Rebecca M. Douglass, Author

We're approaching the midpoint of the trip! Today we'll roam about the northlands. Here are the links to post #1     post #2   and post #3 of the 2-week trip, for those who want to read it in order.    I left off early on Day 5. Day 5 (Sept. 15), continued: Leaving Lake Myvatn behind me, I followed the Ring Road west a short distance to Hverir, a small developed area with substantial geothermal activity. One hint about this was the large geothermal power plant I drove past on the way, with a strikingly blue lake (the blue of pale turquoise) next to the road. The color of the lake was just one of the effects of having the power plant there, I think. Only later, after visiting Hverir, did I discover how extensive the power plant is. Rt. 1 (the Ring Road) climbs above Blue Lake, and  some of the power plant buildings.   The sulfuric exhalations of the Hverir were the price to pay for the striking colors of the hillsides. Parking fees were somewhat h...

I've been on a binge, reading everything Robert MacFarlane has written (at least, that I can get from the library), mostly as audio books. This one's just out and I was lucky not to be too far down the queue.    Title : Is a River Alive? Author : Robert Macfarlane. Read by the author.  Publication Info: Highbridge Audio, 2025, 11 hours. Hardcover 2025, W.W. Norton, 384 pages. Source: Library  Publisher's Blurb: The renowned nature writer and author of the best-selling author of Underland delivers a revelatory book that transforms how we look at the natural world—and life itself. Hailed as “a naturalist who can unfurl a sentence with the breathless ease of a master angler” (Holly Morris, New York Times ), Robert Macfarlane brings his glittering style to a profound work of travel writing, reporting, and natural history. Is a River Alive? is a joyous exploration into an ancient, urgent idea: that rivers are living beings who should be recognized as such in imagina...

Continuing to work my way through the photos from the trip. It looks like I'll be sharing them for several more weeks! Here's the link to post #1   and post #2 of the 2-week trip.      Day 4 (Sept. 14): Trollaskagi Peninsula, Gothafoss, Lake Myvatn  I wish I'd kept track of my daily driving mileage. It was a lot lower than you'd think for the amount of time it took, thanks in part to my propensity for the road less traveled.  As usual, there was at least some sun in the morning, after our wild night of wind and rain, and I headed north for the Trollaskagi Peninsula and the little town of Hófsas. My guidebooks raved about the ocean-side community swimming pool there, and I was feeling due for a swim as a change from hiking and driving. Morning light on the Austari-Herathsvotn estuary. Alas, when I got to Hófsas, the pool was temporarily closed and drained. Since the guidebook indicates it is open all winter, I must have just gotten unlucky. All was not ...

Busy day today, with the monthly IWSG posting--and I am honored to be a co-host!--and a Great Escapes tour post for Mollie Hunt's latest Crazy Cat Lady Mystery,  Cold Case Cat !  Let's do the IWSG first. Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to the IWSG page and display the badge in your post. And ...

I 'm posting today with t he fantastic Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays blog hop hosted by Greg Pattridge of Always in the Middle . Check out Greg's blog for a list of additional middle grade reviews.     Title: Chirp Author: Kate Messner Publication Info: Audible Audio, 2020, 5 hours. Hardcover published by Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020, 227 pages. Source: Library Publisher's Blurb (Goodreads) :  When Mia moves to Vermont the summer after seventh grade, she's recovering from the broken arm she got falling off a balance beam. And packed away in the moving boxes under her clothes and gymnastics trophies is a secret she'd rather forget. Mia's change in scenery brings day camp, new friends, and time with her beloved grandmother. But Gram is convinced someone is trying to destroy her cricket farm. Is it sabotage or is Gram's thinking impaired from the stroke she suffered months ago? Mia and her friends set out to investigate, but can they unco...