1. Reading a new book that doesn't come out until next year and it's a fun one:
2. I'm rewatching Who's the Boss? on Hulu. I wanted something fun after all the toxicity of Housewives, so I went nostalgic. I remember watching this show as a kid and loving it. I never watched the whole series, so this should be fun.
3. Hurricane season is crazy this year. Then again every year it gets worse. I feel like I'm constantly checking out the weather apps lately. Ugh.
4. I'm watching In The Arena Serena Williams and it is terrific. I am loving learning all about her tennis life - wow! She is amazing! Talk about a true role model.
5. I'm listening to The Lumineers, The Cranberries, Tina Turner, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Madonna - my liked songs on Spotify. A great mix.
1. Mental health. I'm feeling a bit better, which is great. I just need to keep doing all the things that help me, so that I can keep feeling better and better. Wish me luck!
2. TV/Movies. I finally watched the last Spider-Man movie, No Way Home. I thought it was fun, but sad. I'd be interested to see what happens next to Spider-Man. I also watched an older movie that I had seen ages ago, but forgotten about - Only the Lonely. It starred John Candy as a cop living with his mom (Maureen O'Hara). He falls in love with Ally Sheedy. Anyhow, his mom is not happy and breakups ensue. It was fun watching an oldie, but goodie. Now I want to watch more John Candy films and St. Elmo's Fire. Oh, and I was thinking of watching Return To Me - the one with David Duchovny and Minnie Driver - she has his wife's heart. I'm feeling like old favorites are what I need to see right now. They're like comfort food for my brain. What about you? Any movies like that for you?
3. Music. Taylor Swift. Yes, I listened to TTPD and bought the album. I am a Taylor fan. I haven't listened to the new songs that closely, but truthfully they all sound the same to me. Then again, I thought that her albums, Folklore and Evermore all sounded the same, too. I feel like she was going for Stevie Knicks vibes with those two albums. And with this new one, it has Tori Amos and Fiona Apple vibes. I love those artists, so I'm digging it. I just need to listen to it again and again. What do you think? Are you a Taylor fan?
4. Journal. I bought a new one. And, I love it. I started using it straightaway. It's a light grey/blue color with a suede feel. The pages are lined, which I do not like ( I prefer blank ), but I am enjoying it for some reason. I think because it reminds of a dark blue velvet journal I had in college that I loved. That one had lined pages, too. Except, back then I didn't care about lined or unlined pages. LOL!
5. Book. I'm reading the new Mark Edwards book, The Darkest Water. I just started, so we'll see how it goes. I usually like his books, because they are quick and easy reads. I think of them like palate cleansers. I tend to pick those types of books up after reading something substantial.
And now, I'm off to cross off some to-dos from my list. Wishing you a great weekend! Happy reading!
1. Books. I'm reading the new Elizabeth Strout book, Tell Me Everything. It will be released August 13th. And, it is terrific! I am loving it! I'm really enjoying having Bob, Lucy, and Olive in the same story - what a treat! Strout is a master storyteller and I am in just in awe of her work. I'm already looking forward to rereading her books. Make sure to check out Tell Me Everything.
2. Tracker. The TV show. My mom got me hooked on it, so now I watch it every week. I was annoyed, because I watch it on Hulu the day after it airs and this past Monday it was not available. Somehow, when they uploaded it, they ended up uploading 60 Minutes instead. Suffice it to say, I was able to watch it the other day and it was such a good episode. I can't wait for the next one and I heard that the show got approved for a second season. And, thanks to my friend Lark, Lark Writes...on books and life, who also happens to be a fan of Tracker, I found out about the books. How did I not know this? Yep, Jeffrey Deaver has written The Colter Shaw series that Tracker is based on and I MUST now add these books to my TBR list.
3. No Spend/No Buy. I was trying to curb my spending, because needs must. However, I wound up ordering a few bits and bobs recently. And, the guilt is real. Ack! Especially, since it was stationery supplies, which I already have too many of. Yikes! I don't feel guilty about pre-ordering books, because books are always a Must-Buy. Oh well. I need to just not buy anything now. Wish me luck!
4. TBR book. Banana Yoshimoto has a new book that will be released in November! Woo hoo! I can't wait! It's called, Mittens and Pity: Stories. Yep, it's a collection of six short stories and I just know they are going to be ace. I love her writing, so I am really looking forward to this book. Mittens and Pity will definitely fall under the Must-Buy list.
5. Music. James released a new album titled, Yummy. I've been listening to my copy on repeat. I love this band. I heard their music freshman year of college and became a huge fan. I was lucky enough to see them perform in London when I was in grad school. I've been listening to them for nearly thirty years now. They are one of my favorites.
And now, I'm off to start my weekend. Hope you have a terrific one! Happy reading!
