It’s been a long time since I posted a Monday post! In fact, looking back over my blog, the last one was on September 29th! I knew it had been a while, but wow! I think this is the longest I’ve gone between Monday posts in years, definitely the biggest break I’ve taken from blogging since getting back into my weekly schedule, and the longest reading break, too. I wish I could say that I’m now returning fully recharged and excited to dive back in… but honestly I’m still just as tired and burned out as I was in September. There are a few possible explanations for this, some medical that I’m exploring with my health care team, some related to events in my family, some related to the season, but I’m trying to do my best to listen to my body and brain and not push myself. I have a kid who is still at an age where they need me a fair amount (even when they are really annoyed with me fussing too much) and Christmas is always a lot of work. These are the non-negotiables, and sometimes mean that there’s nothing left in the tank for reading or blogging. But I’m hoping to slowly get back to it, without any promises or pressure!
Just Shelved
Honestly? Even though it has been a few months…. I’ve been reading a bit, but I haven’t been finishing things. So not much to report!
Currently Reading
This Golden Fleece by Esther Rutter
I’m going really slowly with both of these. I’m reading them both as audiobooks, but also got This Golden Fleece as a physical book because there are so many images in the text that are helpful to see as I’m reading. But I’m so tired and so busy right now that I’m kind of going back over the same ground over and over again, listening to bits of the audiobook but often at bedtime, so I’m falling asleep then looping back to try and find my spot later. It is really excellent though, particularly if you’re interested in the history of knitting in the UK.
Up Next
Local by Alastair Humphreys
Meeting Meg (Whistledown Farm #3) – Nicola Baker
I really don’t know what I’ll read next, particularly since I haven’t actually finished a book in ages! These are a few that have recently caught my attention, though, so are definite possibilities.
That’s it for me this week! Not much to report, but I suppose we have to start somewhere. I hope you are all well and that 2026 is off to a promising start!
A weekly post that encourages bloggers to share what they have read in the past week, what they’re currently reading and books they’ve recently added to their TBRs. Originally started by Sheila at Book Journey, it is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. I also link up with The Sunday Salon post each week hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz (and sometimes include some of her content prompts).
I’m sorry you haven’t been up for blogging lately, but I am so glad you were able to take a bit of time and join us all this week for an update. I hope you are able to get to the point where you are not so tired. Honestly when I was raising kids, though, I was tired all the time!
Very late reply – but thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I don’t know what has happened, but this has been the toughest time I’ve had emotionally and mentally in the past decade, and then there have been life things too! I hope you have gotten through winter without too much of a dip in energy and are now out and about enjoying spring!
I love your attitude putting non-negotiables first – as well as self-care. I also love how your wrote “without any promises or pressure.” Thank you for sharing those wise words. You blessed me today.
I wonder if you’re a knitter/fiber artist? The Lost Flock has such an interesting cover so I read the summary. It’s on H and am checking out the audio book! I’ve not thought of learning the history of knitting in England, but I am very interested in womens’ history. We are an unsung group. Thank you so much for such an interesting post!
Extremely late reply – my no pressure seems to have worked because I dipped out again for another few months! Thank you for your comment, and though I am reading it late, it means a lot and touched my heart to read. You have now blessed my day!
I am a fiber artist, which is where my creative energy has been going over the dark months and dip in energy. I knit and crochet; this winter I finally learned to knit socks and am working on my first cardigan. Sounds like you might also be a fiber artist? I loved This Golden Fleece and am also looking forward to reading Women’s Work: The First 20,000 Years, which I have heard wonderful things about. And you’re right, we are quite an unsung group, though I am taking heart in finding that many of us are beginning to sing! Thanks again for your time and lovely words. I hope you are greeting spring with joy and creativity wherever you are!