Let's Talk About Books: My TBR Books

I have a TBR shelf. Most people do. Mine has a stack of books in different genres. Some of them have been sitting there for a while, and some are newer. I plan to read all of them at some point. I don't know when I'll get around to all of them (I promise, someday!), but I have a solution to make my choosing easier. I recently purchased a glass jar that came with some small rolled-up paper. It's a genius idea! Why? It works by writing down all of your TBR books on the little wrapped-up paper. Once you've done that, you roll it back up and place it in the jar. When you're ready to pick a new book to read, you simply pull out a paper. The fun thing is that it's random. You don't know what book you're going to read next. 

Honestly, I really like this, because I can have a hard time choosing which book to read from my TBR. I have so many random books. I have a book about owls, the book, To Kill A Mockingbird (which I haven't read yet), and one about the treasure of Oak Island. So random. Haha. I guess I just really like different things. Most of the time, my brain is all about mysteries (not crime), lost treasures, exploration, Aztecs and Mayans, and then, owls. I love the unknown! Makes sense since my enneagram is 5w6. (What's yours?). I don't think like other women my age. I don't like reading much romance. I like adventure, books with information/facts in them, and the classics (my favorites). I often feel alone in this!:(

Maybe I'm just strange. I never did fit in as a kid. I was quiet and serious. I always believed that life had to be taken seriously. I was always the weird kid. And I still don't fit in!! My likes and dislikes are different from other people. I don't follow the crowd. I do my own thing. Maybe that's my problem. But to be honest, I've grown to like it. I may never be in a group of women who like girly stuff. It's not me, and I refuse to fit in. Sure. I do like pink, but I also like black. Does anyone else feel the same way? Sorry, I'm getting off course. Back to my books! I haven't tried the glass jar with paper yet. I'm currently reading a new book and two audiobooks. But when it's time, I'll give it a go. AHH! I love reading!!! 💓

If you like the glass jar I got, you can get one from Temu here. I know. I shop from Temu. I've not had any problems with Temu. I've made many purchases from them. So, if you don't like Temu, you may be able to find something similar from somewhere else. But I don't actually know. I just saw it on Temu, and I had to have it. And it's the first time I've seen something like this. Personally, I think it's so cool! I can't wait to plow through my shelf and read all of the books! Now, I'll make it random with my little glass jar, and I'll finish them. Darn it. I'll conquer that mountain of books! One day! *What is your TBR shelf like? 📖

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Blog Update: Searching For Authors

This is the second update this week. I just have a lot to share. Especially, for today, I'm actually searching for authors. I'm hoping to find some to spotlight on my blog. I usually offer interviews, book spotlights, book reviews, and guest writing. If you're an author and would like to be featured, let me know! And if you're an author that I've worked with before, I'd love to have you on again. Let's have some fun together.

For book reviews, I usually review books that are clean. They don't have to be Christian, but I don't review books that are spicy. If you'd like, I would be happy to receive a book in exchange for a review. I would also post my review on Amazon, as well as on my blog. Book spotlights are the same in regards to being clean. The difference between a review and spotlight is that the spotlight just shows the book, synopsis, purchase link, and author bio. Book reviews are exactly that. I write and post a review of your book.

Interviews are written interviews. I send questions in a Word document, and then the author sends their replies back. This is done through email. In interviews, I usually show some of the titles of the author, links, and where to purchase their book. I would require a photo of the author and bio. These seem to gain the most interest.

Guest writing is where the author writes an article or devotional for my blog. I may request a certain theme or not. Usually, I don't. The author is free to write whatever they choose. I've had many amazing guest articles and devotionals written by authors. 

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment on this blog post or send me an email. All you have to do is send me an email here: thewanderingwithgrace@gmail.com

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: A Beautiful Blue

Devotional: To Be Grateful

There are times where I don't feel as grateful as I could. I struggle some days. I'll think about how things could be better. But, then I remember. I have a lot to be grateful for. I'm able to keep going and do what needs to be done. And that's really all I want when it comes right down to it. I don't need much to be content. And I've had it way, way worse, so I'm okay right now. Of course, there are days where I wish I felt better. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way. It seems like so many are suffering with mental and physical health issues.

I also know that you shouldn't feel ashamed for not feeling grateful. Especially, if you're in a hard place. I certainly wasn't when I was struggling. I wished all the time for a better life. As of now, I've had to fight hard to be where I am. But during those times, I knew that feeling sad, disappointed, and upset were completely normal to experience. I wanted what appeared to be good blessings in other people's lives. I wanted what they had. It was hard to accept, but I knew that my life was different. I wasn't them, and they weren't me. 

