Five Favorites for May
Just a few things I've been enjoying.
Hello, hello, beautiful Book Monsters!
I hope you are enjoying life as we enter the last stretch of the month here. Today, I’m popping in to share some of the things that have made my day over the past few weeks. A couple of these are a little obscure, but if you love them too, or happen to try them and love them, be sure to let me know. I’d be especially curious to find out what books you’ve been reading lately that you’d like to share. If you have any loves of your own from the past month, drop them down below!
Okay, now on to some of my favorite things:
1 - What I’m Excited About
Warm Weather. Yay! We, finally, are getting into reliably warmer days here in Colorado. I shouldn’t say that out loud, of course. These Rocky Mountains have been known to push snow onto us whenever they feel like it—summer months be damned! The past week has been beautiful, though, and the kids and animals have been loving it. Here’s a pic of some Iris that got up the nerve to bloom.
2 - What I’m Reading
The Winternight Trilogy. I know I’ve mentioned, at least, the first book in this series by Katherine Arden before. Then some life happened and I had the hardest time finishing the rest of the trilogy. I finally got back into these beautiful stories and flew through book two and am currently on book three. It really is a fabulous series with gorgeous writing by Arden. She did a spectacular job weaving the old myths and tales of Russian folklore into these books. Once I finish book three, you can expect a Mystical Mood Read post here in the lair.
3 - What I’m Listening To
A little side story here - I’ve been trying to get back into adding a ballet barre into my daily routine. I’m toying with the idea of getting into shape enough to step into teaching again, something I sorely miss. I’ve been using this amazing playlist for my efforts. It’s a really fun mix of classical favorites and reworked songs from pop culture. Very inspiring! It’s actually great to just have playing in the background too, if you enjoy piano. Ballet Class by Nate Fifield
4 - Another Something I’m Loving For No Particular Reason
Paper Bookmarks. Especially if they’re scented! These nature themed page holders are so fun. The lavendar is my favorite.
5 - A Favorite Substack
Finally, I have one more read share and it happens to come from one of my favorite Substack publications!
’s essays on film characters are some of the best things on the internet. Here are two of my favorites:If you’ve been with me long, you know I have a special place in my heart for The Mummy movies. Especially the first two, with Rachel Weisz playing Evie. I mean I’ve full out admitted to using Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr) as character inspiration for Azarus in Odile, Legend of the Black Swan. ;) All that to say, this is a great publication with lots of awesome content and original writing for fantasy lovers. Be sure to follow their work for more fun reading.
Well, that sums up my favorites for May, Monsters. Now have a look at some of the books I found for you this week:
Till next time, lovely friends, I’m wishing you a wonderful weekend and hope you have many fantastical adventures. Remember…
Stay in the Magic!
Amanda V Shane