Book Talk: I've Been Reading

You're probably thought I haven't read anything in the past 12 months going the complete lack of book talk posts.  The year that was and still is took a toll.  Mostly on my writing and blogging but new year, new blog posts and book talk is back baby. 

 

So what have I been reading all this time...

YA was one of the few genres I found my brain could actually handle during last year so I filled it with a mix bag of rom-com romances (yeah it's a thing, just deal with it) and some serious drama (a school shooting and surviving the fostering system) all of which were really good.

After than it was onto some travel memoirs because if you can't travel then reading about travel instead is my motto  

 

It seems kind of demented when you're in a lockdown but dreams about far off places and adventures was just the kind of relaxation I needed so naturally I had to pick up a book or two... or three.  I loved all of these reads which were about exploring areas that most people don't go to either by foot or by bike.

Next up it was time for some crime.  Urgh.  Bad pun not intended.

Crime is usually one of my go to reads but during the start of last year's lockdown my brain really just couldn't go there.  So I mostly stuck to thrillery crime instead of the blood-and-guts kind of crime.  Less murdery rampages and more thrills and excite, if you know what I mean.  Although weirdly all three of these reads kind of cross over at times.  Maybe I just closed my eyes at the murdery bits...

And just when you think my brain couldn't get any weirder it decided that end-of-the-world type of books were just what I needed in my life.  Like seriously what is wrong with my brain?  And no you don't need to answer that question.

Instead maybe just wallow in some good dystopia fiction and eating plenty of chocolate while you do.

March Plans and February's Outcomes

You would think with doing 101 Things in 1001 Days I wouldn't need any more plans but like I've said many times - my brain is weird and likes to torment me.  Seriously though having monthly goals really does help to keep me focused and at the very least reminds me of what I need to be doing... even if I ignore it some of the time.  I also love making lists, so there's that.

 

Reading 

 

It probably doesn't need to be on the list but I'm putting it there anyway.  As usual no definite plans other than try to keep on top of my endless To Be Read pile.  E-magazine reading is going well, though I do keep copying articles to save for projects and things I'm interested in.  You can just see already that I'm going to have even more plans in the future...

Gardening

 

Do you ever feel like an explorer hacking his way through an endless forest?  That pretty much sums up my gardening mood at the moment.  Just when I've done one bit there's another bit to do and the trees keep getting taller and thicker.

So of course I took a couple... make that 4... days off and just read, knitted and walked.  Utter bliss.

Now it's back to the fray, hatchet in hand as I get stuck in.

Crafting

 

Going so, so well.  I am a Crafting Queen.

 

Cat blanket finished, cardigan for me started.  I've also got my eye on a sunflower cross stitch kit which I'm going to order and make a start on.

 

And it's not even winter yet...

Watching

 

9 seasons of Waking the Dead finished and completed.  Which probably explains why my crafting is currently doing so well.

 

I've now just started Men in Kilts, a quirky little travel/history/culture show staring 2 of the actors from Outlander.  Filled with lovely Scottish scenery, cute little towns and fascinating bits of information.  Really though I'm here to just swoon over Sam Heughan's (aka Jamie) Scottish accent.

Get Fit and Healthy

Feeling pretty good to be honest.  All this gardening and living off smoothies, scrambled eggs and plant protein meals seems to be doing wonders.  On the plus side the weight is still going down.  So win win all round.

Now just need to keep it up and maybe try to fit in more walking and some yoga.

Frugal Living

 

I brought a crystal vase.  For $2.  I know right?  Awesome bargain right there.  Especially since it was completely dirty and covered in layers of dust and grime.  Now it's looking all shiny and new and filled with flowers from my garden.

 

I also managed to retrieve a huge piles of North and South, Life & Leisure NZ and Next magazines from the local rubbish and recycling centre.  So now I've got even more things to read through the winter.

Writing

 

Blog posts is pretty much it.  I really do need to put some time aside and put words on paper instead of in my head.