Why is it that when you’re young time goes by slower than molasses, but the older you get, the faster it flies? My 2nd child’s birthday is coming up on Tuesday. She will be 21, and it seems just yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. I was trying to remember what I did for my 21st birthday, and for the life of me, cannot recall. Can you remember what you did for your 21st? Did you party it up? Play it cool? Spend time with family?
But that’s all jumping ahead into February! Back to January. My Honey and I spent the first 3 weeks of the month living out of a hotel room in Arizona. The Honey has a huge project he’s overseeing, and since my work is all done on a computer I was able to accompany him.
Though wonderful to hang out with the Honey it was still the. most. difficult. thing I’ve ever done. I don’t believe I’ve ever gone three weeks ever ever ever without seeing my kids. Of course, we talked and texted all the time, but man was that HARD! Can you tell I’m still struggling with the whole empty nest syndrome? Luckily, my babies are pretty tolerant and still like to hang out with their mama {I pray they always do!}
from first week of photography class
A few other tidbits ~ I’ve been appointed as the Communications Chair for our Friends of the Library Board; I’m working on a couple of writing projects; more to come on that soon. . .I’m taking an online photography class with Emma Davies Photography and can I just say, if you ever consider taking a photography class, do yourself a favor and go with one of Emma’s courses. She is an incredible instructor, personable and thoroughly knowledgeable – Beginner’s DSLR Photography/Get Off Auto Mode is available on Udemy or visit Emma’s site for her free lessons. If you’re following me on Instagram you’ll see my #make30photos & #remarkable2015. Ok, enough gushing and onto the good stuff.
What I’ve Been Reviewing
Mercy Snow by Tiffany Baker {review}
In the Blood by Lisa Unger {review}
The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna Van Praag {review}
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver {review}
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant {review}
What I’ve Been Reading
In addition to reading the books above I’ve got a few more novels under my reading belt for January. It is Inspy’s Awards Season, the Bloggers Award given to the best quality faith-based literature, of which I’m one of the Advisory Board members. This means I have the distinct pleasure of reading the longlist nominees and assisting my fellow board members with selecting the short lists.
Inspys Books Read In January
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke
The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot
Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green
A Cry From the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks
Read in January & To Be Reviewed {very} Soon
The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Unbecoming by Rebecca Scherm
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Things Half in Shadow by Alan Finn
So January is a wrap. My word of the year is still at the forefront of my mind, labeled onto my computer, written on my bathroom mirror and on a sticky note taped inside my Jeep. Whenever I get discouraged, distracted, dis-anything I’m reminded to focus.
How was your first month of 2015? Did you hibernate? Become overly productive? Somewhere in the middle?
Do share your 21st birthday stories ~ I’d love to know how you celebrated!
