Quote of the week:
January is the new week between Christmas and the new year. Emily P. Freeman
(I have to agree. I want January to be all about new beginnings and fresh starts. Instead so far it feels like “just use this entire month to gear up for the rest of the year.”)
Post of the week: I am excited to share the official launch of The Book Tide. Please click on the link to read all about this new venture, and subscribe to be part of what we’re doing over there.
What I’m reading: I just finished House Lessons, a memoir by Erika Bauermeister. It was a quiet reflective book about renovating a house— but also about so much more. It’s been on my TBR for a long time, and I’m so glad it was the first book I read this year.
What I’m listening to: I am listening to the Audible version of Starkweather, a nonfiction account of a young couple who went on a killing spree in Lincoln, Nebraska back in the 50’s. I am finding I can only listen for short periods of time, as the subject matter is hard and tragic, but, at the same time, compelling. Here’s an article if you want to know more. I never knew about this case, which supposedly inspired the movie, Natural Born Killers.
What I’m watching: We started the show Fool Me Once on Netflix, based on the book by Harlan Cohen. It’s twisty!
What I’m googling:
the addresses and phone numbers of our various doctor’s offices as I make all the annual appointments and write them on my calendar. (I am old school and do it on a paper planner, by hand. Wouldn’t have it any other way.)
“Easy Shrimp and Grits” We landed on this shrimp and grits recipe that was excellent and— as it states— easy.
“Raul Pacheco-Vega Everything Notebook,” because I heard someone mention it on Instagram and was intrigued. If you’re a stationery nerd like me, you might want to google it, too!
What I’m cooking:
What I’m following: the demolishment of the house (1122 King Rd.) where the four students were murdered last November in Idaho, Ruby Franke pleading guilty, and the murder of pregnant Savanah Soto and her boyfriend. Also need to catch up on the latest developments in the Crystal Rogers case, but I haven’t had time yet.
What I’m learning: thanks to the audiobook I’m listening to, a lot about Nebraska in the 50’s
What I’m writing: not a lot this week— been clearing the decks so I can dive in.
Gratitude: feeling a little better every day after what turned into a long bout with what should’ve been “just a cold,” but was NOT, a really great Christmas with ALL SIX OF OUR KIDS (sorry to shout but that almost never happens), good friends, new ventures, and hope for a new year
Photo from the week:
(Though I’ve adapted it, this format was originally inspired by author Kim Hooper’s blog. I loved her novel No Hiding in Boise. You should check it out.)
I have recently read House Lessons and I loved it. I've got one more book to read to be a completist of Erika's books.