Another year older
Hello again, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves. I am writing today’s blog post two days after my birthday and have lots to catch up on.
But most importantly, I did something AMAZING yesterday…not only did I get to go to one of my favorite local bookstores in DFW, Talking Animals Books, but I got to meet R.L. Stine!!!
Yes, THE R.L. STINE ~ Goosebumps author/legendary writer/Bob ~ and let me tell you, this experience was absolutely wonderful! He not only has a kindhearted demeanor but he is hilarious…he shared interesting fun facts about how he became a children’s horror writer, shared what he’s been currently working on, and I learned that he has written about 300 books which is CRAZY. Getting to actually meet him and hearing him discuss his writing journey was truly inspiring (especially since he started writing when he was 9 years old like WOW ok talented from an early age, we see you!!).
Of course, I grew up reading his books (although it took me awhile to get into the horror genre, he was one of the first authors that opened my eyes to embracing the world of horror) so I was terribly indecisive about what book I’d have him sign (with the event ticket package I purchased, you got to be a part of a Q&A portion then have one book (or item) signed by R.L. Stine and a photo with him)…I ended up having him sign a book of his that I have NOT read yet called Beach House which is a mystery/thriller about a murderer that kills these teenagers staying at a beach house. The most interesting part? It alternates between a timeline in the 1950s and present day (the book was written in 1992, so I’m assuming it alternates between the 1950s and 1990s…forgive me Mr. Stine if I’m wrong haha). Anyways I’m rambling, but when I sat down next to him to get my book signed, he smiled and said “now this was a fun book to write” which made me feel very happy but also excited to start reading it! I shared with him that I hadn’t read Beach House yet but that I read almost all of the Goosebumps books growing up and that it was so nice to meet him in person.
I will admit, I was quite starstruck, so I probably zoned out from pure astonishment during the interaction…but it was truly such a cool experience overall.
On Thursday (my actual birthday), my sweet fiancé, Sergio, took me to Oklahoma City for the day which was very fun. We had lunch at Hideaway Pizza, visited The Floating Bookshop & Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, walked around Myriad Botanical Gardens, and ended the day with the Oklahoma City Museum of Art!
The past few days have definitely been busy but good…as I turned another year older, I feel very blessed for this life that I’ve been living despite all of the craziness that has been thrown my way (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and I’m grateful for every part of it that got me to where I’m at today.
So, if you’re reading this, thank you for being a part of my journey.
Recent movie(s)/tv show(s):
Bridgerton — I am absolutely in love with this show…everything from the costumes/wardrobe to the design elements (especially seeing the lavish balls!) to the characters. I have recently loved this show so much that I had a friend of mine do a Bridgerton themed photoshoot for my birthday (thank you, Diane!!). I still have yet to read the books (they’re on my never-ending list of books I have yet to read, sorry!) but I have loved the show so far…especially with Eloise’s season coming up next.
Nine Perfect Strangers — I’m still watching this show and oh my goshhhhh it is a crazy whirlwind! I honestly went into this show blind - think wellness retreat + self-improvement vibes - but something about the retreat facility is a bit off…I won’t share anymore but highly suggest watching it! There’s 2 seasons, I’m about to finish season 1 and will be jumping into season 2 ASAP!! Plus, there are some great actors in both seasons.
Recent book(s):
Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey — ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!! This was a very great read, I listened to this book on Audible, so it was cool hearing Matthew McConaughey read it and share some poetry and prayers close to his heart. On top of being an actor & a proud Austinite, I had no idea he was a poet until this book came out. Would highly recommend to anyone who is newer to the poetry genre, a huge poetry fan, or even just a fan of the actor himself.
Thank you for reading! Until next time.
~Hannah