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Wednesday, September 9, 2015

OK, maybe not a whole month's break...

Hey everyone - it's me!  Just wanted to say that I'm feeling better.  And I probably won't be gone for a whole month.  First of all, thanks so much for all the kind words.  It's nice to know that one will be missed and also that people will stick around patiently waiting for me.

I discovered that part of my problem was that I had an inner ear infection - which is not a new event for me - have had lots of those in my life.  The difference was that I had not been sick with a respiratory illness.  I apparently acquired it from some swelling in the tissues near my Eustachian tube of my right ear.  And that was caused by getting a crown put on my back right upper tooth.  Odd, huh?  Anyway, I had hearing issues and imbalance issues (like vertigo and a bit of nausea) and mostly feeling completely off.  I'm better now, but still not 100%.  I get the permanent crown put on next Wednesday and also have another doctor appointment, but I'm hoping that the physical self will be feeling much more normal in a week or so.

I've been reading up a storm, which is a good thing.  I'll share a bit of what I've been reading here, but I'm not going to write reviews for these books.  I've been pondering the amount of time I was spending on writing stuff for my blog and also on reading what others have on theirs and commenting.  I love all your blogs.  Love to hear what you have to say.  I love to comment, but I think I spent way too much time doing it.  So, if I don't comment for a while or if my comments are short, please know that I am around - just choosing to limit the time I'm spending on 'talking'.

And I'm going to cut back on what I write here.  That may mean reviews in a more 'update' type of fashion.  I'm thinking of doing a weekly update occasionally, like many of you do, just to say 'hey - here's what I've been reading and doing'.  I always have a tendency to get way too focused on things and then sort of make 'rules' for myself.  New rules are - take it easy and make it easy.

So, here's what I've been reading:

I've been listening to the Stieg Larsson books on audio.  I've gotten through The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and I'm about 2/3 of the way through The Girl Who Played With Fire.  Have totally enjoyed those again.  Simon Vance is the narrator.  He's wonderful.  I've done this in preparation for the new book in the series, The Girl In The Spider's Web.

I've read and enjoyed these books either in print or on my Kindle:

Eeny Meeny by M.J. Arlidge - first book in the DI Helen Grace series - it was good - graphic - scary - I'll read on the series.

One Kick by Chelsea Cain - discussed with my book group - thumbs up for almost all of us - second book will be out next year.  Kick Lannigan reminded many of us of Lisbeth Salander.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan - I had a good time with this sorta novelization of Will and Kate's love story.  American girl and royal prince.  Took me forever to read it, but I did enjoy it.  Maybe a tad too wordy.

In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware - Hen party goes wrong.  Creepy deluxe.  Not horrible scary, but sometimes one wanted to say 'stop - stop - don't go there'.  Will look forward to what comes next from this author.

Burnt Paper Sky by Gilly MacMillan - Mother let's 8-year-old son run ahead on the path and then he disappears.  The public castigates the mother unmercifully.  Includes transcripts of psychologist sessions, website info, emergency calls, etc.  I love those types of things to be included.  I was pretty much turning the pages as fast as I could.  This was a thriller.

That's all in this update.  I'll try to stop by again soon.  Again, thanks for the support.  Have a good week!!

54 comments:

  1. I can't believe it! I just texted you and said I missed your blog, and so I clicked thinking I would reread the Bookish Nostalgia post, and here you are!!!!!

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  2. Kay, my dear, you will ALWAYS have a permanent crown in my mind! (a Queen, you are, if that makes any sense!) Nice to see your post here. xx

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    1. Oh Kay, you are so sweet. Thanks! Wish my permanent crown would be that easy to put on. LOL

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  3. Soooo happy that you have discovered the source of your issues!!!!!

    Do all of blogging, as is best, to/for you! That is the only blogging rule there should be. I know, I don't fully follow my own advice. But still... It. Is. The. Only. Blogging. Rule.

    I don't need an in depth book review. If the person would say a few words. I get a feel for a book. And it is up to me, to seek it out and read more, to make up my own mind.

    Relax my Dear. We all ought to do more of that. In all aspects of our life. Especially in our Social Media Life.

    Hugs,
    Tessa

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  4. It's good that you now know what is causing the problem. Hope you're soon much better.

