
Anyone?

John

Books (and what can we learn from fictional reading?)

A few weekends ago I stumbled into one of the Friends of the Library book sales. I picked up a few old paperbacks and have been reading them. They were mostly from a genre that I enjoyed reading years ago -- Westerns!
Louis L'Amour, William Johnstone, and Ralph Compton are all writers that I've read in the past and all write in easy to read, descriptive narratives that I enjoy. So I have been reading westerns and am on my fifth book in just a couple of weeks. It is simple, yet entertaining reading -- kind of like eating popcorn at the movie theater. I picked up a few more paperbacks at a Farmer's Market stand this past weekend. I don't know if I'll just continue to burn through them or mix them in with some more serious reading. 

I have noticed something that is different about reading them today than there was in reading them in the past.
In the past I never really considered how violent we were. It should come as no real surprise that we are still a violence prone people. One would think we would have outgrown that way of life, but we seem to have gone from using violence to conquer other people to turning it inwards towards one another. We even have an a$$hole in the White House that wants to declare war on Chicago and use our own military to control our own citizens. 

Are we returning to a time when the most violent and brutal people rule?
Or is it just the rich and powerful people convincing the poorer people to fight against each other and then the powerful ones take all of the spoils?
F 'em! Let them fight their own battles. 

Typically in western fiction -- the good guys win and the bad guys die. Violence doesn't always work that way in real life. Maybe we just need to write better real life stories.

Just some simple Monday morning thoughts.
What are you reading?

John 

What are you reading?

I like to read.
I don't consider myself to be a voracious reader, but I usually have a book or two that I am reading. Research shows that the average US adult reads about 12 books per year with half of the population reading only 4 or fewer books in a year. I set a modest goal of reading 24 books this year -- just two books per month.

I finished my 24th book on my Kindle a couple of days ago, plus I've read three actual books from the library. (Several of the Kindle reads were also from the library.) At this pace I should finish the year at around 40 books completed.

My most recent non-fiction book was Curveball by Peter Enns.
I am putting this into my highly recommended category. I would go so far as to say even if you are a person of faith that is not a Christian you will benefit from reading this book that challenges how we view God and how our perceptions should change. In fact, I truly believe that atheists would find the evolution of faith process to be quite interesting. This isn't an attempt to proselytize, but a genuine belief that our perspectives can and should change as evidence and experiences change.

Curveball addresses the process and challenges of the author's faith deconstruction/evolution/growth or whatever you want to call it. I find it both interesting and sad that many people's idea of God is the same now as it was when they were 10 years old. Most of us have been encouraged by religion not to allow our perceptions of God to change. It's probably fair to say that I'm more angry than sad about religious control over peoples' perception and understanding of a supreme being.

If you have ever wondered about God, considered the existence of God, struggled to understand God, or determined that there is no God -- give it a read and let me know what you think. I am open to your thoughts on the matter.
Just FYI -- the two books I picked up at the library yesterday are on shamanism and spirit animals. Yeah, I'm a bit of a heretic to my former evangelical acquaintances. 
So what? As I mentioned earlier -- some people don't evolve.

What are you reading?

John

Theology and books

I am currently reading Peter Enns' book Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming. I am only 1/3 of the way through it, but I am thoroughly enjoying it -- so much so that I was thinking that this is a book worthy of a book club selection and discussion. I kind of wish I had someone to discuss it with as I am reading it.

Having said that, I really don't think I'm much of a book club kind of person. While I do read books of many different kinds, I generally read what I want and at my own speed. I am currently reading through a fiction series of a badass black ops team by Scott Conrad. I often have two books going at the same time -- one fiction and one nonfiction.

Back to Curveball;
I'll get around to writing a review for it when I finish reading it, but I'm wondering if there are theological books that others have read or would like to read that seem to call for discussion as you read through them. I don't know what an online as-you-read book club might look like, or if there are other people in my local area that would be up for an occasional group read of such books, but I'd be interested to try something out.
I'm thinking -- it doesn't even have to be a book centered on theology. They could be books on behavior or how we think or philosophy. I suppose they could be fiction or nonfiction, although I think the genre would typically be mostly nonfiction.

Whether or not such groups exist, I am interested in books of theology or philosophy that you have read and would recommend. I should include books of other religions or belief systems that might not really fall under theology, but address the spiritual lives of its followers. I am particularly interested in progressive Christian authors that have managed to evolve or deconstruct (or whatever they want to call it) in their following of God.

What are you reading?

