Fresh Flowers and Friendship will get us through the last week of February
We KNOW, we know, February sucks. But it’s been an especially rough month over here, for reasons other than its in-between-winter-and-spring status. The last two weeks were the worst, but thanks to the following things, I’m feeling like myself again:
Phone dates with friends - Most of my friends are long-distance. It’s the nature of military life. Keeping in touch beyond following each other on social media takes tons of effort, and I’m so glad I have friends who do indeed take the time and knew that I needed them last week.
Working on a new project - Sara has been my online teacher-friend for a few years now, but over the last few months we’ve been working on a project together. It’s been so much fun, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon. Being creative, learning new skills, and collaborating with Sara renews my energy weekly.
This little face mask sampler - I got this on sale at TJ Maxx when I was “sad shopping” – something I rarely allow myself to do, but on this particular day I “sad shopped” and found face masks, a new sweater for six dollars, and a book cart on sale.
Audiobooks - I haven’t been able to focus on reading anything on-the-page for more than ten minutes at a time lately. It’s a phase, and I’m not worried about it, but without audiobooks my reading life would be stalled out. Audiobooks are reading, and they have rescued me from getting stuck in a slump.
Fresh flowers - I love fresh flowers in my home, and I never hesitate to buy them for myself, but nothing beats surprise flowers from a friend. Currently: the gorgeous bouquet on my coffee table brightens my space and reminds me that spring is just around the corner.
Random spring days - From now until April, I’ll see a mix of snow, rain, and sunshine where I live. Instead of getting grumpy about it, I’m trying to enjoy each spring-ish day while it lasts. Yesterday, Penny and I walked for a whole hour without frozen paws or wind-burned cheeks. It was lovely.
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Audiobook Reviews:
The Best Worst Man - A diverse cast, a fun premise, and the classic enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope make this rom-com a must-read. I found myself chuckling out loud a few times while listening; it’s genuinely hilarious, and the sexual tension is *chef’s kiss* perfection.
Little Weirds - I can’t articulate exactly why I loved this collection of musings and vignettes. I found it charming and delightful and decidedly Waspy, but in a fascinating, other-worldly way that I enjoyed.
In the Dream House - Amazing. Inventive. Stunning. I’m glad I listened to this one on audio because I tried to read it on-the-page but kept losing focus (it was me, not the book). This review and this review pushed me to try again.
PS: You can get 3 audiobooks for the price of 1 from Libro.fm with code HRSR.
Currently Reading:
How Long Til’ Black Future Month - I’m excited to read one or two stories a day from this collection. It’s my first N.K. Jemisin, and it was highly recommended by a dear friend. I’m also looking forward to her summer release, The City We Became, which is based on the story “The City Born Great.”
Followers - I’m about 40 pages into this one. It’s intriguing but not un-put-down-able, so we’ll see how I feel after a few more chapters.
I hope the birds are chirping and beckoning spring weather near you. Buy some fresh flowers, eat something green, and call your best friend. Spring will be here before we know it!