Saturday, April 11, 2020

Another day in. I'm excited. Just finished listening to Oliver Sacks' book Gratitude. It's absolutely wonderful and inspiring. Got me up and moving -- I was just going to waste the day because, well, I felt like crap emotionally. Ugh!

Discovered I had three more books available, so I immediately downloaded them and started reading one: The Secret, Book and Scone Society, the first book in a new series by Ellery Adams. Two chapters in, I'm hooked! Here are a few quotes that caught my eye and heart:  In response to how she selects a pastry, Nora says she only wonders, "Can I eat that without having to put my book down."  Truly a wise method! To a potential client/reader: "...books, once opened, reveal our communal story. And, if you're lucky, the words in those books will force you to grapple the hardest truths of your life." And, best of all: "Becoming a reader is a change for the better. Stories are like people. If you don't approach them with an open mind and a healthy dose of respect, they won't reveal their hidden selves to you. In that event, you'll miss out on what they have to offer." Wonderful words echoing my feelings and thoughts I less eloquently tried to share with readers over the years. Oh, how I wish I'd  had those words to share at some book group gatherings!!! Looking forward to settling in later and finishing the book.

Going to do a little cleaning up around here and then write some letters. It's April 11th and I haven't written much despite wanting to write a letter every day since April is National Letter Writing Month. Feel inspired by Mr. Sacks' words, so going to shake the doldrums and get writing. Wish me luck, bonne chance, buena suerte, powodzenia and more. Now to enjoy a cuppa and begin!




Tuesday, April 7, 2020

April 7, 2020

Oh, my goodness. It's been a year? Worse, it's now a weird world. How do I focus on this piece in this crazy time? Maybe just mention a few bits and pieces of how the past year went.


  • read over 100 books last year -- Yay! Enjoyed so many that were out of my usual preferences
  • move to advance level in Tai Chi
  • lost my last furry friend, Shadow, in December 2018
  • stopped writing, including writing letters, my most favorite way of communicating
  • developed more and more severe allergies and struggled with bronchitis for over five months now; have a very annoying, aggravating, blah, blah, blah cough that will not go away!  
  • because of above, had to stop going to classes and meetings except those online -- miss them

So, this is me and my life for now.  Like many, I am trying to make a new life out of a restricted structure with health issues compounding it. Not a fan of being hobbled, so I am constantly on the lookout for fun things people are doing (and there are many!) and am trying a few.  Started making all kinds of recipes and meals I haven't made before or in a long time. Happy results most of the time. Also, decided to start wearing my "good" clothes everyday, clothes I usually wear out in public or for special occasions. I'm really enjoying this!

Well, a brief update. Hope to start writing more (deja vu, eh?) here and elsewhere. And reading more. Finished a mystery last night: Tea Cups and Carnage by Lynn Cahoon. A fun read with a very interesting twist! 

Well, need to eat since I haven't eaten since tea and a bagel this morning. Sigh. Have a wonderful day!



C