    I'm with you on the writing about every book issue. I've been thinking about it too and think I may have a challenge free year next year which will free me from having to write about particular books. I can then choose to enthuse about something I've really enjoyed, or a series, and anything else can then be covered in some kind of weekly post as you have suggested. It's all a bit too much sometimes, not helped by a tendancy towards sore shoulders and neck if I type too much. Anyhow... I hope you manage to find a balance that suits you. Nice to see you here.

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    1. I totally understand about the shoulders and neck thing. Balance is the new word of the day.

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  5. I struggle with vertigo so I know how miserable it can make you. I'm glad you're doing better.

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    1. Thanks, Kathy. So sorry you have the vertigo issues as well. It's awful.

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  6. Vertigo and nausea--that really is difficult. Glad to know the problem has been identified! I'm eagerly awaiting The Girl in the Spider's Web and Burnt Paper Sky sounds good, too!

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    1. I was really caught up in the story presented in Burnt Paper Sky.

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  7. Glad to hear you're on the road to feeling better. I'm in the middle of a crown procedure now - another week before I get the permanent crown. What a summer, huh?

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    1. Yes, indeed, Mary. Good luck with your tooth as well.

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  8. I'm so glad you're back! I was still planning on commenting on your last post about taking a break -but as usual I'm a little slow. So, I am glad you are feeling better. I like your updates of what you've been reading. All I really need is the bottom line- should I read it or not?

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    1. Thanks, Tina. Well, short and sweet will be the word of the day here. I'm reading The Admissions right now. It's kind of making me tired following around after that family. LOL

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  9. Just couldn't stay away, could you? Hee hee. I'm glad :) And glad you're feeling better. Here's hoping you'll be feeling 100% very soon.

    I'm glad your book club liked ONE KICK. It's a darker book than I usually like, but I just really liked the heroine. I started reading IN A DARK, DARK WOOD. It was engrossing, but the cocaine scene kind of turned me off. I'll probably finish the book at some point since I love me a good psychological thriller.

    Thanks for the update! It's always fun to see what you're reading.

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    1. You know, I had kind of forgotten that cocaine scene, Susan. I didn't like that either, but I just plowed right past it. And, yes, I was a little nervous about what other book club members would think about the Kick story. Surprisingly, almost everyone loved it.

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  10. So glad you are doing a bit better! I know from past experience how troublesome that problem can be.

    Also I hear you about the time drain that writing a blog and visiting and commenting on others' blogs can be. I have taken a step back, fixed up my blog design, decided which way I wanted to go with my posting and feel better about it. We should all find the method that fits our lifestyle and enjoy it!
    I do like to read your take on mysteries and suspense, so I do hope you keep on posting :)

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    1. Rita, I've enjoyed reading about how you've tweaked things on your blog. And I totally agree about the time drain that blogging and reading blogs entails. Sometimes, you don't even realize how much time. I will keep on posting, just not as often or as much. :-)

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  11. I'm so glad you're feeling better - what a pain that crown has caused! I've been thinking much the same about my blog - shorter posts and not writing about every book seems to be the answer for me - and less challenges, if any next year.

    And less time blogging certainly frees up time for more reading! It looks as though you're making the most of it!

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    1. I agree, Margaret. Less blogging and reading blogs makes more time for actual reading. Which is why we all got together. LOL

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  12. Glad to hear you are feeling better.

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  13. I'm happy you're feeling better, Kay.

    During my recent 3 1/2 weeks away, I realized how much time I spent reading blogs, commenting, and writing posts.... and it's way too much! Good luck making adjustments. Please share any formulas that work for you. This is a struggle for many of us.

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    1. Yes, I'm thinking about a blog post regarding this. Just to talk about it a bit and encourage others to share their thoughts on it. And it is a struggle. How much is too much and how little is too little. Stay tuned. LOL

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  14. I was reading through my list of blogs and when I came to yours, I said - are you back yet - huh huh? And clicked on it just to see (thinking that you would not be) - but you were!!! I sometimes like to do reviews for the books I read - but only use 10 words or less! It is fun trying to condense it - and so much easier than writing a whole long review - LOL!

    Linda in VA

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    1. I agree Linda. 10 words - now that's a goal!

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  15. Glad to hear that you found out what was behind some of your health issues. I have had problems with vertigo off and on since I was in my twenties and it is very unsettling. Teeth and ears and sinuses all seem to affect each other (or sometimes just give similar symptoms) and can be very confusing.

    Just glad things are better now. Those were great short reviews, I should practice doing that. And I hear what you are saying about keeping connected with blogs and bloggers and the effort it takes.

