Wonder Woman and Steve

Image credit: ScreenRant

I had wanted to blog about the Wonder Woman movie (with Gal Gadot) when it came out and its sequel, Wonder Woman 1984.  I had written about Wonder Woman before. As I previously stated, I'm not an avid Wonder Woman fan and was so surprised to learn from the movie that her one true love was Steve. (***Spoiler to come, in case you haven't seen Wonder Woman***) And I thought it was an ingenious way that they were able to bring Steve back to her in the sequel. Yet, the Steve presented to her was spiritually her Steve, but also not all of him.

Of course, I can imagine it was painful for Wonder Woman to move on from Steve because of how the first movie ended (seriously, was Wonder Woman really happy with only the spirit of Steve?). At the same time, I cannot help but wonder if Steve's death could be the segue for Wonder Woman to meet Superman and finally be with him. I'm sure that if she could and had known that Steve was going to sacrifice himself, she would have stopped him. But seeing how bull-headed he was, I don't think Steve would even let Wonder Woman stop him. Once he made up his mind about the course of action he was going to take, he was just going to do it (even if he had a smidge of regret, he would swallow it and just keep moving forward to keep his pride and never see Wonder Woman again).  So, I'm wondering if there will ever be a movie where Wonder Woman and Superman actually get into a relationship, even if DC Comics admitted that the two would never be compatible as a couple.

What do you think? Should Wonder Woman still pine after Steve? Or should she just move on with Superman? Or do you believe that there really are alternate universes and Wonder Woman is with Steve in one reality and with Superman in another reality? Personally, I do believe that there can be multiple universes, but that's the romantic in me.

Dreams of Persons from the Past

This morning I woke up from a dream that stayed with me for a bit. It was long enough for me to remember that the dream concerned three guys from my past. One was a former college friend whom I've cut out of my life and the other was my college ex-boyfriend, whom I've also cut out of my life. (Why I've cut them out of my life, those are stories for another time). The third guy is from my high school days, someone I once cared deeply for. This dream only helped me to realize that in the last several weeks, I've not only had dreams about these two persons but also about my high school sweetheart. So, what am I making of these dreams? Well, I'm not sure.

With regards to my college ex-boyfriend, I really don't want to have any contact with him. In any shape or form. Seriously, he can stay in his lane and I'll stay in my lane, and our lanes don't ever have to meet. I don't wish anything for him other than a good life. I did hear through the grapevine that he said his current wife is the "love of his life." To which I say, good for him. I'm glad to hear that he's found someone he can commit himself to, not lie or cheat on, and be himself. I know I wasn't the love of his life, and he definitely wasn't mine. Through a lot of introspection, I've realized that we were toxic for each other and I really had a lot of issues (about self love) that I had to work through. Now, why am I still having dreams about him? Maybe he's thinking about me and it somehow is connecting to my dreams. Or I'm still working out on detoxifying him from my soul. It's most likely the second reason because over this past Thanksgiving holiday, I really really worked hard on detoxifying myself. I've thought that I've worked through my issues surrounding him, but maybe there are still some lingering things (soul-wise) that I need to finally let go (even things I'm not realizing). 

Now what about the other two guy? Well, I haven't seen either in almost 20 years. I hear about both from people I know. And honestly, I don't feel the need nor the desire to have contact with him too. I do believe that if ever in the far future (assuming we are really really old and still alive), we do come across one another, I wouldn't mind going out for coffee and having a platonic conversation, respectively with each one of them. I'd ask how he'd lived his life, was he happy, were there things he would have changed, what had he experienced in life, and for us to just share our lives in a long conversation about life, love, and lessons. Yes, this is a totally romanticized version of what I'd like, and probably won't happen, but it's okay. At least I think this is why these two guys keep popping into my dreams. It's probably my way of communicating my life (whether to them spiritually, or communicating to myself about the state of my life) and making sense of the life I'm leading right now. 

So what is the current state of my life? At this point, I know that I've married the person I needed to marry (I love him oh so much) and my children are the loves of my life. I know that I am more capable than what I give myself credit for, and I am successful. There is still so much more living and loving to do and I can't wait to see what life has in store for my family and me.

What about you? What is the state of your life?

