Leigha's Little Library

I love to read, but The Goodreads Choice Awards makes me realize that I don't read a lot of current books.

I tend to read a lot of older books, and I love to reread books. I was able to vote for two categories.

There were a few authors I liked and books I had on my TBR and while I was tempted to vote for those based on my like of the author/thinking I would love the book, I refrained. That would not be fair!

Do you think people voted for books they haven't read? What do you think about voting/rating a book you haven't read?

Here are the categories. I will put a photo for the ones I voted on, but for the ones I did not, I am still going to choose one book to showcase.

Best Fiction:

No votes... although I did read the first few chapters of An American Marriage and liked it. I got side tracked and never finished it

No votes...none of the books are even on my TBR

Historical Fiction:

Again...no votes. I don't often reach for this catergory

Fantasy:

Nothing... I used to read this category all the time, but haven't done much as of late. There are a few I'm curious about

Best of the Best: [This category is a grouping of winners from past years]

I voted for The Martian. I also read Catching Fire and The Fault in Our Stars" though I did not read any of these this year

Romance:

Eh... meh, nothing. I don't reach for romance that much. There are a couple I might be interested in, nothing actually on my TBR

Science Fiction:

Nope

Horror:

No, nothing. I really do like horror, but I need to follow through more on actually reading it

Humor:

Nothing and I could sure use some humor in my life!

Nonfiction:

No, but I want to read more nonfiction

Memoir & Autobiography:

You guessed it... no

History & Biography:

No, however, I want to read the book about Robin Williams and the book about Mr. Rogers. (I almost cheated and voted for one of them, because I love those guys and the were a big part of my childhood.)

Science & Technology:

No

Food & Cookbooks:

No cookbooks for me

Graphic Novels & Comics:

I voted for Hearding Cats (a 4/5 star rated book). Several more in this category is on my TBR

Poetry:

I like poetry, but haven't read anything on the list, so nope

Debut Author:

Congrats debut authors... I just suck keeping up with the times, so nothing for this catergory. Several are on my TBR though

Young Adult Fiction:

Nothing here, either

Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction:

Or here, but some are on my TBR

Middle Grade & Children's:

I failed one of my favorite catergories. Nothing. Children books are so comforting, reminds me of a better time

Picture Books:

Nothing here and I do read picture books

What books on the Choice Awards have you read and what books did you vote for? Please recommend any books from the Choice Awards that you loved and think I might like!

Click here for The Goodreads Choice Awards

And remember, it doesn't matter what you read, how much you read, or even if you take a long time off, you are still a reader!

There is a place in my town called “Stepp Cemetery” and local legends talks of a sad, lonely ghost of a Woman in Black who wanders the graveyard. There are many different versions of why this ghost is there, but in all versions she remains behind, mourning over a lost family member. Some say she sits on an old tree stump, protecting the graves of loved ones and if you listen you can hear her cry. Growing up we always heard about the stories, so of course, it was common for people to go ghost hunting and exploring. A lot of dark stuff is rumored to take place there as well.

It was after Halloween, around 2am of the next morning. I was a teenager. My family and some of my neighbors randomly decided to load up and go to the graveyard. We had the idea that we would go and find the Woman in Black, but what we found proves that the living are far more scarier than the dead.

Stepp Cemetery felt eerie, but that was to be expected. The wind was howling and you could imagine the sounds of a crying female and dark, fleeting shadows were always just around the corner. It is safe to say that we thoroughly spooked ourselves. I don't know if anything ghostly we saw or heard was real or imagined, but at the time it all felt real.

Some of us took the experience seriously, but most of us were just being silly and goofing off, though I don't think in an overly disrespectful manner. Just kids and kids at heart being kids, I guess.

After exploring for a while, we came across a grave of what looked like a young child. It had an Angel headstone. There was a melted candle on top of it. Our first thoughts went to devil worshiping; it just felt wrong. The sound of the wind suddenly seemed louder, the cries that may or may not have been the ghost, sounded more desperate. We were more unsure and nobody was joking around anymore.

That frightened us enough that the adults decided we should probably head back to the cars. As we were heading back, we noticed two people far in the distance. They also felt so-so wrong. Nobody spoke. We all felt this. One by one we got behind a huge tree, hiding from view. Luckily, the men hadn’t noticed us. As the men came near us, we moved around the tree to stay out of view. It would have been comical, like something from an old cartoon had it not been so scary.

The men got to the gravestone with the melted candle. One bent down and started digging. “Where is it?” He sounded gruff and furious. There was a glint at his side. He was armed.

A fight or flight moment happened and without speaking again, we all bolted and ran back for our cars. The men saw and started to chase us. The wind seemed to be chanting go, go, go!

