THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: books


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Book it

The daily prompt asks – What’s a book you never finished but still think about?

That’s an easy one. It’s not a book I didn’t finish reading. It’s the books I haven’t finished writing. I’ve gotten away from that, and I should return and finish them. That’s the downside of having an active family, lots of chores and many different hobby interests.

I’ve got a few started on various parts of my life and things I’ve observed. Like living a nocturnal lifestyle, my life in newspapers and of course a book for my children and grandchildren on life.

I was working on them earlier this year, but I’ve neglected them for a few months now. So, I’m glad this question came up so I could return to making that part of my working routine.

A decorative crystal paperweight shaped like a flower with a silver pen resting on top.
Luck in Writing Photo by Mike Hartley


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2 Books

What’s the first book you ever finished and still remember to this day. – Asks the daily prompt.

That is a long time ago to remember the first book I ever read. I still have a few old books on my shelf that may have been the first I remember. The first is Operation Deep Freeze. From my dad that is signed by the author Rear Admiral George J. Dufek who he served under. Dad went on operation Deep Freeze I & II.

It’s also signed by several of the captains of the ships on those voyages. Those go over a few pages, so I just shot the author’s signature.

The other book is American Sports Hero’s by Fred Katz.

Cover of the book 'Operation Deepfreeze' by Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, detailing the story of a polar expedition, featuring a naval insignia and images of ships in a polar landscape.
A handwritten note that reads 'To James Hartley With Sincere regards George Duffle' on a blank page.


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A simple book

The daily prompt with another book question – What’s a book that completely surprised you?

A book that surprised me and helped me prepare for retirement was (The Joy of Not Working). I read it years before I retired but it got me thinking and moving towards what I wanted to do and be in retirement. It also made me reevaluate how I was working then.

It was the kind of book that was about the opposite of what I was about at the time. I was all work and a little more work sprinkled on top. It wasn’t an overnight change that happened but more of a gradual awakening. Questioning myself on my work/life balance, being comfortable with the thought of retirement and then the planning for the transition and getting busy on what my new life would be without Da Job.

Speaking of retirement, I love it. My better half and others were worried about me handling life without work. I keep busy and what I do feels fun and rewarding. And in hindsight, I wish I had done it sooner.

Two butterflies resting on vibrant pink flowers in a garden with a blurred green background.
Steps in life, one flower to the next. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Book

Another friggin book question from the daily prompt – What book could you read over and over again.

I need to read the book called “Show Your Work” again. It inspired me to do a lot more and instilled some more confidence in me.

Maybe by the end of this year, I’ll be reading something I’ve written because I’ll probably be moving from the writing part to the editing function by that time.

Ready to Cast my thoughts. Photo by Mike Hartley


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3 books

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why? – One of my least favorite questions from the daily writing prompt. I’m not a big book reader, though I read a good bit of blogs, news, articles on photography and art. Some on health and exercise.

OK, three books, let me look at the bookcase.

The Joy of Being Retired by Ernie Zelinski – Helped me look at work and retirement differently and help me prepare and jump into retirement better prepared mentally.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – This has helped me greatly in the creative process.

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon – A real confidence builder and also a creative process if I remember correctly.

I’m currently on “How to Know a Person” by David Brooks. This one might make the list.

A good book on a nice day on patio of Whole Foods building. Photo by Mike Hartley

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Books

What book could you read over and over again? – A question from the daily writing prompt I’m not too good at.

I read a lot, but not many books. So, a quick look at the bookshelf yields The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. It helped me get past things that block my creativity.

I was a bit frustrated with this question because it reminded me, I need to read more books. It was one of my goals when I retired but I haven’t made the time like I should have. So let me get too it and make it more of a priority in my life because there is no end to good books.

Read them now, they might not be around after the burning.

One of my bookcases. Photo by Mike Hartley