Tag Archives: Reading

Bookish Talk, Life

The Sunday Salon: Happy 4th!! (also a bit about my reading pickle)

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US Flag

It’s Independence Day here in the U.S. Also known as the Fourth of July. On this day, back in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. These days, we celebrate it with a day off from work (for most of us), cook-outs and fireworks. The weather in Southern California is not cooperating though…

The View from my Front Door

The view from my front door is a gloomy one. Yesterday was sunny, and about 80 degrees, which is cool for this time of year. Today, it’s overcast and drizzly. Most of it will burn off (I think) but fireworks typically won’t happen with this much haze in the sky.

Our plans? Well, we normally head out to see the city’s firework’s display but this year we are avoiding the crowds and plan to just hang out in our own backyard. Fireworks are not legal where we are, but someone ALWAYS obtains them illegally so there is usually something to see. We are going to BBQ some teriyaki burgers & make smores.

As for the reading pickle I mentioned…

I am in the middle of reading several books right now. I am re-reading The Stand, which most of you already know about. I am really enjoying it but it’s an epic that demands my attention so although I am reading it along with three other books, I find myself having to go back to it more than the others. It’s sort of hard to switch gears between all of the books because they are all so different.

The other books are The Space Between Us, which I am reading for Lisa’s read-along, and Homecoming which I am reading for book club. All good, but my attention span is that of a gnat these days, so the brain is working hard trying to give each the attention they deserve. Balance is still something I strive for when it comes to reading. I can’t seem to find it. I either have way too much to read, or not enough.

On a personal note, the Boy’s grounding has ended so he may once again walk amongst society. He won’t get his computer back until school starts though. Many of you asked about him so you’ll be happy to know that he survived his offense, but just barely. I sure hope he learned his lesson.

Right now The Hub is fixing my brake light (the jerk at the oil change place loosened it to make a buck) and I am about to jump back into one of those books. I wish you all a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Bookish Talk, Life

The Sunday Salon: Post Promotion and Beyond

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Kid #1 & #2 Promotion

This past week has been a busy one. On Friday, my son graduated (they call it promotion out here) from 6th grade. There was a ceremony to prepare for, so I took a few days off of work to just focus on that. It was a good move considering my “sick-in-bed” post last week.I needed a few extra days to regroup and prioritize.

Today, I am in a much better place but not until after a few emotional outbursts from the graduate. It seems that he considers himself a “man” now and his attitude took a nosedive which put a damper on all of the festivities. Frankly, all of it turned me into a blubbering idiot and I swore I would never be that but you know what? There’s a first time for everything.

The "Man"

I love the kid, but he sure can be a little…difficult.

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Now that promotion is behind us and school is out, I can think “summer” and you know what that means? Summer camp, swimming, vacay and READING. Yeah, I still have to work but the pace is so much slower during the summer session that it’s actually kind of nice. A good time to catch-up on all of those projects that are half-done.

Right now I am reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. It’s good, but a tad slow for me. I’m hoping it picks up soon because I keep catching myself skimming. I’m still working on my summer reading list but it’s coming together. I think I’m done with it but I keep moving things around. I will probably post it within the next couple of days.

I’m also thinking of my next read-along venture. In July, Lisa from Lit & Life is thinking about doing a read-along for The Space Between Us, which I will definitely be a part of. I really enjoyed The Weight of Heaven so I can’t wait to read another book by Umrigar.

In August, I am thinking about doing a read-along for Orwell’s 1984.  Any interest?

As for today, I plan to just relax and let the day unfold. What do you have planned?

BTW…the title of this post is a nod to everything Toy Story because it is EVERYWHERE! Three aisles of toys at Target. I can hear the $Cha-Ching$ from here.