Dear readers, please forgive me for I have sinned. It’s been THREE weeks since my last Sunday Post and weekly check-in… And apologies to any Catholic readers out there. I don’t mean to diss the practice of confession, but figured I should start with the obvious.
Anyway, let’s just say I’ve had a break-of-sorts over the last few weeks. Amazingly I missed my desk and writing, so I didn’t have a complete rest from book blogging but I did ease off A LOT on my reading over the last month or so.
As a result I’ll structure this post a little differently to usual.
Books and reading
I read and reviewed a few books but not as many as expected. Interestingly I didn’t even really miss reading, though think I’ve bounced back via Kill the Father by Sandrone Dazieri, which I’ve just finished; and CJ Carver’s Tell Me A Lie which I’m currently reading. Those reviews will be coming, but the others are already posted.
Blogging
There were some other posts…
I wrote about my holiday in New Zealand. I reviewed MY 2016 and #spoileralert, mine wasn’t too bad despite the loss of many celebrities. I also considered my blogging in 2016 and contemplated what interested my blog readers.
(Importantly!) I shared a post about Syria and World Vision cos I couldn’t get past some of the horrible videos surfacing of children in Aleppo.
World peace sorted, I wrote again about the stuff I want to do before turning 50 (holy f*ck say it isn’t so!) at the end of 2017 and am still on the lookout for a fifth item for my #5before50 list. I also shared some of my Netflix viewing!
And finally I wrote about an increasing propensity we seem to have towards one downmanship… a habit of trying to suggest WE have it worse than others and I bemoan those who are constantly negative on social media.
Life in general
I had visitors for Christmas and we all survived unscathed, and the day / visit wasn’t a complete disaster. I (unexpectedly) then had some cats staying with me for 10 days after Christmas and they were far more stressful. On a positive note… any desire I might have had (which was minimal anyway) to have pets was scuttled as I have been reminded I’m too much of a clean-freak, appreciate my own space and am basically just selfish and self-centred!
Lulu & Hermes
I babysat on New Year’s Eve and the three kids and I were all in bed by 9pm, so there were no frivolities, but… I also had a nice dinner out with friends and brunch with my mother for my birthday which falls between Christmas and New Year.
Next week
I started back at work last week, so am hoping (now I’m cat and visitor-free) to get into some routines. I should mention – for my overseas readers – that it’s summer here in Australia and kids are on holidays in December – January… so many around are still in holiday mode.
I’ve not done much exercise in the past few weeks and my reading routine has been interrupted. There have – however – been some new bookish arrivals over the past few weeks, so I’m slowly sorting my TBR pile and getting organised.
Did you do any reading over the holiday period? Are you still on holidays?
I’m linking up with Caffeinated Book Reviewer; and The Book Date for ‘It’s Monday!’
January 7, 2017
Oooooh, did I spy the new Jill Mansell in there????
January 7, 2017
Yes indeed. I think I received a few I didn’t request over the break.
January 8, 2017
Breaks are nice and some times really needed. 🙂 Those books all look pretty good so I hope you enjoyed them!
Stormi
January 8, 2017
I did Stormi and it was weird I didn’t miss reading as usually – if more than a few days go by without me picking up a book I feel a loss somehow!
January 8, 2017
I’ve just finished the Jill Mansell book and enjoyed it, may not be your kind of read though. I spy the new Natasha Lester book in your new pile she says enviously. Hopefully Hachette NZ will publish it here. Good idea to have some space from reading and blogging, I can’t do that now but I think I will in a few months once I clear my present pile. But I have slowed it down which is good.
January 8, 2017
I also got the new Candice Fox book Kathryn, out in late Jan, so need to prioritise that and Nathasha’s even though I can’t publish the reviews for a while.
January 8, 2017
You have been busy! I just got home from sitting for dogs at my friends house, and got over my want of another dog. Especially since we are having blizzard conditions. I enjoyed visiting with them, but was glad to be done. I am listening to The German Girl right now and am enjoying it.
January 8, 2017
I’ve cat-sat for my brother (SIL and niece) but it was at their place and it was probably a bit easier for the cats in their own environment… plus I guess I knew I could leave and the fur and fluff would stay there!
I need to get more into audiobooks this year. It’s one of my (unwritten) reading goals!
January 8, 2017
What a busy three weeks you’ve had! I would be wanting to get back to my routines as well.
January 9, 2017
It’s funny as I say I embrace change, but I do love my routines!
January 8, 2017
If you get an outside pet you can still have company without the clean up. Something like a cockateil. I’m going to start reading from a list of classics starting Monday.
January 9, 2017
I thought about a fish but I’d have to clean the bowl. So, meh… I shall remain pet-free!
Oh and the classics sound good Michelle, am keen to hear how you go and what you choose.