Tuesday's Tune: June Gloom

I've been living under a rock for a moment. But I'm up to speed on all the drama relating to Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, and Sabrina Carpenter. Before I get to that drama, I want to highlight this song, which has been stuck in my head for the last 2.5 weeks and which got me all mixed up in the drama. If you've been under a rock, then check out this post. You can go ahead and read all about the drama, and then come back and listen to the song and/or read this post. Or you can just go ahead and read this post before reading all about the drama.

So, this song is clearly about Shawn Mendes, with references to Sabrina Carpenter. It came out this past summer when Camila Cabello dropped her latest album. Now, I've never been a super fan of hers. At the same time, I don't hate her and find some of her past songs to be great. But somehow this song has got me listening to her new album and rediscovering some of her older albums and songs. This song has grown on me and I actually really like it. I think I'm really drawn to the storytelling that comes out of the song and just the honest feelings she's putting out to the public. 

Let me know what you think. Is this song underrated?

VanCity

I meant to publish this post in September of 2023, but I guess now is probably better than never.

Apparently, citizens of Vancouver refer to their beloved city as VanCity. I know this because I came back from a trip there during the Labor Day weekend in September 2023. I met up with two of my high school girlfriends in Vancouver and we just did things for about five days. Now, I was very disappointing to one of my friends because I told them that I didn't really have any "high on my bucket list" activities that I wanted to do in Vancouver. Really, I didn't. I told them I just wanted to eat, walk, and talk with them. I wanted to be in their presence and just be together and get old together (even if it was only for five days) because I do not get a chance to do those things with them on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. In fact, the last time we got together for a trip was about nine years ago (yes, 9 YEARS). For me, I didn't care as to what exactly we did, so long as we did it together.

Vancouver is beautiful. It reminds me of a very very clean New York City (granted, I have never been to NYC). Its weather is very much like the Pacific Northwest: sunny and cloudy with threats of a shower. Lucky for us, it didn't sprinkle until the last day we were together. Most of the time, it was cloudy or really sunny. It was clearly autumn and I felt the slight chill in the air, which made our travels very comfortable. We stayed in Vancouver's City Center and literally walked everywhere or took their light rail everywhere. I would highly recommend that visitors forego a car and just staying in its city center.

Now there was food everywhere. Every block we went down had at least one restaurant, one bakery, and/or one cafe. Seriously, there was so much food everywhere. If you're a lover of Asian cuisine, Vancouver definitely had very good Asian food and didn't disappoint. What I did find disappointing was that Vancouver's Chinatown was dying. At a festival, we ran into another Hmong person from Seattle (she was so happy to see another Hmong face) who told us that back in the 1990s -2000s, Vancouver's Chinatown was booming. However, due to Vancouver's rising real estate prices, many left and established themselves in Richmond, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver. We did visit Richmond (an easy rail trip from Vancouver), which did indeed have a booming Chinese community and may be one of the biggest Chinese communities in British Columbia.

It was such a great trip and I was happy to be with my friends. We had our moments of irritability (how could we not, we are three very different people), but overall I'm so glad to have spent time with them. Of course, I was always happy to come home to my boys. I needed the time to rest and recharge, and when I get home, I can take on their craziness. 

Have you ever been to Van City? Let me know of your experiences there. If you've never been there, do you want to go?

Wordless Wednesday: Dino Walk Foiled by a Shoe

 

Tuesday's Tune: Someone Just Like You

I don't even know how I came across this song, nor that it even existed. On some of the other videos, this song is attributed to Shawn Mendes and Selena Gomez. But, I believe the original artist is Rasmus Hagen (featuring Ebba Bergendahl). I love this acoustic version of the song. And, it's such a beautiful song.

The song is so short, but it does what it needs to do: evoke emotions of longing and melancholy. You can totally tell that it's a modern-day song because how else are you able to look on your phone and see your ex and presume that she's moved on? (Any stalkers in the house?) 

Of course, this song reminds me of some of my past breakups. I also admit to trying to figure out where my exes have been after our breakup too (have you?). Anywhoo, let me know what you think of this song.

Green Onions

 I've written about the Egyptian walking onions in my garden. And this post covers them, but today I'm talking about green onions in general. It's taken me a long time to appreciate the green onions in my garden! When I've left any type of onion bulb in my garden, and it survives the winter, it will grow in the early spring. Green onions (and most onions), I've learned and finally am showing my love for, are one of the first things to bloom in the spring. Not only are they an indicator that spring is right around the corner (despite the one-inch snow that was just dumped in my neck of the woods), but they also are one of the first things (edible or not) to bloom.