“Give it back!” Whatever the men were looking for, they thought we took it. Was the burning candle a marker for something? What could these men possibly want to find in this old forgotten cemetery? What was so important that they would come armed? Was it drug related or something darker?

Somehow we made it to the cars. It was now around 3am, I noticed as we pulled out.

As if the men weren't bad enough, as we left a van full of men in white masks and black robes pulled into the graveyard. They stared at us and it felt like they were burning our image into their memory. I will never forget the fear I felt and I am sure everyone else felt the same terror. A couple more minutes and we would have been caught by whoever these men in masks were.

Were they devil worshipers? Were they just college kids doing a fraternity initiation? We will never know, but they felt bad.

As for the Woman in Black? I think she is real and a protecting spirit. We have family buried at Stepp Cemetery, so was she protecting us as well and whenever we did things unspoken as a whole, I wonder if it was because of her influence.

.

The moral of this story is be careful when you go to a place where you only expect the dead. The living are far worse

[Images are free for personal and commercial use: www.pexels.com]

I don't have anywhere to share this story, so I am going to share it here.

My mom, who is 56 years old and not good with technology at all is quite proud of herself that she can play Roblox by herself with my 10-year-old niece, S. Mom, S, and her parents (my sister & her husband) and my other 3-year-old niece were at the park.

S was rocking on a horse that was too small for her. Another girl of about 9 or 10 came up to S and said, "aren't you too big for that?" She wasn't being mean, but more bossy, like "I know everything." The girl said, "try that one, it is bigger."

So S went to the other toy (which had two seats) and the girl said, "Isn't that so great, now you and she can do it together," indicating the 3-year-old.

My mom getting annoyed by her bossy tone (I guess) out of nowhere said, "Do you play Robox!?" I think she was trying to get the girl to leave S alone because she was probably uncomfortable.

The girl said, "Yes! I love Roblox!"

My mom... my clueless, harmless mother said, "Have you played "Grab a child?" and immediately mom's eyes went wide and my sister started to crack up. Mom was quick to change the subject, realizing how bad that could sound to anyone listening in. It went right over the little girl's head though.

Oh gee, only my mother...

What is something you've said that you regretted as soon as you said them?

He passed away this morning at home. We are thankful we did not have to drag him to the vet to be put down. He hated the vet and since he couldn't move on his own, any forced movement would have been beyond painful. As far as I'm being told by my mom, his passing seemed peaceful.

*

Thanks to everyone who offered me kind words and virtual hugs. This is a really wonderful community. I'm only a small fry here but those who do interact with me on here have been so nice.

[This is my last time seeing him, on Saturday. <3 Go sweet boy, run in puppy Heaven.]

Just finished Imaginary Friend - This story is a prequel to “Rage’s Echo” a novel by J.S. Bailey I haven’t read. Knowing nothing about Rage’s Echo, I really enjoyed this story. It was sad, but sweet at the same time.

Just finished - Weary Traveler - I really liked this one. It was spooky. I like how you are not sure what is real and what might be supernatural.

Just finished - Journal Entry From The End Of The Universe - This one was told in journal entries. I really liked the format. This story makes you think about what matters and to be careful of what you wish for. The thing you wish for might not be what it is cracked up to be.

16 stories, 10 finished.

The Mirror - 5/5

The Ghost of Memory - 3.5/5

Vapers - 3/5

Maria - 1/5

Agoraphobia - 4/5

The Author, The Lonely Walker and The Class - 4/5

The Outing - 3/5

Imaginary Friend - 4/5

Weary Traveler - 4/5

Journal Entry From The End Of The Universe - 5/5

Just finished The Outing - This one seemed like it would be a sweet story about an average looking man (he pretty much describes himself as such) and a younger woman he thinks is out of his league getting together and getting married. It is a much darker story than that. I can’t say much without spoiling anything, though. I liked the story, but I wanted more, or a little more “oomph.”

16 stories, 7 finished.

The Mirror - 5/5

The Ghost of Memory - 3.5/5

Vapers - 3/5

Maria - 1/5

Agoraphobia - 4/5

The Author, The Lonely Walker and The Class - 4/5

The Outing - 3/5

Just finished The Author, The Lonely Walker and The Class - This one is interesting. It is a story within a story…within a story. I’m not going to say it isn’t confusing at first. I'm not usually a fan of this, but I think it was handled well here. This kind of story (especially considering it is so short) is a hit and miss for a lot of people, but I liked it. I feel like I could also relate to “the author” who talks about what I assume is social anxiety and having meltdowns in public. I don't want to spoil anything, but I relate to "the author" and "the lonely walker" in other ways, too. Really solid writing style.

