Joe's Notes

Welcome!

This is my blog and I do whatever I want here. I write my thoughts about things and short stories, I take photos and have lots of book reviews. HOME is the main page for the blog but I want people to see my new T-shirts for sale on the PRODUCTS page so that is my homepage for now. Use the search bar at the bottom of this page to discover more posts. Use the ARCHIVE page to see all my posts. Categorical searches will also yield good results for those who want more of a specific group of posts such as “Photo Journal” or “Book Review”. Check out the OLD BLOG for over 270 posts that go back to 2010 and get your prints at the STORE!

Thank you!

Book Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

April 19, 2024 by Joe Gray

Empire of Storms is the sixth book in the Throne of Glass fantasy series written by Sarah J. Maas. I don’t want to write a review because this entry is so far into the series that if you’re reading this book you are already invested. This one does not disappoint. It might be one of my favorites but I like them all. Just read them. Read this. Instead of a review I am just going to share a selection of snippets from the book. SPOILERS ABOUND!

A Day at the Portland Zoo 3/20/24 (Photos)

March 22, 2024 by Joe Gray in Nature Lover, Photo Journal, Photography, Portland Zoo, Wildlife

I went to the Portland Zoo with my mom and we got a chance to see almost all the amazing animals. I hadn’t been to the Zoo in a while and as much as I am torn about the circumstances around zoos I was grateful to get a chance to see and photograph the exotic wildlife. I hope to find some of these animals in their natural habitats in the future but for now, I can enjoy their beauty in person. I shot using the Canon 80D and mostly on my Sigma 150-600. I use Lightroom to edit and I think I got some great shots. Which one is your favorite?

More Birds from Powell Butte Park (Photos)

March 14, 2024 by Joe Gray in Nature Lover, Photo Journal, Photography

Went on a hike to enjoy the sun and get some exercise. Saw some birds and took photos of them.

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

March 13, 2024 by Joe Gray in Fiction, Book Review, Fantasy, Reviews

All of this happens and it is awesome and I enjoyed the ride. That is why I read these books. Because they are full of suspense, action, romance, and intrigue. They are all well-written and entertaining. They are popular books for a reason. That’s the review. It was great and you should read it. Review over.

Photos from hiking Powell Butte today.

March 07, 2024 by Joe Gray in Mushrooms, Nature Lover, Photo Journal, Photography

I took a hike. It was a lovely day for photography!

Shadow of the Erdtree Trailer First Thoughts (Video and Screenshots)

February 22, 2024 by Joe Gray in Elden Ring, Gaming, Thoughts

I saw three different pots, one small, one that you can throw with both hands that exploded, and huge ones hanging. Maybe these pots will become living pots. I saw a crazy crossbow, a fan shield, and a man fly with angel wings. I saw a mesmerizing force with yellow eyes and red flames that scorched the earth. I saw some megafauna and a face-sucking demon. Not in a good way. I saw mysteries and treasures and I saw myself exploring it all in June.