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.
Another week of sheltering in place. Reading slacked off a bit, and I finished only two books in all. I wrote six blog posts, which usually happens when I read less. I spent some time changing up my blogs (including this one), from themes to headers.
I also enjoyed some new online shows and movies, continuing with Little Fires Everywhere and The Good Fight, and adding Mrs. America, on Hulu, to the mix. The Good Fight will be on hiatus for a couple of weeks to catch up on filming. I suspect that this will be happening more as the shut down continues.
Back and forth I go with the fear and anxiety, but what increases it for me is how 45 is in a rush to open things up, which seems worrisome, since there are not enough tests to show us who else might be asymptomatic, thus tilting the numbers. Sigh.
The best way for me to handle things is to avoid those who lie about what is happening, and also the news outlets that incite fear and panic. A tricky balance.
So…off to do more reading and viewing. Let’s grab some coffee and take a closer look at the week .
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOGS:
Tuesday Excerpts: “Redhead by the Side of the Road”
Tuesday Potpourri: Surprises All Around…
Books from the Backlog: Trolling My Book Pages…
Review: Separation Anxiety, by Laura Zigman
Review: Safe House, by Jo Jakeman
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INCOMING BOOKS:
One book came in my mailbox from Amazon…and I downloaded one e-book.
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael, by Beth Morrey
Download:
The New Husband, by D.J. Palmer
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CURRENTLY READING: After participating in Books from the Backlog this week, I started reading a book that has been hiding out on my Kindle for more than two years!
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That was my week. What did yours look like? Since I can’t go out and eat or have cocktails these days, I relish the FaceTime moments with family. My daughter and I had a conversation, and she sent Easter leftovers to me. My youngest son also did a video chat with me, and Fiona and I enjoyed some conversations this week…she also shopped for me on Monday. She even brought a bottle of wine!
***
AN INTERIOR JOURNEY 
Stressful times for sure. I hope your new books bring you solace.
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Thanks, Trish, I do find solace in books and movies online. I remind myself that there is still much to enjoy, despite the stressful times. Stay safe!
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Yeah Laurel: I agree opening up areas of the country is premature … first get the testing & equipment to deal with it! But the GOP & 45 are full of baloney. We started a new Amazon (6 part series) called The Capture …. and it seems pretty good. Spy/police kind of thing. The Beth Morrey book (above) looks pretty good … we keep falling for books with dogs on the cover right?
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Ha-ha, I didn’t even notice the dog on this one, Susan. I was drawn to the aging characters, lol.
Now I am going to check out The Capture.
I am frustrated by how little 45 will actually do to get the testing, PPE, etc., shrugging everything off to the states…unless he wants to tout his so-called “total power.” That was weird, right?
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I have been reading less too….not sure what’s going on.
Looks like a good week, though.
You are going to LOVE THE NEW HUSBAND.
Take care!!
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I am really looking forward to The New Husband. Enjoy your week.
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Little Fires sounds so good. and I hear you on the news. It boggles my mind that in 2020 we have so many news outlets spouting misinformation or that everything is so politically driven. You’d think that in this day and age we’d be MORE educated and data- driven, but it seems like we move backwards, not forwards. Weird.
Anyway yeah I don’t know how you can just reopen up with testing still lagging so far. Makes no sense.
At any rate we still have reading lol. Take care this week and be well!
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Thanks, Greg, and I am stunned at how backwards things are in this administration.
The reading helps distract us, though. Thanks for that!
Enjoy your week.
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Living in a tourist-based economy, we need people here BUT it’s definitely not safe for that yet. There are no easy answers unfortunately.
I have The New Husband to read, too! I’m hoping it’s really good.
It’s great your family is checking in on you and helping you out, too. Hope you have a great week ahead.
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Thanks, Aymee, I am grateful for the technology that allows us to stay in touch when we are cut off from them physically.
Enjoy your week and your books, and stay safe and well.
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I’m definitely drawn to Missy Carmichael. If it is a love story involving an older character, count me in!
My week has been a bit on the stressful side, trying to light a fire under my students to get their final papers in. I took today off for my For-No-Reason Readathon and am taking a break from the reading I’ve been doing since 8 a.m. to read blogs for awhile. Let’s just say, I’m OFF! LOL
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Thanks, Rae, it is great to read blogs for a while…and the books will be waiting.
