Books, books, lovely books!

A book unread
Waiting
The pages expectant
Word upon word
Line upon line
Pages formed
Chapters brought forth
A new tale
A new story
Unlike any before it
Waiting
Wanting to be told
Wanting to be read
Needing to be opened
The writer created
But without a reader
It is meaningless, only
Waiting
For the characters to breathe
To feel
To live
Lives waiting to be told
But for now
Waiting
Someone to come
Daring to believe
Daring to try
Bringing them to life

"Expectant" - 2/27/2017

* * *

A new year means new book goals!  Last year I was able to read to read 118 books and I set a new goal for 100 books this year.  I primarily read young adult books with an emphasis on the fantasy, sci-fi and dystopian sub-genres.  This year I'm attempting to branch out a bit more and I'm using a reading challenge to help me get some more variety.

I have a large stack of books that are still unread in my room (books are my weakness) that I want to work through in addition to the challenge off to the right.  In a separate blog entry I will keep track of the books I read as well as the ones that fulfill the various challenges.  For now, I want to be able to explore new worlds, discover new friends, and reacquaint myself with old ones.

SF Giants!

I've had the chance to go to several SF Giants games the last few years (it helps that my dad is able to get a tickets to several a games a year--that means that I can often attend at least two games a season).

I love going to games!  Our seats are on the club level, which is always a great experience.  AT&T park has a lot of really great food that you can purchase and a lot that is really tasty.  Plus, since it's San Francisco, Ghiradelli Sundaes are a must have (and that's saying something, since I'm really not a huge fan of chocolate syrip, hot fudge sundaes, but I love Ghiradelli's hot fudge!)

The most recent game I attended was the  Giants/Cubs game that went into the 13th inning with the Giants finally winning.  That was a crazy night and pretty intense sitting in the crowd.  Even though the Giants did not end up continuing on, it was a great experience.  Long night as well since we actually drove back to Fresno after the game ended near midnight and we did not get home until after 3 a.m.

Attending games for me just mean some great family time in a very fun atmosphere!

The one time I really dyed my hair

This picture was about a few days into it.

Going through the pictures on my phone, I was reminded of this one time.  Back in May 2015, I decided to experiment a little.  I went ahead and dyed my hair with a temporary dye.  The idea was something I had been playing around with for years (the most I had ever done before was some highlights, back in the 2008-2010 era) and since I had finished school for the year I had decided to just go for it.

I also learned the hard way that having natural blonde hair can make it so that temporary dyes are not so temporary.  The dye was supposed to last 2-3 washes, roughly 2-6 days.  I still had red in my hair over a month later.   Just make sure you know what you're getting into!  I had timed it well so that I had over a month before I started working again and I had just finished school, so there was plenty of playing room. Reactions were definitely varied, since I hadn't really warned anyone that I was going to do so beforehand haha.

But it was fun!  I wouldn't say no to dying my hair a bold color again, though I would go a different route in doing so and switch it up with a different color.

Les Misérables

Today I accomplished a goal that I've been working on for quite some time.  I finished reading the unabridged version of Les Miséables by Victor Hugo.

I have had an interesting journey with this tale.  I first purchased my copy at a Barnes & Noble in Orem, Utah while I was a freshman at BYU.  It was winter of the 08-09 school year.  My older brother and I laughed that day--after having lunch together we went to the bookstore, where he bought the abridged version of Les Mis while I purchased the unabridged.  And now, almost 8 years later, I finally finished the book.

I hadn't started reading it immediately.... I think it took me a year or so to first pick it up to actually read.  I read Part One: Fantine and then became distracted with life and stopped.

And then in 2012, I had the chance to see Les Misérables performed at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco.  I loved it.  As often is the case with musicals, I am familiar with the music before I ever see the performance.  This was the case here.

Several songs have always stood out to me: I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, and The Epilogue among others.

I read most of Part Two: Cosette then, but I had to leave for Sweden before I could finish.

