Good morning! Today’s post will link up to The Sunday Salon, The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves, for weekly updates.
**Mailbox Monday is hosted at the home site: Mailbox Monday.
And let’s join Kathryn, our leader in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, at Book Date.
My week has been one of reading (two books), writing seven blog posts, and picking and choosing when to socialize. Yes, I have relished some alone time, while still occasionally venturing into the dining room. A nice mix for me.
I never imagined myself in a “group living” situation, so I fought against it, while still doing what was expected: joining in. But reluctantly. Now I know that I can savor my time in the apartment with my books and blogging, while occasionally joining in activities that please me. Like a few outings. I still prefer my adventures with family and friends, and I have decided I can do both.
As I approach my surgery Thursday (at long last!), I am trying to stifle the anxieties, which are mostly about the fact that I have to go to the Bay Area to get it done. A long trip and horrific traffic—yes, I know it will be very busy there—but then, in July I had a “rehearsal” for the actual surgery. Even though it was an unsuccessful one, I know a little more about what to expect.
So now I will take you back to details about my week…and please join me in a cup of Joe.
MY WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Favorite Things…for Curling up, Etc.
Tuesday Excerpts: “One Little Secret”
Tuesday Potpourri: Book Hoarding/Buying and Binge-Watching…
Coffee Chat: Hiding Away in My Apartment…
Saturday Potpourri: Capturing Moments & Starting Over…
Review: Just After Midnight, by Catherine Ryan HydeReview: Ladies Who Punch, by Ramin Setoodeh
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INCOMING BOOKS
In my mailbox, I received one book: nonfiction! I seem to have a growing stack of that genre.
The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off, by Gloria Steinem
A beautifully illustrated collection of Gloria Steinem’s most inspirational and outrageous quotes, with an introduction and essays by the feminist activist herself…
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Currently Reading: If You Only Knew, by Kristan Higgins
A funny, frank and bittersweet look at sisters, marriage and moving on, from the New York Times bestselling author of the Blue Heron series…
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That was my week…what did yours look like? I have no delicious desserts to share from this week, but I still enjoy the memory of this apple pie from a few weeks ago.
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It sounds like a tough adjustment but you seem to be finding the best of both worlds- alone time and socializing time when you’re in the mood? That makes a lot of sense- we all need both, I think, in different measures? Anyway good luck with your surgery on Thursday- sending lots of positive vibes!!!
Hope your weekend is nice too. 🙂
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Thanks, Greg, I am feeling challenged by the changes in my life, but also encouraged that it is still possible to change. LOL.
I just caught those positive vibes! Thanks.
Enjoy your week and your books.
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Looking forward to your post surgery post – and wishing you all the best.
I’m a big fan of Higgins and enjoyed If You Only Knew.
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Thanks, Mary, l’m looking forward to post-surgery.
Loving If You Only Knew.
Enjoy your week.
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Kristan Higgins is a good one to be reading at present. The traffic sounds horrific. If I don’t “see” you before your surgery all the best. May it go well.
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Thanks, Kathryn, I am loving the Kristan Higgins book, and eagerly anticipating putting the surgery behind me.
I’m still trying to talk my daughter into driving up the night before, as traveling on the day of surgery doesn’t thrill me.
Enjoy your week.
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Oh I hope you get to go up the night before. Makes a lot of sense.
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We are going the night before. Yay!
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I need some alone time too, especially after being with people for an extended time. So I totally understand what you mean. I hope the surgery goes well and you recover soon. My prayers are with you.
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Thanks, Gayathri, I am looking forward to putting that surgery behind me!
Loving my reading, movies, etc., all of which I enjoy in my little apartment.
Enjoy your week.
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When people ask if I still live in my house on Johnson Street, I always say, “Until I die!” But who really knows? There comes a time for all of us when we might be better in a group situation. I was surprised to see how much my mother-in-law loved it when she lived in a group apartment. I love your attitude.
Maybe, with all the nonfiction, you need to pop in for Nonfiction November!
Have a great week.
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Thanks, Deb, I do seem to be reading a lot of nonfiction this month! I will definitely pop in and check things out.
I usually spend all day Sunday in my apartment, but today I went to the dining room for breakfast. Sometimes I actually want to go there. Go figure. LOL
Enjoy your week!
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I think I would feel the same way as you when it comes to group living. But at least you do have your own apartment where you can have some quality alone time, right? And I’m sure that having other people to spend some time with when you feel like it is nice, too.
I’ll send all my good vibes for your surgery on Thursday. I hope it will go smoothly and well, and that your recuparation will be smooth and fast!
I am looking forward to seeing your review for the Kristan Higgins book – I love her!
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Thanks, Linda, I am loving the Higgins book, and since it’s only my third one from her, I am pleased to have a new favorite author.
Enjoy your week, and I am catching those good vibes.
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Oops! I almost forgot…Good luck with your surgery this week!
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Thanks, Deb, I am looking forward to putting the surgery behind me!
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Good luck on Thursday! It will be over and done with before you know it. I can image it is hard adjusting to the group living but it’s good to balance the social time with your own alone time.
Enjoy your books, the Gloria Steinem looks especially good.
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Thanks, Nai, I am so looking forward to the surgery to be over and done with. I hope I am “healed” enough to enjoy Thanksgiving.
Enjoy your week!
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The truth will set you free but first it will piss you off. Love this!!!!!!!!! Oprah talks about how to pay attention and belief what people say the first time. Oh man, observing people is so important.
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Thanks, Trin, I am so eager to read the Steinem book.