John

Stories

What kind of stories are you drawn to?
For some reason, I am drawn to medieval or early world fantasies. Dragons, sorcerers, magical beings, battles between forces of good and evil, conflicts with primitive weapons or martial arts -- yeah, these things are the stories I like to read or watch.

I really don't know why. It seems a little weird when I think about it, but fairies and fae and people that can channel power from the earth's energies -- earth, wind, fire, and water -- intrigue me.
Are all of these stories from the superstitions of our ancestors?
Or were the imaginations of the past just that creative and often dark?

It seems that most of the magical stories come out of ancient worlds of Europe or Southeast Asia. There are also stories of djinn from the ancient Arab world.

Does anyone else find these stories to be fascinating? Or at least entertaining?
Are there powers or energies that we can tap into that seem magical?
Are there secrets that we have forgotten or that have been forbidden by the powerful? ...or the fearful?
What if Jesus was an avatar for good that we killed because he displayed the same powers that previous evil avatars had used?
What if magic is real?
What if there are truths woven into the mythologies of the ancient world?
What if the veil that separates our reality from the realm of angels and demons is a thin one that can be crossed from time to time?
What if dragons and gargoyles were real creatures with other worldly origins?
What if ... ?

It seems that there are still good stories to be told; good stories to be written.

What stories do you like?

John

 

Wednesday Wisdom

Read a book.

That's it.
Find a book and read it.
Fiction, history, biography, self-help, educational, hobby related -- it doesn't matter. 
Read a book.

Read for entertainment.
Read for education.
Read for relaxation.
Read for fun.
Read to learn something or experience something new.

I am currently reading a special ops thriller The Doomsday Medallion. It is my tenth book of the year.
I'll get back to some non-fiction, enlightening kind of reading when I'm finished with this one.

What are you reading?

John

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

In looking to save my eyes a little stress and preparing for reading in the spring and summer sun, I decided that a small Kindle paper-white would be beneficial. It arrived on Monday and I decided to buy a Kindle edition of the book Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. The book was recommended by several friends and was an interesting read. 

Although the book was written more than three decades ago, it remains a timely read for today's destructive culture of humanity and I would also recommend reading it. I imagine that if it were read and reviewed by today's extreme religious groups or far right nationalists it would be banned from schools and local libraries for its counter-cultural philosophies. It is truly amazing how threatened people are when others are encouraged to consider evidence or thoughts and then to think for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

It might not be a great read for somebody that isn't open minded or willing to examine their own philosophies and religious beliefs. It is a book that will challenge your thoughts on history, culture, religion, society, evolution of humankind, and our connection to the world in which we live.

Check it out.
Give it a read.
Let me know what you think.

John

2024 into 2025

So...
How was it?
How was your 2024?

I'm going with a solid -- meh.
It's okay to have just survived 2024, or December, or yesterday, for that matter.

I don't know that 2024 is something worth celebrating, but it really wasn't a bad year. I don't care for living in the past, but recognize the value of retrospect. I would say that my greatest lesson or most valued improvement of the year is learning to practice gratitude better. Living in the moment has really helped with being grateful for where I am in life. 

This morning I am having my coffee and blogging from a local coffee shop in south Springfield. It's cool out and a two week blast of cold weather is on its way. I'm going to need coffee for home in a couple of days and I just decided that a coffee shop Americano and breakfast sandwich would be good today. I'll pick up my usual Ethiopian bulk beans from a local shop before I head home. I'll manage a meditative quiet time later today as Traveller's House coffee shop is quite busy and there is a significant level of conversational chatter.
The different groups of people are interesting to watch. The overall energy is good -- after all, it is a coffee shop! 

I recognize the privilege I have to be able to be retired and have the means to splurge on a coffee shop breakfast and coffee. I've just started reading about the history of coffee and coffee shops in a book that Hannah got me for Christmas.

I'm going to enjoy the history, the cultural aspects, and the recipes covered in this book.
Maybe 2025 will include regular blogging from coffee shops. 
Or maybe I'll be able to meet up with a few others for regular coffee shop meetings and conversations. That might be a thing I could do. 
Hmmm...

Thanks for stopping by Out of My Hat in 2024. I hope to have better content and more encouraging posts in 2025.

John

Black Friday

It is Friday the 29th of November!
If I can get this published and manage to remember to post again tomorrow I will have successfully completed another insignificant goal of posting daily in the long forgotten National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo).

It is Black Friday in the US -- the unofficial beginning to the Christmas shopping season. Today is the day that many of those that have declared the gloom and doom of the American economy and couldn't afford to buy a dozen eggs at the beginning of the month will spend millions of dollars on those people that have managed to make their "nice" list.
It's also the busiest travel weekend of the year, which is odd in such a terrible economy.

