1. Books. So many books. My TBR is falling over, because all I seem to do is add to the pile. Yikes! I need to read them, not just collect them. So, I am trying to force myself to pick up a book or five from the piles of books that make up my TBR list - and I'm being honest when I tell you that it is not easy. I've noticed ever since COVID came into the world that my reading plummeted. I'm serious. Instead of reading book after book during quarantine, I read nothing. And now, a few years later, I am still finding it hard to pick up a book and read. Instead, if I'm lucky, I read old favorites and maybe an occasional new-to-me book. However, my old habit of reading a book a day has vanished. And yet, my penchant for buying books has not stopped. So, like I mentioned earlier, I am going to make myself read all the books piled up around me. Wish me luck!
These are some of the books I have piled up:
Not a bad selection, eh? I'm thinking of going for the King book. I do love me some King, especially with Fall nearby.
2. 2023 Planners. OMG! Everywhere I turn people are obsessed with figuring out what they are going to use next year. Hobonichi, Nolty, Midori, OURS, Stalogy for bullet journaling...and the list goes on. I'm going to be honest and admit that I couldn't help but get caught up in all the excitement. So, I did place and order (or two) for some Hobonichi planners. I also bought a Moleskine Weekly planner with a Missoni cover, that I am now regretting, because I discovered the Leuchtturm 1917 Weekly planner which is way better. However, I'm also considering a pocket-size Nolty weekly planner. Oh, and did I mention I was even thinking of getting some inserts for my rings planner. Ack! What is happening to me? When did I get so caught up in all this planner frenzy? And, why do I need so many planners?
3. Music/TV. REM, The Beatles, and music from the 90s playlists on Pandora has been on repeat lately. I am craving familiar tunes and these are the ones hitting the spot. As for TV, well, I am still watching Real Housewives - when will I ever learn that these ridiculous shows are just too ridiculous? I'm on season four of The Real Housewives of Melbourne. I'm also watching Southern Charm - this cast is the worst. I really do need to stop watching this show. I LOVED Only Murders in the Building season two - such a fun show! I'm looking forward to their next season to find out whodunit. I keep adding shows to watch on my Netflix and Hulu accounts, but then I never watch them. So, I started to re-watch The X-Files and have really been enjoying it. I did buy Northern Exposure on DVD, so I might start watching that - I really loved that show, but never finished it. What about you? What have you been listening to or watching on your screen? Any recommendations for me?
I have Shiny Happy People playing, so I thought I'd include the video for it. Gotta love REM.
Alright, I just wanted to have a quick catch up of sorts. Hope you are all doing well. Take care and happy reading!!
1. Books. My TBR pile has grown exponentially. I can't seem to stop buying books. I am addicted and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I just love discovering new-to-me authors, or collecting new editions of my favorite reads. The only problem is where to put them all. Talk about bookish worries. By the by, here are some of my new reads:
2. TV. It's all about the Housewives lately. I need silly and ridiculous TV to distract me from the ugliness happening all around. So, Beverly Hills and New York City to the rescue.
3. Planners. I have fallen down the planner rabbit hole on IG and Youtube. Paper and Cloth, Filofax, Hobonichi, Midori, and The Happy Planner. So many choices...ack! I love the variety, but I'm having a hard time choosing what will work for me next year. #distractions
4. Music. Stevie Wonder's greatest hits are on repeat lately. I am just in that kind of mood, where only old school music will soothe my frazzled mind.
5. Anxiety. Yep, my anxiety is back and in full force. Depression is nearby and pays the occasional visit. I'm working hard to not let either one dominate my life. It's not easy, but I am having more 'good' days lately. 'Good' meaning no panic attacks, or anxiety-riddled thoughts on repeat in my brain. There's just so much to worry about and stress out over lately, that life just seems harder than usual. I'm sure we all feel that way. How can we not, right? I try to dig deep and remind myself that I can do hard things - of course, I have to remind myself over and over, but whatever works, right?
And now, I'm off to watch more planner videos and figure out how I want to change the setup in my office. Hope you all have a great weekend! Happy reading!!
2020 marks the ten year anniversary of one of my FAVORITE challenges - Paris In July. How exciting! A month of all things French - food, movies, music, and books! I'm planning on posting at least once a week for this challenge - possibly more. I am going to listen to Tiersen, re-watch some favorite movies, and read a few great books. I have two novels on my list that sound sooo good:
What do you think? Do you have any recommendations? Let me know. And, if you're interested in joining in on the fun, check out this link to get all the details over at Tamara's blog, Thyme for Tea - she's the hostest with the mostest.
Oh, and I've also made some pretty cool junk journals to journal in this month - French themed ones, of course. I can't wait to start penning some ideas, thoughts, and bookish notes in them.
Hope you all are well. Take care and stay safe!! Happy reading!!
1. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. This is the channel that shows Christmas movies that are on the sad side. So, whilst I do watch some movies on this channel, I tend to focus on the other Hallmark channel for my holiday movie fix. Which of course means that I might miss out on something good. And lo and behold, I missed out. Turns out that this year HMM aired a movie, Once Upon a Christmas Miracle, about a woman with AIH. Yep, my illness. How crazy is that? Especially, since AIH is rare. Let me just say I was excited to hear about this movie and that HMM was bringing awareness to a rare disease - thank you, HMM!! So, the film is based on a true story, which sounds more Lifetime than Hallmark to me. Anyhow, its about a young woman who finds out that she has stage 4 AIH, which means that she needs a liver ASAP. Fortunately, this man hears about her story and decides that he wants to give her part of his liver. So, he does. And, then they fall in love and get married. Talk about unbelievable! So, now I have to watch this movie and share about it.
2. Books. I finished reading the new Maisie Dobbs, The American Agent, which comes out next year. I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of it - that series is one of my favorites! Anyhow, it was a lot of fun catching up with Maisie and her family/friends. Now of course I can't wait to read the next book in the series - ugh! Oh well, I can look forward to What Would Maisie Do? by Winspear - also comes out next year. I did finally start Becoming by Michelle Obama and let me just say - Wow! What a book! I am LOVING it so much. I'm really enjoying getting to know her and find so many of her stories relatable, which makes reading the book even more fun. I'm thinking of following up the Obama book with Stephen King's, The Sun Dog. I just got a copy of it and want something short and spooky - so, I'm thinking King will do the trick.
3. Music. I'm trying to find new-to-me Christmas music, so I bought the Michael Buble CD, Christmas. So far, I'm really enjoying it.
And now, I'm off to continue reading Becoming. Hope you all are having a great week. Happy reading!!
1. Lifetime. Apparently, Lifetime is playing Christmas movies in a bid to compete with Hallmark. Or at least that's how it seems to me. Now, I'm usually a Hallmark fan when it comes to holiday movies, but this year I find myself tuning in to Lifetime. I can't help it. Their movies are fun, sweet, and chock full of holiday cheer. Yes, just like the Hallmark ones. The only difference is that I've seen all the Hallmark ones and none of the Lifetime ones, so new is definitely a draw for me.
2. Books. I've been reading a real hodgepodge of books lately - nonfiction, suspense-thrillers, faith-centric ones, and chick lit. I'm sort of all over the place ever since I finished the Murakami - Killing Commendatore.
3. TV. Aside from holiday movies on Lifetime, I've watched The Little Couple. I just love watching them settle into their new home in FL. I've also seen Real Housewives of the OC - its reunion time! Let me just say that these women know how to go low and it is ugly. Yikes! Accusing someone of being a coke addict and a bad mother - WTF?! Yeah, definitely not a good look for Vicki - and sadly, not surprising at all. I gave up on A Million Little Things - just got tired of watching Berger in flashbacks. Plus, how can everyone get along so well considering all of the lies and betrayals that were revealed. Seriously!? Oh, I finally got my sister to watch Stranger Things and she loved it. How could she not, right? I'm stoked for the next season, which takes place at the mall - how 80s is that?!
4. The Handmaid's Tale part deux. Yep, Atwood is writing the sequel and it comes out next year. Its called The Testaments. How exciting is that?!! I can't wait to read it!!
5. Music. Too much Christmas music got me craving Smashing Pumpkins, Tori Amos, Better Than Ezra, and Barenaked Ladies.
And now, I'm off to read the new issue of Vogue. Happy Holidays and Happy reading!!
1. Magnesium. I'm taking it now for my anxiety. My pharmacist told me it helps to keep you calm. Fingers crossed it works.
2. The X-Files. OMG! That finale was ace! I'm still thinking about it - so much happened at the end! Plus, I loved learning more about William. I wonder if there will be a next season. Of course, it won't be the same without Scully. I'm hoping Gillian Anderson changes her mind and will do another season - she gave an interview and said that this was her last season on The X-Files.
3. Books. I've received some pretty great reads this week:
4. More books. I've ordered some pretty great reads from Book Depository recently and am just waiting for them to arrive. I can't wait!
5. Music. I've been listening to The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and Taylor Swift all week long. I keep playing Ophelia over and over - I just love that song!
And now I'm off to read another essay by Zadie Smith from her awesome book, Feel Free. I've been dipping in and out of it all week - I just love her writing.
1. Anxiety. It sucks. It really does. Mine has been creeping up on me lately. In fact, I had a panic attack the other day and it was the worst. I'm not even sure what triggered it, which scares me. So, I've started going to the gym again - yes, I stopped going and I realize now that I shouldn't have. Exercise seems to really help with my anxiety, so I'm going to stick with it. Fingers crossed it helps.
2. Books. My reading has gone a bit to the wayside. When I'm anxious, I can't seem to concentrate. So, I've been reading magazines - luckily, I had quite a few to read (Vogue, O, Wired, MarieClaire, US Weekly, People). Although, I did manage to squeeze in a few books here and there:
3. The X-Files. OMG! I am loving this season. It's fantastic! Last week's episode about technology taking over was hilarious. And this week we were introduced to the haunting figure of Mr. Chuckleteeth - that doll was crazy creepy!! My favorite bit was when Scully thanked Mulder for having her back and he replied, "You're my homie."- my heart melted.