So, I've been trying to take advantage of the green onions growing in abundance in my yard. Not only am I eating them but giving them away to family members. Next month, I'll try and grow small bulbs so that I will have green onions to eat in the summer (and fall), and my spring onions will start growing bulbs to be planted in for a fall crop and the following spring. I find that once my green onions have started sprouting, I don't buy any from the store unless necessary. I've become that dedicated to my green onions.

I've gotten into the practice of succession planting the onions in my garden. Of course, it's not perfect, but I've found a rhythm to my planting and it's something that I'd like to continue so that I'll have access to homegrown onions for three of the four seasons. 

Are you growing green onions or any type of onions in your garden? What's happening in your neck of the woods?

My Little Consruction Worker

 

Life is for Living

When my mother-in-law passed away a little over a year ago, it brought a lot of sadness. One of the lessons I took away from her death was that life was for living this one special life that you have right now. Live it fully as best as you can and do what it is that you think you want to do. Yes, there are constraints (e.g. maybe someone doesn't want to be with you and can't be with you, you might be too old to be an astronaut via NASA, etc.,), but there is also so much life to live. 

Go visit Yosemite before it's too polluted. Go see Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro just because you can. Go see the northern lights in Iceland. Go and share a kiss in Paris. Of course, if you can't or don't want to go anywhere, then catch up on your own family and friends. Hear the laughter of children that are special to you. Share a meal with your special person. Enjoy the presence of those that are most close to you. 

You see, my mother-in-law, she had a lot of physical ills and didn't want to go to any place unless forced. I don't blame her for not wanting to go out, although she did choose who she would go out with, if and when she wanted to go out. She wanted to stay home exclusively. If you wanted to see her, you had to go to her. She was also wanting to die because she couldn't take the pain of her physical ailments. So, when she passed and at her funeral, it was time for her to go, she didn't want to leave. She had to forcefully be told to move on in her journey. 

Now, this part is all conjecture, regardless I think at that moment at her funeral, she may have realized too late that she wouldn't be able to be with her loved ones on Earth. She may still spiritually be present for her family and friends, but most wouldn't know. It doesn't make the loss of her physical presence any better; there is still a veil that separates.

I'm sharing this lesson because life is too short. We get so caught up with our lives and forget that the life we are living is a gift. It's the experiences that we take with us that matters and make those experiences count. Take a moment and cherish the precious time you have on this Earth.

Wordless Wednesday: A Coat of Snow

 

Tuesday's Tune: Bigger Than the Whole World

 

Today's song is from Taylor Swift's Midnight album. This song, as most listeners point out, which I agree, is about going through a miscarriage. Now, I don't know if Taylor went through a miscarriage and that was the inspiration of this song. However, the lyrics are clear that she is signing about the aftermath of having gone through a miscarriage.

Regardless, the lyrics are so poignent. I can truly say that I've been so blessed to not have gone through that experience. At the same time, my heart goes out to those who have. While the song itself isn't one of her best, it's the lyrics that are the most moving. Let me know what you think. 

Tuesday's Tune: Labriynth

This song is also from Taylor Swift's new Midnights album. I love this song because it perfectly captured the mood and the feelings I had during a rough time in my life. I've written about that time before, but I believe this song perfectly captured my mood.

During that time, my Mr. Man and I was no longer together (and that was my fault). I had a reckoning with an ex-boyfriend who really made me feel like crap. (Why I thought so highly of him, I have no freaking idea!) I was at a low point in my life and felt worthless. I didn't think I deserved to be loved and I thought I wasn't worthy of anyone. I was really in a labrinyth of my own mind and felt lost. But I met someone great and he helped me to find myself again. At the time, I didn't realize how great he was for me and only now as I look back do I realize that he saved me from myself. 

I remember one particular morning, wanting to be sad but not being able to and found myself being happy. I realized it was because he came in and brightened up my world. He brought a lot of love and life into my own world, and I suddenly found myself falling in love again.  While I didn't appreciate him and it was my fault that we have moved on our separate ways (really, do you see a theme here???), I am not ashamed to admit that he was such a force of good in my life and I will forever be grateful to him.