Enjoy the upcoming week, and good luck combating the stress.
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So nice of Fiona – and she remembered the important things too! Lol. What a good granddaughter. 🙂
It is very hard to avoid the news – although I am trying my best as well. This world is strange days. Our state is being ridiculous – our governor put down what some of my fellow Michiganders feel are strict policies – like not going to the gym, using your boat, visiting your second home, or going golfing, and had a huge protest in the state capitol over it. We were just beginning to start to trend down and flatten the curve, and now who knows what will happen. The selfishness of these individuals amazes me!!! And for what! Things that are not important at all right now. Ugh. This world has lost its mind!!!
At least we have our books and our hidey holes for now. Stay safe Laurel-Rain!
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Oh, yes, Erin, Fiona knows what I enjoy, lol.
I do miss our outings together, but I can hang in for a while with books and movies and FaceTime (for which I am grateful!).
I am glad that our governor (in California) is taking a sensible approach. He can stand up to 45 if he tries to pull anything…which I am guessing he won’t. He just likes to bluster and sound like he has power, which he doesn’t. LOL.
I am frustrated by those who are protesting for their own selfish pleasures. Obviously they don’t know the true delights of reading and holing up in our cozy spaces.
Enjoy yours, and stay safe.
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What do you think of Mrs. America? It’s proven to be quite controversial from what I’ve read online.
It seems like quite a few places are thinking of opening back up in various parts of the country prematurely. It’s frightening to think what the consequences will be. I cannot listen to anything 45 says anymore. I just can’t.
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael sounds delightful! I hope you love it when you read it. The New Husband also sounds good as does your current read, Mrs. I hope you are enjoying it.
Have a good week, Laurel-Rain. Stay safe and well.
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Oh, Wendy, whenever 45 shows up in my FB news feed, with his bullying remarks and his ugly thoughts, I have to scroll past. I cannot believe he is still in the WH, after all he has done.
His push to open things up is such a bad idea; hopefully, the governors will prevail with better plans. Some states are not good at rational actions, though. So glad to live in California!
I like Mrs. America because I enjoy Cate Blanchett, but I hated the influence of Phyllis Schlafly back in the day. We all wore our ERA bracelets, and then the amendment didn’t make it! I like revisiting the history of it all, though.
I am happy for the books that help distract me…and carry me to places that are sane and safe. (Well, thrillers don’t do that, exactly, lol).
Enjoy your week, and stay safe and well.
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I can’t listen to the president’s “updates”. They’re so long-winded and I’d rather hear the science and facts from the experts, but I’m a little overloaded with all of that, too, right now. I’m just going to bury my head in the sand this weekend and enjoy my books and shows, lol. Hope you’re able to do the same! 🙂
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Thanks for visiting, Rachel, and I am looking forward to burying my head in a pile of books and movies. Loving online streaming. Since I moved to this residence, I haven’t had very good TV selections. They provide only Basic Cable here, and I don’t want to add to what else might be offered due to another huge bill to pay. Not having a DVR with this selection, I rely on online streaming to watch shows I’ve missed. That works for me.
Those updates are frustrating and make me angry, so I haven’t watched in a while. I used to like hearing what the medical people said, but we can get their thoughts elsewhere. I think most networks stopped showing his briefings live…and I’m so happy about that!
Enjoy your week, and stay safe and well.
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I so identify with your worries and thoughts about this virus. How long are we going to sit here by ourselves! I love the video chats too. I haven’t viewed much but did start watching the Bill Gates on Netflix and i really liked that.
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Thanks, Kathryn, it’s a good thing our natural proclivities lend themselves to being alone a lot. I do miss how I used to go out once a week to restaurants with family, but video chats are also good. I liked how I could see into the homes of my daughter and son when we did the chats. They could also see me, though, with my bangs covering my eyes. LOL.
I haven’t watched the Bill Gates feature. A documentary? I watched one of Margaret Atwood not that long ago.
I hope you have a great week, and stay safe and well.
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Yes a documentary where they interview him, show us his growing up and his family of origin. His work for Africa etc. impressive.