I watched the movie in Paris, France with my family, right after they picked me up from Sweden.  This ended up being one of first normal movies I had in about a year and a half.  The message struck me just as much then as it did in San Francisco - particularly that of forgiveness.

Come December 2015, I knew it was my goal to finish the book in 2016, so I began reading, once again.

I finally finished today.

This book has so many lessons.  I am so glad that I took the time to finish it.  A story of love, lost, forgiveness, despair, hope, tragedy, history, war, conflict, and salvation.  It shows the depravity of mankind as well as the innate goodness that exists in others.  It counteracts between the two, showing that you do not need to be defined by preconceived notions.  Despite everything that has been thrown at us, there is always a choice in how we react and how we continue to live each day.

This story is more than the life of Jean Valjean.  The heart of those words lift beyond the pages, permeating to the soul.

For me, one of the strongest messages is that of forgiveness, particularly that of forgiving oneself. Jean Valjean's strongest critic and judge in the end invariably was himself.  He was finally able to let go and find peace.  He was a such a good man, forever trying to atone for the mistake of stealing bread and his later escape.  He helped so many and left an impression on many lives, both in fiction and reality.

He sleeps.  Although so much he was denied,
He lived; and when his dear love left him, died.
It happened of itself, in the calm way
That in the evening night-time follows day.
~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables, p 1201

And remember the truth that once was spoken
To love another person is to see the face of God!
~Epilogue, Les Misérables Musical

Books of 2012

*Just updating this so it's a blog entry as opposed to a separate blog page*

This is a list of all of the books that I finished in 2012 (listed in the order read).  All books that were rereads are designated as such.  As applicable the series name is listed in parentheses after the title of the book.  Reviews are forthcoming!  As a disclaimer/warning, I will say that I read a lot. When I say I read a lot, I mean I read a lot. If you don't believe me, well, you're just about to see.

My Top Ten List!

Total count:  155 books!

Partial list of books read in 2014

1. Spying in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

2. Killer in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

3. Undercover in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

4. Alibi in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

5. Mayhem in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

6. Fearless in High Heals (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday Review

7. One for the Money (Stephanie Plum Series) by Janet Evanovich.  Review

8. Wolf Legend by Jennette Brown. Review

9. The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the Story Within by Alan Watt 

10. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers—How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King 

11. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher and Bruce Patton
12. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George Review

13. Abinadi by H.B. Moore 

14. Towers of Brierley by Anita Stansfield Review

15. The Wanderer (Shadows of Brierley, I) Review

16. A Far Horizon (Shadows of Brierley, II) Review

17. A Distant Shore (Shadows of Brierley, III) Review

18. In the Valley of the Mountains (Shadows of Brierley, IV) Review

19. Liar's Moon by Elizabeth Bunce 

20. Star Wars: Apocalypse (Fate of the Jedi) by Troy Denning Review

21. A Modest Proposal (Butterfly Box Series) by Michele Ashman Bell Series Review

22. Hometown Girl (Butterfly Box Series) by Michele Ashman Bell Series Review

23. The Perfect Fit (Butterfly Box Series) by Michele Ashman Bell Series Review

24. Daughter of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo Review

25. Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon Review

26. Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter Review

27. City of Angels (Rhea Jensen Series) by Sheralyn Pratt - reread Series Review

28. Welcome to Stalk Lake City (Rhea Jensen Series) by Sheralyn Pratt - reread Series Review

29. City Limits (Rhea Jensen Series) by Sheralyn Pratt - reread Series Review

30. Kay's Ville (Rhea Jensen Series) by Sheralyn Pratt - reread Series Review

31. The Avenues (Rhea Jensen Series) by Sheralyn Pratt Series Review
32. Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark - reread
33. We'll Meet Again by Mary Higgins Clark
34. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick Review
35. Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

36. Cinder by Marissa Meyer Review
37. Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg Review
38. Everneath by Brodi Ashton Review
39. The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark
40. Delirium by Lauren Oliver Review

