Bluebird Books

For me, February has some high highs and low lows. It's my birthday month for starters and I enjoy Valentine's day because we keep it pretty simple and find ways to show our love for each other.  Presents, chocolates, love...all good.  At the beginning of February, we get a snow day or two that has the buzz of excitement.  Schedules get simplified, the air is different: crisp and cool with little flakes of hope falling from the sky.  The first snow days of the year are for reading and hot cocoa.  We all go out to play.  It's a fun change of pace.  walking Ruby in the snow But by the end of February, I am done with the snow.  And the missing of school.  And the havoc it wreaks on routine and schedule. Ennui sets in over gray days spent inside trying to keep warm.  This is a time to look on the bright side. So, I've been staying current with my list of what saved my life this month and here are the highlights: Journaling I haven't kept up

I got down to business this month.  I downloaded the Libby app and listened to some audiobooks, I reduced my TV time by a lot, and I always had a book on my person.  I even abandoned a book this month.  Who am I?   I've heard people who read a lot suggest all of these things over the last year, but I mostly scoffed at that advice.  "Sure, whatever, but they must be able to stay up reading late, or not have so many kids, or skim more."  I decided to just give these strategies a try and surprise, surprise, they worked. This month I logged 7 books.  That is more than I read in any month last year.  I am super excited about 2019.  It feels like my phone and TV have less of a draw and I can foresee hours reading, writing, and being engaged with my family.  #bestlife I'll Be Your Blue Sky I started the month with this audiobook.  It was readily available on Libby and I had heard enough podcasters talking about it to give it a try.  I had read another book b

I mean, the obvious answer is: books...there were a lot of them in January.  I will post a reading recap in a day or two so you can see those.   But, aside from quiet moments spent with a book opened, these things made my January so much better.  Tea Time There is something so calming about routine.  I heat water in my pretty orange kettle  that my husband got me two Christmases ago.  I choose a mug with a saying or picture I like.  I pick my tea.  The steam warms my face and I take a nice, long breath.  It is everything I need in the winter.   Cute Pencils, Pretty Pens I use colorful pens sparingly and I think that self-control adds to my appreciation.  Occasionally I remember to pull out my pen/pencil bag and mark up my bullet journal.  A little pop of color on the pages goes a long way.  Also, writing with cute pencils reminds me of being in grade school.  I have a CW Pencil subscription and it is one of my favorites.  I look forward to something fun to write with ever