Turning Over A New Leaf In 2018

It's been so long since I've posted on my blog, I'm almost ashamed to pick back up where I left off. Let's just say 2017 has been quite challenging. However, there have been many rewards. The challenges have formed me into a new and better person. I like it. 

I'm taking what I learned this year and attempting to turn the lessons into something positive. As for PaperTams, my journey continues and I will work harder to keep up this blog along with my YouTube channel and social media platforms. It will take some discipline and organization, but I've got some ideas about how to get it all done. 

Down The Rabbit Hole: November 2016

It's time for another DTRH post. This is where I share things that have been grabbing my attention in the world of reading, writing, and creativity. Here's the rundown:

Reading and Bookish Things

• Audio Books - I admit it. I'm one of those people that used to think listening to an audio book was a little like cheating. That's until several of my librarian friends suggested I give it a try. So, I've been participating in the Amazon Audible trial. Honestly, I'm really enjoying it. So far I've listened to "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice and "Hillbilly Elegy" by J.D. Vance. I've worked it into my daily morning walks and drives back and forth to Tampa. It has been a great way to pass the time. I plan to listen to "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow during a 10 hour drive over the holidays. 
• Awesome Librarians - Speaking of librarian friends, our local Lakeland Fine Arts/Programming librarian, Brenda Patterson, is probably one of the best gems in our community. We are lucky to have her and I'm sure the world will come to know her soon. 

Writing and Stationery

• Diamine Shimmer Inks - Need I say more?
• Bullet Journaling - Yes, I know you may think I'm late to this party. Actually, in my past life as a process engineer, we used a type of bullet journaling everyday. So, for the first time ever, I may be ahead on something. I do love how the new generation has jazzed it up, because it does help you get things done. Due to a decent amount of requests, I've been working to see if I can incorporate my old style of bullet journal planning into a Midori Traveler's Notebook. I think I've got it down and will be sharing my set up soon. 

Creators 

I'm currently digging the following creators:

• YouTube - Jenny Mustard
• Music - Radiation City

Mentioned items are based on my own opinion. This is not a sponsored post. Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.

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Down The Rabbit Hole: October 2016

One thing that baffles me is the idea of other people having an interest in what's catching my attention and sending me down rabbit holes. Nevertheless, I've had enough people ask that it's time to consider a routine blog post to sum it all up. I'm willing to give it a try and start with a monthly post. Here's the rundown. Let me know what you think. 

Reading and Bookish Things

• I'm on the road a great deal this month and I really enjoy listening to bookish podcasts to make the journey more pleasing. Currently, I'm loving What Should I Read Next. 

• For some reason I've become obsessed with collecting and showcasing Lost World genre books. Especially anything written or inspired by the Victorian adventure writers. I'm on the hunt for books by H. Rider Haggard and scored a vintage copy of "Allan Quartermain" this month from a charming Etsy seller, Box Thirteen.  This has led me to discover the real life female adventurer, Gertrude Bell, so I'm reading "A Woman In Arabia: The Writings of the Queen of the Desert."

Stationery

• I'm really digging glassine envelopes for my Halloween parcels. They add a nice touch.

• Cataloging my fountain pen inks has become a thing for me. This is totally inspired by a weekly post by Anderson Pens called thINKthursday.  In no way am I comparing my ink catalog entries to their magnificent works of art, but they have raised the bar to a new level and that gets me excited. 

Creativity and Florida Life

• As usual, my neighbors are creating magic in their garden and inspiring what will most likely be holiday party gifts. This year they've started putting air plants in oyster shells. I'm in love with the look. 

• I've gone nuts over Saints of Old Florida. The blog, the Instagram, the book - it's all heavenly. 

Note: All items purchased with my own money. This is not a sponsored post. Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support.