Monday, January 21, 2013

Monday Maunder: January 21, 2013


ON READING

I finished my first book of 2013 this week, FINALLY!  As I mentioned in previous maunderings, I was reading The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.  I have some mixed feelings about this book and I cannot wait to share a review with you.  Since I am still in the midst of my blog face-lift, I will not be posting the review for another week or more, but be sure to read it and share your thoughts.  This could be a good one to discuss!

The next book I'm in the middle of is Leaving a Trace:  The Art of Transforming a Life into Stories by Alexandra Johnson.  This book has been amazing on so many levels!!  It shares some highlights from famous author's journals, tips on journaling, and writing tips in general.  I never expected to enjoy it as much as I am.


Last, but not least, I am participating in the Winter's Respite Readathon.  I am not putting together a pile of books this time around, but rather just grabbing as I go.  I will say that my next book will be Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky as a friend has lent the book to me and I need to get it back to her soon!  After that, who knows!!  I will keep you posted by sharing an update later in the week or you can follow my updates on Twitter.

What's your reading plans for the week?  Are you participating in the readathon?

ON BLOGGING

I did not get a lot of my tasks done last week, but I am hoping for a big push this week.  The month is quickly coming to an end and I still have a number of things to complete!  In the meantime, be sure to check out ALL my current giveaways!  A few are closing this weekend and more next weekend!

I am also gearing up for another fantastic year of Armchair BEA!!!  Be watching the website this week for more news to come!!

Have you participated in Armchair BEA in the past?  Do you plan on participating this year?

ON WRITING

My writing is on a bit of a hiatus, but I am working on journaling more.  I love how writing in a journal helps me in so many ways.  It's like a mental workout for my words, but it is also so very cathartic, especially when you write it long-hand.  Some day, I want to write a whole post about this topic, but am not sure how or what to focus on.  There is simply so much to write about here!!

Would you be interested in reading and chatting about journals?

ON LIFE

Ugh!  Thank heavens I had a long weekend to recover from last week.  Overall, it went well, but one little event really overshadows everything ... the first meeting with our realtor!  I became a bit overwhelmed thinking about all that is looming in the weeks ahead, preparing my house to go on the market in 6-8 weeks, and realizing that this move is very real and I am really not ready for it ... despite my experience with multiple moves over the years.  Honestly, the best advice I've received so far is to remember to breath!!!

Since I'm an organizer at heart, I established a 7 week plan outlining the tasks that we need to do to prepare, from packing to cleaning to tending to cosmetic issues.  Seeing the plan has really helped to also ease my stress and makes me feel better.  And, I'm hoping to keep up with my writing and blogging throughout to keep myself grounded.  I guess we will see how it goes!!

What keeps you grounded in times of stress?  Do you want to share stories of what it was like to sell your house, for the first or subsequent time (preferably tinged with humor!)?

Until next week ...

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for joining in on another of my read-a-thons, Tif! I hope you get some good reading in this week.

    Looking forward to your review of The Casual Vacancy. =O)

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    1. Michelle @ The True Book Addict ... You're welcome and thank YOU for hosting!! :)

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  2. Congrats on finishing your first read! Will keep an eye out for your review, as I'm reading mixed reviews on this one. Not taking part in the read-a-thon, as I tend to do lousy, but am cheering the participants on! Go Tif! :)

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    1. Alexia561 ... Thank you!! Yesterday's reading was not as successful as Monday, but hoping for a better day today! :)

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  3. Popping over from the bloggers Google+ group. I love your blog! Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great book, Charlie is such a great main character, I hope you enjoy it :)

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    1. Patrice Caldwell ... Welcome to my site!! I'm glad you love it!! And, I can't wait to dive into Perks!!

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  4. I'll be curious to see what you thought about The Casual Vacancy. My husband really enjoyed it, but I know others felt differently.

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    1. Michelle Shannon ... I will keep you posted! I started out with some pretty mixed feelings and I'm still not 100% sure of what I think!!

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  5. Tif, you still have no idea where you'll be moving to?

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    1. Amateur Novelist ... We do! We are heading to Iowa, but it will only be for one year. We do not know where we are going after that though.

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    2. Wow! Be sure to post lots of pics. I've never been to that state. :)

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    3. Amateur Novelist ... I will!! I plan to take lots more pictures this next year!!

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