16 stories, 6 finished.

The Mirror - 5/5

The Ghost of Memory - 3.5/5

Vapers - 3/5

Maria - 1/5

Agoraphobia - 4/5

The Author, The Lonely Walker and The Class - 4/5

to a human

twelve years feels like

a blink of time

it is hard to accept

this is the end

it is time sweet boy

do not be afraid

it is okay for you to go

you don't have to worry

we love you

and of course

we will miss you

no more crying

the pain will go away

you have come to the end

of your journey

but the next one is starting

it is time sweet boy

time to say goodbye

and be free

when you see the

Rainbow Bridge

run as long and

fast as you want to

[Bandit as a puppy]

[Bandit at 4]

[Bandit at 12]

~My mostly old book haul~

Not book related, but sometimes life isn't all about books. I know, shocker!

When I talk about my mental health or chronic pain (etc) I am not whining, complaining or looking for pity. Hey, I know it can sound like whining, but if I don’t write about it, I wouldn’t have a healthy outlet. I’ve got to share this with people, because I know that there are people going through similar and we need to know we are not alone. Invisible conditions have such a stigma.

A stigma we should have never had. Why is it so shocking that a person can be ill or in pain, but look "normal" on the outside? What is normal anyway? Why is it just a weight problem when a heavyset person has to use mobile assistance, is in pain all the time and depressed? Believe it or not... fat people are allowed to be treated as more than a fat person. Not every condition is caused by excess weight. I’ve heard horror stories of fat people trying to get help, but sent away because “oh, honey, you just need to lose weight.”

I will fully admit that I know my weight doesn't help my problems, but my weight isn't the cause. It is a vicious cycle. Can't move because of pain, more pain because can't move. It is just...I wake up every day… day starts with a migraine. My joints need extra waking up time before I can move around. If you started every day with a migraine, or even a horrible headache, I’m sure that wouldn’t set the mood for a good day!

Sure, let me pop in a workout dvd… no, let me crawl under the bed away from sounds and light. Sounds like excuses, huh? It is really not. Then we got my lovely friend executive dysfunction, depression and body parts coming and going whenever they feel like it. Sudden sharp pains, hip, back, knee deciding to “pop” out for a little fun. (Spoiler: not really fun.)

Put yourself in my shoes and then ask why don’t I just workout… You try and be active when you are in pain everyday, depressed every day, and you are so much an empath that even hearing about a complete stranger having a bad day could set you off into an emotional mess.

I don't want you to feel sorry for me and I am sure a lot of people in similar boats feel the same way, though I can't speak for them. I'm happy if you offer to think about me or pray for me, but whatever you do...don't tell me to try yoga! I actually love yoga, but it isn’t a magical cure for anything. I’m sure it really helps when you can get to the point of actually being able to do it.

I’m not stupid. I know any activity is helpful. Tell that to my mind and body.

Pro Tip: Other things not to tell someone with invisible conditions

1. You don’t look sick [Sorry, I forgot to wear my "I am sick" shirt.]

2. You’re too young to be sick [What is the correct age for sickness, so I can tell my problems to hold off until then?]

3. Everyone gets tired [Of course, getting tired is normal, but not when it is 24/7]

4. You’re just having a bad day [I'm sure tomorrow all my issues will be cleared up! Thanks for your help.]

5. It must be nice not having to go to work/school [It is so nice to be in crippling pain... you're right! Lucky me.]

6. You need to get more exercise [And my chronic pain and depression will just "poof" away? Why didn't you tell me this sooner!?]

7. I wish I had time to take a nap [It isn't all it is cracked up to be when all you do is feel tired or sleep.. I wish I had "time" to do a lot of things, too.]

8. Think positive [And I will be fixed? Cool!]

9. Just push through it [I do that every day... because I am alive.]

10. It will get better, just be patient [How much more patient can a person be? When will it get better? Can you give me an exact date?]

11. Have you tried (insert your wacky ideas) [Oh, cool, and that will cure me?]

12. You should stop (insert things you judge me for) [So if I stop drinking loads of coffee, eating chocolate and reading children books, I will be fixed?]

13. It’s all in your head [WOW! You are SO smart!!]

14. You need to get out more [So...weekly trips to Wal-mart isn't enough?]

15. You take too many medications [You mean the medication that I need to be alive/gives me relief... okay, I will stop and see what happens!]

16. You should go to church [You mean...my cure has been there all along? The witch doctors lied to me! Ooo eee, ooo ah ah! Ting tang, walla walla, bing bang!]

Something you could say to a person instead of all these is a simple "I believe you. Is there anything I can do for you right now?"