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Oh I need to do some changes on my blog too and I might as well use this down time. Thanks for the motivation. I hope you are staying safe.
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Thanks, Gayathri, I don’t even need motivation to make changes, as I am obsessive that way. LOL.
Have fun! Stay safe and well.
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We’ve just been locked down for another 3 weeks… It’s exhausting but opening back up again would be super premature so we persevere! 😦
This week, I avoided the news and social media (and neglected the blog in favour of reading) and I actually felt much better for it.
Have a good week and enjoy that wine!
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Thanks, Nicci, I like how the isolation has given us opportunities to read more, view more, and choose what news to avoid (most of it!).
I certainly hope most people will see that continued social distancing, at least until there are enough tests available, will be the best plan.
I can’t believe that there are still not enough tests! The US government has certainly dropped the ball on almost everything important.
Stay safe and well.
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My week looked like a bunch of LYFT rides. I saw the city and sometimes it felt like I was flying-I was in such a daze. good thing I remembered I had some important people to transport, including a doctor and an attorney.
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Thanks for visiting, Trin, I do miss being able to go out on my Lyft rides, but those days are over for a while. Enjoy driving!
Enjoy your reading and whatever else helps you through the weeks.
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It’s a two-edged sword… The amazing technology allows us to keep in touch with our nearest and dearest, so that we are able to stay connected even when we cannot see them. And it also allows us to hear the incoherent, contradictory pronouncements about how those in charge are going to BEAT this thing. Though I do think our Government are at least following an ongoing strategy, even though there are elements that are going badly wrong:(.
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I’ve been listening to some news flashes about other countries doing pretty well (Ireland, for one), and I’m thinking that our government had the opportunity to do better, but when you have an idiot in the WH, you miss out on those better choices.
Those in charge like to make their pronouncements, don’t they?
Thanks for visiting, Sarah, and we will all cling to what works for us: books, viewing, and video chatting. Enjoy!
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Yes… I was listening to your Man in Charge and groaning with disbelief at his evident fumbling and refusal to grapple with the whole business. Thank goodness for books, viewing and video chats:)). Stay safe, Laurel.
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These are such strange times. I worry that they are trying to open things up way too soon. If anyone needs proof that some individuals value money over human life, I think we are seeing a perfect example of it right now. As much as I want to follow this virus, everything has become so political that I just can’t anymore. I am glad you are staying connected to your family right now. I hope you enjoy Mrs. and all of your new books. Have a great week and stay safe!
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Thanks, Carole, it is tragic that there is no leadership in our country and that everything has turned to the dark side politically. I have to scroll past most of the news feeds unless they are informative and a little upbeat.
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Don’t get me started on 45, the great disrupter in chief, and his dishonest cronies. We haven’t hit the peak where I am – close but, no way will I be ready to go to the movies, a baseball game or any large venue anytime soon. I do need a haircut but, so does everyone else so I can wait.
My reading is slow compared to normal times; I stare into space a lot it seems and other time wasting activities like phone app games. Take Care Laurel.
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Thanks for visiting, Diane, and “disrupter in chief” is a great description. I also call him the “idiot in chief.” I can’t believe there are still people out there who stand by him. Hopefully not enough to reelect him. But then again, he wasn’t really elected the first time, was he, between the Russian interference and the electoral college?
I can’t believe that some states want to open already. Insanity!
Stay safe and well, and enjoy your books and movies.
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Glad you are doing well and it’s wonderful having family for support and help. I feel the same way, we just don’t know the real numbers unless everyone is tested. I’m continuing to avoid the news as much as possible.
I’m hooked on Little Fires Everywhere, it’s so good. Enjoy your books this week!
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Thanks for visiting, Nai, and wouldn’t it be great if we had all the facts during these horrible times?
Meanwhile, I’m burying myself in videos and books. Enjoy yours. Little Fires Everywhere is so good.
Stay safe and well.
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I get what you mean about false news and balancing moods Laurel. We don’t have enough tests here either though it would be so useful! Try to avoid too much news and do the best that you can washing hands, keeping distances and all that jazz! I hope next week will be a good and less angsty one for you. Stay safe!
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Thanks for stopping by, and hopefully we will all stay safe and sane.
