He Saw God

Oh My God! I just finished listening to the audiobook Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry and I was blown away. I know people have mixed reviews about it, and my affection for him may have influenced my perspective, however, I DON'T CARE...I loved it. Of course, I loved him in FRIENDS, Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and The Whole Ten Yards (2004). Hearing him read such a personal account of his life, his struggles, his childhood, his dreams and accomplishments was so very special to me. It not only gave me a greater appreciation for him, but for other actors who struggle with depression and addiction. They build a whole career around entertaining and making other people happy, while inside they are miserable.

In this very detailed autobiography Matthew walks us through his childhood in Canada, his parents, and how he became the person he is today. We watched him every week on Thursday nights in the late 90s steal the spotlight with his funny and sarcastic lines, while he struggled with alcohol, drug addiction, and crippling insecurities. I think he did an excellent job in describing not only the events and timelines, but also his feelings at every stage. The book really paints a picture that makes you care for everything he is going through, and being a hardcore FRIENDS fan myself, it felt like I was re-living it all with him. He constantly referenced many popular events, show or movie clips that I remember, forever changing my perspective of each.

I re-watch FRIENDS at least once a year, so I know the scenes will look different next time around, just because I know what was happening in his life during a particular season or scene. However, I have to say the connection to his life and his work is not what I loved the most about this book. What I loved the most, was hearing Perry experiencing the God I know and love. He didn't pretend in any way to be religious, but in his darkest times he called on God and he not only felt His presence or God watching over him, but he experienced in a very real way God's spirit and love. He described a moment in his kitchen where he prayed to God for help, which was not the first time, and he saw a light slowly engulf him in peace and love. Of course, anyone can say he must have been under the influence of something, which is totally possible. But I've had similar experiences in my life without the influence of any narcotic or alcohol, and when it happened there was no doubt in my mind or in my soul that I was in the presence of greatness. That kind of experience changes you. It may not change the circumstances, but it changes you. It is unforgettable. When you hear someone describe the same experience, all you can do is cry in gratefulness for yourself and for the person experiencing it. Yep, I was crying.

I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to read this book and make their on conclusions. I also wish everyone who struggles with addiction will get a chance to read or hear this book. That if they do, it will not only make them feel seen, but that it also give them hope.

Top 5 Items For A Dreamy Reading Spot

If you're reader you already have a favorite spot to read. Whether it is a corner in your home, or your favorite table in your near by coffee shop, you must have a space you call your own. If you're not sure, you can call your spot dreamy and want some ideas, keep reading. I would say start with a bookshelf to store all your favorite books, but I have a feeling you already have that since you're reading this post. So I will move on to the fun stuff:

1. A table would do the same as a bookshelf, but it can also hold other equally important bookish things such as frames, pencils, highlighters, or bookmarks.

2. A lamp on that same table to light up your space is ideal. I like white lighting to make the pages clearer. Having to strain my eyes to read takes away part of the fun, don't you think? - you should also add a candle of your favorite aroma.

3. A comfortable chair is at the top of my list, but pillows can also do the trick. I've seen some reading corners filled with comfy and fluffy large pillows. I got this "Coffee, Books, & Rain" pillow to call out the perfect mood.

4. Blankets always apply. No matter the weather, a blanket makes the space cozy.

5. Don't forget to add your favorite drink, it will make the book even better. Coffee, tea, or even wine is a relaxing complementary choice. But don't stop there, maybe a book inspired cocktail can do the trick too. This is the one factor you can change at any moment.

So many possibilities. What other items do you wish to have in your bookish space?

A Movie In My Head

I just finished reading Robert James Waller: Puerto Vallarta Squeeze and it was

like living in a movie with all the action in every paragraph. This book is about a writer who takes refuge in a village in Mexico after publishing his one hit. In the beginning I thought that was the point of the story, but no that was just the start. He was in a relationship with a Mexica senorita, which he thought was a fling after his divorce, and when he thought life was good and uncomplicated, he witnesses a murder. He tried playing it cool, but in the end it all caught up to him.

I read this book in a weekend because it was so good. I fell in love with its cover vibrant colors, but stayed because of the well written story. Does that ever happen? -