January 8, 2017
I have tried at various times over the years to have a pet, and each time, I fail miserably. I don’t like cleaning up after cats, and dogs in the house are truly annoying (IMO).
I tell my daughter and granddaughter, who think I hate animals, that I LOVE pictures of animals, or seeing other people’s pets (really, in small doses).
Of your books: I loved Faithful, and I’m very curious about The Watcher.
Off to check on your links…and BTW, loved your opening lines! It made me smile, and reminded me of Being Catholic, which I was for a few years (in my second marriage).
Thanks for visiting my blog.
January 9, 2017
I used to contemplate the idea of a cat but having to keep kitty litter and empty it etc seems like way too much effort. And then there’s the errant fur. Hmph!
January 8, 2017
I had an unintentional blogging break until last week, too. Sometimes it can be a good thing. 🙂 Have a great week!
January 9, 2017
Oh yes. I don’t mind if life gets in the way. Of course if it’s apathy I feel a tad guilty, but this time of year can be a busy one!
January 8, 2017
Sometimes breaks are good. Glad you survived Christmas (and the cats ha ha) how did you get stuck with them lol? They certainly looked like they were making themselves comfortable! And yeah pet watching can definitely cure one of the desire for pets!
New Years was not exciting here and I was fine w/ that. 🙂
I need to catch up on some of your postings. Hope you’re having a good weekend.
the Watcher looks trippy.
January 9, 2017
I’m not a big NYE person Greg so I volunteered to babysit for a friend who had to go away. I can’t remember the last time I went somewhere. There was something on locally that I could have taken the kids too but I drove past when getting pizza for their dinner and the crowds were horrendous and others said they went home after being unable to find a carpark!
January 8, 2017
Yay for a blogging break! Sometimes it’s nice to take a little time off, and just relax. Have a good week, and happy reading! 🙂
January 8, 2017
It sounds like you had a busy, enjoyable Christmas even if you found the cats a bit much. As for taking a break from reading – it sometimes happens like that, doesn’t it? Right now I’m in full-on reading mode, but when I do suddenly feel the need to break away, it will strike out of the blue for no apparent reasons I can think of… Have a good week, Deb:)
My Sunday Post – https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/01/08/sunday-post-8th-january-2017/
January 8, 2017
I think taking breaks when we need to is really important, Deb! I’m glad your Christmas bash went well and you had a good time with your family 🙂
It sounds like you’re ready to take on the real world again and that’s good, right? I woke up this morning to a thin cover of snow, and it’s so beautiful outside. Freddy, of course, went a little crazy in the white stuff, so I’ll have videos next week 😉
Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading.
January 8, 2017
I have read but didn’t blog, well. It till this week. It was lovely to be away from the computer for a while and just read for readings sake. Glad your Christmas visits went well, though I wouldn’t want to give the cats back!
January 8, 2017
I started back to work on Thursday and it was hard to get back into a routine. I actually did read a bit over the holidays which was good and I got really into blogging again. The cats are beautiful. I love cats!
January 8, 2017
We all definitely need a little break sometimes! But welcome back 😉
Glad to hear your Christmas went well. We had a nice slow Christmas with some really tasty food. To bad it’s already over!
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
January 8, 2017
Breaks are good 🙂 Glad Christmas went well and I wish was in bed at 9 on NYE. Happy reading and have a great week!!
January 9, 2017
I love the five before fifty list. For many years (mine used to say 40), I’ve added to a list of the 100 Things I Will Always Do Now That I’m 50 (and, oops, I need to update that as of last year to 60). It’s nice to have a few ideas on how to be better. Just not so many as to be intimidating, I think.
Here’s my Sunday Salon!
January 9, 2017
Oh yes, I went with ‘5’ thinking it was doable. But my Bucket List book means I need to add some more stuff. Another friend started hers and added in things she’d already done… which could get rid of 20 or so things for me!
January 9, 2017
Breaks are good, I took off for 15 days and it was needed. Getting back into a routine is hard though. I am loving your TBR pile and look forward to reading the reviews!
January 9, 2017
A couple of books on the TBR pile weren’t books I requested so I’ve given them away, but will read the majority. I had a very slow reading December and am watching WAY too much Netflix so am not yet sure how my January reading will go!
January 9, 2017
Sometimes we struggle when we step out of our routine during holiday time and get stressed out, so yes, I can see where your reading was affected. Mine is still being affected, as I find myself watching Netflix more than picking up a book. I blame it on holiday-hangover. I’m glad you had a good holiday, but hope your next week ahead is more relaxing for you… and yay for books that jump-start our reading routine again!
January 9, 2017
Ah Rita, I’m doing the same. I’ve only had Netflix for just over a month and there are SO MANY SHOWS I want to watch. I’ve got a ‘no reading or TV during the day’ rule and usually I read for longer early evening but at the moment I’m cutting it short to watch TV!