1. ARCs. I'm so grateful to receive early copies of books - it is seriously the BEST! Especially when the books are ones you have been pining for:
2. TV shows. I'm still watching The Magicians and LOVING it. Such a great show. I wish it hadn't ended. I'm also watching Summer House on Bravo and it is ridiculous fun, which is what I need. I might rewatch The Sopranos - I do love that show. Hmm...we'll see.
3. Dreams. Mine have been so vivid lately. Or they have been nightmares. Either way, ugh.
4. Pre-orders. I have placed a few for a number of books that will be released later in the year and I can't wait!
5. Music. Tracy Chapman. I've loved her music since high school and she's always on my music mixes that I play in the background. Her voice is beautiful and her songs are, too. Just, lovely.
And now, I'm off to sort through a pile of magazines. I seem to buy them and forget about them. That's a bad habit I need to break. Hope you are having a fantastic Friday! Happy reading!
1. Books. The Moth Presents: A Point Of Beauty is my current read and I am LOVING it. I love this series - true stories selected based on the theme of the book, or of The Moth event. I always find myself in awe of the honesty and openness of the storytellers. As for their stories, I am always left pondering the fact that we all have our own stories to tell and they are always so varied and different, and yet, we can still connect because of them. These stories remind us that we can always find a way to relate to one another and that is amazing.
2. TV shows. I've been rewatching Seinfeld and LOVING it. I find myself laughing so hard and it is the best. I also watched One Day on Netflix. I read the book ages ago and remember throwing it when I got to the end. So, I wasn't eager to watch the show. I liked parts of it, but still got upset at the end. So, it wasn't a favorite. I was rewatching Grey's Anatomy, but I stopped again. I just can't seem to get past season 15. Oh well.
3. Journaling. I've been watching journaling videos on YouTube and feel more inspired to write. And to keep it simple - which is how I used to journal. Paper and pen is all I need. I just need to remind myself of that. Instead I find myself reaching for stickers, stamps, etc. and then wind up barely writing. Ugh.
4. Albums. I just ordered two Sarah McLachlan ones and I'm excited. I used to listen to her music all the time and I have CDs of her music. So, I didn't really need to order the vinyl version, and yet, I did. Yikes! I couldn't help it. And, now I'm stoked to listen to them again.
5. Music. I've been listening to Madonna. True Blue. Love that album! And, of course, Like A Prayer, which is the BEST.
1. Books. I'm currently reading two books and I'm not sure that I'm enjoying either one of them all that much. So, I'm debating starting an old familiar read to get my reading back on track. The only thing is that I'm not sure which book to reread...hmm...
2. The 100 Days Project. It's a month in and I'm still going strong - hurrah!
3. TV shows. I started rewatching The Walking Dead because of The Ones Who Live, but I have stopped rewatching and I'm not sure I'm in the mood for the new show. So, I've been rewatching Grey's Anatomy. When I used to watch the show way back in the day, I stopped watching after Derek died. I think it's on season 20 now, so I'm going to try and catch up to the new season. We'll see.
4. Music. I've been listening to a Phil Collins mix on Amazon music and really enjoying it.
5. Decluttering. The struggle is real. Ha ha. Seriously, I am making progress. I just wish I were making a lot of progress. I think once I get into a groove I will. Wish me luck!
1. Books. I'm currently reading something a bit more lighthearted...
I love his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series (which has a new book coming out in October - woo hoo!). So, I thought it would be fun to give his latest book a read. It's about a matchmaking company in Edinburgh - should be a treat to read.
2. TV shows. I watched the last reunion episode for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and it was a bust. Nothing major was revealed. The only surprise was that Sutton and Garcelle left early - this was due to Sutton almost fainting (how scary!) and needing to get checked out at the hospital. I feel like they need to revamp the show - new cast members are needed and some of the current cast should be put on pause.
3. Decluttering. It's not going well. I need to just force myself to do it. Why is it so hard? If I'm not using it or haven't used it in years, why am I convinced I need to keep it? Ugh!
4. Music. Listening to Mazzy Star, The Cranberries, and Smashing Pumpkins lately. I'm feeling nostalgic and music from my college years is hitting the spot.
5. Anxiety and depression. They're back and settled in. I'm hating it. I'm working hard to fight them. Wish me luck.
And now, I'm off to read for a bit. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!
1. Yoko Ogawa. I love her books. I love her writing. So, I was thrilled to find out that she has a new book coming out in August (13th) - hurrah! I was beyond excited when NetGalley provided me with an early copy thanks to Pantheon Books. So, I have been slowly reading it and enjoying every word.
2. The 100 Day Project. I am still keeping up with it, which makes me so happy. I can't believe that I haven't given up already - I normally would have by now. I guess that I'm really digging writing blog posts again, which is helping me stay on track. Cool beans.
