This, That and What Do You Do?

Welcome to an episode of ‘This, That and What Do You Do” where we cover general topics and I hope you share your thoughts with us.

First, let me get my question (or at least one of them) out of the way. What do you do or should you do with an ARC of a book once you’ve read it?

I would love to keep every single book I get, but unfortunately, I don’t have the space to do that. I tried to do that for several years and then finally had to stop because I had books everywhere in boxes and in stacks. Now I share some with family and friends and I donate a good many to our local library. I live in a small town which doesn’t even have a library, but there’s one in the next small town. With budget cuts, it’s sometimes difficult for small town libraries to get a lot of recently released books. I’ve loved libraries since I was a small child so I like being able to help when I can even in this small way.

So this is where my question comes in. Can ARCs be donated to libraries or should they be? I know it would probably depend on the library’s policy, but I’m wondering what the thoughts are from the viewpoint of authors and publishers. Can you help me out here and tell me your thoughts? What do you do with ARCs or would you want a reader to do with your ARC once finished reading it?

Do you ever jump right into something without knowing all about it?

I’ve always been one to open a box and start trying to put something together without first reading the instructions. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. I’m also one who will attempt to operate a new system (like DVD player, printer, etc.) without reading everything completely. Sometimes I wind up having to call an 800 number to see how to make it work. I guess you could say I like the challenge.

Well I sort of did that recently. I’ve been seeing the Litsy app mentioned and how good it is for book lovers. A couple of weekends ago I saw that there was finally an app for Androids. Did I read up on it to see how it works – nope. I just downloaded it and glared at it wondering what to do with it.

After playing with it a bit I found how to mark books that I’ve read, am reading or want to read. I’m not so sure about adding reviews or posting about books, but I’m working on it. No calls to an 800 number yet (not so sure there is one even). So, if you’re on Litsy you can find me as MasonCanyon (of course). If you use Litsy, share what you think of it.

Also I’m on Twitter and Facebook for Mc Book Tours. On Twitter you’ll find me as MCBookTours and on Facebook it’s MC Book Tours. I’d love to have you follow, like and/or just drop by to say hi. BTW, Joylene Nowell Butler’s tour begins Oct. 17. You can check out her tour schedule HERE and following along. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

My last this and that, if you live in the US can you believe it’s already fall? I’m not sure where the summer went to and before we blink twice Christmas will be here. Are you already reading holiday stories or do you just have some lined up to read?

Okay that’s enough from me for now. I hope you’ll drop back by tomorrow as I have several interesting audio books to tell you about. What about you, any this and that to share? Will you share your thoughts on what to do with ARCs after they’re read? What about downloading an app without knowing how to use it? Have you read any Christmas books yet?

A Falling Leaf

Photo source

The leaves are beginning to fall in the part of the world where I live and I don’t have the opportunity to stop for several hours and enjoy them as they gently glide to earth.

How many others are the same way? How many others notice, but don’t take the time to watch and enjoy? How many others see only more work in the making with leaves to rake for that perfect yard look?

Do people still take the time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon just surrounded by nature and what it has to offer?

In our ever-growing lives of multi-tasking I’m not sure we relax that much anymore. Whether on vacation or a day-outing, most people are never out of touch. They are constantly on their cell phones, Blackberries, iPads, iPods or laptops. Few times does modern man disconnect and become the primitive man of decades ago without technology at his every fingertip.

Even if we manage to free ourselves from technology for a few moments, we still multi-task not really focusing on one thing at a time. This is a good example. As I sit here surrounded by nature in all her glory, I don’t just enjoy and let that feeling of relaxation wash over me. No, I have to take pen and paper in hand attempting to capture my thoughts, feelings and the surroundings all at the same time. Only when a dark cloud hovers overhead stilling my surroundings do I take time to see and hear the quietness of the woods. But once again I’m quick to take up pen and paper so I can put those thoughts down.

Somehow in our busy, on-to-go, demanding, never-ending days of pressure we must find time for those moments of quiet, relaxing joy. Those few moments, however fleeting, we need to get lost in our surroundings. Watch leaves fall with only thoughts of their beautiful color consuming us. Watch the water in a lake or stream thinking only of its tranquil movements or relaxing sound. Watch a sunrise or sunset over a mountain top (or skyscraper) and wonder at how quickly and effortlessly the colors change.

Now I will lay pen and paper aside to lose myself in the wind. To listen to the sound it makes as it travels through the woods. Note how it sounds coming toward me, while it surrounds me and the difference it makes as it travels on to visit someone else. It will only be for a few moments I can do this, but they are moments that will calm my soul and make the chaos of the day easier to handle.

Have you listened to the wind today? Have you let it flow through you, not just around? Deep breath in, deep breath out. Sometimes those moments do more for you than you realize. Stop to watch the leaf as it glides to earth allowing a bit of calm into your hectic life.

Thank you so much for stopping by and indulging me as my mind takes a day to wander aimlessly through its thoughts. It’s a great way to clean the cobwebs out and refresh the thinking process. May you have a day of peace and relaxation, if only for a few moments.

Enjoy A Moment Or Two

Today I’d like to share a couple of autumn scenes with you. 

The fall can be a beautiful time of year with all the brilliant yellows, reds, and browns mixed in with the greens. It’s a great time to stop and take stock of one’s surroundings.

The photos below were taken early one morning when the fog was quite heavy. With my little digital camera the fog almost appeared to be rain drops.

My wish for you today is that you have the time to stop and enjoy the beauty nature has to share with you no matter what season of the year it is where you are. There’s no telling what it could inspire.

Please be sure to stop back by tomorrow when ABSOLUTE OBSESSION author C. Elizabeth joins us to talk about writing backwards (and it my not be what you think). As always, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day. 

Fall Leaves

Trying to think of a post this morning, my mind was jumbled with ideas that wouldn't come together. I thought of several topics, but nothing would complete itself.

While thinking about all the Christmas decorations that are out in stores, Christmas movies on TV and Christmas music already playing on the radio, I decided to share a bit of fall with everyone.

I live in the Northwest Georgia mountains, Rome to be exact. Where we are the leave have been beautiful. Granted a lot of people from here drive to the "mountains" (Blue Ridge, Helen, etc.) an hour or so away to see fall leaves. I think they just want to get away from home for awhile.

Like I said, our leaves have been beautiful. However, this past week we had four inches of rain followed by almost two days of winds blowing from 10 to 20 miles an hour. So the leaves aren't looking quite as good anymore.

I want to share some photos I took last week of the leaves. There are also a couple with our cats playing around a tree in the yard. I'm afraid the photos don't do the leaves justice. They were bright and beautiful this year.

Hope you enjoy these.

Check back tomorrow. I plan to post my review of "Pretty Is As Pretty Dies" by Elizabeth Spann Craig.