January 9, 2017
I didn’t get much reading done around Christmas but I’ve done okay since the New Year started. It’s so hard to get back to a routine with work and exercise and all that! Your TBR pile looks amazing! I can see why you were relieved for the cats to go home. Having other people’s pets in your house is just kind of weird even if you are a pet person! Have a great week!
January 9, 2017
I used to cat-sit for my brother SIL and niece Katherine but did that at their place and I guess the cats know their way around. The very first morning the cats were here I was awoken at 4.30am but a spat they had with a neighbourhood cat, so that stressed me for a few days. They don’t use kitty litter so I had to leave a cat-flap open for them and I was worried the other cat would come in when I was out etc…
January 9, 2017
Welcome back! Lovely to see you! I’ve also been MIA for a while and backwards and forwards on mini breaks so I wasn’t sure who was actually around ovee the festive season and who wasn’t!
I’m glad you had a mini break though and even though you were still writing it sounds as though it was all on your own terms and rather relaxed?
Summer had been wonderful and although wet it’s been great spending so much time outside with kids around! I need to take advantage of the warm weather some more before it runs away and I’m moaning about the shorter days and cold
Hope you have a lovely week and a wonderful year ahead!
January 9, 2017
Thanks so much Di and you’re right… I told myself I ‘could’ have a month off but found I missed my writing after a few days and ended up at my computer anyway – but doing it on my own terms was great. (Which I guess I could / should be doing anyway, as it’s an unpaid gig / hobby!)
January 9, 2017
Lulu and Hermes are so cute! You know, sometimes it’s good to take a break from everything, especially reading. ~Aleen
January 9, 2017
True… and even though I’ve mentioned it I really didn’t feel bad about it and it was weird I didn’t miss it.
January 9, 2017
You know, now that you’ve mentioned taking a break from blogging, I’ve been thinking of doing that, too, for quite some time now. However, I KNOW I’d be feeling absolutely miserable if I weren’t blogging nearly every day, so I guess that’s out! Lol. Anyway, you’re forgiven! Your penance is to say, about 500 times, “I will continue to blog no matter what.” (Just kidding!!)
I’m not familiar with the books you’ve mentioned, so I’ll have to check them out. The cover of the Alice Hoffmann book is GORGEOUS!! I think I’ll use it for my weekly cover feature, “Shelf Candy Saturday”. I LOVE the color blue!!
I’ve been on vacation since December 23rd, and I’m going back to work tomorrow. Yup, two weeks off!! LOVED IT!!! The downside is that I didn’t get any vacation pay….. 🙁 That’s because I work part-time, so, no benefits are included with the job. I still needed the time off, though!)
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my own “Sunday Post” post!! <3 : )
January 9, 2017
Maria, I only work part-time but am a permanent employee so get holiday pay – however… I don’t work Monday or Friday so miss out on most public holidays anyway! The week away from work was nice and I thought about adding an extra week, but I also only get half the holidays of others so didn’t want to waste them when I didn’t have other commitments.
And yes, the Hoffman cover is lovely! x
January 9, 2017
I love the holidays, but there’s something so inspiring and refreshing about being able to get back into a routine! At least for a little while, anyway.
January 9, 2017
Oh yes, I’m simultaneously excited and overwhelmed about my writing plans for the year Jane!
January 9, 2017
Welcome back! Haha! The kitty is adorable!! I wish I could talk my husband into getting one! XD The Watcher looks really interesting! Enjoy all your new books and have a great week 😀
Here’s my Weekly Recap
January 9, 2017
The cats are very cute – both Burmese. I’ll be happy to visit them from time to time! 🙂
January 9, 2017
I NEED to get back to my routine. I’ve had teens traipsing in and out of the house for two weeks, late mornings, sleepovers and late night movies. Enough already. 😀 My kids are back in school this Tuesday and I will have some peace and quiet to do more reading. I’ve had my eye on To The Sea after seeing it on various blog. Hope you loved it.
January 9, 2017
I did enjoy To The Sea Laura. I’m actually interviewing the author as well and am looking forward to that.
January 9, 2017
Faithful is on my list and I’ve added The Watcher. Beautiful cats! Happy Reading and Writing!
January 9, 2017
*GASP* How DARE you miss any Sunday Posts?! 😛
Ahaha I love that the cats were more stressful than the people. I love pets and petting them and whatnot, but yeah I don’t think I could handle actually taking care of any myself or having them all over my stuff.
Have a great week!
January 9, 2017
Oh I know… not sure how I’d cope with living with another person if I can’t live with two small cats Kristen?!