3. Bravo TV. I've been watching the Housewives reunions for Miami and Beverly Hills. And, I've been watching the new season of Summer House. I also just watched the trailer for the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I'm enjoying the drama on all the shows, but I'm also not enjoying it. Does that make sense? It's just too much yelling at times, which can be a bit much. And, their 'drama' can be so superficial it's annoying to even watch. Yet, I watch. LOL!
4. More TV. I've also been rewatching Seinfeld - one of my favorites! And I started watching The Strain. It's an old show about vampires (or something like that). I remember watching some of the first season and then I stopped. So, we'll see if I finally finish the first season and then the rest of it. If not, I need to find something fun to watch. I was thinking of rewatching The West Wing - considering it's an election year, it might be a good idea.
5. New Murakami. Woo hoo! Yep, his new book comes out later this year - November 26th. I will be pre-ordering this one and spending Thanksgiving weekend reading it. I can't wait!!
1. The 100 Day Project. So far, so good. My plan for the project was to write a blog post a day and I've actually written the blog posts. I'm shocked with myself, but proud, too. I've written posts for both of my blogs and it has felt great. I'm really hoping that this project will get me hooked on writing posts, so that I can be more present with my blogs. Fingers crossed! In the off chance that I do not complete the 100 days of blog posts, I also have these small watercolor cards that I could paint on for the project. So, kind of like a back up idea for the project. Sounds pessimistic, but if I'm honest that was my initial idea for the project, but I only just received the cards and well, writing was my other top idea, so....blog posts it is.
2. Books. I find myself reading more, which I am really enjoying. Normally I grab the remote and get lost in a reality TV show (Housewives, Summer House) or an old favorite TV show (The West Wing, Sopranos, Lost), but lately I have been reaching for my current read. And, I am loving it. I feel like I have fallen back in love with reading. Here's to hoping it sticks!
3. My bookshelves. I have been shopping my own stash when it comes to which book to read next. Don't get me wrong, I am still buying new books and downloading some onto my kindle - I can't help it! However, I have also been grabbing books off of my own bookshelves. It's how I wound up reading, A Bookshop In Berlin, and chose One Of Us for my current read. I also like that it reminds me of all the wonderful titles sitting on my shelves waiting to be read. And, it goes to show that I do have good taste when it comes to books. LOL!
4. Planners. I bought way too many planners (again) for the new year. And lo and behold we are in the year and I am barely using my planners. I don't know why I always feel the need to have one planner for each thing that I can think of that will need a planner - what is wrong with me? I think it's my excuse for trying out all the different planners everyone is talking about. Anyhow, I am honestly only using a few of the ones I bought: a6 Hobonichi Hon (One Piece edition) for my gratitude, Smythson Weekly in Forest green for my general planning (everyday stuff, appointments, etc.), weeks Hobonichi (One Piece edition) for my dad's medical stuff, TN weekly for bills/budget, and a Mark & Fold weekly for my book blogs. Okay, so that is quite a few. Plus, I am using some of the ones I bought for random things just so I'm using them. In reality, I probably only need three total: gratitude, finances, general. Next year I am planning on sticking with just three total. At some point I will get to one only.
5. No spend on stationery. Well, that has been a fail. I didn't want to buy anything new in the stationery category in 2024, because I wanted to use up my stuff. I planned on only buying books. Except, I have broken the no spend already. I bought a new Hobonichi cover - a5 Tragen. I've also purchased pens, markers, stickers, and some other things. Ugh! I really need to stop. So, I am going to do just that starting now. Wish me luck!
And now, I'm off to pick up a magazine to read. I have a pile sitting nearby that I want to get through. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!
1. Blogging. I am excited to be blogging again. However, I have noticed that I am feeling stressed out over it. I think it's due to the fact that I have so many ideas on posts and I'm feeling motivated, but my anxiety holds me back. Plus, a part of me is still trying to figure out how to get this blog back to the way it was - books with a smattering of personal tidbits. Sounds easy enough, but when anxiety hits, well, it's not easy. So, I think I'm going to just post when the mood strikes and take it from there. Hopefully, by posting more often, I'll get my blogging mojo back.
2. Books. Freida McFadden. I am addicted! Her books! Oh, my! They are fun, thrilling, and always keep me guessing - all of which I love! I've just finished The Coworker, The Housemaid, and The Housemaid's Secret. I can't wait to get my hands on more of her work! Have you read any McFadden? What do you think of her books? Are there any you recommend? Let me know.
