I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics.
On Monday I sent a reluctant Mouse off to school and spent much of the school day doing laundry and working on my blog, trying to get ahead. I did not make as much progress as I hoped, but I did make some. So that's something. It was back to work on Tuesday. My new manager took the supervisor team out for lunch, which was a nice and rare treat. Mandatory overtime has started up again at my husband's workplace. It seems to be the norm this time of year. Hopefully it will not last long. The rest of the week was pretty routine. Mouse is back to her dance classes. Unfortunately the Girl Scout meeting was cancelled due to too much illness going around. It worked out for me though because it made the transition back to our regular routine a little easier than if we'd jumped back in with both feet first.
What I Am Reading: I am eager to start this month's TBR List Poll winner. I am nearly finished with Genevieve Cogman's The Secret Chapter, which I am enjoying very much. I finished my first book of the year, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. It definitely deserves all the praise my fellow bloggers have given it.
What I Am Watching: I am still making my way through The Vampire Diaries. I am about halfway through the second season. There is much I had forgotten about the early seasons of the show. We have also been watching a lot of Disney+, catching up on all the princess movies (all thanks to Mouse).
Listening To: Nothing at the moment. I do hope to start an audiobook this week. That's the plan anyway.
Worried About: Those facing the seemingly never-ending fires in Australia and everyone impacted by the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. A friend, who also is one of Mouse's former Girl Scout leaders, and her family live in Puerto Rico and have been sharing photos and reports of the damage caused and the current situation there. Some still haven't recovered from the devastating Hurricane Maria. To go from that and then seeing the damage and lives lost (animals included) in Australia, is just heartbreaking.
Closer to home, I am worried about my Great Aunt who had surgery last Tuesday to have an aortic aneurysm removed. She's being tested for pneumonia after they found fluid in her lungs yesterday. My mom is staying with her and her aunt's partner (who has early stage Alzheimer's) for a few weeks to help when her aunt gets home from the hospital. I also am worried about a friend who is fighting colon cancer. She had her first surgery last weekend (two more to go) and is doing well. This is just the start of her treatment. A coworker of mine (we've worked together for over 15 years) is suffering from acute leukemia of the bones and blood, and undergoing treatment for that. Prayers or healing thoughts are appreciated.
Grateful For: My friend in Puerto Rico who has raised over $1200 to help her community, especially those in desperate need of aid. I am grateful for her as well as all the other Good Samaritans out there doing what they can to help. Also for the firefighters who are risking their lives and working long hours to save Australia. And those donating time and resources to help that cause as well.
It seems silly after such serious matters to add that I am thankful for the sticky notes my daughter leaves around the house for me, reminding me she loves me. And yet I am so grateful for her kindness and love.
Listening To: Nothing at the moment. I do hope to start an audiobook this week. That's the plan anyway.
Worried About: Those facing the seemingly never-ending fires in Australia and everyone impacted by the earthquakes in Puerto Rico. A friend, who also is one of Mouse's former Girl Scout leaders, and her family live in Puerto Rico and have been sharing photos and reports of the damage caused and the current situation there. Some still haven't recovered from the devastating Hurricane Maria. To go from that and then seeing the damage and lives lost (animals included) in Australia, is just heartbreaking.
Closer to home, I am worried about my Great Aunt who had surgery last Tuesday to have an aortic aneurysm removed. She's being tested for pneumonia after they found fluid in her lungs yesterday. My mom is staying with her and her aunt's partner (who has early stage Alzheimer's) for a few weeks to help when her aunt gets home from the hospital. I also am worried about a friend who is fighting colon cancer. She had her first surgery last weekend (two more to go) and is doing well. This is just the start of her treatment. A coworker of mine (we've worked together for over 15 years) is suffering from acute leukemia of the bones and blood, and undergoing treatment for that. Prayers or healing thoughts are appreciated.
Grateful For: My friend in Puerto Rico who has raised over $1200 to help her community, especially those in desperate need of aid. I am grateful for her as well as all the other Good Samaritans out there doing what they can to help. Also for the firefighters who are risking their lives and working long hours to save Australia. And those donating time and resources to help that cause as well.
It seems silly after such serious matters to add that I am thankful for the sticky notes my daughter leaves around the house for me, reminding me she loves me. And yet I am so grateful for her kindness and love.
Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week?
Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:
My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).
Thank you to everyone who voted in this month's poll. I had four great choices I could not choose between, and I appreciate the help!
The Late Great Wizard (Wayward Mages, #1) by Sara Hanover came in 4th with 4 votes.
Spectacle (Spectacle, #1) by Jodie Lynn Zdrok came in 3rd with 6 votes.
Gilded Wolves (Gilded Wolves, #1) by Roshani Chokoshi came in 2nd with 9 votes.
and the winner, with 11 votes, is . . .
