Hello, darlings. Mother is back! (I’ve always wanted to say that. It sounds so 1940s elegant, yes?)
Have you had a fabulous summer? So much has been happening in the world, and I’ve mostly been here, watching it all. Most importantly for me, though, has been time spent with my family. This was my son’s last high school summer, and I drove down to Texas to settle my daughter in her new home. And I saw my parents a couple of times, including a visit from them for the August 22nd eclipse.
I’ve been reading, reading, reading–books by friends*** (more on those soon!), books by favorite authors, books about ADHD, my particular brain style. If I’m not reading, I feel as though I’m missing something. It’s not that itchy, gotta-have-a-social-media-fix something. That happens occasionally, but this is a deeper itch. A need to be connected to the world by something more than a meme or an inspirational quote or a quick update on someone’s meal at a new restaurant. Books do that, even when they’re fiction. They engage a part of my brain that wants to be active and satisfied at the same time. The active requirement is certainly fulfilled by endless online articles and artful Instagram pics. But satisfied? Unless I make notes, much of what I read online in a day is like candy. (Page Six and TMZ celeb gossip is my Achilles heel. Seriously, I don’t know who a third of the people on TMZ are, but I still follow it eagerly. What’s up with that?) It’s not very filling, but if I read a little, I feel compelled to read more. Fortunately, good books have the same exact same compelling effect. The more I read books, the more I want to read–and the more I want to write. The key for me is to focus. To not be distracted by the easy-access treats. Books are an investment for both the writer and the reader.
So let’s talk more books this fall and winter, shall we? I have a few classics up my sleeve, some new books, and lots of new-to-me books. And I want to hear about what you’re reading and doing.
For now, it’s Tuesday, and I’m keeping up my Tuesday photo posts. Here we are enjoying the eclipse. Did you see it where you were?
Husband in the perfect tee shirt.
How cute is my mom?!
Totally forgot to put on sunblock until an hour into it. Derp.
My favorite guys, during totality.
You can find way better pics by way better photographers of totality on the Internet. But I had to take this one.
The near-disastrous cloud.
The light just after totality was cool.
If you go to my Facebook or Instagram pages, you can see a time-lapse video of our house during the eclipse, including totality. It was weird and cool.
***Happy Publication Day to one of my favorite writers in the world–my bestie J.T. Ellison! Her new suspense novel LIE TO ME is out today. I LOVED it, and I know you will, too. 💜
I picked up my first Andrew Pyper book, The Damned. How dark and delicious (scary enough that I can’t read it while home alone)! I’m about 2/3 through. Thanks for the Lie to Me recommendation! And yes, your mom is cute. Glad you all enjoyed the eclipse.
Hi, Priscilla! I’m so glad you’re here. Also, I’m excited to have a new, spooky writer to check out. I looked him up and can’t believe I haven’t read him before. Thanks for the recommendation. Lie to Me is fabulous–not scary, but definitely tense and, yes, delicious.
Laura, I am so happy your blog is up again. I adore the photos of your family, and what a smart girl you are for taking the time to spend it with your family; it’s the best thing in the world.
I have been reading and working, and yes, let’s discuss books. I am going to buy JT’s new book ( it sounds awesome) and I want to read her compilations of short works because I know you are featured.
Hope all is well.
Love,
Skye
Skye! Happy End of Summer, dear. Your summer was filled with books, too? Wonderful! You’ll have to share what you’ve enjoyed. You know how curious I am. ☺️ Dead Ends is the name of the anthology that J.T. edited. There are SO many cool stories in it. As publication gets closer, I’ll showcase more about it. Big hugs!