#the shepherd's life

[e-b-reads]

Books of 2024!

In 2024, my private reading goal was to not pay too much attention to how much I read, instead allowing myself to take time over books I enjoyed and not push to finish them. Also, I always do end up reading a good amount anyway overall, so I was trying to let myself recognize it's OK to savor a single book over a few days, both because it just is OK, and because there will always be some series eventually that hooks me and has me reading at an average rate of about 1.75 books/day for a little while.

For the most part, this went well! I still logged my reads but tried to not pay attention to totals until I went to make wrap-up posts. This has all led to me thinking about how I choose books for my wrap-up posts. I don't have an overarching rating system, because what I'm hoping for out of a book can vary widely. I realized that in everything I read, there's some things I read and then quickly stop thinking about, but others books (or series) take up a lot of brainspace and I find myself thinking about them, writing mental fanfic for them, writing actual fic for them, etc., even when not reading. These may not always be the Best Books (or even necessarily my favorites, though there is overlap), but to me, they are The Books.

So this year, I scrolled down the StoryGraph list of books I read, and wrote down all the ones that I know I spent some non-reading time thinking (positively) about - actually 7 books and 5 series. (And some brief notes on the reasons for the thinking, cause I'm me!) Do I necessarily recommend all these books to all people? Nah. But if one sounds interesting, go for it! And let me know!

In vague order of when in the year I read them:

Bride of the Rat God, Barbara Hambly - I enjoy the commitment to the sort of pulpy historical horror plot, and the author's voice, which makes the characters seem realistic in very unrealistic situations!

The Shepherd's Life, James Rebanks - reread, always enjoy thinking about the finding of place and self between university and family land

My Brother Sam is Dead, James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier - I mean it's very sad. but well-written. despite the warning in the title, the ending scene is burned on my brain.

Hilary Tamar series, Sarah Caudwell - just incredibly entertaining! had not realized these were so funny!

The Waterman, Tim Junkin - been thinking about it again lately, and I read it back in Feb. more about this here.

Locked Tomb series, Tamsyn Muir - reread GtN and HtN, read NtN for the first time. the kind of books that consume brainspace. you can't take loved away.

To Shape a Dragon's Breath, Moniquill Blackgoose - some on this here!

Invisible Library series, Genevieve Cogman - had to consider, but I do think that while I was reading these I spent a lot of non-reading time thinking about them too! Wanted to write fanfic about the dynamics between the main 3 characters.

Becoming, Michelle Obama - made me optimistic about politics at a time when that was really needed. (I did read it pre-election, so...maybe need a reread.)

Perry Mason mysteries (assorted), Erle Stanley Gardner - love Perry + Paul + Della doing their thing. I kind of want to try writing fanfic with Garnder's voice.

Emma, Jane Austen - a bit here.

Emma Lord mystery series, Mary Daheim - kept me reading for 26 books, so there was something there! at the height of my obsession, I was writing lots of fanfic in my head. little made it to paper.

[canisalbus]

have machete’s ears been cropped?? or is he just built like that?? im new here, so apologies if this has been answered before!! they stand up quite tall and pointy 💝💝

They're natural! He's missing triangular notches on the outer edges of both, but they're supposed to be tall and pointy.

All dogs are born with soft and floppy ears, and it can take some time for the cartilage in them to harden enough for the ears to stay upright reliably, especially if they're particularly big, thin and batlike.

I made this little age chart a couple of years ago, specifically to demonstrate the evolution of his ear situation.

The same progression can be seen in many real dogs, like these ibizan hounds for example.

[justshipsandstuff]

The people want to see Mithrun’s second life (me, I’m people)

Inspired by this post. Mithrun having service animals is just perfect! Can’t believe I never thought of that. He always has a big team caring for him but in Melini, he needs to manage on his own at times when he’s not working and Pattadol is busy

[thestarlightforge]

What do you call it when the gay buries your gays 💀

[thirdtimed]

double life pearl in this fit..

[whereifindsanity]

[thewordfortheday]

Luke 19:10

"The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them."

Jesus entered the world to save sinners. When we read the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus reaching out to men and women, young and old, powerful and forgotten, demon possessed, and the sick. He came to save sinners and those who were lost. He came to save you and me.

Prayer: Holy and righteous God, thank You for your great desire to bring salvation to all people—including me. Open my heart and move me to reach out to You, I need Your grace and mercy. Even more, dear Father, stir me to seek the lost as passionately as your Son, Jesus did and still does. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

[b4kuch1n]

polymer broadcast signal hijack

[shepscapades]

so! how’s it going

[xfactor7aurora]

You guys have no idea how much academy x art I've drawn in the past few weeks this isn't even half of it

You guys don't get them like I do IM CRAZY BUT IM FREE!!!!!!!!!

[dramoor]

“The entire Christian life is a holy pilgrimage for each of us, in which we travel and strive to draw closer to Jesus Christ and His Truth. He is the One who calls us all to leave behind the daily routine and walk the path of holiness…”

~Archbishop Nikitas Loulias of Thyateira and Great Britain

(Art via etsy)

[e-b-reads]

This landscape is our home and we rarely stray far from it, or endure anywhere else for long before returning. This may seem like a lack of imagination or adventure, but I don't care. I love this place; for me it is the beginning and the end of everything, and everywhere else feels like nowhere.

- The Shepherd's Life, James Rebanks

[you-see-something-strange-here]

no because what do you MEAN kid tommy is extremely powerful but is okay with flying under the radar and having all the focus be on billy - does the main/grown up tommy have these powers?? does he know what he can do, or is he just clueless??? based off of the last infinity comic I’m gonna go no, he doesn’t know, but will something happen to awaken these powers soon??? guys I need answers -

[evanpetersbf]

spot the difference (IMPOSSIBLE)

[doghowto]

"Umm, aren't you forgetting something?" 🫐 Follow me for more rescue dogs who know they deserve only the best!

[jadecantcreate]

*hits shepherd with the arcane-ification beam*