How many of you needed a distraction this week? I turned off the television. I really couldn’t watch the news. I’d rather read about it in the newspaper. Even then, I can only take so much news right now.
But, I was invited to join a Facebook group, Friends and Fiction. They already put up a webpage as well, with this same logo. It’s at http://friendsandfiction.com/
You really don’t need an invitation to the Facebook page, and that’s where the Wednesday night event happens. Every Wednesday night at 7 PM ET, five authors who are friends have a book discussion, and invite another author. Although women’s fiction is sometimes considered a derogatory term (for that matter, so is cozy mystery), these authors really do know their primary audience is women. The authors are Mary Kay Andrews, Mary Alice Monroe, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Kristin Harmel. This past week, their guest was Kristin Hannah. This Wednesday, it’s Debbie Macomber. They talk about books. They try to recommend a book by a debut author. They partner with independent bookstores. And, if you choose to discuss books with others who like women’s fiction, you could end up with an enormous TBR pile.
So, I’m escaping into books. Funny, when we first started isolating, I couldn’t read. Now, I’m reading to escape the world.
What about you? Did you need distractions this week? What worked for you?
Once again, we are on the same page. While Jackie was in front of the television for hours and hours every day, I would much rather read it in the newspapers. And yes, I feel like I am reading more than I was a few weeks ago.
One thing a friend mentioned last week which I noticed is absolutely true for me: time seems to be really dragging the longer the lockdowns go on. I will think, "Oh, it must be almost dinner time," but when I look at the clock it is barely 2:00. Each day goes slowly around here. Maybe it is the lack of enough real distractions.
I'm a long time follower and get some lovely recommendations from you and your regular commentators. Thanks to all of you!!!
I have to admit that at the moment my TBR pile of books has become non-existent. I have read them all! Never thought that could happen but it is actually a relief to have finished them. I am going to keep that pile much much smaller in the future. My library opens this week so I am able to restock my choices without buying anything (at the moment.)
Last week I read Mrs Buncle's Book. What a delight she is. Thanks for the introduction to D E Stevenson. She was a wonderful distraction amid the chaos of our world now. Something to escape to when NYT and Washington Post become too much for me.
Jeff, Because I'm back to work, time doesn't drag. And, on the weekends, the longer the day is, the better. I find myself putting off bedtime only because I don't want a good, quiet day to end. I turned on the TV last night to watch PBS and The Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band. But, news? No, thank you.
Diane!
Thank you for speaking up. Feel free to join the conversation on Thursdays. We always enjoy the book conversations. I'm really happy to hear you've found some news discoveries from our conversations. I'm going to bet it was either Margie or Rosemary who mentioned D.E. Stevenson, but I can't say for sure.
And, it's good to hear about another library reopening!
Lesa, I've heard from friends in the Buffalo and San Diego area that their libraries are at least partially opening, for curbside pickup and returns, so that is a start.
Time hasn't dragged for me for quite a while because of having to pack up my house in preparation for my move. Well, last Wednesday the movers came–6 of them–and very efficiently and pleasantly filled two trucks with my stuff. It took them less than 3 hours. Then it took me a little while to find my cat, Sasha, who was of course traumatized by the event. It turns out she had slid her thin paw between the two doors of a bathroom cabinet under the sink, and the doors had shut behind her. Very devious!
The following day, the same crew arrived early again and unloaded everything, again in less than 3 hours. Now I'm faced with unpacking the 90+ boxes, and I'm doing it at my own pace. It's kinda fun deciding where to put things, especially since I have MORE than enough space for all of my kitchen food and equipment. That's a new experience! My walk-in closet (mostly clothes and shoes) is all unpacked, and my bedroom looks the best of any room in the house. I even have room to put my keyboard there.
Thankfully, the Xfinity tech arrived on schedule the day after I moved in and hooked me up again to the internet, cable, and my new landline. I didn't like being unconnected for 3 days.
I've still got several rooms to unpack thoroughly, but I'm going to venture out today to find the nearest Starbucks for a S'mores Frappuccino and maybe tomorrow to find a See's Candies that has an order/pickup service. Can you tell I'm missing chocolate?
Anyway, there are a lot of things I'll need my son to set up for me, but for now I'm fine. I hope everyone else is healthy and safe.
It’s been nice enough here to sit on the screened in porch and read. Other than the grocery store and farm stand we haven’t been going out because there isn’t much open yet. But there’s always plenty of yard work between weeding and watering
Our library is open for curbside, Jeff, but I met with the Director this morning, and he didn't have any idea yet when we'll open to the public. Lots of questions about that.
Darn those cats, Margie. I captured all of mine when we moved across country. But, each day, it was a trial to do it again. This last trip, though, I was able to cage 5 cats in less than ten minutes by the end of the trip.
I'm so glad you're there, starting to settle in and make it your own, and that your family is close. Now, enjoy that chocolate!
Sandy, We've had some nice weather, haven't we? There's quite a bit open here. I'm finally going to get my hair cut on Wednesday. It's been three months, and I can't stand it anymore.
We had a little break in the hot weather, so I used that as an excuse to go outside and pull weeds, trim around my garden boxes, and do general tidying up in the flower beds. That's the best distraction of all. In the evening, instead of watching any news, I turn to one of the older movies I've recorded in the last few weeks. Last night, I watched Chicago again.
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