3. TV shows. I'm still watching The Real Housewives on Bravo. I just finished Salt Lake City and watched Beverly Hills and Miami last night. Those women are beyond ridiculous - esophagus drama! What the what? I think Bravo has dropped the ball - Monica! And, Andy is just not a good moderator for the reunions - he's so biased, it makes for such a boring show. I really need to stop watching these shows. I tried rewatching Northern Exposure, but I just couldn't get into it. To be honest, I'm wondering why I ever watched it in the first place all those years ago. I tried rewatching Six Feet Under, but I barely finished the first season this time round. However, I did LOVE Derry Girls. OMG! That show is hilarious, smart, and sweet. And, the acting is top notch. Such a fun show! What about you? Any good shows you've been watching and can recommend?
4. Decluttering. Yes, my decluttering journey continues. It feels never-ending. Yikes! I really need to give it a serious go this time round, because my office is feeling overwhelmed with all the piles of books, notebooks, stationery, etc. Ugh! Wish me luck!
5. Music. Sarah Jarosz. Her new album, Polaroid Lovers is out today and I'm stoked. I love her voice and her music, so I can't wait play the album on repeat all weekend.
And now, I'm off to read through some magazines I picked up at the grocery store the other day. I'm in the mood for some light reading. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!
1. These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. I am LOVING this book of essays. Of course, I always seem to LOVE Patchett's writing, so I'm not really surprised by how much I am enjoying dipping in and out of this lovely tome.
2. TV shows. Hallmark was on 24/7 during the holiday seasons and now I am trying to figure out what to watch next. I've started re-watching The Office and I am watching the new seasons of Real Housewives - Miami and OC. However, I am itching to get obsessed with a new-to-me TV show. Hmm...what to watch.
3. Music. Yesterday I listened to The Lumineers all day long and today I have The Beatles on. I seem to be craving my favorite bands and wanting to listen to them constantly. By the way I watched the new documentary on The Beatles called, The Beatles: Get Back. It was so good! I just loved watching them create music and work together. Of course there was drama, which I was captivated by. It was such a fun documentary to watch. I loved their rooftop concert - excellent!
4. Planners. What to use? So many choices. I tend to use several, which is the problem. I use one for my book blog, one for finances, one for general appointments, and one for gratitude. I was even thinking of starting one this year for social media and another for creative projects. However, I feel like that seems excessive. LOL! I think my addiction to planners stems from my addiction to journals and all things stationery. Hmm...
5. Cookies. I am a cookie monster. Or at least it feels that way. I blame the holiday season for this addiction. I am currently noshing on Chesapeake cookies from Pepperidge Farms and these wafer cookies from some store brand I found at Aldi. They are all soooo delicious!
And now, I'm off to read some more Patchett. Hope you are having a great first week of the new year. Happy reading!!
1. Cold weather hit South Florida this week and I was in bliss. I just loved it. It was such a nice change from the usual humidity and heat. Of course, it meant that we had iguana warnings on the news. Yep, we had to watch out for falling iguanas. Apparently the cold weather stuns them and they become immobile. They showed footage of iguanas littering the streets and sidewalks. How crazy!
2. Books. I've finally gotten over my reading funk and have been devouring books like crazy. Woo hoo! Here are a few I've recently read:
3. TV Shows. Housewives. Yep, I'm still watching Housewives and right now I'm hooked on Jersey. Its beyond ridiculous this year, but I am enjoying watching. This last episode the women heard the awful way Joe speaks to Teresa, which had them all feeling badly for her. Jennifer called Jackie stingy, because she didn't throw her kids a lavish birthday party. Yeah, apparently, Jackie is really rich and now Jennifer is impressed by her (sort of). Things got heated at lunch and Melissa looked like she was going to thrown down with Jennifer. Crazy!! I keep bookmarking shows on Netflix and not watching them. I do plan on seeing the Taylor Swift movie coming out next week, Miss Americana.
4. My next read is:
5. Music. Vampire Weekend. I am obsessed with listening to Ezra Koenig sing Harmony Hall at Live From Here with Chris Thile. Love, love, love.
Hope you all are staying warm and ready to enjoy a relaxing weekend. Happy reading!!
1. Journals/Planners. I love to journal and I do like a good planner. Writing down all the feels in my journal has always been one of my favorite things to do. Except, I recently found myself falling down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos about journaling and planning. Yikes! Those videos showed all the things that I thought I needed- journal covers, paper ephemera, stickers, washi tape, watercolors, etc. So, I made a few purchases here and there. And, I tried to join in on the fun by decorating my planners and journals. Except, the more I joined in on the fun, the less I wanted to actually journal. Ack! I had lost my journaling mojo. The horror! Well, it felt that way to me. Especially, as I've always been one to write in a journal - whether it be about what was going in my life or a poem I was working on. I would always find something to write. And, I loved that feeling of wanting to write in my journal. So, I've decided to go back to the basics. A journal and a pen. That's it. I will use the journal covers I bought - how could I not, right? They are pretty cool. And, I might add a sticker or a piece of washi once in a blue moon, but I'm not going to pressure myself to "pretty" everything up. That's just not me. I'd rather have a pretty journal/notebook and fill it with writing instead of paper ephemera and stickers. Of course, this now means that I want to cull my stationery supplies. I've been watching YouTube videos about stationery minimalism and definitely want to give that a try - its basically, keeping the items you truly love and using those (using what you have, instead of buying more). Wish me luck!