What do you think of this song? Does it remind you of a particular time in your own life too?

Tuesday's Tune: Back to December

 

I was thinking that since this is the first Tuesday in December, I'll share a song that also references December. So, the song I wanted to share is "Back to December" by Taylor Swift. Yes, it's another Taylor Swift song. (On a side note, I was thinking about sharing songs from Taylor Swift for the rest of this month on Tuesday; however, I'll see if I can even follow through on that wish.)

This song is obviously Taylor Swift's very public way of telling Taylor Lautner that she was sorry for breaking his heart (granted, they only dated for three months). This song was released about twelve years ago (OMG, I can't believe it's been twelve years ago). Anyhow, I share this song because when this song came out, it was also in December that I told my Mr. Man that we couldn't be together anymore. Like the lyrics in "Back to December," he gave me all of his love and I told him goodbye. And when he was gone, I missed him dearly and wished that I'd go back to December and change my mind. 

Of course, I went on to meet others (this song in particular reminds me of someone special), but my Mr. Man and I eventually came back together and found each other. When I listen to "Back to December," I think of my Mr. Man. The song doesn't make me sad. I only see it as a time in my life when I really needed to discover who I was and find the confidence to move on with my life.

What do you think of this song?

Books of 2021

This is a very very late post. This list should have been posted eleven months ago (at the beginning of this year)! I was debating about not even posting this list but thought that it's best that I do anyway. I mean, it still is 2022 and this list is for 2021. (Whatever!) So, why do I keep on making this list each year? I've found that it's a good way to keep track of books I've read, and a really good way to remind me of authors that I've loved reading and to look up for new books from them.

So, this list isn't as comprehensive. I know it doesn't reflect all of the books I've read in 2021, but these are the books I know I've read. 

1. Death in a Budapest Butterfly--Julia Buckley

2. A Body at Bunco--Elizabeth Spann Craig

3. 13 Little Blue Envelopes--Maureen Johnson

4. The Last Little Blue Envelope--Maureen Johnson

5. Death of a Toy Soldier--Barbara Early

6. Murder on the Toy Town Express--Barbara Early

7. Death of a Russian Doll--Barbara Early

8. Murder in an Irish Cottage--Carlene O'Connor

9. Well Met--Jen DeLuca

10. Well Played--Jen DeLuca

11. The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany--Lori Nelson Spielman

12. Botched Butterscotch--Amanda Flowers

13. Progressive Dinner Deadly--Elizabeth Spann Craig

14. Cooking is Murder--Elizabeth Spann Craig

15. Miss Spelled--Morgana Best

16. No Offense--Meg Cabot

17. In a Holidaze--Christina Lauren

18. Picture Perfect Frame--Lyn Cahoon

19. You Lucky Dog--Julia London

20. Open Book--Jessica Simpson

21. Charmed and Dangerous--Candace Haven

22. Synchronized Sorcery--Juliet Blackwell

23. Death on the Night of Lost Lizards--Julia Buckley

24. Truly Madly--Heather Webber

25. One Poison Pie--Lyn Cahoon

26. Murder on Opening Night--Elizabeth Spann Craig

27. Searching for Sylvia Lee--Jean Kwok

28. Pretty is as Pretty Dies--Elizabeth Spann Craig

29. A Body in the Trunk--Elizabeth Spann Craig

30. Cleaning is Murder--Elizabeth Spann Craig

31. Edit to Death--Elizabeth Spann Craig

32. Hushed Up--Elizabeth Spann Craig

33. A Body in the Attic--Elizabeth Spann Craig

34. Murder on the Ballot--Elizbeth Spann Craig

35. Death of a Suitor--Elizabeth Spann Craig

As you can see, I read a lot of cozy mysteries. I really do love mysteries. I don't know if there's any book that I'd recommend. I do remember reading and really liking 13 Little Blue Envelopes. It's a "chic" book and is considered a young adult book. So, if you aren't into that type of book, steer clear of it.

Let me know of any books you've read. 

Wordless Wednesday: Catacombs

Taken on November 2, 2022 in Paris,France.

