Just Jot It January, Paintbrush

The prompt word for January 23rd is “paintbrush.” Thanks go to Paula for the colourful prompt! Please be sure to check out Paula’s blog here!

For Just Jot it January, click the following link to see how you, too, can join in! https://lindaghill.com/2023/01/23/daily-prompt-jusjojan-the-23rd-2023/ It’s fun!

The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate selenium in their tissues from the soils in which they grow, and can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed. Highly alkaline soils increase the selenium levels in the plants. Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic, though only if the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation.^[10]  Found on Google. I think Wikipedia

When I saw the prompt, the first thing that came to mind were camping trips.

Every year my parents to us kids on a three week vacation. Usually camping. It was what they could afford. And for me they were great memories.

Some of the sites we went to had campfire chats or day hikes where they taught us flora and fauna of the area.

I remembered them talking about this plant. Somehow the part I remember was that it was also called Indian laxative. Looking at what I shared from Wikipedia, it might not be the plant that did the job. Maybe they were introduce at the same take and it all mixed in my head. But you can imagine what went through my head as I recalled the plant pictured above.😂

I think that the plant I’m actually thinking about has a shiny, waxy leaf. Well, don’t rely on me to help forage 60 years later.

Mobile Monday

Just a quickie to let you know I’m off to see family and friends. Yay! I’ll try to check in every day but I knew today would be hardest with seven hours in the car. But even that will be fun visiting with my son and daughter and almost daughter today and part of tomorrow.

Last night the offspring camped. My oldest and I visited with them but didn’t want to camp. So we drove home.

Gnarly old trees

More gnarly old trees

Same

Same

The view was fantastic!

Got all 20!

Review: Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart: An Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail by Carrot Quinn

Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart: An Adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail by Carrot Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book will stay with me for a while. Erin Spencer (Narrator) made me feel like I was right there, on the trail, soaking wet or extremely tired. Sometimes a narrator is so good that you think it has to be the author as they seem to maintain the cadence of the written speech as if it were their own. It was fantastically done.

That means the writing was natural and felt genuine. This was a journal of sort of the hiker, Carrot Quinn. She was honest and told the good and the bad of her travels. There were times that I laughed out loud at what happened. And there were tears of seeing the incredible scenery and tears of hurt along the way.

I have to admit I want to do this. But it seems so far away from possible when just getting the dog and I out for our mile walk is tough. A windy day will keep us in. Rain is my dog’s least favorite. She won’t go out, yet I have the raincoat and boots and plenty of umbrellas. Snow is my favorite, but my dog can’t handle it very long, even with coat and pad coverings, so we walk around the yard. So much for my trek.

So it is fun to live vicariously through those who do the long hikes or marathons. Inspiration helps with daily life and gives hope for more.

I want to read this again soon.

View all my reviews

Review: My Journey around Mont Blanc by Dan Karmi

My Journey around Mont Blanc by Dan Karmi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a one-evening read. It makes me feel bad that the journey Dan Karmi took can take a little over an hour to read.

I loved how Mr. Karmi just made the decision to take this hike and got busy prepping and then gets the job done. I enjoyed seeing this adventure through his heart and emotions and connections with others along the way. It is inspirational. It makes me want to get busy and take hikes around here. I just need to do some short trips up my driveway first.

I think my friend in Israel recommended this book. If so thank you. If not I recommend it to her and others who need a little ompf to get out and get healthier. This is still free with Kindle Unlimited so take an hour out and give this a try.

View all my reviews

Review: The Moon Sisters by Therese Walsh

The Moon Sisters by Therese Walsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finished this ages ago. Mid-summer, I think. I still remember liking it. Though I have no sisters, I felt I could relate to both of the sisters’ points of view. As the oldest of three siblings, I had to be the responsible one taking care of the younger brothers, who were often caused their share of problems. On the other hand, I felt like the other sister in that music notes, words on paper, even how I hear words seem to be colored or animated or textured in some way that I know isn’t how normal people see/hear things. I’ve never been diagnosed as it never was a problem. It just added layers to my understanding of the world. So I quickly identified with both sisters.

It was fun that the more disabled of the sisters starts the adventure for both of them. It is unnerving for the reader to think that the one considered blind leads the way to hop the train.

For me, as I ‘read’ using text-to-speech, it was hard to know whose view I was seeing. I soon learned to take the time and read the chapter titles as that helped. After I got to know each of the characters, I didn’t need the reference so much. The characters were well developed.

The way the trip brings to mind the siblings history gave meat to what could have been just a joy-ride.

I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will just say, this is a fun book that I think many should read and enjoy.

View all my reviews

Review: Perennials: A Novel by Mandy Berman

Perennials: A Novel by Mandy Berman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I saw this book on NetGalley, I thought it would be a good book about going away to camp. Well, that is there a bit, but mostly it is people coming of age and lots of drama. It was Far more drama and back and forth in time with lots of characters. Maybe that is my own problem with how I have to read using text-to-speech and not so much reading the words. Maybe you won’t have that problem at all but will enjoy a wonderful book full of family and going away to camp.

There was swimming and boating. And that’s as close to the water that I am getting for now. I must find a pool to go swim in!

Please try this to see if it is for you.

View all my reviews

Prodigal Angel by N.R. Champagne

Prodigal Angel by N.R. Champagne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I was gifted this Kindle version of the book for an honest review.

As for star rating I would have given the story 3 1/2 stars. Not that the story was bad. It could just be me. I am a little over angel and or demon books. That isn’t the author’s fault. It is just what I have spent a lot of time reading for other authors. Luckily, the book doesn’t label the people as angels and demons per se. They are just other beings.

There is a lot of death and destruction that would have had me leaving the book behind, but the main character, Miranda, had won me over. I thought she was well developed. She felt real to me. And I liked her.

Many times the story gets a bit preachy on ecology and global warming. But since I believe we need to wake up and start being stewards of this planet, I didn’t mind. Others might find that off putting.

One of the fun parts of the book is getting to go along for the ride, be it bicycle or trailer truck. Miranda has quite the adventure while staying healthy.

There is a bit of romance, not too much. There are a few triggers for some people. But the bad people get their due.

Give it a try. You may like it. I might like it better if I read it again later.

View all my reviews