2. Books. My reading has been rather decent lately. I was mowing through the Maisie Dobbs series (again), but decided to stop and pick up a book or two from my TBR pile on my nightstand. So, I'm currently reading:
What about you? Which books are you getting lost in? Or do you have an recommendations for me?
3. TV/Music. TV is consisting of Hallmark Christmas movies (and a few Lifetime ones), along with some of my favorite holiday films - Christmas with the Kranks, Love Actually, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And, I'm still watching Housewives - OC, NJ, and Dallas. Last night was OC and it was a doozy. The women are in Key West and they are getting drunk, screaming at each other, and eating cake. All in all, its definitely a fun season to watch.
Music is Christmas music and it is so much fun to sing along to. Joy to the World and Hark the Herald Angels Sing - LOVE!! Also, did you hear about the Alanis Morissette tour? OMG! Garbage and Liz Phair, too! Talk about an awesome tour!! I feel like I'd be listening to my high school/college soundtrack live - how can I resist?
And now, I'm off to read some more of Cleo Wade's book, Heart Talk. Hope you are having a groovy week. Happy reading!!
1. I am finally free from helping my sister plan her wedding. Yep, the Big Day was this past weekend and it was fabulous. She looked beautiful and happy and all of the things you want for someone you love. And the reception was so much fun. Loved it!! All of that planning, along with her Bridezilla behavior paid off in the end. Hurrah!!
2. Books. I am compiling a list of books I want for Christmas. Yep, its that time again. I'm thinking some of the following would be lovely to receive. What do you think? Any recommendations for me?
Now, normally I would have already purchased these four books and read them by now. Except, lately my reading has been rather staid. I've found myself rereading the Maisie Dobbs series and not really wanting to read much else. So, I'm hoping that compiling a bookish Christmas wish list will help inspire me to pick up a new book - my fingers are crossed.
3. TV shows. I've been watching Housewives, TWD, and AHS 1984. First off, AHS 1984 was so much fun to watch. The 80s fashion, music, and horror movie inspirations threaded throughout was the BEST; plus, all of the familiar actors we love to watch in the AHS world were just awesome in their roles. Definitely one of the best seasons Ryan Murphy has created. Can't wait for the next one. As for TWD, what is going on? One episode I'm loving the new group dynamics and the next episode I'm rolling my eyes with boredom. This show is just too much of a mixed bag for me lately. I'm not sure if I'll continue watching it next season. Such a disappointment. Now, when it comes to the Housewives - OMG!! I am loving all of the shows. Right now they are showing OC, NJ, Atlanta, and Dallas. Talk about awesome!!
4. Christmas TV movies. Hallmark and Lifetime are showing Christmas movies all day long and it is AMAZING!! I am loving watching old favorites and the new one that come out each weekend. Its such a fun way to enjoy the holiday season. Plus, the movies are always fun - a bit of drama, romance, and Christmas (the perfect recipe!). And, I just saw that OWN will be showing a few Christmas movies, too. Seems like every network wants to jump on the Christmas TV movie bandwagon. If I'm honest, I'm pretty partial to the Hallmark ones - they are the best ones (Nine Lives of Christmas, A Princess for Christmas, The Christmas Card, A Very Merry Mix-up and Once Upon a Christmas Miracle).
5. Music. I've been watching Live From Here on Youtube and saw Sarah Jarosz sing a Dixie Chicks song to celebrate their birthdays. I loved it. I'm a fan of the Dixie Chicks, so I was happy to hear their music on Live From Here. Of course, it inspired me to grab my Dixie Chicks CDs and listen to them as I wrote and edited this week. Such great music!
And, now I'm off to continue reading Maisie Dobbs. Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!!
As you can see, I'm a self-empowerment kick. I just started both book earlier this week and I am really enjoying them. Of course, now I want to read a piece of fiction that I can sink my teeth into. So, I am patiently waiting for my copy of The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa. My fingers are crossed it will arrive today. What about you? What books are you reading? Any suggestions for me.
2. TV shows. Southern Charm. Oh, what a train wreck of a show. The people are beyond ridiculous with their pettiness. I can't help but wonder just how far they will go to get some screen time. Plus, I wonder how foolish they feel when they are acting up for television. Then again, I'm sure they get paid a pretty penny for their "bad" behavior. Luckily, the new Aurora Teagarden movie was a treat to watch. I swear those movies get better and better. There is a new one this Sunday and I can't wait to watch. My fingers are crossed they keep making these movies. I just love watching Ro try to figure out these murder mysteries - she's always three steps ahead the police. LOL! Plus, she's always referring to some true crime book she read for reference when picking up clues. Its a fun show.