Set in a fractured United States, in the southwestern country now known as Texoma. A world where magic is acknowledged but mistrusted, especially by a young gunslinger named Lizbeth Rose. Battered by a run across the border to Mexico Lizbeth Rose takes a job offer from a pair of Russian wizards to be their local guide and gunnie. For the wizards, Gunnie Rose has already acquired a fearsome reputation and they’re at a desperate crossroad, even if they won’t admit it. They’re searching through the small border towns near Mexico, trying to locate a low-level magic practitioner, Oleg Karkarov. The wizards believe Oleg is a direct descendant of Grigori Rasputin, and that Oleg’s blood can save the young tsar’s life.
As the trio journey through an altered America, shattered into several countries by the assassination of Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression, they’re set on by enemies. It’s clear that a powerful force does not want them to succeed in their mission. Lizbeth Rose is a gunnie who has never failed a client, but her oath will test all of her skills and resolve to get them all out alive. [Goodreads Summary]
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!
© 2020, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Getting back into a routine can be tough!
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot to worry about and much to be thankful for. Our son just started treatment for his psoriatic arthritis. I'm worried about the side effects of the medication and hopeful it will bring him some relief.
Kathy - Yes, I much prefer to ease back into our regular routine. I hope everything goes well with your son's treatment, and the side effects are not too bad, if not nonexistent. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteI am sorry to hear about the health problems that friends and loved ones are dealing with. My daughter and I will say special prayers for all, and I hope that tests and treatments and any necessary surgeries go well.
ReplyDeleteSarah - Thank you. I appreciate it!
DeleteThat is so awful about what's happening in Australia and Puerto Rico. And the sticky note is not silly at all! It's the little things sometimes that keep us going and are important. :)
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first Cogman book but liked it. Sounds like a fabulous series from what I've heard.
Have a great weekend!
Greg - It is just terrible. I've seen some of the video and pictures from the fires and it is so heartbreaking. And poor Puerto Rico. They've been through so much. I do appreciate those sticky-notes. :-) You are right, it's the little things that keep us going. I hope you have a great weekend too. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteIt's devastating what happens around the world, but there are also small moments of joy we can be grateful for.
ReplyDeleteI am currently in a rewatching mood and I started Once Upon a Time, but I might start The Vampire Diaries again too.
Andreea - Yes, there is so much tragedy. Those small moments are what keep us going. I like Once Upon a Time. I never did finish out the series, but I did start re-watching some of the earlier seasons a while ago. I need to get back to it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThat is a great way to get back to routine. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope the politicians stop with their pettiness and start taking actions to work for the climate change impact.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead.
Gayathri @ Elgee Writes
Gayathri - Thank you! I appreciate your prayers. And I second your wish for politicians to set their egos aside and accept and take action on the real issues--climate change among them.
DeleteI hope you have a great week ahead too. Thank you for visiting!
Getting back in a routine can definitely be hard. So I bet it was nice to have a ‘slow’ start! ;)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet that Mouse leaves sticky notes throughout the house for you! I just love that!
Sorry to hear about your sick friends and relatives. That’s always hard.
Have a great week and happy reading!
Maureen - Yes, I much prefer easing back in to jumping in full throttle. :-) Isn't that cute? I love that my daughter does these types of little things. I know I'll miss it when she's older and wants nothing to do with me. LOL Thank you for your sympathies. It's been a rough end/start of the year for many.
DeleteI hope you have a great week as well. Thank you for stopping by!
I don't think it's silly to be grateful for the notes that Mouse leaves! I think that after confronting tragedy (or have to see bad news after bad news in the news), it's easier for us to appreciate just how much the "small" things mean.
ReplyDeleteEustacia - Yes, that is so true! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI was so looking forward to getting back into a routine and while that part has been good, my work week has sucked. Add to it the events going on around the world and 2020 is not off to a good start!
ReplyDeleteI hope this coming week is a better one! Enjoy your books. :) The Song of Achilles is one I bought on an audible sale last year and am hoping to listen to soon. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Nicci - I was so sorry to hear about your work week. It has been a rough start to the new year for so many. I hope they are able to get the fires under control soon!
DeleteI hope you enjoy The Song of Achilles when you read it. Have a great (and better) week, Nicci! Thank you for stopping by.
We are surrounded by troubles all the time, and I think we have to do what we can to keep others' (and our own) spirits up. Your daughter, I think, is doing the best of us all to keep you going by reminding you of her love. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI went to the blood drive last Sunday, and I couldn't believe how few people were able to give. So many people are ill. Slow start for many things, I think.
We are fortunate because we always have our books, even in bad times. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed Song of Achilles. I really hope to read that one this year.