Enjoy your books and your week, Sophie. Love your little dolls!
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I’m very worried about things re-opening too soon. They re-opened a couple of beaches not far from me and so many people rushed over there. It’s scary because it’s not only their health, it’s everyone else they come in contact with as well. My county is still on lockdown and I’m happy about that. I don’t particularly like lockdown but I don’t want to get sick either.
I’m trying to stay away from the news but it’s not easy. Take care and stay safe!
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Oh, I agree, Yvonne, and I was worried about you when I heard that your governor had not done a lockdown order until very recently.
Sounds like you are being safe and sane.
Thanks for visiting, and enjoy your books and your viewing.
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Yes, I couldn’t believe the governor didn’t come up with the stay at home orders sooner. We were staying at home anyway, except for groceries and then we wear masks. I was worried yesterday when I heard one of the counties opened their beaches last night. IMO, it’s too soon.
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Laurel-Rain, I am sorry to hear you have had some anxiety this week. I have suffer with myself recently too – In fact, I have had to stop watching or reading the news because of all the repetition, needless information and fear-mongering. Glad you have had chance to video-phone your family and that they brought you your shopping and some nice treats! I hope this is a calmer, happier week for you. 🙂
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Thanks, Jessica, fear-mongering is a good description of the news from most sources. I am trying to skip and scroll past those kinds of info.
Stay safe and sane!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Opening things up too soon is a big worry for me, too. We are in SW Florida and the public beaches/parks remain closed, but I was shocked to see the footage of Jacksonville Beach reopening… very scary!! My tolerance for news is also lower these days. Glad you got to chat with family members this week. I have a zoom chat tonight with my siblings and parents. We’ve had a lot of fun with those. My reading has been slower this week, too, but I’m enjoying the book I’m reading now – Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver. Take care and I hope you have a good week.
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Thanks, JoAnn, staying safe can be a real challenge when those who are supposed to be in charge do not think about people, but just focus on their own agendas.
I liked video chatting with family, but was stunned that my youngest son and his wife had driven all the way down the state to visit family instead of staying home.
I don’t think they are taking things seriously.
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No dessert! I made mini cheesecakes and we put raspberries on some, and strawberries on others. Then I made chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate chips but forgot to adjust the flour for gluten free so they were flat and buttery and really very delicious. lol
Everything 45 does makes me anxious. We are not leaving the house even if he does open up.
Stay safe and have a great week! Happy reading!
Anne – Books of My Heart Here is my Sunday Post
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Thanks for visiting, Anne, and I applaud those who plan to stay safe no matter what!
As for dessert: our meals are delivered to our apartments, and the desserts are skimpy these days. LOL
Enjoy your books and your safety at home.
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The most difficult part is being away from those we love, I think. I miss my grandchildren and my dad and my sister and my friends. I can do fine with online shopping and missing group events, but I miss people so much. I’m glad you have been able to see your family via video chats.
I’m sorry your reading slowed down this week. Mine finally picked up, but really think now I’m spending too much time reading. I need to do something that lets my mind rest from all the worrying, I think.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.
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Thanks, Deb, this crisis has definitely challenged us all in ways none of us would have expected. I get angry when I realize how far behind our country is because of 45 and his poor choices, followed by his finger pointing and blaming of others.
I hope we can all be patient and stay home as long as necessary.
Enjoy your books and your videos.
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I hope you love the new Anne Tyler, Laurel.
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I hope so, too, Mary; I have always enjoyed her books. The characters are quirky and I always relate to them. Her books are a “must buy” for me.
Enjoy your week, and stay safe.
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I can definitely understand your trepidation.I’m glad you’re staying in close contact with your family. Thank goodness for technology! I like the look of your new books. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Laura, I am definitely grateful for books and technology. Enjoy your week.
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I can only take the news in small doses. It’s either scary or infuriating. Enjoy your virtual family time. Have a great week!
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Thanks, AJ, I have to parcel the news out, too, just because the anxiety and anger can take over a whole day.
Enjoy your week, and hang in there.
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That was awfully nice of Fiona to bring you wine! ❤ I agree that we are not ready as a country to re-open. I'd love to go back to work but I don't think it's time. I do muss my babies.
