Paris... Italy... Scotland... I'm game! ~ It’s been a difficult few weeks since my dog, Rocky, passed away. Even at 16, it happened so quickly that I’m still trying to process it all. I’m heartbroken—he had such a big personality and was pure love. ~ I didn’t read much, but I finished writing a play.
Olivia I am SO sorry to hear this. It’s the hardest thing — the honor of shepherding them through their lives is a joy and a burden. May all your memories of Rocky be good, and be gentle with yourself. Sending big hugs!
It’s been a crazy week at work between the full moon and Friday the 13th, but my coworkers and I managed to laugh our way through it. They are my happy place! I am incredibly lucky.
After finishing the fabulous Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber, this is this week’s list:
Anima Rising by Christopher Moore
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood by Anne Soon Choi
Last Seen by JT Ellison
Letters from the Dead by Isabella Valeri
Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
And enjoy King of Ashes by the phenomenal S.A. Cosby! It was great reading it while watching the wild limited HBO true crime series The Mortician.
I always enjoy your newsletters so much! All too often in our current "interesting" times (I'm tired of living in "interesting times"), I feel like I'm grasping for happiness that is just out of reach. And being pulled mentally and physically in way too many directions. But I always appreciate those reminders to be present in the moment and focus on the moments that bring true joy, because it's too easy to forget to do that in our chaotic lives. I'm happier when I have lots of writing time, but alas, this was one of those crazy weeks where I was pulled in so many different directions I couldn't focus my brain on the writing when I did have a few moments here and there. But we're leaving on a nice road trip vacay to Maine and Quebec soon, where I'll spend lots of time in nature and in the lovely, European-feeling Quebec City, so I hope to come home relaxed and rejuvenated!
Yes, would love to do more of what makes me happy! But alas, I must work to pay for those things, hahaha! More time to play board game and video games with my husband and build Lego together. And more time to craft and read!
I'm currently reading Night Whispers by Judith McNaught. So far it's a captivating read. I'm also reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. Although it's going to be sucked back to the library before I can get anywhere near finishing - I don't read digitally very often, usually only when I'm on the treadmill or waiting somewhere.
Sorry to hear that this last week was nutso. It is harder to deal with even little things when the world is in such chaos. I've been trying all year--still can't believe we're already 6 months in--to insert more little joyful moments into everyday life. You're right we can't do them all the time, but that is why they're special. Some of my favs are--calling one of my friends in Colorado, or a loved one, not texting or using Marco, but an actual phone call; a thirty-minute guilt free nap; reading a bit more than usual in the morning before starting writing, game time after dinner with the kids; snuggle time with the hubs, which is more random talking than snuggling cuz I'm not super tactile insert smiley face; a long, indulgent bubble bath, which with the increasing heat right now is more of a winter joy for me. And so on.
Question about the newsletter. Does it have to be on a specific day? As a person who adores newsletters, my favorite time to get them is Sunday morning. Emma Gannon does this because she does a slow Sunday scroll. I love it. Usually, Sundays are my chill days. Church and family time. And lots of down time.
I'm still reading HIDDEN PICTURES. I'm taking it slow to keep the nerves from constantly firing. The hubs is travelling this week so I'm not sure if I'll be reading it while he's gone. I also started LIGHTENING IN A MASON JAR by Catherine Mann. I'm only about a quarter away in but it's giving me STEEL MAGNOLIAS vibes. It's set in a small town in South Carolina and is about female friendship during trauma and survival. It's told with scenes from two different time periods. I love that it's based on a cookbook with hidden instructions inside it for women who are in trouble and need help but can't get it the traditional ways. Also, there's a good looking, grumpy game warden as what appears to be a possible love interest. All this to say, yes ma'am, I'm here for it.
Love the sound of lightning in a mason jar! What a clever concept!
The week was just full of construction ups, so multiple trades in and out. But we are all done so hurrah! We now have a purple island - which talk about happy making was the inspiration for this post.
So I’m always sent the monthly on Thursday evenings as that’s been my best open rate. I used to do this weekly blog on Sundays - Sunday Smatterings - and it had links as well as books. But I needed up feeling like I was working on the weekend, not that this is work, per se, but so many times I just want to be shut down and away from the net over the weekend.
But I’ve been thinking about Sundays for the newsletter - because once a month and no need to monitor for conversation. So I might do it! But also lots of competition from substack on that day. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’ve been doing a lot of what makes me happy the last two weeks. Reading! This week I finished No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell, This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter and am halfway through She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica. I’m waiting semi patiently for my copy of King of Ashes to arrive.
Happy Fri the 13th! I love the idea of doing more of what makes you happy. It's hard to achieve but like many things, start with little changes and before you know it you're doing it!
