Bibliosphere

 So, as the title says, I have been going on walks when it's 95 degrees out. Yes, 95. We had a couple of heat waves here, reaching record breaking 106 F. But, except for the very hottest of days, I have still been going on my walks, for the most part.  I have had a rough go this spring and summer due to a medication change and further issues with that. My life has been unbalanced, but I'm working on getting it back in shape. I do a lot of goal setting, managing a lot of the care items that people can just do, on their own, without a bunch of reminders. Or maybe things they don't even need, but I do.  I have a great support system, I really do. My friends are wonderful, continuing to invite me out when I've said no, texting encouragement. I love them all. I'm doing my best and it's going to get better. In other news, I spend a lot of time reading, surfing the internet, and, of course, working. I am running my first bilingual council program (an overnight, no less...

 A while ago, I started making niche memes for my camp blog. I haven't in a while, but recently I was inspired to make some for the HOA.  I think I'm funny.

 I feel like this has been said many times, but as someone who has struggled with mental illness for years, it's so important to have things to do with your hands, things that are not online. I know that the internet and technology are safe spaces for many of us, places you have a home in. I'm not denying that.  But, if you are struggling, I am gently suggesting... hobbies. I love my hobbies, but sometimes put them down and forget to pick them back up. But recently I've been trying to pick them up again. I am big on visual art, but I also knit, sew, and garden. I will go to the library for craft night, and have made many a creation, just like I did for hours in my bedroom as a tween.  Mental health is complex, and it's hard to get into hobbies, especially with perhaps some shame of having put them down (I have struggled with this). But they're so worth it. And you're worth it too.

 When I was younger, I read constantly. I was the kid who got caught with a book hiding under their desk, reading while the teacher talked. Slowly, as I got older, I read less and less. I'm not going to blame this entirely on technology, but the biggest drop off was when I got a smartphone, and instead of reading while I waited for lectures to begin, I browsed Instagram or played games. I also struggled more the that I had to read those intense scientific articles, almost burning out my desire to read for pleasure. I know I've talked about this before, but it was a sad point in my life when I struggled to read a 150 page book in the three 3 week check out and renewal periods at the library, when I grew up devouring 500 page books in just a few days. But anyway, I am back into the swing of things! I usually have 1-2 audiobooks and 1-2 print books going at once, so I'm never getting bored of the same topics. I've also started doing audiobooks in Spanish, and I'm tryin...

 While I often hide what I'm going through, I struggle with a number of chronic conditions that impact my daily life. They are disabilities, hidden ones, but disabilities all the same. I think a lot of people don't realize that there are many more of us with hidden disabilities then we let on. In fact, disabled people are the largest minority in the US.  So I want to remind y'all that July is Disability Pride Month. I find it difficult sometimes, accepting myself and my limits, and especially having pride in being myself. But I'm working on it. So this Disability Pride Month, take a moment to think about your views on disabilities, as well as what you can do to increase accessibility.

 One of my goals for this year, was to make a creative project at least once a month. Yes, that's how low the bar was, based on my past couple of years. Any kind of creative act counted, writing a poem, drawing, crafting, anything. But I had to make it. After several months of feeling better with the act of creating, I decided it should be once a week, and now it's twice a week. I know this is a stretch for me, but I think it will be worth it. Right now, I'm really into visual journaling, getting out emotions and feelings through art and written word. I use my giant 18x24 sketch pad, purchased on a whim years ago. But it works. Oh does it work. It's less drawing for the most part, but it's nice to express myself through it. I'm also working to get back into French horn. I have already let me neighbor know. It's going to be a much longer road on that.

 I've been busily working my way through audiobooks in June (and some print books too). Here's what I've been reading: At Blackwater Pond by Mary Oliver (audiobook) - this one was special in two ways. One, it was my first audiobook of poetry and two, it was read by the author. Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way by Dan Buettner (audiobook) 9 Things Successful People Do by Heidi Grant Halvorson - I read this in one sitting at the library The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogel  - I read this on a recommendation, and it was really interesting. I know little about Judaism, but I thought it was a good book. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (audiobook) - this one I waited for a while, because it was the most popular book at the library system last year, and it had a loooooooong hold list. Superlife: The 5 Forces That Will Make You Healthy, Fit, an...

 After a 9 year hiatus, I am pleased to announce that the Rhabdo Warriors are back at it for the 2024 Salt Lake CureSearch Walk. I am excited to slowly get back into the community, in ways that make sense for me. While volunteering for other CureSearch programs didn't work out, I am excited for the walk and for making my team. I've even roped in a friend! If you would like to donate to my walk profile, click here . Any donation is helpful! Together, we can end childhood cancer.

 July is Sarcoma and Bone Cncer Awareness Month. Sarcomas account for cancers in a variety of locations and tissues, and are divided into two categories: sarcomas in the bone and sarcomas in soft tissues. From the Sarcoma Alliance : "Sarcomas are cancers that develop from bones or soft tissues, such as fat, muscles, nerves, and more. Because bone and soft tissues can be found nearly everywhere in the body, a sarcoma can start in any part of the body." Sarcomas can originate anywhere in the body, with 60% beginning in limbs, 30% in the abdomen, and only 10% in the head or neck. Sarcomas are rare in adults, accounting for 1% of cancers, but are the cause of 15% of childhood cancers. There are also ways to get involved! From the Sarcoma Foundation of America, check their list here , or see some ideas below: Wear yellow on July 12 Order a sarcoma yard sign Check out their social media toolkit