Hello book friends! Well, Christmas has come and gone and our daughter gave us the ornament pictured above as part of our Christmas goodies. I love it, but wonder whether I'll want to display it after 2020. We shall see. Our Christmas Day itself was very nice. We did the 'porch drops' and visited with area family in the outdoors. Happily, the weather cooperated and we had a good time visiting for a few minutes with each household. We went to our daughter and son-in-law's house last and enjoyed some fun time with their two dogs. Both Cody and Max (the pups) came and sat with their heads on my knee and just rested there for a while. We hadn't seen the grand-dogs for a long time. And, yes, we also enjoyed visiting with our kids.
Another happy thing is that our daughter just texted and said she got her first dose of the vaccine this morning at her hospital. I'm very relieved about that and am hopeful that we all will be able to get the shots in upcoming months.
So, reading in 2020 and stats. I have them, but honestly, I read so many books that were not 'new-to-me' - aka 're-reads', I'm not going to do a 'Top 10' list. I will say that I think my favorite book this year was Louise Penny's newest, All The Devils Are Here. I also enjoyed reading Kelley Armstrong's Rockton series, David Baldacci's Memory Man books, and Sherry Thomas' Lady Sherlock series. I read 130 books in 2020 and that's about normal for me. What it doesn't reflect is the number of books that I began and then set aside. I have no idea how many of those there were. Lots.
As for reading goals and other goals for 2021 - I think I'm going to just 'go with the flow' in that regard. Read what I want and that might be new books and it might be 're-reads'. I do want to get back to sharing at least a short paragraph about my thoughts for books that are new-to-me reads. And who knows? I might even share a bit about older books that I'm revisiting.
I'm not going to pick a focus word for this year either. I've done that in the past, but again, this new year will be as stress-free as I can manage. I'm planning on more yoga, especially in the breathing and meditation area. Continuing my walking. Better choices in my eating because those have not been very helpful in 2020. Just healthy in mind, body, and soul 2021 - that sounds good to me.
I feel like I've had way too much 'news' in 2020 and am going to attempt to create my peaceful place here while I'm visiting with all you about books and good stuff. Take care and wishing everyone a safe New Year's. Let's bring on 2021!!
I like the goals you've set for yourself in 2021, Kay. I've been thinking about my own goals. Maybe I'll focus on knitting something besides afghans... ;-)
ReplyDeleteCathy, maybe tiny afghans? Like for dolls or children? LOL
DeleteHappy Holidays Kay! Can you believe how the weather has changed today? Glad we got a mini walk in earlier. So happy to hear your daughter has received her COVID-19 vaccine. We are ready for ours and just hoping this year will be better for all of us. I think your plans for 2021 sound just perfect. And I'm with you on too much news. I think I need a bit of a break and more time with the books instead. Wishing you all the best in 2021!
ReplyDeleteYes, I walked yesterday morning at the rec center and driving home saw many people out walking. Today, not so much. I did yoga instead. LOL
DeleteI'm with you on the 'too much news', Kay. Waaaay too much. I try to limit it a bit now. Excellent to hear your daughter has had her vaccine. Hopefully once we're all done life can return to normal a bit. Go with the flow sounds good to me for 2021 reading and I see nothing wrong with rereading what you've enjoyed in the past. The book police will not be knocking on your door at 6am, there is a pandemic on after all. ;-) Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteCath, I love it - maybe that's what I've been afraid of all this time - the book police. LOL
DeleteHi Kay, Glad you were able to see loved ones - we take it however we can as long as it is safe right? I'll be posting my faves of 2020 tomorrow. I want to do a few things different in 2021 - the big one is more from my shelves LOL Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYes, we were glad to see loved one in person - though from a distance - LOL. It was a little complicated with my in-laws and the masks. They are both hard of hearing and we had to shout, but it was fine. More from our shelves - good goal.
DeleteKay, I am glad to hear that your daughter has been vaccinated. I don't know anyone personally who has been eligible.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Louise Penny's The Beautiful Mystery last night. Enjoyed it very much. Since it sort of has a cliffhanger ending, I may just start reading the next book in the series, How the Light Gets In, tonight.
I am planning to do five challenges in 2021, but knowing what last year was like, I am accepting that my reading goals may change throughout the year. I have plenty of good books to read.
We have been walking more lately because my husband has had blood pressure issues, and that has been a very good experience. I am a convert.