3. Music. Since the new Taylor Swift album comes out next week, I'm listening to her music on repeat. I'm a fan, so its always fun to see what she will come up with next. I loved her new song ME! and I've always enjoyed listening to Delicate.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I plan on reading, and then reading some more. Cheers!
1. Well, I'm 41 now. Yep, I turned one year older this past Sunday. I'll be honest and admit that prior to my birthday I was feeling the blues. I was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression all week long. I couldn't fall asleep until nearly 3 or 4am. I cried most nights. It was pretty rough. I just found myself thinking about the past and where I was at currently in my life. I was feeling like a failure. I was feeling so unworthy. All of my fears were just running around loose in my head. It was not a good time. And so, I talked it out and cried it out with God. I also wrote it all down and got it out of my head. I reminded myself of all the good people and things in my life. I repeated all the mantras I keep close to my heart. I read quotes and jotted down the ones that spoke to me. I made myself choose joy over and over, even though I just wanted to lie down and cry. Sunday came and I celebrated with my mom, dad, and sister. I wanted just to have some family time with all four of us for once. I wanted low-key. And, I wanted donuts. So we ate, talked, and laughed. I read the cards they gave me and my heart just burst. I cried and cried. I saw how much they loved me and I felt so blessed in that moment. It made me realize just how lucky I truly am and that maybe Rachel Hollis is right, "It's impossible to feel anxiety and gratitude simultaneously." Because in that moment when I was feeling so grateful for my family, I didn't feel anxious at all.
2. Books, books, and more books...well, if you've been reading this blog for awhile, then you know all I ever want for my birthday or for Christmas are books. So, yes, I had a birthday book wish list and I was lucky to all of them. Hurrah! Here they are:
and these were pre-orders (the Ogawa was pre-ordered last year for my birthday, so I've been waiting for a year!):
Not a bad bunch, eh? I can't wait to dive into the Ogawa - should be here next week. Woo hoo!!
3. TV shows. My TV watching has consisted of Southern Charm, The Hills: New Beginnings, and Good Witch. I am so behind on everything. I still need to watch the new Veronica Mars and Real Housewives of the OC. Oh, and that new Mindy Kaling show, Four Weddings and a Funeral. Cripes! So much TV, so little time for it. Except, for Aurora Teagarden. Yep, I made time to watch the new movie on Hallmark this past Sunday - talk about perfect timing (on my birthday!). Plus, there was an Aurora Teagarden marathon, so I definitely caught a few of those as well. And, this Sunday is another new Aurora Teagarden movie - hurrah! What about you? What are you watching this summer? Any good shows to recommend? Let me know.
4. Journals. Okay, so I think I definitely have an addiction. For my birthday I got the new Field Notes box set of Wilco ones (who doesn't love Wilco?!). I also got some Christian Lacroix journals - they are so surreal and whimsical, how could I not want them? Plus, they remind me of Ab Fab. Plus, I ordered two limited edition Traveler's Factory notebooks that just came out. Oh, and did I mention that I used my birthday cards to make a junk journal. All of those plus the ones I already own - yikes! Then again, it was my birthday, so I suppose I shouldn't feel too guilty, right?
5. Music. Creedence Clearwater Revival. This song on repeat: Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
And now, I'm off to read some magazines. I have copies of Vogue, O, Real Simple, and In Her Studio. Hope you all have a great weekend! Happy reading!!
1. Patti Smith. I've decided to reread her books since she has a new one (Year of the Monkey) coming out later this year. I have to admit that I am really enjoying them all over again. I finished Just Kids and am now on M Train. I'm at the part where she has found Murakami's books and is obsessing over finding the well in his novel, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. I just love reading about her discovering his novels and devouring them all. I totally get it. When you find an author and fall in love with their writing, you can't help but be consumed by the desire to read everything they've written. Or at least, I get that way. I went through that with Kurt Vonnegut, Jean Rhys, Yoko Ogawa, Sandra Cisernos, John Irving, Paul Auster, and Murakami. Some writers just capture your heart and mind. Patti Smith is one of those writers for me. As I read her books this time round, I find myself jotting down notes from what I've read or memories that come into mind, in my little A6 size black leather Roterfaden journal. And, I keep wishing I had a cafe to write in like she did with her Cafe 'Ino. Instead, I just make a cuppa, read a chapter or three, and write. I have to admit its turning into a favorite part of my morning. What about you? What authors have you ever become obsessed with reading? And, have you read Patti Smith?