41. The Sacred Quest (Formally The Seven Churches) by Chris Heimerdinger reread
42. The Lost Scrolls by Chris Heimerdinger reread
43. The Golden Crown by Chris Heimerdinger reread
44. The Warriors of Cumorah by Chris Heimerdinger reread
45. The Tower of Thunder by Chris Heimerdinger reread

46. Kingdoms and Conquerors by Chris Heimerdinger reread
47. Seers and Sorcerers by Chris Heimerdinger
48. Illuminate: A Gilded Wings Novel, Book One by Aimee Agresti Review
49. Escape from Zarahemla by Chris Heimerdinger
50. Art of Disney-Pixar Brave by Jenny Lerew Review

51. Art of Tangled by Jeff Kurtti Review
52. All-American Girl Review
53. Ready or Not by Meg Cabot Review
54. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
55. Wildwing by Emily Whitman

56. Airhead by Meg Cabot

57. Mixed Magics by Diana Wynne Jones Review
58. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by  Jennifer E. Smith Review
59. Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
60. Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review

61. The Selection by Kiera Cass
62. The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale
63. Austenland by Shannon Hale
64. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
65. Entwined by Heather Dixon 

66. The Healers Apprentice by  Melanie Dickerson
67. Rapunzel by Wendy Mass
68. The Wide-Awake Princess by E. D. Baker
69. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
70. Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

71. Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin, Book I by R. L. LaFevers
72. Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review
73. Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack  
74. I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
75. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - reread Author/Series Review

76. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
77. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan - reread Author/Series Review
78. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - reread Author/Series Review
79. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - reread Author/Series Review
80. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review 

81. Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
82. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
83. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review 
84. The Second Summer of Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
85. Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

86. Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares 
87. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review
88. Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
89. Journey to the Fringe by Kelli Swofford Nielsen
90. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

91. Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale Review
92. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott reread Series Review
93. Talking with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
94. The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review
95. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

96. The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors
97.1. The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas (novella)
97.2. The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas (novella)
97.3. The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas (novella)
97.4. The Assassin and the Empire by Sarah J. Maas (novella)

98. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
99. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
100.1. Among the Nameless Stars by Diana Peterfreund (novella)
100. The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review

101. First Love and Forever by Anita Stansfield
102. First Love, Second Chances by Anita Stansfield
103. Now and Forever by Anita Stansfield
104. By Love and Grace by Anita Stansfield
105. Return to Love by Anita Stansfield

106. To Love Again by Anita Stansfield
107. When Forever Comes by Anita Stansfield
108. A Christmas Melody by Anita Stansfield
109. Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan Author/Series Review
110. For Love Alone by Anita Stansfield

111. Home for Christmas by Anita Stansfield
112. The Tortall Project by Tamora Pierce and various artists from DeviantArt
112.1. The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson (Novella)
113. Crown of Embers by Rae Carson
114. Guardian (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield
115. Guiding Star (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield

116. Silver Linings (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield
117. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
118. City of Angels by Sheralyn Pratt (Yes, that is the second time this year...) Series Review
119. An Eternal Bond (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield
120. Miracle (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield

121. Full Circle (Gables of Legacy) by Anita Stansfield
122. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
123. The Avenues by Sheralyn Pratt (Second time this year...) Series Review
124. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (reread)
125. Welcome to Stalk Lake City by Sheralyn Pratt (Second time this year...) Series Review

126. City Limits by Sheralyn Pratt (Second time this year...) Series Review
127. Kay's Ville by Sheralyn Pratt (Second time this year...) Series Review
128. The Neverending Story by Micheal Ende
129. Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones
130. Struck by Jennifer Bosworth  

131. Defiance by C.J. Redwine
132.  The Magician by Michael Scott Series Review
133. The Sorceress by Michael Scott Series Review
134. The Necromancer by Michael Scott Series Review
134.1 The Death of Joan of Arc by Michael Scott (Short story) Series Review
135. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

