Michelle Rau Author News September 2022

Projects, progress and inspiration.

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Image by Michelle Rau. Crocheted monkey on the counter of a medical laboratory.

Gobsmacked
"Gobsmacked" is a British expression meaning "taken unawares or suddenly, and feeling wonder or astonishment." It also means "rendered speechless," as in "smacked" in the "gob" (British slang for mouth).

This summer I helped someone with a serious health crisis. It was a life-changing experience that left me gobsmacked. I am still deciding how to share what I learned about myself and others and life while respecting this person's privacy. In the meantime, I'll share other life lessons via the Tarot of Michelle.

The Tarot of Michelle

I haven't finished any stories or drawings lately, but one of the next cards will illustrate the lesson of "Not my monkey" from a former boss. As in, "monkey on your back" or "not my circus, not my monkeys." Stories at the bottom of the main project page. See the developmental art on Patreon.

Stump and Lamb

Pet cemeteries like the Chehalem Pet Cemetery in Newberg Oregon are always sweet finds. Let Fido rest in peace without being dug up for a tree or shrub! Read more Stump and Lamb on michellerau.com and on Medium.com

Audiobooks - Rose Madder by Stephen King

I listen to audiobooks while walking, doing yardwork, or driving. Though I am a Stephen King fan of many decades, I found Rose Madder, about a woman who escapes an abusive husband, to be a hard "read" (or listen). It was never one of my favorites, and it is not as easy to skip over the most painful (or boring) parts of an audio book. The quickness of his characters' internal dialog doesn't translate well to the measured pace of an audiobook. Lisey's Story is next; it's not one of my favorites either, but perhaps the audio version will bring something new to my inner ear.

Past my bedtime: John Corey series by Nelson DeMille

Another series in the trope of "hard-bitten NYPD detective at the next stage of his career," but funny, and very substantial reads that just go on and on. Great summer reading. This is such a popular series I have to wait for the ebooks, so I'm trying audiobooks so I can "read" while I drive.