Tuesday's Tune: Midnight Rain

It may seem like I'm a Swiftie, but I'm not. (Not that being a Swiftie is a bad thing.) I didn't listen to Taylor Swift's Midnights album at midnight when it dropped. I haven't listened to all of the album's songs. Nor have I analyzed the meanings behind the songs. However, I heard this song and it's my favorite from the album.

Some people think the song's about Taylor Lautner, and I agree. Regardless, I love the lyrics. I love how reflective she is about the life she gave up because she wanted something else. You can sense some regret, but there's an acceptance of her decisions. I find the song to be so thoughtful.

This song makes me think of the person I was seeing when I left Sacramento for Minnesota. I left behind a person for a career (even if our relationship was coming to an end). At the time it felt right, and in retrospect, I'm so glad I did it. At the time I thought he was a nice guy, but it was only later that I discovered his lies and deceit. (A nice guy he was not.) When I left, there were moments when I caught glimpses of what my life could have been with this person, but I'm so happy that I did not end up with him. He would have been my biggest regret if I had stayed, married him, or had children with. It was only after so much reflection that I realized he got what he wanted and I did too. We found people that were similar to our own core beliefs. Honestly, I rarely think of him and he only comes up because I had a weird dream about him. He's not someone I waste my precious time on.

Now, there's another person I think about once in a blue moon. He was sunshine and I was midnight rain. He wanted it comfortable and could have provided that for me. He was nice and I did break his heart. Again, I too saw a portal to a life that could have been mine. I would have been extremely happy, but I wasn't ready. I only wanted pain and gave away the life and love that could've been mine. There's a haunting of what could've been that follow me, but it's okay. There's no regret. I love him from afar and only wish him the best in his current life.

What do you think about this song?

 

Wordless Wednesday: My Baby

 

Hello Fall!

Last week the air definitely became cooler. It was as if the warmth was being chased away by a cool kiss. It's been a weird summer. Granted, this summer, I hadn't done what I was supposed to do. As much as it pains me to say this, I honestly am glad for the change in weather.

I started the summer off with great intentions of gardening but was gone most of June (family trip to California). When I came back, my garden was full of weeds. I then tried to weed and failed miserably. Then the rabbits came and ate all of my bean seedlings. So, I don't have any beans this year (boo-hoo!!!). I didn't tie up my tomato plants, even though I'd put sticks into the ground early in the season. At the very least, I have some tomatoes, random squash/pumpkin plants, a little bit of peppers, and of lemon grass.

I can't believe September is coming to an end soon and I know that I need to work on other things. My own work is keeping me busy and I know that I need to hurry up and get my stuff out. I've been wasting a lot of time doing nothing, but at the same time I've also been trying to stay present with my boys (e.g. spending quality time with them, making them do homework, etc.,). Soon, the year will come to an end and I know that I need to finish up a lot of personal work before the new year, so I've got to start sticking to my plans. I know the winter will force me to stick to my plans. So, yes, I am looking forward to winter.

How are you doing? How is the weather in your neighborhood? How did your garden grow this year?

Tuesday's Tune: Red

 

Taylor Swift remade this song not too long ago. I support her and her reasons for why she redid this song and her albums. At the same time, I think the best version of this song is the original song, released back in 2012. You can hear the pain, the love, the angst, and all the emotions in the original.

So, why am I sharing this song? Because it's one of my favorites to listen to. The song reminds me of a relationship that I was in. It didn't last long enough, but the relationship was RED to me. It was hot, fiery (good and bad), and it was passionate. There was so much love there. The relationship really did feel like driving in a fast sports car, exciting and wonderful but ending too soon. (Of course, it was all my fault.) And when he took his red hot sun away from my world, my world became blue like I'd never known before. It took longer than I thought for me to move on from him because he was so hard to forget and even if I had any regrets about the relationship, it was only momentarily and I knew I could never regret him. Even now, memories of him still creep into my life at unexpected times.

My friend May Shoua once asked me if I had any regrets about not being with him and I told her that he and I ended up with the people we needed to be with. Looking back, he is a special person and it was a special moment in my life. I only have love for him and I wish him lots of happiness. As for myself, I am happy with my boys and my Mr. Man. Who knows what life has in store for us, but I'm delighted that we both are with people that make us happy.

Let me know what you think of this song.

Wordless Wednesday: Spring Crocuses