Have a good week, Wendy!
Deb - Sometimes I envy my daughter's innocence. She keeps me grounded sometimes. And it is nice to be able to take comfort in books. :-)
DeleteThere are so many people at my work who have been out sick as well. I'm just waiting for my turn, while hoping I can avoid it.
I hope you have a good week too! Thank you for visiting!
All the world news definitely has me worried as well. Continue spreading awareness about Australia and Puerto Rico! <3
ReplyDeleteStacyRenee - It is hard not to be affected by all that is happening. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteLove is always good and should be appreciated. I'm thankful the winter is mild here as we are working on projects in the backyard. We could do it if it was freezing but it's much nicer that it isn't. So many people are getting sick right now, too.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week and enjoy your reads!
Anne - Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
Anne - I am glad your winter has been mild so far and you are able to get so much done. I wish we would get more rain, personally, but I do live in a more desert like climate so that's always wishful thinking. I hope you have a great weekend too! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI’ve been so focused on the fires I didn’t even know about the earthquakes, such an awful tragedy especially so soon after the devastation caused by the Hurricane.
ReplyDeleteIt seems several of your friends are having a tough time, cancer is a @#$&, I too currently have several relatives battling it.
Your daughters messages of love are a wonderful gift.
Wishing you a great reading week
Shelleyrae - It's no wonder given the fires are affecting your country. I am sorry to hear you have several relatives battling cancer as well. It's such an awful disease--in all of its carnations. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a great week too!
DeleteIt is such a tough time with these disasters.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Yes, it is. For so many. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteSo much to worry about, both in the word at large and closer to home... hope your family and friends do well with their current treatments. At least the cancelled meeting eased the transition back to normal routine. I'll add Song of Achilles to my list. Have a good week, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - Thank you for the well wishes. I know my daughter was disappointed about the meeting being cancelled, but in the end, I think even she was relieved. We're about to kick off the cookie season and there will be no rest then, not with rehearsals starting up again in February too. I hope you like The Song of Achilles if you read it! Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a good week too!
DeleteYes... the downside to having a wonderful Christmas is the struggle to get back into the daily routine - especially when it's January! Glad you have An Easy Death to look forward to and delighted you enjoyed The Secret Chapter so much - I'm loving that series! Have an easier week, Wendy:)
ReplyDeleteSarah - I think it was hardest on my daughter among us in my house since my husband and I both had to work through the holidays. Although it was nice to have a break from all the extracurriculars. The Invisible Library series is such fun, isn't it? I hope you have a great week. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI loved The Vampire Diaries and the other show that came from it, The Originals. I was sad when they ended.
ReplyDeleteMary - I've only seen the first episode of The Originals--and that was when it first aired. I plan to watch the show when I finish with The Vampire Diaries. I really enjoyed the first season of Legacies, a spin-off of The Originals, which spurred my re-watch of The Vampire Diaries. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe Charlaine Harris book looks good. I hope you enjoy it. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I think so too! I have heard it is really good. Thank you for visiting! I hope you have a great week too!
DeleteCan't wait to hear your thoughts on An Easy Death! :) It looks like a fun read.
ReplyDeleteLark - I'm really looking forward to reading it! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteI loved Song of Achilles! I read it when I was first getting into audios. I am hoping to get to Circe sometime this year.
ReplyDeleteAs to your comment on my blog, I am not sure what I think of Bitter Greens. It's good and I love the audio narrator, but there are several stories playing out and sometimes I am confused what story we are on. haha I think I am going to overall like it, but I might have been better of reading it instead of listening to it. I should finish it this week, so we will see!
Kelly - I am so glad I read it. I hope to read Circe later this year. I'm waiting for it to come out in paperback form.
DeleteI look forward to reading your final thoughts on Bitter Greens. It sounds interesting.
Thank you for visiting!
Wendy, I'm so sorry about the health struggles your loved ones are experiencing. I hope everything turns out well for them. Our New England weather was sunny and in the low to high 60s this weekend - never have we had a warm up like this. It is temporary of course but, scary all this terrible weather everywhere it seems.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week.
Diane - Thank you for your kind thoughts. Such strange weather around much of the world, isn't it? I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteEnjoy your new read! With so much trouble and strife in the world, your daughter is truly a gem to try and brighten your corner :)
ReplyDeleteBecki - Thank you! I'm really looking forward to reading it! I love my daughter's zest for life. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteOh my goodness, how sweet is that of Mouse! Watching the news just makes you sad with all the natural disasters and then not to mention general craziness. I am sending healing vibes for all of your loved ones. I hope your new read is a good one and at least gives you some distraction from all that is going on! Hope you have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteIliana - She is a sweetheart. :-) So much craziness in this world. . . Thank you for the healing vibes. I truly appreciate it. I am looking forward to Harris' novel! I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThank you for leaving me such sweet and encouraging comments all week, I really appreciated it. Getting back on the horse is rough sometimes, but I think I got it. Glad you made it back to work too. Yes, there is so much to worry about right now. I am trying to just keep swimming and not let the anxiety of everything around me take me down. Hope you have a fantastic week!