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    1. Thanks, Tracy! Yes, all those areas of the face are so interconnected. If one is messed up, it's easy for others to be as well.

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  16. Ear infections. I am not a fan of them. They can make you feel pretty icky without you even knowing you have one. I am glad you are on the mend.

    I am not taking a break and yet, I have no time to write. Work has been incredibly busy and I've not been able to focus on the blog. I've been reading but I am a little overwhelmed with how behind I am on review writing. I plan to sit here early tomorrow before work and pound at least two out.

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    1. Hmmm....what if you just skipped them, Ti? Just sayin'.....LOL!

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  17. Glad u are somewhat better Kay. I'm reading quite a bit but hate taking the time to review, it feels like a job LOL But, I plug along and write then when the spirit moves me.

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    1. Glad you are enjoying your retirement, Diane. 'When the spirit move me' sounds perfect. LOL

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  18. Welcome back! Glad you're on the mend. I like your new rules--and the sound of all of the books you've mentioned. I'll be adding them all to my ever-growing list.

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    1. Thanks! Hope this method will work OK for everyone. :-)

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  19. That is an ambitious list for sure. I always watch a few scary movies between now and Halloween but just signed up for the book challenge - have fun Kay.

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  20. Vertigo and nausea are a terrible combination. So glad you pinpointed the cause of it and things are getting better now. I enjoyed these short reviews of yours as much as I enjoy your regular reviews - you should definitely do whatever works best for you!

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    1. Thanks for the support. Yes, the ear thing was bad, but I'm happy to say it seems to have gone away. Yay!

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  21. I'm glad that you are feeling much better! I hope those problems go away soon. Love the books you have been reading. I am eager to check out Eeny Meeny. I have seen it a few times and been intrigued by it but not yet picked it up.

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    1. Eeny Meeny is interesting. A little graphic and a main character with issues, but I did like it. I'll continue reading the series.

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  22. I'm so glad you're back and that you're feeling better, Kay! I'd had vertigo and imbalance issue before so I knew how bad it is.

    Looks like you've been reading lots of good books and as for reviews and commenting, I'll say just take your time and do them whenever you can.

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    1. Yes, I think I'll just take each week as it comes and share as the mood moves me. Same with commenting. :-)

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  23. yay happy to hear you are feeling better and hope you continue to improve. I was put on anti-epileptics for the disease that affects my hands and I couldn't stand the dizziness, nausea and balance issues, made me feel very ill so you have my sympathy.

    I've tried very hard this year to not review everything that I read, just actual review books but it's still too much. Maybe I need to do more short and sweet updates too. And of course I love to comment and engage with other readers/bloggers ... but something has to give doesn't it?

    PS putting Burnt Paper Sky on my wishlist. I've been in withdrawals since finishing Black-Eyed Susans, need another brilliant psychological thriller.

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    1. Yes, something does have to give and sometimes, I just don't feel the urge to write. So, I'm letting myself go with that feeling for now. It's more relaxing. Thanks for the sympathies. I'm feeling much better now. Isn't it awful how some medicines make you feel worse? Take care!

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  24. I am jealous of how much you have read! I need more reading time.

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    1. Well, it helps when I don't spend so much time in front of the computer. LOL

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  25. I hope you continue to feel better, Kay! I am sorry you've been suffering so much though. :-( I've come down with a cold and am developing a cough. I hope it's not the one that's lasting 6 to 8 weeks that's going around. :-( Today I just feel weak and achy all over on top of the cough and stuffiness. Great time to have company coming this weekend. Ugh.

    I am glad you have been getting some reading it! I feel like I haven't done much at all this month. Too much going on, I'm afraid. And work is really busy these days.

    I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Oh, Wendy, sorry about your cold and cough. I hate those and especially hate them when the weather is warmer. They seem to need to go with winter in my mind. Take care of yourself and don't do too much. I'm sure you company will understand.

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  26. Kay sorry to hear you hadn't been feeling well but glad you are on the mend. Hope all went well at your recent appointment.

    I had to put a hold on A Dark, Dark Wood and there are a lot of holds on it at the library. Really looking forward tot hat one.

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    1. Thanks, Iliana! I bet there are a lot of holds on that book. I liked it - will be curious to see what you think. ;-)

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  27. So glad to hear that you're feeling better!

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Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to hear your thoughts and will respond as soon as I can. Happy Reading!