No travel nor shopping for me today. I do plan to venture out into public to visit the library and check out a book or two. I just finished an 11 book fantasy series, The Realm of False Gods by Steve Higgs. It was free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. 
I have several other books in my Kindle library, but think I'll go for an old school, actual book for a change.

Some interesting stats:
54% of adult Americans read at least one book last year.
If you read 5 books, you are in the top 33%.
If you read 10 books, you are in the top 21%.
If you managed to read 50 books, you are in the top 1%, reading more than 99% of all American adults.

What are you reading?

John

How I know it's Tuesday (and random other crap)

I know it's Tuesday because I just checked the day/date on my Chromebook calendar. 
Checking my phone or Chromebook is how I generally know what day it is. I don't know if it is a good thing or not that retirement has made every day pretty much the same. If I didn't already know it was Tuesday, I would realize it later this evening when the neighbors start to put their garbage dumpsters out at the street for early morning (Wed) pick-up.

I'm trying to be a little productive these days. I have found my old Pimsleur Listen and Learn Spanish Lessons stored in my Google Drive and just finished day 2. I have started this several times in the past, but I don't think I've ever made it halfway. I am going to try to be more purposeful about learning this time.
If you've taken on learning a second language, how did you do it?
Did you have an app that proved to be successful?
Did you use a program like Rosetta Stone, Babbel, or something else?
Did you take an actual in person Spanish class?
What was/is the cost?
Where did you find the most success?

I'm on day 4 of walking, thanks to my younger sister that talked me into walking daily along with her (except she's in Indiana). After sharing day 3 with her, she let me know that she's taking a few days off due to -- blah, blah, blah. I think I've been had!
I did walk a mile (twice around our lot) barefoot yesterday. I picked up a tiny splinter of something in the bottom of my foot that was a little bothersome and difficult to find and remove. I hate to quit walking barefoot. I guess my feet need to toughen up a bit.

I need to find a learning program for the ukulele that I bought earlier in the year. It's been collecting dust on the mantle for the past few months. 
Suggestions?

It is two weeks until election day. I've avoided the political posts because I honestly don't believe that I can say anything to sway undecided voters one way or the other. 
I expect the presidential election to be very close.
I expect that the House of Representatives and the Senate will remain closely divided.
What I really don't understand is how a party with the smallest majority can say they have been mandated by Americans to do whatever the hell they want to do. In my way of thinking a narrow majority would suggest that they should be working together for all of us, not ruling as if we all agree with their particular party platform or policy.

I'm on book 3 of the 11 book fantasy series I'm reading.
I probably need to add some serious reading to that. Werewolves and wizards, demons and other beings from the immortal realm are entertaining, but not very enlightening.

It's past time to make a trip to the recycling center.
Damn, we use a lot of plastic! I wonder how much of this actually gets recycled.
Plastic, aluminum cans, glass -- which is better for the environment, both from the perspective of production and recycle ability?

Have a good day.
Do something nice for the world.

John

Books

It's Wednesday evening, near sunset. The Hunter Moon (October's full moon and this year's largest super moon) will be making its appearance shortly. The outside air temperature is just above 50 (10 for my non-US friends). The deck thermometer still reads 60 (15c) but I think the wall where it is mounted holds a little of the heat from the evening sun. I'm wearing my sweatpants, a t-shirt, jacket, and I'm even wearing socks!
My libation of choice is a simple tequila blanco, neat. I may or may not fire up a cigar when I'm finished typing.

Today I finished the audio book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.
Damn. That's some messed up shit.

Deep down I'd like to believe that humanity is basically good, that we are created in the image of God and have a longing to belong together and thrive together as a species. But after finishing the audio book Where Wolves Don't Die that mentioned some of the atrocities committed upon the Ojibwe peoples, and now this treatment of the Osage -- I just don't know.

The colonization of the West by our European ancestors was brutal. I know that this comfortable home and life of mine are fruits of that brutality, but it is difficult to take pride in how it was obtained. The treatment of the Native American Nations that were here and the peoples that we enslaved and exploited along the way is something all of humanity should be ashamed of.
Sadly, given the hatred and vitriol that I've seen and read about recently, I'm not certain that it would be any different if it were to have happened in our time.

Both were good books but I need something more uplifting, so I just finished the first book in an eleven book fantasy series called The Realm of False Gods. I'm on to book 2.

What are you reading?

John