4. The Walking Dead. Why is Negan still a threat? What is taking so long for Rick to take him down? I feel like this show has stalled and that's why they threw a curve ball at us by killing off Carl. I'll admit to tearing up when Carl was saying his goodbyes, but now that he's gone I have to say that I don't really miss his character. As for Maggie, what is she even doing? She's leading the Hilltop nowhere. And why is Dwight still alive - he tortured Daryl and killed Denise? Oh and Judith - how is she still not talking? Ugh! This show is really disappointing me this season. I hope that this week's episode will finally be a good one.
5. The Goat Rodeo Sessions. I'm still obsessed with this CD and have been listening to it non-stop lately. I even watched Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, and Edgar Meyer perform music from it on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series on YouTube. Of course now I'm addicted to watching that channel and finding out which other musicians have performed in the series - my favorites were The National, Neko Case, Natalie Merchant, and this one:
1. Books. Is it crazy that I want to purchase multiple copies of my favorite books? I want all of the different covers and editions. Is that too much? Or is every bookaddict doing this? Here are some of the books I am coveting:
2. TV. I have not watched TV this week. Okay, so I did watch the news a few times and maybe one Christmas movie on Hallmark, but that was it. I just found that nothing really interested me this week. The Christmas I did watch was on a whim. It was called Engaging Father Christmas and was a sequel to a movie I have never seen. Its basically about this young woman who found out who her father was the year before. Turns out he was a famous actor who cheated on his wife with her mother! Anyhow, he's passed away and so has her mom. The family he's left behind take her into their fold, but at a distance. Of course, she's met someone in the small town the family lives in and gets engaged when she returns (hence the title) to visit with her new family. Along the way, she runs into her ex, who she confesses her secret to - that her dad was a famous actor. And suddenly, she's getting texts threatening to reveal the truth about her parents. Now she's worried that her new family will drop her like a hot potato once they found out that their secret is out. In the end, everything works out and she gets the man she loves and her new family's trust - plus, the home her father first bought. Its a bit unrealistic, but still heartwarming. And I loved it.
3. NetGalley. So many great books to choose from! I am getting addicted to requesting again - OMG! I just go approved for these three and can't wait to devour them:
4. Christmas shopping. I am nearly finished - Hurrah! I've been buying so many things online lately - its a huge help. I'm headed to the shops this weekend and can't wait to finish off my list. For some reason, its been a lot of fun buying gifts this year. And I'm looking forward to wrapping them all up, too. I think its the holiday spirit in the air that's cheering me up lately and I love it!
5. Music. Christmas music and Selena (not Gomez). I was in Target the other day and found a Selena CD for 5 bucks and bought it on a whim. And now, I can't stop listening to it.
And now, I'm off to re-read A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear. Hope you all have a great weekend! Happy reading!!
1. Hurricane Irma. Yep, I live in South FL and that means hurricane season is in full swing. 25 years ago we went through Andrew and suddenly we were facing a hurricane that was described as being worse than Andrew. Let me tell you, I was freaking out and my anxiety went into overdrive. Luckily, we were fine in the end. Just some fallen trees and our fence came down, but nothing major. We lost power, but it was restored sooner than we imagined it would be. We finally got our cable and internet back today, so that was nice (okay, really nice - I even yelled, "Woo hoo!"). All in all, things are good. The town still looks a mess, street lights are still out, some places still don't have power, but everyone is cleaning up what they can and trying to move forward. I'm just counting down the days until hurricane season is over.
2. Books. You would think not having TV would mean that I would read A LOT. Well, that didn't happen. I found myself not wanting to read at all. My mind was just too crowded with so many things, that reading a book just didn't feel right. And then I received some happy mail in the form of two Christmas themed books and suddenly I was eager to read. Yep, a Christmas book caught my eye:
I've read the first two books in this series and loved them so much, that I just knew this new one would be perfect for cheering me up. Let me just say, it did the trick. I absolutely loved the latest story set in Mt. Polbearne with its quirky cast of characters (I'll be posting a review at a later date). Such a fun book! And now, I'm eager to catch up on my reading. I have tons of mags to get through (the new issue of O magazine is whispering, "read me") and I am itching to read:
3. Fall. Pumpkin spice lattes are in stock, Halloween decor is everywhere (along with Christmas decor - say what!!?) and the hint of the upcoming holiday season is in the air. I absolutely LOVE it!! I just finished putting up the Halloween decorations. I'm already craving a monster cupcake (these delectable treats I make every year). And, I'm excited to watch scary movies. Oh, and The Walking Dead will be starting up again next month - woo hoo! You gotta love Fall.
And now, I'm off to find something new to read. Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday. Happy reading!!