I don't like to get political and its been a crazy week for sure. We had an ICE raid at a packing plant in Omaha this week. We have MANY packing plants in Nebraska and in a former life, ive worked in 2 of them. I worked an office job scheduling what the plants made. Part of my training for both jobs was to go and work on the floor some. These are pretty much miserable jobs. It's cold (bone chilling cold), you're standing all day on hard concrete, lots of repetitive montions....I could go on an on. And yes, most of these jobs are filled by VERY hard working immigrants.
I love Jayne Ann Krentz and I can't wait to see you two together!
What i read this week:
ITS A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan. This book is a delight and I'm so glad I discovered this author!
MEET ME AT THE LAKE by Carley Fortune. This was another winner for me and her books are set in Canada...so its interesting to learn about Canada!
Our wedding last Sat was wonderful. The reception was in a machine shed but they did a fantastic job dressing it up. Think lots of white drapes and 3 chandeliers!
We have another family wedding this Sat, so lots of family time...again....good thing I adore all of my in laws!!
We’re living through some interesting times, that is for sure. I just want things peaceful. And hate people being in harm’s way, or torn asunder. Not realistic, I know, but putting it out there as love instead.
You’re on a Carley Fortune kick! Love it. And glad the wedding was fun!!! Sounds delightful.
When I find an author i like I immediately got to their backlist....did the same thing when I discovered you, when you co-wrote with Catherine Coulter.
I read about 100 books a year so I need new authors...although my TBR pile is insane...lol
Good thing you do adore your in laws, and weddings are exactly more of what we need now. Happy things like the intertwining of love in a machine shed--love that. I love that you have more joy to fill your life right now, and that you're sharing it with us. I can't wait to hear about this next one too.
Paris... Italy... Scotland... I'm game! ~ It’s been a difficult few weeks since my dog, Rocky, passed away. Even at 16, it happened so quickly that I’m still trying to process it all. I’m heartbroken—he had such a big personality and was pure love. ~ I didn’t read much, but I finished writing a play.
Olivia I am SO sorry to hear this. It’s the hardest thing — the honor of shepherding them through their lives is a joy and a burden. May all your memories of Rocky be good, and be gentle with yourself. Sending big hugs!
🩷
It’s been a crazy week at work between the full moon and Friday the 13th, but my coworkers and I managed to laugh our way through it. They are my happy place! I am incredibly lucky.
After finishing the fabulous Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber, this is this week’s list:
Anima Rising by Christopher Moore
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood by Anne Soon Choi
Last Seen by JT Ellison
Letters from the Dead by Isabella Valeri
Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
And enjoy King of Ashes by the phenomenal S.A. Cosby! It was great reading it while watching the wild limited HBO true crime series The Mortician.
Hi Brandee! I spy with my little eye… : )
Great list - I’m heading to Alchemy of Secrets now….
Alas… it’s not out yet. That story looks amazing. 🤩
I always enjoy your newsletters so much! All too often in our current "interesting" times (I'm tired of living in "interesting times"), I feel like I'm grasping for happiness that is just out of reach. And being pulled mentally and physically in way too many directions. But I always appreciate those reminders to be present in the moment and focus on the moments that bring true joy, because it's too easy to forget to do that in our chaotic lives. I'm happier when I have lots of writing time, but alas, this was one of those crazy weeks where I was pulled in so many different directions I couldn't focus my brain on the writing when I did have a few moments here and there. But we're leaving on a nice road trip vacay to Maine and Quebec soon, where I'll spend lots of time in nature and in the lovely, European-feeling Quebec City, so I hope to come home relaxed and rejuvenated!
I love both Maine and Quebec. Can I jump in your suitcase? Wonderful plan to have some quiet getaway time. And thank you for the kind words. ♥️
I am currently reading, What If I Never Get Over You, by Paige Toon.
New to me - thank you!
Yes, would love to do more of what makes me happy! But alas, I must work to pay for those things, hahaha! More time to play board game and video games with my husband and build Lego together. And more time to craft and read!
I'm currently reading Night Whispers by Judith McNaught. So far it's a captivating read. I'm also reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. Although it's going to be sucked back to the library before I can get anywhere near finishing - I don't read digitally very often, usually only when I'm on the treadmill or waiting somewhere.
Midnight is one of the best books ever written. I loved it! Maybe happiness is tied to time… HMMM……
Sorry to hear that this last week was nutso. It is harder to deal with even little things when the world is in such chaos. I've been trying all year--still can't believe we're already 6 months in--to insert more little joyful moments into everyday life. You're right we can't do them all the time, but that is why they're special. Some of my favs are--calling one of my friends in Colorado, or a loved one, not texting or using Marco, but an actual phone call; a thirty-minute guilt free nap; reading a bit more than usual in the morning before starting writing, game time after dinner with the kids; snuggle time with the hubs, which is more random talking than snuggling cuz I'm not super tactile insert smiley face; a long, indulgent bubble bath, which with the increasing heat right now is more of a winter joy for me. And so on.
