February Bookish Plans...

I've been feeling 'meh' thanks to anxiety and depression. Or maybe it was January blues - is that a thing? Regardless, I want February to be a better month for my mental health. So, I've decided to throw myself into some projects - hopefully a busy mind will keep the sad thoughts away. Fingers crossed!

Here are the projects I want to work on:

1. The Maisie Dobbs Read-Along. I've decided to start this month, because that will give me time to read all seventeen books before the last one hits stores. Normally I gobble these stories up, but this time round I wan to savor them. So, I will be reading a book a week and sharing about it here. Let me know if you've read the books, or plan on reading them, too. I still can't believe the last book comes out this June - I'm excited, but sad, too. What series will I get stuck in next? Do you have any recommendations - let me know. 

2. The 100 Day Project Challenge. For 100 days you must create something every day. That's the challenge. It starts February 18th. I am going to start today. It's typically an art challenge, but you can do anything. You can post your progress on IG at #The100DayProject. My project is going to be to write, write, write. I thought of art journaling for 100 days, but I wanted to focus on something that has been on my mind lately and that is writing. I am going to read The Artist's Way and write morning pages for 100 days. I'll be posting about this project on my other blog, Books Are My Balm. I've tried reading the book before, but gave up after a few weeks. I've heard so many people mentioning this book and how it changed their lives that I decided I have to give it another go. So, here's to take two. 

3. The No New Things Challenge. Basically, you don't buy new things. I found out about this challenge last year via Shira Gill's newsletter, The Minimalista Edit. The challenge was started by author, Ashlee Piper. I participated in it last year and I've decided to join in this year as well. Wish me luck! I'm thinking of it as the beginning of a no-spend year. The only exceptions I would make in a no-spend are books and Illustrated Faith devotionals. Wish me luck! And, let me know if you've ever participated in The No New Things Challenge or done a no-spend. 

And now, I'm off to tackle my to-do list. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday. Happy reading!!

The Maisie Dobbs Read-Along

Every year I look forward to certain authors releasing new books and I jot down the release dates in my planner. One of those authors is Jacqueline Winspear. I'm a huge fan of her Maisie Dobbs series and always look forward to the latest installment. So, imagine my shock and sadness to find out that 2024 will be the last year a new Maisie Dobbs book will be released. It'll be the eighteenth book in the series and will be released on June 4th here in the States. So, of course I will be re-reading the entire series before June 4th. What do you think about joining me? 

Yep, I have decided to host my first reading challenge. Well, it's not really a reading challenge, it's more of a read-along. The Maisie Dobbs Read-Along to be exact. I figured that there are 144 days until the release date, which means there are a little over 5 months to read all 17 books. That way, the final book can be devoured as soon as it's available. I just know I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to one of my all-time favorite characters. Which is why I think it'll be fun to read all about her once more. Kind of like a final goodbye. Although, let's be honest, you know I'll be re-reading the entire series again and again at some point. 

Anyhow, what do you think? Are you a fan of Winspear's popular series, Maisie Dobbs? And, if so, would you want to join in and re-read the series before the new book is released on June 4th? Let me know if you're interested. I plan on posting about each book: once when I start re-reading it, and then again when I finish it. I figure we can chat about the books in the comment section. How does that sound? I've never hosted anything like this, so I'm excited and nervous. So, please let me know if I'm forgetting anything. I figure the main thing is to have fun re-reading this amazing series and to just have a chat about it along the way. 

Here's the cover for the last book in the series:

The title and that cover...Whoa! I can't wait to read it and find out how Maisie will be left in the end. I'm so excited and sad at the same time. 

And now, I'm off to continue to decluttering my office, because it NEEDS it. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday morning. Happy reading!