2. Paris books. I just receive my copy of Literary Paris: A Photographic Tour by Nichole Robertson. Let me just say, Wow! I am in love! Chock full of photos and quotes, this is my kind of book. I am enjoying dipping in and out of it on the daily to get my Paris fix. I love the colors, the books, the cafes and just looking at Paris through these photographs. Oh, and the quotes by Colette, Oscar Wilde and Gertrude Stein - what a treat! I am in love with this book!
As for my second Paris book, well that will arrive next week. Its the new Antoine Laurain novel and I am super excited to read it. I am a huge fan of his whimsical tales and can't wait to dive into his latest one, Vintage 1954. Truthfully, I thought the book was coming out earlier this week and eagerly anticipated its arrival, but was sorely mistaken when it didn't arrive. I looked it up and saw the date was June 18th, not June 11th. Ack! Talk about bookish disappointment! Oh well, I will be delighting in his new novel soon enough.
3. Precious. I have a question. Do you own books or journals (or anything) that you treat "precious"? Meaning, you don't throw them around, scratch them up, dog-ear the pages, spill coffee/tea on them, bend the covers, etc.. I'm curious, because I do that with certain ones. And my mom noticed and asked my "why?". Her logic is that they are just objects and they are meant to be used, so if perchance they get bent or scratched its no big. I disagree, even though I know she's right. For example, I have a leather cover edition of Just Kids by Shinola. That was the copy I recently read. I was paranoid that the leather would get scratched up, so I was very gentle when I held it and didn't open it wide when reading. Of course, it made reading the book a bit of a chore, but what I can say, I am a stickler for these things. Except, I do notice that I'm not like that with all of my books. I own several books that are stained with coffee/tea and have bent pages. So, its only certain ones I treat in a "precious" manner. Is that weird? Am I alone? Should I just throw caution to the wind and not worry about mucking up my books?
4. TV shows. Southern Charm was part 2 of the tree house adventure and Craig's pillow party. K was not happy with D for calling her out on her misbehaving ways and proceeded to ignore her. Craig was bombarded with orders for his pillows and decided to throw a party where he planned on conning his friends into helping him make the pillows for his orders. Suffice it to say, nothing worked out. K got called out again by D and then by Shep. Austen got called out by Chelsea for gossiping about her to his girlfriend. And no one made pillows for Craig. All in all, an uneventful episode, which begs the question, why am I still watching? As for NYC Housewives - holy smokes, Batman! That was a crazy show. Okay, so the women decide to go to a hotel to swim and lunch. Lu and Sonya go to an AA meeting. All seems well until Sonya freaks out at the hotel about the people she just met at AA. So, the women all head home to lunch and cater to Sonya. All, except for Lu who thinks Sonya just wants attention. She heads to the beach and to check out the poster of her cabaret show instead. All the women are offended that Lu didn't show up for Sonya, so they massage block her - meaning they book all the massages before her so she gets the dregs of a massage - LOL! And then at dinner, Lu's minion, Babs, decides to call her out on not being a good friend. Lu goes to hug her and all hell breaks loose. Tinsley starts telling her things and then B jumps in. Lu just sits there acting shocked that they are bullying her for going swimming. B screams at her the most and winds up having a panic attack. Ramonacoaster is crying and Sonya keeps telling Lu they care about her. Its a hot mess. I laughed, because the whole time they are telling Lu off, the waiters are delivering the kookiest appetizers to the table - one is in a red toaster and the other is in a small popcorn machine. It was crazy!
5. Music. The National is still playing in the background, but now I've added Josh Ritter, too.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!!
2. TV shows. I am watching the new season of Southern Charm and still watching The Real Housewives of NYC. Reality TV is my vice and I love it. Then again, there are times when I watch a show and wonder why I still watch it - the people can be so vile or OTT that I question what it is I even like about them that makes me watch every week. Yikes! Okay, so on Southern Charm, I am digging Chelsea's new house - its so cute! Craig is still making pillows, and Shep is still mocking him on the daily. Austen cheated on his GF and she cheated on him again and again, so now they are broken up. Cameran is still judging everyone all the time. Kathryn is driving a Rolls and living in a $6600 a month house in a posh area and everyone can't stop talking about it. So far, its still the same Southern Charm. Over on NYC Housewives, everyone is fed up with Lu thinking she is the cabaret queen, Bethenny is still judging everyone and acting like a know-it-all, and Sonya is falling down drunk. I feel like every season they all get worse - bigger heads with bigger attitudes. And yet, I can't help but watch. Ack!
3. Wedding planning. My little sister is getting married later this year and so we are in the midst of wedding planning. Conversations are about colors, food, music, and invitations. The dress has been chosen and so we are looking at bridesmaids dresses now. My take away from this experience so far is that the idea of a "bridezilla" is very real - ugh! LOL!