Tracy, first, glad you've become a walking convert. If you had told me ten years ago that I'd do as much walking as I do now, I'd not have believed it. I bet it will help your husband's blood pressure issues some. And I also bet you'll enjoy How The Light Gets In - one of my favorites in the series. Yes, our daughter was the primary person in our extended family that really needed to get the vaccine right away, but she is a nurse who works in a hospital and has had COVID patients. Next in my mind is my in-laws, both over 85 and then my husband's brother who is an elementary school teacher - in the classroom, not virtual right now. After that, who knows? I'll be glad to get mine when I can, but suspect it will be quite a while. Meantime, we'll stay sensible.
DeleteI am glad the weather cooperated for your porch drops and that you had a nice Christmas. We did too. We got together with my mom and other relatives for virtual visits--not exactly the same closer than nothing at all.
ReplyDeleteI like your goals for this coming year. I don't imagine things will change all that quickly. I feel like much of this year I have been in some sort of holding pattern--waiting for the next shoe to drop or something. I had so little focus. And what I did have was mostly aimed at work and helping my daughter with virtual learning. I'm slowly finding my way out of whatever fog I've been in. I feel so lucky in many ways and I am trying to focus more on that.
Wishing you the best this coming year, Kay. Stay safe and well.
Wendy, you've had a lot to adjust to this last year and I don't doubt that focus has been tough. Here's hoping that 2021 will see that ease somewhat and you and your family will have a peaceful new year.
DeleteHappy New Year, Kay. I like your goals. Mine are similar. I don't do official challenges but I've challenged myself to read more from my own shelves and more specifically to catch up on the Louise Penny series. I'm up to the 4th book. Glad to see the most recent is your favorite book for the year!
ReplyDeleteOh, Mary, you have so many good books to go in the Penny series. Have fun and Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy New Year! Love the 2020 ornament, and I'm glad your daughter was able to get the vaccine! No challenges for me; I look forward to reading whatever appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - what appeals to each of us is the way to go with reading as far as I'm concerned. Hoping we have a good reading 2021 and the rest of life at least settles down somewhat. Take care.
DeleteCreating a peaceful place sounds good to me. I haven't set any reading goals yet either, and I don't know that I will. For right now just reading what I'm in the mood for is what I need. And that Christmas ornament is great, just to remember all that we endured in 2020...and survived. Have a very Happy New Year! :D
ReplyDeleteYes, that ornament will be one to talk about in coming years and say 'remember...'. Ha! Take care, Lark, and Happy New Year!
Delete"Peaceful place" indeed. Reading blogs has been a kind of salvation this year. A saving of me from the world of reality, of politics, of illness and death, of crazy people. Here in the blogging world is peace. The book talk keeps me going even if I haven't read or won't be reading the particular books people mention. I can't get over 130 books! I read 70 and was so pleased. As I wrote to Diane, I'd love to hear where you read, how long at a time you read, etc.
ReplyDeleteNan, I need to do more blog reading and less news reading. One of my plans for 2021. As to 130, you know that a bunch of those are audiobooks and so I'm reading even when I'm not holding a book in my hands. I'd say at least 1/3 are audios. So, where I read - everywhere. If you count audios - my phone and audiobooks are always with me. Walking, folding clothes, driving in the car, etc. Books in print - while I eat, before I go to sleep, in the afternoons for a while. I try not to sit too long without getting up and moving around, but some afternoons I spend a bunch of it reading, with jump-up breaks. Ha! Happy New Year to you and all your precious family!
DeleteHappy New Year, Kay! I like your new year goal about going with the flow and everything. I think I'll set that as my goal, too. 2020 was a rough year and we wouldn't want to add more pressure to our already stressful life, right? Here's hoping that 2021 will be a better year for us in all aspects and I look forward to reading all your books thoughts, Kay.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melody! That's my plan to share more about the books. Hope I can do it - ha!
DeleteHappy 2021 Kay! Sounds like you had a lovely Christmas. Gage stayed up with us until midnight to watch the ball drop for the first time and that was a nice way to bring in the year. You had a great reading year! Mine wasn't the best, but homeschooling has taken so much of my time and energy that I'm hoping we're in a bit of a coast mode for a few months. Good luck with your healthy goals. I signed up with Noom and so far I've the app helpful.
ReplyDeleteStacy, good luck with Noom. I bet you will do really well with it. Take care!
DeleteLove your thoughts about reading and life going forward. Louise Penny is always a favorite of mine - look forward to her books every year.