136. The Warlock by Michael Scott Series Review
136.1. Billy the Kid and the Vampyres of Las Vegas by Michael Scott (novella) Series Review
137. The Enchantress by Michael Scott Series Review
138. Twitterpated by Melissa Jacobson
139. If I Should Die by Jennie Hanson Review
140. The List by Melissa Jacobson

141. Not My Type by Melissa Jacobson
142. Eighteen Months: Sister Missionaries of the Latter Days edited by Melissa Baird Carpenter
143. Star Wars Republic Commando: Hard Contact by Karen Traviss
144. Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen Review
145. The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones

146. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
147. Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
148. False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen Review
149. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
150. Princess of the Silver Woods by Jennifer Day George

151. Smart Move by Melissa Jacobsen
152. Matched by Ally Condie
153. Crossed by Ally Condie
154. Reached by Ally Condie
155. To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton

Books I started but didn't finish:

Complete Collection of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Finished two of the stories haha)
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (On Part 2, book 3).
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (Chapter 4 of 8)
Daughters in My Kingdom
Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey (I don't plan on finishing this actually - I couldn't force myself through it)

List of books to read/recommendations:


The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
Miracles by C.S. Lewis
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
Mobbed by Carol Higgins Clark
Style Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams and Gregory B. Colomb
Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark
Star Wars the Essential Guide to Warfare by Jason Fry with Paul R. Urquhart
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Wild Ink-How to Write Fiction for Young Adults by Victoria Hanley
Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan
Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine

Books of 2016

In 2016 I was able to read a total of 117 books (and I reread one book twice last year), which helps explain my upcoming goal of reading 100 books for 2017 (more on that later).

You can find a comprehensive list of the books from 2016 with my ratings and some reviews here on my goodreads page as well.  Feel free to add me as a friend!

The books I read (finished) in 2016:


1. The Paper Magician (Paper Magician) by Charlie N. Holmberg
2. Shatter Me (Shatter Me) by Tahereh Mafi
3. The Glass Magician (Paper Magician) by Charlie N. Holmberg
4. The Master Magician (Paper Magician) by Charlie N. Holmberg
5. Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Search

6. Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Rift
7. Avatar: The Last Airbender Legacy
8. Walk on Earth a Stranger (Gold Seer) by Rae Carson
9. Out of the Past - Once Upon a Time
10. Broken Things to Mend (Power of the Matchmaker) by Karey White

11. Crucible by Troy Denning
12. Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
13. Someone Else's Fairytale by E.M. Tippetts
14. The Siren by Kiera Cass
15. The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling & Brooke Passey

16. Not Always Happenstance (Power of the Matchmaker) by Rachael Anderson
17. Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
18. Gideon's Trumpet by Anthony Lewis
19. Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
20. If We Were a Movie (Power of the Matchmaker) by Kelly Oram

21. Princess Diares (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
22. Princess in the Spotlight (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
23. Princess in Love (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
24. Princess in Waiting (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
25. Princess in Pink (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot

26. Princess in Training (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
27. Love, Lattes and Mutants by Meg Cabot
28. Party Princess (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
29. Princess on the Brink (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
30. Princess Mia (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot

31. Forever Princess (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
32. Ransom My Heart (Princess Diaries-Loose Adult companion) by Meg Cabot
33. The Weapon of a Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure by Jason Fry
34. Royal Wedding (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot
35. Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo & Chewbaca Adventure by Greg Rucka

36. Evidence, Cases and Materials by Roger Park
37. Criminal Law and Procedure by Donald Dripps
38. California Community Property by Gail Boreman Bird and Jo Carrillo
39. Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure by Cecil Castellucci
40. Constitutional Law by Jesse Choper

41. Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis
42. Love is Come (Power of the Matchmaker) by Heather Moore
43. The Heir (Selection series) by Kiera Cass
44. Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diane Wynne Jones
45. All Dressed in White (Under Suspicion) by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