Enjoy your week, and I hope to get through the surgery with flying colors…or something like that. LOL
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Thanks Laurel. I find the best remedy for surgery is going to a play where you can just sit and enjoy. Hope you find some repreve in your recovery.
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Making the best of your new living situation is the wise choice Laurel but I can understand that it does not happen overnight as it was not your choice to begin with! Crossing my fingers and sending you positive vibes for Thursday!
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Thanks, Sophie, I guess I am proving to myself that I can still adapt to big changes!
Enjoy your week and some wonderful books.
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Prayers for your upcoming surgery!!
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Thanks, Samantha, I am trying to anticipate a good outcome.
Enjoy your week!
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I hope everything goes very well for you and the traffic is minimal. And there is no road construction which only makes traffic worse. I made apple crisp last week, maybe I should do that again, warm apples sounds good and seasonal.
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
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Thanks, Anne, and yes to finding no road construction on the way!
Enjoy that warm apple delight, and your books this week.
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Thinking strong, positive thoughts at you for Thursday, Laurel – and I’m sure you will find a balance between the socialising and alone time. Hoping that this time next week, the op will be a mere memory and you will be on the road to recovery:)x
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Thanks, Sarah, I am grateful for the positive thoughts, and yes, I think I’m finding my balance.
Enjoy your week and your books!
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I remember reading Gloria Steinem in college and feeling enlightened. Looks like you’re coming to terms with your living condition and finding your balanced view. That’s great!
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Thanks, Laura, I am all about finding balance.
Enjoy your week.
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It sounds like you are slowly adjusting to your new living situation. I will send good thoughts your way for your surgery this week. I am sure it will all go fine. Hopefully you can rest and recover with some good books.
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Thanks, Heidi, we are so lucky, as bookish people. We can always amuse ourselves and find distraction with reading.
Enjoy your week.
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Good luck with the travel and I hope the surgery goes well!
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Thanks, Nicci, I’m eager to get beyond the surgery, and a big stack of books will help.
Enjoy your week.
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It sounds like your doing well with adjusting! Ill hope your surgery will go great! 😉
Have a great week and happy reading!
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Thanks, Maureen, I hope it goes well, too!
Enjoy your week and your books.
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Sounds like you are finding a balance between social time and apartment time that makes you happy – I’m glad! Sending good vibes for the surgery on Thursday, too. Will the fires impact your travel? I hope not…
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Thanks for the positive vibes, JoAnn, I certainly hope the fires stay out of our way! So far so good.
Enjoy your week.
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Sounds like things are going smoothly for you. Good luck on your surgery and sorry I’ve not visited in a while – looks like I missed a lot.
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Thanks, Barb, I hope the surgery goes well, too. Enjoy your week!
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My grandparents lived in a very nice apartment in a ‘retirement’ community. It worked so well for them to have meals available as well as activities. I think I might like that arrangement if I had to live alone. I hope you make the adjustment and enjoy the new lifestyle.
Higgins always seem a nice, lighter read.
I have you on my prayer list this week for your surgery and recovery.
Have a good week and enjoy some reading time!
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Thanks, Martha, the good thoughts will help me face everything ahead of me.
Enjoy your week!
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I’m happy you’re finding balance with your new and old life. My weekly update
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Thanks, Sarah, I am feeling energized as I find balance.
Enjoy your week!
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I know the change was difficult for you should be proud of yourself for finding a way to make your new circumstances work for you. I look forward to learning your surgery has been successful later this week.
Wishing you a great week, reading and otherwise.
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Thanks, Shelleyrae, I am finding strength in my ability to make changes and learn to grow with them.
Enjoy your week!
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I hope and pray your surgery goes well.
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Thanks, Kathy, your thoughts and prayers will help…and I am gaining positive feelings.
Enjoy your week.
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I am glad that you are finding a balance in your new living situation – as a private person who needs alone time as well, I can see how it would a difficult transition. But it sounds like you have found a good way to make it work for you. 🙂 Good luck Thursday!! Looking forward to your post-surgery post. 🙂
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Thanks, Erin, I’m glad that I’ve had a chance to adjust to my living situation before having the surgery. Originally, of course, it was supposed to happen in July, but since then I’ve grown to find my way here.
Looking forward to post-surgery living!
Enjoy your week.
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Got me curious about that latest Steinem. She is going to be in SF on Nov 13 for a conversation with Amy Richards and it is sold out. Hope the surgery goes well.
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Thanks, vvb32; I wish I could see her again. She came to my university in Sacramento during the 70s.
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I’ll be thinking of you as you have your surgeCome see my week here. Happy reading!ry. I’m glad you are feeling more settled in your new living situation. I like a lot of alone time in my life and don’t know how I’d do.
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Thanks, Kathy, I appreciate the positive thoughts.
I do love alone time, so I am trying to balance it out. Enjoy your week.
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I hope your surgery goes okay. I’m really interested in that Krista Higgins book! Thanks for mentioning it.
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Thanks, Lisa, I am appreciating all the positive thoughts.
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Laurel: I wish you well with your surgery and I am optimistic it will go well. Try not to over-stress yourself about it. The Bay Area will be all right. You will be back reading & reviewing in no time. I’ll be thinking of you on Thurs. you can do it.
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Thanks, Susan, I am feeling more positive as we draw closer to the date. We’re driving up tomorrow and staying in a hotel overnight before the morning surgery.
I’m glad for your positive energy.
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I hope the surgery goes well, Laurel-Rain. I will be thinking of you. Get lots of rest and take care of yourself.
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