27 Good Things (really 9, but whatever, I didn't make up the challenge)

A trending trend on Twitter is #27GoodThings, where you share 3 things you like to read, watch and use. God knows I like to keep up on a trending trend! 

(Obviously, the creator was either mathematically challenged or it has somehow morphed to just nine, which is WAY easier.)

So, without further ado, my response to the challenge!

THREE THINGS TO READ

By far, the easiest section for me. I could read these three books once a year. 

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  Narrated by a kind and sentimental Death, the book recounts the story of Liesel Meminger, an orphan of WW2 who is adopted by the Hubermann family, living in small village near Dachau. Although classified as Young Adult literature, there is nothing juvenile about this book.  It is no The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, which I would not recommend to anyone.  It is also not your classic retelling of Nazi Germany. It is both beautiful and haunting.

2. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. Admittedly, this book isn't for everyone. I talked my Book Club into this selection and only half of them finished. Once you get past the premise of a talking gorilla (I know, right?), it's a fascinating look into the human condition and man's place in the world. Some call it socialist, some say it's too simplistic. Others call it complicated and preachy. Whatever you end up thinking about the book, I dare you to read it and not walk away contemplating many of the concepts and lessons discussed.

3.  The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. Set in post-WW2 Barcelona, this is a surreal and wildly woven tale about The Cemetery of Forgotten Books and young Julian Carax's first exposure to a book that changes his life. The book provides a mystery to chase down and an introduction to an amusing cast of characters who will continue with him through his entire life. Exquisitely written, this is a book for readers. And the rest of Zafron's books don't suck either. I've read them all and await any new ones he decides to give us mere mortals.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

A bit more difficult, but doable.

1.  People

No matter where you are, there are probably going to be people around. I find people interesting to watch. I like to imagine other people's life stories, loves, pets and dramas. Plus, sometimes they do interesting things.

2. Your Money

Unless you have an endless supply, keep an eye on your expenses. They are supposed to be less than your income. No matter how much or how little you make, there's always something and somewhere to save. The better spending habits you develop when you're young(ish), the more "extra" money you'll have when you are old(ish). Don't let peer pressure, the Jones' or anything else keep you from living within your means. You'll feel so much better.

3. The Princess Bride

Not just because Cary Elwes is a complete (if not very young) hottie, but because it captures the imagination of all age groups. It's a romantic,   heartwarming adventure that will have you saying "Inconceivable" forever. . . 

THREE THINGS TO USE

Hmmmm.

1. Your Brain

I couldn't solve that problem if my life depended on it, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't use my brain. Try new things, read different genres, listen to avante gard music, solve puzzles, study a new language, watch the news, wiki things you do not know. LEARN. It's important. 

2. Your Camera

No, you don't have to be a professional. No, you don't have to take a picture of every meal you eat. But DO get a camera and record monumental and mundane moments in your life. And take pictures of the ones you love, they won't be here forever. 

3. Your Feet

Don't do it just for your health (although a great reason). Walking slows you down. Walking allows you to take in the world around you at a different level. Take a hike. Or a walk in your neighborhood. Or a tour of a new city. I guarantee you'll notice more on your feet than you would in a car/bus/taxi/trolley. Most of us could use the exercise, too. Make walking part of your daily habits and your body will thank you.

OK! That was fun. If you have a blog and are reading this, do it! Send me a link. I'd love to actually get 27 things! 

Thanks to @turnipseeds for the idea and thanks to Google images, from whom I "borrowed" all but one of these images.

Also, if you have a spare moment, would you vote for my entry at Travel Addicts photo competition? It's right here.  THANKS!