Whew, is it really January 26th? Where did the month of January go? I think we are breaking the speed limit.
In celebration of this crazy new year, here are 17 things to read, watch and destinations to discover this year. You have eleven months left in 2017, make a list, set some goals and get busy.
Watch the movie, Fundamentals of Caring, a Netflix original. It’s a witty, dark and heartfelt road trip movie—I loved it.
Stream, The Crown, on Netflix. A compelling character driven drama which focuses on the life of Queen Elizabeth and the British dynasty.
Plan a date night or an escape-to -a – movie matinee day and go see the Oscar-nominated “La La Land” with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. A 2017 musical.
Check out Genius on Netflix; it’s the story of the editor who discovered F. Scott Fitgerald, Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe. Interesting ( especially for writers) with an all-star cast of Jude Law, Colin Firth, and Nicole Kidman
For action and suspense rent Criminal (Amazon and Netflix) - starring Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Tommy Lee Jones, and Gary Oldman or the techno thriller, I.T. starring Peirce Brosnan. Both films may get your blood pumping. If you have ever dreamed of a smart house, I.T. will be interesting.
For the lovers watch, Begin Again, a romantic comedy from 2013. I enjoyed this film and if you haven’t rented or streamed it, you’re in for a treat. Starring Mark Ruffalo and Kiera Knightley. A little love, a little music.
Grab a copy of A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith and escape to an island, jungle, and a conspiracy. And, thanks to all of you who already read or are reading my debut novel-- could you take two minutes and leave a review on Amazon?
Check out the instant best seller ( that’s what it states on the cover), In A Dark, Dark, Wood by Ruth Ware. Not at all a horror or scary novel that I envisioned, but a psychological suspense read. I am still puzzling over why it is an instant best seller, read it, and let me know what you think.
Have you read, Little Bee by Chris Cleave? If not you should-- but remember, don’t tell anyone the ending.
Try curling up with an old classic book you can hold in your hands. I’m re-reading, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A provocative story of human nature.
Need a vacation? check out my new book, ( 2nd edition releasing 2/1/2017) Travel Secrets, on Amazon, by Anita Kaltenbaugh. E-book will only be 99 cents for the first 30 days! Create your travel bucket list. Details coming soon in next blog post.
The Girl on the Train- pick your media: movie or the book. A dark and somewhat depressing story. My suggestion is to read the novel written by Paula Hawkins, before watching the film.
Stop what you’re doing right now and plan some vacations for the year. Need some help? Write out a bucket list. Can you figure out how to visit one of your bucket list locations this year? Make a plan.
Check out the website and app, Airbnb for rent by owner vacations close to you. Driving destinations or locations you wanted to explore, that you can easily plan for a weekend. If you’re in Arizona or California, see the whales in Puerto Penasco, Mexico next month.
East coaster’s, check out the United States Caribbean: Florida Keys, and Key West. Plan a winter, spring or fall trip. The water is beautiful, and it’s much warmer than the east coast.
Epic snow conditions and awesome skiing await you in this historic box canyon town. Check out Telluride, my favorite town in Colorado.
Voyage to off the beaten path destinations. Here’s a warm Caribbean little known beach town to investigate. Only a two-hour flight from Florida with hotel rooms under $ 125.00 a night. Walk to 24 restaurants and bars-- barefoot.
Pick something on the above list or better yet, make up your own list of 17 things to read, watch and destinations to explore for 2017. If you’re stuck, read my monthly blog, I’ll give you ideas all year long.
What will your 2017 be known for? Be in charge, make this year count.