I love that you are reading your book from your backlog post. Enjoy!
Take care, and happy reading.
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Thanks, Bea, I am loving the rediscovery of forgotten books and bringing them forward to enjoy…finally.
And yes, very nice of Fiona to bring wine!
Have a great week.
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I like the look of Mrs. Enjoy the read and facetime time 🙂
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Thanks, vvb32, I am enjoying Mrs. So glad to have rediscovered a neglected book.
Enjoy your week.
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Well Fiona was obviously raised well 😉
Beth Morey’s Book was published as Saving Missy here, I read and reviewed it a while ago and I think you’ll like it.
Wishing you a great reading week and good health
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Oh, yes, Shelleyrae, her family knows priorities…LOL.
Good to know about the title change. I’ve been known to buy duplicate books because I haven’t recognized the similarities despite the titles.
Have a great week, and stay safe and well.
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Our stupid governor is starting the re-opening process. I think it’s going to backfire. We don’t plan to change anything we’re doing because of his upcoming announcement.
Fiona sounds like such a wonderful person. I love the relationship the two of y’all have!
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Thank, Kathy, and it’s good that you will continue to shelter in place. How do these governors (and 45) live with themselves when they make reckless decisions?
Stay safe.
And yes, Fiona is a delight. I miss spending time with her, but FaceTime is a nice way to fill in the gaps.
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It’s been a stressful time for sure. Good thing you can enjoy time with your family, even though it was through a screen! I’ve been doing the same too and find great comfort in it. Have a great reading week, stay safe!
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Thanks, Kay, the good thing about the timing of the Pandemic is the fact that we do have the technology to manage many aspects of our lives.
Stay safe and well, and thanks for visiting.
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It is hard to know who to listen to and who to trust in this sea of information about the pandemic. I’m finding our governor to be a trusted source as he does daily news conferences. I’ve been listening to a lot of audiobooks lately and really enjoying them. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, and I hate when I hear that some are defying the stay at home orders, despite the evidence that social distancing works.
Hang in there, and enjoy your books.
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Reading is definitely a trickier focus lately. I’m with you – trying to avoid those who deny what I can see happening. I think a little of keeping our head in the sand is okay to save some anxiety 😉 Take care of you and yours, and remember to be gentle with yourself.
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Thanks, Becki, it is a tricky balance, isn’t it?
Enjoy your week and stay safe and well.
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You know, it’s such a scary world out there. I’m happy to stay home, but it is hard not knowing if normal is getting any closer.
All your books look great. I hope you enjoy them. I need to add The Love Story of Missy Carmichael to my list.
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Thanks, Cheryl, I completely agree with how scary it all is for us, both now and in the future.
Let’s hang onto our books and our movies, and the technology that helps us stay connected.
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I’m reading a book from my backlog this week, too! I also have been too anxious and distracted to settle into long periods of reading. Also, the virtual socializing has really ramped up, so my calendar is starting to get full again even though we can’t go anywhere! I spent hours deleting email from my inbox which was way out of control while listening to an audiobook. Blog maintenance is a good idea too!
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Thanks for visiting, Laurie, I do love spending time on blog maintenance/renovations, as it is very satisfying to see the results afterwards. I miss those Bloggiesta events we used to have!
I am glad I found the Reading from the Backlog event. It is a good feeling to finish another neglected book.
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I miss Bloggiesta too, although I didn’t participate in the last few. 😢
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I get stressed when I see the virus updates each day. My children tell me not to look them up but I think it’s also good to stay informed. The Love Story of Missy is called Saving Missy in Australia. I enjoyed it, it was a nice fun read.
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Thanks, Veronica, it is tricky to balance out the need to know against the stress of too much information. Let’s hang in there.
I am looking forward to The Love Story of Missy Carmichael.
Enjoy your week.
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I think you’ll enjoy The New Husband and your other new books too.
Stay safe and enjoy Happy Reading.
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Thanks, Martha, I am looking forward to them all. Have a great week!
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Stay safe! I’m getting some of my reading mojo back, but I’m still struggling to blog. It’s OK, though. We do what we can.
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Thanks, Jen, I am grateful for reading and blogging to help me through these trying times, Stay safe and well.
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