Life is not always what we see either. I may appear to be doing well, and I am in some ways. But I struggle a lot with my health. Each day is a challenge. There are days where I wish I could stay in bed. It's not easy what I'm doing. But, I keep pushing forward because I have to, and I still pursue the things that bring me joy. It's something that I have to do in order to feel like my life is normal again. I don't want to survive, I want to live. That's why I work hard. That's why I write, blog, work, and take lessons. I can't not do anything.

I guess that's why I'm constantly learning to be grateful. I try to appreciate the good things even if they're small. And truly, it's those things that keep me going. I live for the beautiful sunsets, the flowers, soft-kitty purrs, and laughter with the ones I love. It's those things that keep me going, and I'm eternally grateful for them. Ultimately, they bring me joy - which reminds me to be content and at peace. And I'm just so grateful to God for all those blessings He gives in my life. I also hope that you may receive them, as well. 💓

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." - Colossians 3:17 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Blog Update: Learning About Flowers

It's been a while since I posted an update. There aren't any blog updates other than the domain name is going to change next month. It'll no longer have the blogspot at the end of it. This will make it easier to find the blog itself with a shorter url. I'm really excited about getting it changed! Finally:) It'll be so much nicer! Don't you agree? 💓

As for life updates, there is one in particular. I recently signed up on Penn Foster to take lessons in floral design. At the end of my lessons and exams, I'll receive a career diploma for it. The reason I chose this is because I love learning and also, flowers. So, you could probably tell by all the flower photos I take. I can't help it. I see a flower or plant, and I have to take a picture and study it. I'm looking forward to learning all I can about them. 

To improve my knowledge, I purchased a few books. I found some at the bookstore and some online. I got a journal, too. The journal will be a journey of learning. I'll document my learning of all the flowers. Now, this might seem silly, but I ordered a hoodie, cup, and sticker of Penn Foster. I know that technically I'm not going to school to get a degree online, but I wanted to experience it, anyways. And to be honest, I do plan on getting an associate's degree in something later (after the lessons). I'm just... super happy about it!

I've always wanted to go to school but didn't want to spend the money on it. I do have two career diplomas - one in web design and the other in graphics design. But still, it's not the same as pursuing a degree - which I hope to attain in the near future! It's been a dream of mine, so I'm going to do whatever it takes to reach it. Maybe throw in some courses and career diplomas in there, too! I really do hope it happens. I'm praying about it.

Well, that's it for life/blog updates. I'll try to add more updates as things change. A big thank you to anyone that supports my writing and school. Really appreciate all the lovely encouragement! Even though it's hard, I'm doing what I can. So, thank you again!

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Leaves Are Turning

Intro: I don't know if it's the heat or if Autumn is coming (or both), but some of the leaves are turning. I'm so happy when I start to see the signs of the new season. The leaves are just so beautiful when they change. It's one of my favorite things! What about you?

Quest Ending: I know that in the weeks ahead, I'll see more leaves changing. I hope to capture these changes on my other photo quests. It's such an amazing time to see nature going through seasons, too (so do we!). Things do transition, nothing stays the same. 🍂

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Book Spotlights: Blood Falls

Synopsis: Blood Falls

What did Darren Imgalrea discover in Antarctica before he died?

When research scientist is found murdered at the base of Blood Falls in Antarctica, Major Adriana "Jack" Caldas of nearby McMurdo Station must secure the scene for the authorities. Two FBI special agents from the Hawaii field office soon join the investigation and pull Caldas into a web of intrigue spanning three continents. 

On the other side of the world, Italian firebrand Aemilius DeMatteo has risen to lead Europe out of a series of crises. From Brussels and his royal palace on the Temple Mount, this new savior plots to raise his own Star of Bethlehem over the nations.

On the run from assassins as her old word crumbles around her, what Caldas fears most is not the darkness falling over the earth, but the rapid and bewildering descent into her own soul.

You can find this book in kindle and paperback at Amazon and at ...And Books, Too!

About: Pam Thorson

Pam Thorson is a nurse, full-time caregiver, speaker, and author of four books: Song in the Night; Out from the Shadows: 31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver; Arrow: the History and People of an Idaho Community, and Blood Falls. She is a regular contributor for the Christian music website CMADDICT.com. Pam lives in the Northwest with her family. You can also find her on Facebook and her website bloodfalls.net. 

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson