My Friday Five...

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!

Bookish Plans...Fail

Hiya! In a previous post I mentioned some bookish plans that I had for my blogs and, well, they didn't exactly pan out. For Books Are My Balm I was going to try to finally read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I had tried before, but gave up after five weeks. Well, this time round, I gave up reading after week 2. I just realized that TWA is not for me and that was okay. So, that book will now go in a donate pile and hopefully it will be someone else's jam. I'm not even sure why I was trying to force the book. Maybe because everyone seems to rave about how it changed their lives and I'm in a place where I want that for myself. If only it were that easy, eh? 

As for the Maisie Dobbs Read-Along...yeah, that's over, too. I am not a reader who plans ahead. I'm a mood reader, so deciding to read a book a week was never going to work for me. Especially, since I know me. I'm the type of person who rereads a series right before the latest book is released. Just like with TV shows, I binge watch the whole series before the new season starts. That's my jam. I'm pretty sure that once it gets closer to June 4th, I'll be in the mood to reread the entire Maisie Dobbs series, so that is what I'll be doing. I'll share about it all then. 

The 100 Day Project started yesterday. It runs for 100 days and basically is about creating. You can draw, write, paint, sketch, knit, dance, sing, whatever calls to you. Just do it for 100 days and share about it. I've tried this before and never seem to find something that truly sticks, which is why I think I usually give up midway through. This year I want to focus on my writing, so I will writing, writing, writing. I plan on writing blog posts for both of my blogs - that will be my 100 day project. I figure if I get in a routine I will be able to fall back into blogging again, which is something I really want. So, wish me luck!

And now, I'm off to run errands. Just wanted to catch you all up. Hope you are having a terrific Monday morning. Happy reading!

My Friday Five

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!!

My Friday Five...

1.  I'm turning 40 this Saturday and I'm not freaking out about it - Hurrah!  I honestly thought I would not want to celebrate my birthday this year, but after reading all of those Joel Osteen books and focusing on positive thinking, I'm feeling good. I'm excited about aging another year and what that means. I'm excited about celebrating with my family and just relishing those moments of togetherness.  I feel like 40 means that great things are in store for me and that my future is wide open, which I find thrilling. So, here's to turning 40!!

2.  Books, books, books.  Yep, I've been reading quite a bit lately and enjoying every minute of it. Here are some the titles I recently devoured:

3.  TV shows.  Yes, I'm still watching the Housewives. I can't help it, but I'm addicted to their drama.  I'm watching NYC and OC - both are really good this season. I also watched Southern Charm - it was ridiculous and delicious!  I'm excited about the new seasons starting up for some of my favorite shows like, Fear The Walking Dead and Better Call Saul - woo hoo! Oh, and I LOVE the show, Ghosted - I just find it hilarious.

4.  More books.  These are the books that I can't wait to get my hands on - hurry up, Fall!

5.  The Beatles. After watching James Corden's Carpool Karaoke episode with Sir Paul McCartney, I have found myself unable to stop listening to The Beatles. I've always loved their music and now I appreciate it even more.  If you are a Beatles fan, definitely check out this video:

And now, I'm off to read some magazines. I have Vogue, Real Simple and O sitting right next to me. Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!!

My Anxiety and Depression...

have reared their ugly heads once more.  Its the reason I've been MIA on my blog.  I've found myself feeling rather blue and riddled with nerves. And I've hated every minute of it. I'm not even sure how it began, but it did and it wouldn't leave me alone for quite some time. I started going to a therapist and at first I thought it was helping. I figured that talking about it and learning coping methods would help.  But then I realized that it really wasn't helping, so I quit going. As for medication to help combat my depression and anxiety...well, they didn't work out like I had hoped. The one for my blue mood resulted in the WORST day of my life ever, so I swore I would never take it again. And when I say WORST day, I mean, like that I honestly thought I was going to die and that terrified me beyond anything.  Of course, this brings me to my anxiety medication - clonazepam. I didn't want to take it, because I'd heard so many scary things about it.  Except, I had to do something, since I was having panic attacks all the time.  So, I took a little bit of the pill and it seemed to help. I realized that I didn't have to be scared of the clonazepam, so I took the whole dose and let me just say - whoa, nelly! I felt completely out of it, drowsy, and beyond mellow. It was frightening that a pill could make me forget my anxieties, but at the same time make me feel doped up. Cripes! I didn't like it one bit. So, I stopped taking the clonazepam after about a month.

The weird thing is that about the time I was getting frustrated with my therapist and the meds, I had started to read Joel Osteen's books.  My mom is a huge fan of his and she is always suggesting I read his books. Well, I finally started to read them and let me just say - I wish I hadn't waited so long.  I've watched his sermons on TV from time to time and I've always enjoyed them. I get his daily devotionals delivered to my inbox every day.  And, I even went to his church in Houston, TX and got the opportunity to meet him. So, I suppose that I've always been a bit of a fan, too. I just never got around to reading his books.   Anyhow, right about the time I was feeling really low and super anxious, I picked up one of his books and started reading. The more I read, the more my mind became focused and it felt like a fog was lifting.  I started to feel more positive and optimistic about my life and future. 

Joel's books are about positive thinking and they were exactly what I needed (and still need).  His words made me realize that my depression is not a forever state of mind.  I don't have to live an unhappy life.  He made me see that I was not living my life, I was merely existing.  I was too busy dwelling on the negative and letting my anxiety take over to fully understand that I was the one stopping myself from doing well in my own life.  It was like something in my brain just clicked and ever since then I've felt more like myself.  I started to see my depression as an infection that needs to get wiped out.  I realized that my depression is temporary and rooted in fear - fear which is "false evidence appearing real".  I started to think about my life and how I used to want so many things out of it and how I had stopped wanting those things. I had just resigned myself to living a depressed life.  I couldn't believe that I had allowed myself to accept that label "depressed" and allowed it to stick.  I was shocked and disappointed in myself.  And then I realized that I could change my narrative. I could tackle these feelings head on.  Being anxious and depressed was something I was going through right now, but it was not my future.  Nope, my future was bright and filled with all of my dreams - writing short novels, buying a house in a small town, falling in love and getting married.  Dreams that have stayed with me for so long, because they are still what I want.  I realized that just because my life had veered off the path that I had drawn up for myself when I was in my early twenties, didn't mean that my dreams had to end  - it just meant that I would get to them a little later than I had originally planned and that was just fine by me. 

Once I started to see my depression as an infection and started looking toward my future with optimism, I've found myself able to bat away my anxiety a bit more easily.  These past few months have been really hard and emotional, but I feel like I am on the right path and that I'm ready to help myself move forward. I definitely plan on finding a new therapist, because I do think it would be helpful to have someone to talk about all of this with.  Especially, since I've come to realize that learning about my AIH (a life-threatening illness) at 23 seriously fucked up my mental state - like, finding out that it was a really rare disease and that someone had died from it at 45. Talk about freaking me out about my own future.  I've also come to see that my self-esteem is not up to par and hasn't been for some time.  So, yeah, I have some issues to work through - plus, I do think they contributed to my depression and anxiety over the years.  Suffice it to say, you can see that my mind has been on more than just books lately. 

Now, don't worry, bookish posts will start to come again soon enough. I have never stopped reading during this time, I've just found myself reading in spurts instead of regularly.  I'm just happy, that I've been able to keep reading - books are my refuge and I've needed them so much these past few months. My blog will still be about books, but I might occasionally throw in a personal post or two.  Anyhow, I just wanted to share where I've been and catch you up. 

Thanks for reading this post.

My Friday Five...

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.

Happy reading! Stay warm!

My Friday Five...

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!!

My Friday Five...

1.  Its December 1st and that means Christmas is on its way - hurrah! My tree is up and fully decorated. I have ordered gifts, crossed names off lists, and have stocked up on wrapping paper. My cookbooks are out and ready to be perused, so that I can choose a few (or a lot) of recipes to bake this holiday season. Christmas music is playing throughout the house and in my car - I love it!  I'm ready to watch Love Actually and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation over and over again.  And I'm making a list of everything I need to do this holiday season - yikes!

2.  TV shows.  I am still watching the Housewives shows on Bravo. I'm addicted, so what can I do?  The OC's reunion was rather lackluster.  Although I do hope that Vicki and Tamara are friends next season, because this past season was seriously dull.  NJ is beyond ridiculous and I'm starting to wonder why I watch it. Dallas was seriously the best, but way too short - they only show 10 episodes compared to the other shows which get over 20.  And BH is coming back this month - woo hoo!  I've stopped watching TWD - its just so boring lately.  They really need to defeat Negan and move on.  Stranger Things 2 was so much fun. I loved the Snow Ball at the end - it was one of the highlights of the season.  Plus, the 80s music was awesome - who doesn't love Cyndi Lauper?  And I finally discovered Ghosted, starring Adam Scott and Craig Robinson. OMG! What a fun and ridiculous show - I loved it!

3.  Books.  My reading has fallen to wayside. I can't seem to find a book that I actually want to get lost in. So, I've been re-reading the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. I love these books and tend to re-read them every year.  I'm currently on the third book in the series, Pardonable Lies. I'm near the end, where Maisie is discovering the truth about one of her clients. She's been through the ringer with this story - realizing that slaying one's dragons isn't as easy as she had imagined. Its definitely one of my favorites in the series. Oh, and I just found out that Winspear's next book (To Die But Once) in the series comes out next March - woo hoo!!

 4.  Planners.  I have recently fallen down the planner rabbit hole on IG and YouTube - OMG! So many planners and so many ways to plan. I decided to try the Hobonichi Techo. I love the covers and the idea of using different planners for different things. I hope that I can stick with it - I usually start a new planner and then forget about it midway through. I tend to write lists and jot down appointments on notepads.  Wish me luck!  And let me know what type of planner you use - give me some new ideas.

5.  Photograph by R.E.M. featuring Natalie Merchant. Two of my absolute favorites!! I hadn't heard this one in ages:

And now, I'm off to go through the latest issue of Vogue. I just received it in the post and can't wait to check it out.  Happy reading!! 

Three Things...

Howdy strangers! Its been so long since I last posted and I have to admit that I've missed writing on my blog. I have a huge stack of books to read and review.  And I need to catch up and read your blog posts, too. I feel so out of the loop.  Hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving - mine was chock full of family and too much food (all of which I love). 

I thought I'd write a quick post sharing three things - something to get my blogging back on track.

1.  Losing weight.  Yes, I want to lose weight to get healthy and feel healthy.  Except that the way I recently lost weight is not my ideal strategy.  So, my sister and I had McDonald's one night for dinner (we were lazy and wanted fast food).  I ordered the Chicken Nugget meal - something I never normally get, but for some reason wanted.  As a result of that meal (which tasted sub par), I wound up getting sick.  Like I was basically chained to the bathroom all night long throwing up. I felt wretched and weak afterward.  And the stomach issues lasted all week long. I wound up losing nearly 12 pounds.  Shortly after that dinner fiasco, I decided on the spur of the moment to join my parents and favorite aunt on a road trip to visit family up north in Ohio.  Well, we ate at a service plaza for dinner one night and I wound up getting sick from that meal (KFC - yes, I know, I need to stop with the fast food).  I spent the week we were in Ohio eating nothing, because everything and anything made me sick. I wound up losing another 10 pounds. So, all in all, I lost over 20 pounds by getting sick on fast food. Talk about an unhealthy diet. Knock wood, I am finally feeling better and so I've been slowly adding foods back into my diet. Healthy foods - tons of veg, fruit, and lean meats. And, I started going to the gym again.  My fingers are crossed that I never throw up again. 

2.  Ohio.  I had not been in ages (since I was in college) and my aunts are getting older (late 70s), so I figured why not go. My parents were already packed and ready to leave when I decided to join them. It was the three of us, plus my favorite aunt.  We drove the whole way and stopped too many times, but enjoyed the road trip.  I have to admit to loving seeing the different states along the way - the leaves are changing, the mountains rise up high, and the fog settles in thick.  Its definitely fun to leave behind the palm trees and sunshine, especially when its Fall.  My mom's family lives in a small town called Fostoria, or as my favorite aunt likes to call it, "the town that time forgot".  She is so right. This town has not changed that much since I last visited (which was sometime in the late 90s).  The only difference between now and then is that more shops have shut down and more homes have been abandoned. Its crazy how so many people live there, but they all work and shop in a different town instead of their own. Driving around, my mom and aunt were reminded of the places they lived and shops they frequented when they lived there.  And seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins was a blast from the past. Especially, since my favorite uncle came down from NY to see us.  It was so nice to catch up with everyone in person and just talk, laugh, and spend time with each other. Oh, and the weather - freezing! It was in the 20s and low 30s when we there, so we had to borrow jackets and scarves. I had anticipated 40s and 50s, but apparently there was a sudden drop in temperature the week we were there. It was cold and I loved it! Of course, everyone had their fireplaces roaring and their heaters cranked up high.  We made a trip to Amish country and bought tons of their baked goods to enjoy with the family (none of which I could eat).  So much food on this trip! And all I ate were flour tortillas (which were delicious, because they were homemade) and drank ginger ale or water. Ugh! I had to pass on my aunt's tamales (which she made just for us). The not eating was the only downside of the trip.  By the by, I couldn't help but think of that show, Breaking Amish, when we were in Amish country - how crazy is that?!  All in all, it was a great trip and the car came back  loaded with Christmas decor we bought at local craft fairs - I love craft fairs! 

3.  Holidays.  Thanksgiving has come and gone.  And now, we are gearing up for Christmas and the New Year. Talk about time speeding up. I feel like the year is ending much too quickly, but I am certainly looking forward to 2018 - I have my planners all lined up.  Hallmark is on all the time and I am loving all the new Christmas movies they have been showing lately. Of course, whenever I watch them all I do is complain about the lack of diversity and how the women are portrayed - and yet I can't stop watching them.  The tree and house are decorated. Presents are being bought and wrapped. I'm making a list of what to bake.  And I'm already planning what to cook for Christmas dinner and New Year's brunch.  Oh, and my car is loads with Christmas CDs.  I am definitely enjoying the holiday season. 

P.S.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged - how exciting!!  They make such a lovely couple. I watched their interview on the BBC and thought they seemed so happy and in love. I feel like William and Kate are so reserved compared to them. 


Hope you all have a great week!! Happy reading!!

My Friday Five...

1.  Taylor Swift's new video and single: Wow! Talk about a refresh.  She is back and she is fierce!

2. My current reads:

3.  Real Housewives of Auckland, NYC, OC, and Dallas...oh my! Talk about a TV show addiction. I can't help it though, these shows are just too good to resist.  So much drama!! In Auckland, someone used a word they should never use and now she's suing the production company - crazy! NYC is in reunion mode, which means everyone is blasting everyone.  OC has Shannon blaming Vicki for her weight gain and Lydia trying to be the "friendship whisperer".  As for Dallas, the besties are no longer BFF and its really bugging me.  Its all soooo good!! 

4.  Fall.  I'm itching for Fall to get here already. I am looking forward to the cooler weather, Halloween, monster cupcakes, and the new season of The Walking Dead.  Hurry up, Fall!!

5.  Country music.  I have been listening to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn lately.  I don't know why, but I've just been in that kind of mood.  I love this song by Dolly:

And now, I'm off to continue reading the latest book in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, The House of Unexpected Sisters.  Happy reading!!

Summer is here!

Yep, summer reading has begun.  The first day of the season was on Wednesday.  Although, if I'm honest, I'd already begun my summer reading over the past weekend. I was on a non-fiction kick and followed up Keven Hart's memoir (I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons) with:

Talk about two amazing writers. I absolutely LOVED both books to bits.  Sidibe's book was definitely interesting and provided insight into how she came about acting - let's just say she was destined for it.  Her life was filled with ups and downs; she struggled with depression; and she just couldn't figure out what she wanted to do.  She was a mess and she admits it - her honesty was heartfelt and I loved it.  Sidibe is a smart and funny gal with loads of talent and I can't wait to read more of her writing.  As for Gay's book - wow! She lays it all out and it is simply beautiful.  Her writing mesmerizes and her truth grabs you.  I enjoyed every minute I spent with Hunger.  Gay shares her story of being gang-raped at 12 by her boyfriend and his friends.  She writes about how she never told anyone what happened and kept that secret locked up for years.  She writes about how she continued to let her boyfriend use her body after he had violated her and told the kids at school she was a slut.  She writes about the nightmares, the smell of beer, and the loss of her body.  Gay tells us how she decided to eat away her pain - she wanted a body so big that no one would hurt her ever again.  Her story is about the experience of being a fat woman in today's world and it is honest, raw, and real.  Reading this book has made me a fan of Gay's writing for life.  Hunger is a MUST-READ!!