January 9, 2017
I read about 8 books in December, Deb!! I discoverd Jll Shalvis Lucky Harbour series and hoovered up 6 of them. I read JImmy Barnes’s memoir and another book now which escapes me and I’m on the treadmill so not gettng off to check 🙂
I’ve alredy read 3 books in Jan too!
Although I think that’ll take a back seat now I finally have Outlander season 2 and from a FB rec I started watchig Jane the Virgin on Netflix which I’m really enjoing for its quirkiness.
January 9, 2017
You’ve had a good couple of reading months Amy! And you’re writing, so that’s wonderful.
I got halfway through Jane the Virgin on free-to-air TV and missed an episode so am glad it’s on Netflix so I can catch up!
January 10, 2017
It sounds like you had a nice break, but getting back to the grind of things can be hard (as I’m finding out right now!)
January 10, 2017
Oh yes, very true. It’s my second week back at work this week and seems no easier!
January 10, 2017
I think I love you! Onedownmanship… I’ve never ever heard it but I love the idea!!!!!!!! Yes I do!!! And thank you for alerting me to Aleppo in Syria. Despite trying to follow the news, I haven’t heard anything about that area. My bad for sure!
It’s nice to take a break every once in a while, right? Not good for the reviews but it hasn’t hurt your TBR too much hopefully!!!
Hope you’re having an awesome summer and I’ll go check out your 5 before 50 to see if I have any ideas. I need to start thinking down that road. I’m 2 away from that one 😀 YAY!!!
Have a great week!!
January 10, 2017
It’s a great term isn’t it… one-downmanship!? I can’t even recall where I read it but it stuck with me and makes sense.
January 10, 2017
WOW Debbie! what’s with the haircut and the color????. OMG. I can’t take an involuntary leave from the blogosphere and then I come back to.. WOW! you look AWESOME!!! Love it!!! Ok. Gotta rush now. I’ll be back to read your post. Just wanted to leave this comment.
January 10, 2017
Oh thanks. I’m actually not loving the short brown look. I didn’t mind myself short and blonde but the brown just doesn’t’ feel like me, so I’m growing it again. I think I’ll go with a long short look – if that makes sense….
January 10, 2017
I’m all for breaks when needed – whether planned or unplanned. Blog breaks, reading breaks, work breaks… sometimes you just need it. Things to do before 50… I guess I should have been thinking about that since I am fast running out of time. Like a year and a half. (Note to self: schedule life-planning session to sort out Turning 50 bucket list. LOL) Cats in my home for 10 days sounds rather nightmarish. I am *not* a pet person. My house = no pets, plants or kids. My motto is if you can’t fend for yourself you can’t stay here. Ha!
January 10, 2017
Ha! Love that notion Tanya! I actually have some indoor plants I’ve managed not to kill – though their predecessors weren’t so fortunate!
January 10, 2017
Nice week and nice books.
ENJOY this week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
January 10, 2017
Hey there Elizabeth, it’s nice to be back!
January 10, 2017
I wish I were still on holiday, but unfortunately it is back to work… LOL.
I hear you about the one down ship–both that and the one upman ship thing is annoying. Let’s share experiences, possibly empathize and show ways, but also help others…
It looks like you have some great reads planned. Good luck with that!
January 10, 2017
Yes, I’m back at work too… last week was pretty quiet but at least more people are around this week!
January 10, 2017
Some gorgeous covers, you’ve got there. Also, I’m a bit jealous of the New Zealand holiday. It’s been on my wish list for a long time! Have a good week!
January 11, 2017
Oh it was lovely. My friend was apologetic about the weather but I was happy with the cool, windy and wet summer as it’s always so hot here in (my part of) Australia in summer!
January 10, 2017
I love the covers for Faithful and To the Sea! You have recieved quite a few books recently, they should keep you busy! Happy reading! 🙂
January 11, 2017
Ah yes, my TBR pile is depressing and I’m only going to the Post Office once a week to avoid additional overwhelm!
January 11, 2017
HA! You made me laugh with the pet free statement. 🙂 OH YEAH I hear you Debbie! I love dogs but love my dogless life even more 🙂 Glad you are pet free again 🙂
January 11, 2017
Yay! Almost a week has passed and I’ve only just gotten around to washing the bright mat / rug which was vomited on….
January 12, 2017
Faithful, The Watcher, and Tell Me A Lie look really interesting! Here in Puerto Rico, holidays just ended. Our Christmas lasts a lot haha
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
January 12, 2017
I love extended holidays Gen and it’s a nice time of year – though I’d prefer it was winter here too!
January 15, 2017
My sins are worse it has been several months since my last Sunday Post!! I’m interested to see how you got on with The Watcher, it is on my TBR pile and I just haven’t got round to it yet!
January 15, 2017
I recall you having a break when you went on your o/s holiday Heather. I find it a pretty easy link-up to join each week… and it’s handy to remind myself what I got up to!!!!