I am a little late to this party, but really felt I wanted to put in my own thoughts on the past year and what I hope is to come.  I already posted about my favorite books of this past year, this post is a bit more personal.

On the blog front 2014 was one of renewal.  The first part of the year I was wondering if my blogging days were over.  I was reading, but not taking the time to review.  When I though about writing a post or visiting other blogs I found I really didn’t have the desire or ambition.  I was not ready to give up on Book Journey, but suddenly understood why some blogs and bloggers just disappear from the online world.  Honestly, I was scared I was losing my mojo.  Then, I went to the Book Expo in New York in May and it was like my battery was recharged.  Hanging out with friends, fellow bloggers who I chat with here on line is something amazing. Something MAGICAL.  Spending time with authors and publishers, and of course the books; the incredible books that I wanted to read, I wanted to talk about… I knew Book Journey was not over, not by a long shot. (*cue the Rocky theme*)

And honestly, thank goodness for that because in July my personal life changed drastically.  I made the decision to leave the job that I worked at for 10 years to work more consistently on my writing.  It was a big step… a scary step… and honestly it is still scary.  It has been a big adjustment and family and friends have been supportive in this decision.  The road has not been smooth since that decision… honestly it has been a wee bit bumpy.  I am working hard to believe that in all of this God has a plan and He is directing me into something amazing.  But really, I have never been a very patient person. 😉

2014… not a favorite of mine. 🙂  I am so thankful that my desire to write at Book Journey returned as the connections I have made on line here since 2009 are ones that I cherish, connections that have helped me through these changes in my life.  There are so many of you I feel that I know… I know where many of you work, what states you live in, about your families, about your dreams… and not in a creepy stalker way – but in a way that we share on line.  When one of you comment I love being able to think, “oh good, _____________ must be over the flu” or “______________ is back from vacation!”  It is like another world out there and those of us who do this know what I mean.

So… 2015.  YAY.  I mean seriously, YAY.  I love the idea of a fresh slate.  And right now, my slate does not get much cleaner than this.  When I return after our trip I have lots of plans to implement in my life, in my home, and here on Book Journey.  I hope you will notice the changes… I can not wait to get started!  🙂

Last year I chose a word to represent the year.  Some of you may remember the One Little Word post.  My word for last year was embrace.  I wanted to embrace whatever came my way, and well… I think I forgot about my word about 4 months into the year.  For 2015, my word for the year is:  Emerge

If you wish to choose your own word for the year, here is a great list to work from.

emerge

1. to rise or come forth from or as if from water or other liquid.

2. to come up or arise

3. to come into existence; develop

 

4. to rise, as from an inferior or unfortunate state or condition.

Books that came in this week:

All The bright Places by Jennifer Niven (audio book)

Left Behind -The Iphone That Saved George Washington by David Potter (audio book)

A Plague Of Bogles by Catherine Jinks (audio book)

Sired By Stone by Andrew Post

Fabrick by Andrew Post

Everything that came in this week was either Middle Grade (MG) or Young Adult (YA)

Wrapping this one up, here is to 2015!  Today I have a list of things to prepare for our trip.  I am anxious, but I think it is all doable.  🙂

So yeah.

A couple of nights ago I was folding up the blankets downstairs before I went to bed and I sniffled.  As soon as I did it I felt that little twinge in my throat, a little soreness. “No!” I thought… not now.

But yes now.

Yesterday I felt it when I woke up… the light sinus pressure, headache, runny nose… I sound like a walking advertisement for some powerful drug (which by the way if you know the name of. I may need it STAT!)  I took some aspirin and tried to carry on with my day, a few errands up town lunch with girlfriends, and then I was going to go shopping for the upcoming trip on Monday.

As the lunch went on with my friends I knew I was not going shopping.  I was fading into the booth and I was longing for my comfy chair and blanket.  So yeah… home I came and I curled up with said blanket… ate dinner with my husband and then was in bed by 9 pm.

For the record… going to bed at 9 for me leads to me up at 3:30 am, cleaning out leftovers out of the fridge so I can fill the dish washer and start it… I read a few emails… thought “this is nuts” and went back to bed until 7.

Today… still sniffly, light headache. sore throat.  I am pretty sure it is sinus’s from our funky no snow in Minnesota weather that has been in the 20’s and 30’s and not the temp is dropping and we should not see above zero for a while now.

Any hoo… I ramble.  My list of things to do must be worked on today.  I need to go and change out the Library window from Christmas to something just wintery… I need to start packing…

and eventually this afternoon I hope to sit down and enjoy my book.

Happy Saturday everyone.  🙂

Good morning.  3 days left before I head out of my home and on my way to Australia.  Honestly I am anxious.  It’s a big trip.  I want nothing more right now than to hug my dogs and stay at home.  It’s like leaving my kids…lol.  I will be fine once we get going but for now I am no nervous about the distance, the lack of communication back here to home, the inability of being able to help if anything is needed….. (ha!  There I go thinking I actually can control things again!)

On a lighter note, if you popped in here yesterday you would have seen the pictures of many of the bloggers/ book lovers that sent me a picture of them and their planned book for the first book of the New year.  Throughout the morning the bottom picture changed frequently… late pics came in, I accidentally missed one.. and then by the afternoon I had a handful more that I decided I would just post them again today with all the additions.

All in all, between the pictures, and the posts, we had over 70 participants in this one day meme.  I was thrilled with the turn out.

Today I have lunch with friends and then I will do a little shopping for the trip.  Having that part done will be a step in the right direction.  I am getting there… baby steps…. but I am getting there. 🙂  Reading my first book Station Eleven and so far really enjoying it!