Monday Musings...

The town my sister lives in is quiet. I don't hear a peep...ever. I can walk outside and see kids playing on the street, neighbors going for a jog or walking their dogs, and yet, I don't hear a sound. It's peaceful, but it's also overwhelming. It's too quiet. I feel like I have to whisper and tiptoe everywhere. I'm not used to all this quiet, which probably means I should embrace it. You know, be still and just breathe and sit with my thoughts. Except, my thoughts tend to be intrusive and anxious - ugh. Also, I'm missing all the noise from my old neighborhood, which I think made me feel like I wasn't alone. Hmm...so, I need to figure out how to handle all this silence. 

I am reading a new book:

I've read Maureen Johnson's other books in her Truly Devious series, so I was excited to get the latest one. The book will be released at the end of September and I am sure fans will gobble it up. It's pretty intriguing so far - Stevie in NYC, David's coat, and her first Christmas alone. Adulting at 18 is hard and Stevie definitely finds that out FAST. Can't wait to find out how she'll solve her new case!

I'm using the Hobonichi Ave for July-Dec now. I bought it on a whim, because I was just exhausted from using so many separate planners. I figured if I could consolidate everything into one planner, then I could finally just breathe. So, here goes. 

I'm back to journaling and blogging and writing for my substack - and it all feels so good! I missed writing. Now, I just need to get back on a schedule and I'll be gold. Oh, and I also want to start some sort of creative project - my brain needs it. Hmm...an art journal?

Anyhow, life is starting to feel a bit more familiar. Meaning, I don't feel as untethered. I'm hoping this move will be the push I need to fall back into myself. We'll see. 

Wishing you all a lovely week! Happy reading!

A New Beginning In July...

I moved. Life has been hectic and full of all things moving related, so I've had no time for blogging, reading, or social media. Everything seemed slow-going for a bit and then suddenly it snowballed so fast that packing up and moving felt rushed. I stayed at my aunt's for a few days in between things and it was a reality check. Not having my stuff made me realize how little I actually need. I started to think I could have decluttered so much more. LOL!

And now, I'm at my sister's house for a bit until I find a new place to live. I have some of my things, but it's limited and already I feel overwhelmed - like it's too much stuff. Yikes! Am I a minimalist at heart? Hmm...

As for reading, I did manage to get one book in:

The story is about an actress who finds herself in Paris thanks to her agent. Apparently something happened on the set of her last movie and she needs to hide out. Luckily for her, she is set up in an apartment in a gorgeous estate owned by a well-known French family. Except, she keeps hears noises and wondering if someone has been in her room while she was out. Oh, and there are horrifying rumors about the estate and the family. So, maybe she's not so lucky after all. All in all, the book was fun, creepy, and predictable, which made it the perfect summer read. I like quick and easy reads during busy times and so far this summer has been hectic, so I definitely enjoyed The Paris Rental. It's definitely a good read for fans of suspenseful mystery novels. Oh, and it would fit the bill if you are reading for Paris in July. I forgot about the challenge until I read my friend Meredith's post about it over on her blog, Dolce Bellezza. Basically, July is dedicated to all things French - how fun is that? I always enjoy participating, but this year may be a stretch. Then again, I've already read one book set in Paris, so why not look to see if I have anymore on my kindle. 

Alright, well, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'll be trying to get back on track with my blog and Substack this month - wish me luck!

Wishing you a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. Why is a listing agreement to sell a house so complicated? I feel like there are so many steps to selling a house nowadays- it's crazy ridiculous! And exhausting. Ugh. 

2. Still rereading the Maisie Dobbs series and loving it :) I'm now on book six:

3. I was able to downsize my planners from several into one XL sized one and I am enjoying the simplicity of it. Now, I just need to downsize my journals, too. Hmm...not sure how I would work that out thought - I like keeping my writing separate from my art journaling and the different projects I work on. So, I might need more than one. 

Monday Musings...

Good morning, 

I finished the Strout book, The Things We Never Say,  and it was excellent. Her writing reminds me why I love to read and what great literature can be.  I found myself crying and laughing as I read the story of Artie Dam. I could relate to so many things and also found myself wondering about so many other things. It was truly a treat to read. I absolutely loved it. 

My sister and I spent the day with our mom for Mother's Day and it was so nice for the three of us to be together. Reunited. 

I didn't sleep the other night. I wanted to cry, because I was so tired and I just could not fall asleep. Anxiety is truly the worst. 

I'm continuing with my Maisie Dobbs reread. I just finished book #5 and am about to start Among the Mad. It's a good one with a bit more action and darkness in it. I feel like this case really tests Maisie and she rises to the challenge just like Maurice trained her to. 

And now, I'm off to run errands. Wishing you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

Three Things...

1. New book arrived and I can't wait to read it :)

2. Journaling more, which is helping me find my way back to myself and my writing. 

3. Falling back in love with Hallmark movies. I really enjoyed Kentucky Roses and I'm looking forward to All's Fair in Love & Mahjong this weekend. 

Hope you are having a lovely day. Happy reading!