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!

Monday Musings...

Good morning. It's raining, which means all I want to do is stay inside reading a book. And eating a brownie or two. If only, right? 

Well, we are in May and I am hating it. T. S. Eliot was wrong, May is the cruellest month, not April. My dad passed away suddenly last May and I am just thinking about how awful May was last year. And, my dislike for May from last year seems to be carrying on into this year and most likely every year. Ugh. 

We have a realtor coming by to give us a price on our house later this week. Not sure how that's going to go, since we are planning on selling as is. Wish us luck!

I read 7 books last month. I'm finally accepting that I'm not the same reader I used to be. Meaning no more reading 5 books a week. Oh well. I'm still reading and that's all that matters. Right now I'm in the middle of: 

I love Hallett's books, they are always a treat to read. And, this one is her second one featuring the Fairway Players and I am LOVING it! It's so much fun trying to figure out the mystery's whodunit. So far, I do have a suspect, but not sure it's going to play out the way I think. Doesn't matter though, Hallett always manages to keep me on the edge of my seat as we get closer to the reveal and that is the best feeling when reading a murder mystery. 

I'm also still in the middle of rereading the Maisie Dobbs series. Currently I'm on my book 5, An Incomplete Revenge. I'm really enjoying falling back in with Maisie, Billy, Pris, and Maurice. 

Oh, and I'm still watching Tracker - love that show! Although, I'm not too thrilled that Colter's storyline about his dad is dragging out this long. The only positive was that he finally called Russell to help him - finally! Oh, and I'm still not sure we can trust Mel - what is her deal? And, Reenie - what is going on there? By the way, I'm also hooked on a show called The Hunting Party - have you seen it? 

As for creative ventures, I'm on day 4 of the Messy May challenge. Today's prompt is Opposites. Not sure what I'll come up with for that one, but I know I'm going to have fun figuring out and that's the plan - to have fun.  I'm on day 72 of the 100 Day Project and it is still such a fun one - so glad I'm participating this year. 

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