As for what I'm reading now:

Strout was calling out to me, so I picked up Amy and Isabelle. A story about a mother and daughter in a small town. Isabelle works in the office at the mill - she's the secretary to the boss.  Her daughter, Amy, is a teen-aged girl struggling to get through high school.  A new teacher replaces the old math teacher.  All the students seems to LOVE Mr. Robertson.  Except, maybe Amy LOVES him too much.  Yep, she's caught with him in his car and soon the whole town knows.  Isabelle is shocked and feels betrayed by the daughter she has sacrificed so much for.  Amy is hurt and confused by all of the anger, drama, and scandal that her romance has caused her family and the town.  She begins to hate her mother and realizes that she resents her.  Isabelle, also begins to feel the same feelings of hate and resentment toward her own daughter.  Their relationship becomes beyond strained and tests their boundaries and love for one another.  I'm part way through the book and loving it. Strout's writing is always so rich and deep with emotion, that you can't help but get easily caught up in the narratives she weaves.  I definitely can't wait to read the rest of her works this summer.

And now, I'm off to continue Amy and Isabelle.  Hope you're kicking off summer reading with something great.  Happy reading!!

My Friday Five...

1.  Working out.  Ugh.  Its not fun, but I still manage to drag myself to the gym.  I listen to Missy Elliott, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Kanye West, and anything else that will get me moving. Why can't I be like one of those people who loves to work out?  Do they even exist?

2.  TV.  I'm still obsessed with Real Housewives of NYC.  This season is beyond ridiculous and I love it. The gals were back at Dorinda's home in the Berzerkshires.  Things were moving along nicely-ish and then everyone was telling LuAnn that Tom is still cheating on her and that she shouldn't marry him.  Next up was Ramona and B - let me just say, "Whoa!".  Talk about dredging up the past and petty jealousies for no reason other than to attempt to humiliate people.  Of course, nothing was resolved and now B refuses to talk to Ramona ever again. Oh, and Ramona wrecked Dorinda's bedroom that she was staying in? Talk about being a bad friend.  As for Southern Charm, well lets just say that Shep is turning out to be a bigger tool than I had previously thought.  Not only is he an elitist who makes fun of his friends for shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods, while he heads to a men's boutique for hunting gear.  He's also a major creep who hits on his friends' dates while she's on a date with his friend. Talk about lacking "southern charm". 

3. I finished reading:

I enjoyed both books so much. I read the Patti Smith in one sitting and mulled over it for days. I loved the whimsical feel to the stories inside the pocket-sized edition I purchased.  I have to admit to tearing up over the story where her dog gets run over - that seriously tugged at my heart.  And I just loved reading about the "woolgatherers" and how she would look out her window late at night for them.  Such a delightful little book.  As for the Kevin Hart book, I really did liked getting to know him through his "life lessons".  I never really knew much about him until I saw him on Oprah one day and ever since that interview I became a fan of his.  I like how personal he gets in his book and how hard he's worked to create his brand and become a household name.  He's talented, determined, and real.  Reading his book made me an even bigger fan.

4.  Book I loved and forgot to post about:

I first came across Lang Leav's poetry via Twitter and I'm so happy that I did, because I absolutely LOVE her work.  So, when I read that she had a novel coming out I immediately ordered it and put aside the weekend to read it.  I sat down with my copy of Sad Girls and a huge cuppa.  I took my time with the story and enjoyed every minute I spent with it.  It was such a terrific read! The story is about a girl who tells a lie - a HUGE lie that changes so many lives in so many ways.  She meets a boy and he's THE ONE, but turns out that he isn't who he seems AT ALL.  I didn't expect that twist at the end and when it came, let me just say - Whoa, Nelly!  Lang Leav has written a gripping story that you won't want to put down for anything.  Its seriously that good.  I can't wait to see what she writes next.

5.  Music.  My tastes have been all over the place lately. I've been listening to Elton John, Pearl Jam, Paula Abdul, U2, Bon Jovi, Hole, and Foo Fighters.  Usually I listen to one band over and over all week, but I can't seem to focus on just one.  This is what I'm currently listening to:

Guns N' Roses! I love this song and the video.  Slash and his guitar - awesome!

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!!

Books I Want...

So many great books are coming out later this year and I want them all. I can't help it! I love me a Robert Langdon adventure and Dan Brown is delivering one come October.  Then there is the new Stephen King book that he wrote with his son, Owen - a major must-read!  Oh, and of course I'm eager to get my hands on the Vonnegut book - a collection of his short stories that I need to own and add to my personal KV collection.  Plus, the new book in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series that I plan on reading in one sitting (because I love that series so much!).  Like, I mentioned, there are so many great books to look forward to.  Here's my list of must-haves:

Talk about looking forward to Fall/Winter reading.  I know I can't wait for it.

Happy reading!!