Question about the newsletter. Does it have to be on a specific day? As a person who adores newsletters, my favorite time to get them is Sunday morning. Emma Gannon does this because she does a slow Sunday scroll. I love it. Usually, Sundays are my chill days. Church and family time. And lots of down time.
I'm still reading HIDDEN PICTURES. I'm taking it slow to keep the nerves from constantly firing. The hubs is travelling this week so I'm not sure if I'll be reading it while he's gone. I also started LIGHTENING IN A MASON JAR by Catherine Mann. I'm only about a quarter away in but it's giving me STEEL MAGNOLIAS vibes. It's set in a small town in South Carolina and is about female friendship during trauma and survival. It's told with scenes from two different time periods. I love that it's based on a cookbook with hidden instructions inside it for women who are in trouble and need help but can't get it the traditional ways. Also, there's a good looking, grumpy game warden as what appears to be a possible love interest. All this to say, yes ma'am, I'm here for it.
Thanks JT for the shot of normalcy!!
Love the sound of lightning in a mason jar! What a clever concept!
The week was just full of construction ups, so multiple trades in and out. But we are all done so hurrah! We now have a purple island - which talk about happy making was the inspiration for this post.
So I’m always sent the monthly on Thursday evenings as that’s been my best open rate. I used to do this weekly blog on Sundays - Sunday Smatterings - and it had links as well as books. But I needed up feeling like I was working on the weekend, not that this is work, per se, but so many times I just want to be shut down and away from the net over the weekend.
But I’ve been thinking about Sundays for the newsletter - because once a month and no need to monitor for conversation. So I might do it! But also lots of competition from substack on that day. Thanks for the suggestion!
I hope a picture of the island is forthcoming. I agree about no work on the weekends. We all need to rest and recharge.
Yes I need a picture of the purple island too. That's my favorite color!!
I’ve been doing a lot of what makes me happy the last two weeks. Reading! This week I finished No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell, This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter and am halfway through She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica. I’m waiting semi patiently for my copy of King of Ashes to arrive.
Semipatiently - you’re better than me! I couldn’t wait and kindle’d it!
I thought about buying it for my kindle, also. It’s one I really want in hardback though!
Happy Fri the 13th! I love the idea of doing more of what makes you happy. It's hard to achieve but like many things, start with little changes and before you know it you're doing it!
I don't like to get political and its been a crazy week for sure. We had an ICE raid at a packing plant in Omaha this week. We have MANY packing plants in Nebraska and in a former life, ive worked in 2 of them. I worked an office job scheduling what the plants made. Part of my training for both jobs was to go and work on the floor some. These are pretty much miserable jobs. It's cold (bone chilling cold), you're standing all day on hard concrete, lots of repetitive montions....I could go on an on. And yes, most of these jobs are filled by VERY hard working immigrants.
I love Jayne Ann Krentz and I can't wait to see you two together!
What i read this week:
ITS A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan. This book is a delight and I'm so glad I discovered this author!
MEET ME AT THE LAKE by Carley Fortune. This was another winner for me and her books are set in Canada...so its interesting to learn about Canada!
Our wedding last Sat was wonderful. The reception was in a machine shed but they did a fantastic job dressing it up. Think lots of white drapes and 3 chandeliers!
We have another family wedding this Sat, so lots of family time...again....good thing I adore all of my in laws!!
We’re living through some interesting times, that is for sure. I just want things peaceful. And hate people being in harm’s way, or torn asunder. Not realistic, I know, but putting it out there as love instead.
You’re on a Carley Fortune kick! Love it. And glad the wedding was fun!!! Sounds delightful.
When I find an author i like I immediately got to their backlist....did the same thing when I discovered you, when you co-wrote with Catherine Coulter.
I read about 100 books a year so I need new authors...although my TBR pile is insane...lol
I'm going to have to check out Carley Fortune - I'm from Canada, so it's nice to read books set in your own country sometimes :)
Love that your life is filled with weddings right now. So much fun and love!
I discovered Carley Fortune by accident and I'm happy I did. The books are romance and usually set in a lake community.
We have one more wedding in Aug and then we're done...at least for this year!
Good thing you do adore your in laws, and weddings are exactly more of what we need now. Happy things like the intertwining of love in a machine shed--love that. I love that you have more joy to fill your life right now, and that you're sharing it with us. I can't wait to hear about this next one too.