4. Book recs. A dear friend of mine recently emailed me and sent along a few bookish recs. We were in grad school together and she always gave books as gifts. So, I was excited to see what books she was advising me to add to my TBR pile - especially, since I knew they would be new-to-me authors. Here goes:
and
I love the covers and the sound of each one, so I'm looking forward to diving into these lovelies as soon as I get my hands on a copy of each. Have you read these? How were they? Let me know.
5. Travis is on the brain again. I keep singing Driftwood lately. I have no idea why.
And now, I'm off to finish reading The Swallows. Hope you are having a lovely Friday. Happy reading!!
1. Declutter. I recently read a mindfulness magazine and it had an article about decluttering. It just talked about things I already knew - we buy, buy, buy and wind up with too much stuff. And all of that stuff sits around staring at us and stresses us out. Ugh. So, I am going to try and truly declutter my office. There are so many books, journals, papers, pens, washi tape, stickers, etc. and it is just becoming too much to handle. Or at least it looks that way to me. So, I am going to dive in and start getting rid of things. I don't care how much I spent on anything or if I've been hoarding it for years, I am just going to finally go through it all. I want my office to be conducive to creating/working and right now it is way too cluttered for anything - my mind feels cluttered just looking at it. Yikes! Wish me luck.
2. Books I read. I actually only read one book in its entirety this week. And the other book, I've only just begun.
I saw an IG post about Miriam Toews' latest work, Women Talking (which I LOVED!!), and it made me realize how many of her books I have yet to read. So, I picked up my copy of A Complicated Kindness and dove right in. The story focuses on Nomi, a Mennonite teen living in Canada. Its just her and her dad, Ray. Her mom left and so did her sister. Nomi shares with us about her life - the day-to-day struggles with going to school, loving her boyfriend, missing her mom and sister, trying to understand her dad, and dealing with her unhappiness. We get to learn about Nomi's family before it fell apart and afterward. Its sad, depressing, hilarious, compelling, and unputdownable. I just LOVED getting to know Nomi and her dad, Ray. Of course, if I'm truthful, I LOVE anything that Toews writes. So, yeah, I'm rather biased. I can't help it though. She just has the ability to create such excellent stories that I can't help but fall in love with. Her writing is authentic, realistic, thought-provoking, and engaging - it showcases her talent for storytelling. I just love it.
Every book I've read by Yoshimoto I have loved. So, I knew that I would enjoy Lizard. I've only read two stories so far, and already I am hooked. That is just Yoshimoto for you. Her writing is intriguing, creative, and haunting. I like that she is able to write so little and yet construct such engrossing stories. She provides snapshots of moments, relationships, feelings - and it is seriously unputdownable. In Newlywed, a young man rides the train past his stop in order to avoid going home to his wife. He is tired of the familiarity of it all (home and wife) and soon finds himself traveling farther away alongside a beguiling individual. The other story I read was titled, Lizard. It tells the tale of a man and his girlfriend, Lizard. He is a doctor and she is an acupuncturist. He is madly in love with her. She remains aloof and rather quiet, which leaves him feeling a bit uneasy at times. One day, Lizard finally shares with him a story from her childhood - something horrible that made her who and how she is. He in turn shares his own story. The two are able to find solace and understanding as a result. I found that both stories represented Yoshimoto's quirky and offbeat storytelling manner. Her writing is sparse, her characters strange, and her stories are fantastic. She is definitely a must-read author.
3. Books I want. For some reason I completely forgot that Ann Patchett has a new book coming out this Fall. I was reminded about it the other day, so now I'm craving her writing. And of course I'm eagerly anticipating getting my hands on a copy of her latest work.
4. TV. Cable is no more. Yes, I was still paying for cable, but alas, I have given it up. It was just costing way too much and I found that I was only really watching so many shows, that it just didn't make sense to keep it. I do have Netflix and Hulu, but truthfully, I barely watch anything on either. I have tons of shows and movies bookmarked, but have yet to actually watch them. Maybe its just my mood right now. I'd rather read than watch TV. Hmm...I remember a nurse I met when I was interning at the local hospital in high school. He didn't own a TV. He said TV corrupted people. So, he read and listened to music instead. I had a huge crush on him and thought that was so cool at the time. Of course, I watched TV like crazy back then. Its funny thinking about him now. I do have to give him props for introducing me to Natalie Merchant's music though - she is one of my all-time favorites and I've seen her in concert several times and always enjoy listening to her music. Anyhow, I digress. The point is that I am cutting back on TV and wondering if I will actually wind up reading more now.
5. Music. The Lumineers. I am all about this band right now. Of course, The National has a new CD coming out in a few weeks time I think, which means I will be all about that band soon enough. What can I say, I love me some indie/folk rock.
And now, I'm off to read some more Yoshimoto. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!!