ReplyDeleteAngela, I look forward to Louise's books each year too. I read on her newsletter this morning that she's already finished the next book. Wish it could come out earlier than August. LOL
DeleteShaking my head yes as I read this post! We enjoyed a lot of the same books last year. I did not choose any favorites, nor did I choose a word for the year. Happy New Year and here's to a peaceful, blessing filled year no matter what!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Nise'! And thanks!
DeleteThe 2020 ornament is so perfect! It doesn't hurt that that is my favorite holiday movie too. 2020 was definitely a challenge and I'm not sad to see the end of it. This year I'm focusing on series that I've been neglecting for far too long and trying to finish them or catch up. So glad your daughter got her first dose! How exciting and what a huge relief. I'm crossing my fingers that the pediatric trials are successful and that kids can start getting them soon and of course we will get them as soon as we are eligible.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, my hope is that Will can get his vaccine before too much more time has passed. Good luck with your reading in 2021!
DeleteLove the ornament but I know what you mean. It's one of those things that I'd like to see in a photo album when I look back one day and think 'oh that dreadful year...' But if this year does turn out to be great, then that ornament can be a reminder of how bad things can get - not sure you want that reminder at Christmas though.
ReplyDeleteI still need to post my best of posts. I have drafts ready but I've not hit the Publish button. Hopefully soon. Happy New Year, Kay!
We packed up the ornament yesterday when we took down the decorations. Next year, I'm hoping to look back at it with relief that we are in a better place. :-)
DeleteThat ornament says it all! I'm also going to attempt to rediscover my blog and visit friends' blogs in an attempt to create a more peaceful 2021. More books and less news! I posted a list of favorites today... about half as long as usual, reflecting my embarrassingly low reading numbers.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, it's been a complicated year and you've had more than the pandemic going on. 2021 can be your fresh start with your blog and your peaceful walking, etc. Take care!
DeleteHappy 2021 Kay. It is so good to still see blogging friends here, it has been a long time. It is Marce from Tea Time with Marce.
ReplyDeleteAre you doing Yoga online? I guide classes, would be fun to connect. Wishing you happiness, peace and amazing reads this year.
Marce! Good to hear from you. Yes, I do yoga online right now. The teacher that used here has some practices that she did for us and I use those. I will say that I don't love doing it by myself at home nearly as much. It's OK, but somehow even though you don't talk to others when you're doing yoga in an in-person class, it suits me better. Ha! Hope your year is a good one.
DeleteI saw that ornament online and thought it was so perfect for 2020, but yeah, I wonder if you'd want to keep putting it on your tree. Maybe on the lowest branch at the back? ;) It sounds like you had a nice Christmas. I'm glad the weather was pleasant for your outdoor visits. So glad Sam was able to get her vaccination!
ReplyDeleteGuess what my first book (to begin reading) will be in 2021? All the Devils Are Here. I've been waiting until after the RIP and Nonfiction November challenges and I'm glad it's worked out for me to start it in January. I'm almost finished with my current book, so I'll probably dive in to Penny's tonight or tomorrow. Both my mom and Rod said it was VERY good, so I'm excited to return to Three Pines. Congrats on your reading this year. I set aside a lot, too. I have several bags of books to donate once our library starts accepting them again.
Yep, go with the flow is a great attitude for reading. I hope to read more than I did this year (55), but since I only read at bedtime, I'm not sure how to accomplish that. Maybe give up on puzzles? Nah. But maybe I'll get back to listening to audiobooks while I work on a puzzle. Definitely cutting back on reading the news (I don't watch it on TV) and I'm right there with you on exercise. It's good for the mind and body!
Happy New Year, my friend!
Love the ornament and I would display it every year to remind me how good I have it now.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that your daughter got the first dose of the vaccine. It's good to know that someone is getting it. It will be a long while before the general population gets it in California. They are saying late fall.
So glad you got to visit with your grand-dogs & kids, how fun. That ornament is really so good -- it sums up the year. Happy 2021!
ReplyDeleteI'm behind on both the Gamache and the Rockton series. I need to catch up on both in 2021. We'll see how it goes!
ReplyDeleteI thought about getting an ornament like that one, but wondered the same thing as you do. I love pulling out my other ornaments and the memories they bring - that one might not recall memories you want brought back.
ReplyDeleteThis year I started into Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series and really enjoyed the first two books. I need to put book three on hold at the library so I can read it soon. I REALLY want to also start Kelley Armstrong's series as I've heard such good things about it. The Lady Sherlock series is also one I need to get back to....so many books and just not enough time. I love the idea of a stress free year in 2021....let's hope that the coming months bring a more hopeful year for us all. Best wishes Kay!
ReplyDelete