46. The Crown (Selection series) by Kiera Cass
47. A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnson
48. Star Wars: Dark Empire Trilogy by Tom Veitch
49. Stars Above (Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer
50. Four Chambers (Power of the Matchmaker) by Julie Wright

51. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R. R. Martin
52. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
53. Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard
54. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
55. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

56. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
57. Intellectual Property in the Modern Age by Robert Merges
58. Dracona's Rebirth by V.J.O. Gardner
59. O'er the River Liffey by Heidi Ashworth
60. Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt by Patrick Q. Mason

61. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
62. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
63. A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin
64. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
65. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

66. After You (Me Before You) by Jojo Moyes
67. Blood of Ancient Kings by V.J.O. Gardner
68. The Martian by Andy Weir
69. The Inferno by Dan Brown
70. The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard) by Rick Riordan

71. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
72. Juliet by Anne Fortier
73. Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean
74. Between Heaven and Earth by Michelle Paige Holmes
75. The Husband Maker by Karey White

At this point I officially reached my goal to read 75 books for the year on August 23, 2016

76. Winning at Trial by D. Shane Read
77. King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt
78. The Match Maker by Karey White
79. The Wife Maker by Karey White
80. Pottermore Presents - Heroism, Hardships, and Dangerous Hobbies

81. Pottermore Presents - Power, Politics, Poltergeists
82. Pottermore Presents - Hogwarts, Incomplete and Unreliable Guide
83. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
84. Princess in Black, Perfect Princess Party by Shannon Hale
85. Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

86. The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark
87. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
88. Mormon Feminism - Essential Writings edited by Joanna Brooks
89. Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
90. Three Dark Queens by Kendare Blake

91. To Move the World by Regina Sirois
92. Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
93. A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
94. The Bluebook - Legal Citation
95. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

96. Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt
97. Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt (reread from earlier this year)
98. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
99. Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
100. Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

101. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
102. Essential Swedish Grammar by Julian Granberry
103. Tomorrow's Lawyers by Richard Susskind
104. Remedies by Russell L. Weaver
105. The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

106. The Ex by Alafair Burke
107. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
108. Norse Code by Greg Van Eekhout
109. How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
110. This Thing Called Mistletoe by Cortney Pearson

111. The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen
112. Hungerspelan (Hunger Games in Swedish) by Suzanne Collins
113. Tur by S. T. Bende
114. Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke
115. Elsker by S. T. Bende

116. Endre by S. T. Bende
117. Tro by S.T. Bende
118. A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin

Always double check your car door...

This is a bit of an older story from last year.  For those of you who don't know, my family has two homes, one in the mountains and one in the city (Fresno and Coarsegold area specifically).  My parents and sister go quite a bit from one to the other, but I'm primarily in the Fresno home.  But I do go up to visit every once in a while (for instance right now I'm currently in the Coarsegold home).  There is one downside to the the mountain home--you can find more critters out and about.

Last year, I headed back to Fresno earlier than the others because I had something school related to do.  I unpacked my car and go to close my back door, and I find a stowaway.









Not quite Sure what it is?  Let me zoom in a bit for you.  You'll want to appreciate it in it's full glory.

Huddled up like this, the spider was still bigger than the length of my pinkie finger.  I'm not exactly afraid of spiders, but I'm not really a fan either (just ask Rikki who has seen first hand how I deal with spiders).   It hadn't moved the entire time, so I figured it was dead and had been stuck in my car for who knows how long.  So I look around and find a stick to knock it loose, since I didn't want to have a dead spider hanging onto my car.

So I find a long enough stick and muster the courage to knock it out to find, that nope it wasn't dead.  It was very much alive and not happy to be poked!  It ran around in a circle, was posed to engage before sprinting off into the bushes.  I totally freaked out and ran back inside my house.  That thing was fast.    I'll even include some texts I was sending to Rikki (this was all "live" as I first found the spider)

There were no future sightings of this particular spider.  Maybe it hitched a ride back home to Coarsegold.