ReplyDeleteHeidi - You've definitely got this! All we can do is keep going sometimes and do the best we can. I hope you have a great week too! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteIt sounds like you have a lot to worry about. It sucks that there was an earthquake, but it’s cool that your friend was able to raise so much money for her community. I hope it helps a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
AJ - Yesterday they had 37 earthquakes. I hope the earth settles down some for them soon. I know the Red Cross is there and helping as well. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteAwww, I don't think it's silly at all to be thankful for those sticky notes from your daughter. I think that's so sweet. I know if my son did that, I'd be keeping them all as keepsakes.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - I do save them. :-) Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI too am concerned about the fires and the quake damage to Puerto Rico. My weekly update
ReplyDeleteSarah - Hopefully those affected will continue to get the support and resources they need. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteSometimes when all the news at home and abroad seems to be doom and gloom, sweet little things like silly sticky notes from a loved one can really make a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteJane - Yes, those little things can really help keep us grounded. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteIt's easy to get so caught up in the bad news that we forget to be grateful and look for the good moments.The post it notes sound like they help!
ReplyDeleteMarg - My daughter is such a sweetheart. :-) Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteIt's so sad to read about the natural disasters around the world. They always make my heart heavy but also allow me to be appreciative of the things I have and most of all, being with our loved ones and be grateful.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy reading An Easy Death.
Melody - Yes, we can't help but be grateful for what we do have during times like these. Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI love the fact that Miss Mouse leaves you sticky notes of love! Precious! Will certainly keep all you mentioned in my prayers - prayer lists are long these days, but there also always things to be grateful for. Smart of the Girl Scout leaders to cancel the meeting. So much sickness and tough to stay well, right? Hope your week is joyful and peaceful, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteKay - Yes, she's so sweet. :-) Thank you for your prayers. There seem to be a couple of different illnesses going around right now. Our household is hoping we make it through without getting sick. Fingers crossed! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThose sticky notes from your daughter sounds fantastic. :)
ReplyDeleteI am worried about everything going on in this world too. So much devastation and tragedy. :( It has begun affecting my reading honestly - the news is so sad that I have started to put down books when they get sad. I guess I can only handle so much at a time.
I love The Vampire Diaries! Except the last season.
Erin - Isn't she sweet? I love that she thinks of things like that. I'm finding that I am tolerating sad books less too these days and gravitating more towards the "lighter" reads.
DeleteI haven't seen the last season yet of Vampire Diaries, but I hear it's not a great one.
Thank you for visiting!
I also recently started watching Vampire Diaries again. Such a good show!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Whitney - Yes, it is good! I tried the first book in the series and hated it, but I really like the television show. I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe Australian fires are indeed a tragedy! :(
ReplyDeleteI hope to get to The Song of Achilles soon! Glad to hear your enjoyed it too!
Daniela - I hope you enjoy The Song of Achilles when you read it! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteThere is definitely an uptick in illnesses right now. We've been getting daily messages from my daughter's school that someone or the other has the flu or strep throat. It must be a ghost town at school nowadays.
ReplyDeleteSending you a lot of positive thoughts, strengths, and prayers to you and near ones - so sorry that they are fighting some challenging illnesses and hoping they recuperate soon and well.
Hope you have a good week ahead.
Athira - Thank you!
DeleteThere is so much going on in the world right now. I am so thankful for all that I have. I am sorry to hear about all of those close to you battling illness. That's hard when you want to help but all you can do is pray and be there for them. I hope you have a great week and enjoy An Easy Death.
ReplyDeleteCarol - Yes, I feel very lucky for what we do have. Thank you for visiting.
DeleteWe've been watching a lot of Disney Plus also with my daughter. I loved the Vampire Diaries! It must be fun going back and watching it again. Sickness has been going around here too. I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that my daughter doesn't get sick, because she tends to catch every bug going around. Have fun with your new TBR read!
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Lindy - I hope your daughter doesn't get sick either!
DeleteI'm getting back into the routine too and it has been brutal! An Easy Death sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great week!
I'm getting back into the routine too and it has been brutal! An Easy Death sounds so good. I will definitely be adding it to my TBR!
I hope you have a great week!
Our Sunday Post: https://stuckinthestacks.com/2020/01/26/sunday-salon-back-to-school-edition/
Haley - I hope you enjoy An Easy Death if you read it! Thank you for visiting.
Delete