IGNITE YOUR SPARKS: FUELED BY HOPE…

Here we are, almost halfway through January, and I am feeling a special need to ignite the sparks of our New Year.  We have certainly had some unfortunate events this month already…but after yesterday’s events with a second Impeachment of Trump, I am beginning to feel hopeful.

And HOPE is my word for the year. 

Also…I had my first COVID vaccine yesterday, and the second will follow soon.  So far, no untoward side effects.  In fact, my body felt almost pain free when I awoke this morning.  Perhaps I was just feeling relieved.

I slept in today, too!  Until 7:15 a.m., which is very unusual.  I often awaken every hour after 4:00 a.m., finally rising at 5:30.  But since I usually don’t go to breakfast in the dining room these days, I was happy to get up with the sun today.

I went on the computer to check out some news items…and then to post about my Backlog Book.

Then I created a page for the Nonfiction Reading Challenge I just entered.

Even after completing last year’s challenge, with seven books, I have quite a few remaining on my shelves.  Check out the top shelf, below the Quirky doll and designer books.

Now I am ready to turn my thoughts to a challenge,  hoping the distraction will be just what I need.  What do you do in the New Year to challenge yourself?

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! IGNITE YOUR CONNECTIONS!! — DEC. 31

For the New Year, I visualize more time spent in cozy surroundings, and I want to love and nurture my connections.

I also like making a few blog changes, so I altered the colors here.

Yesterday I took down the Christmas decorations.  As I boxed them up, I felt happy to see my usual space beneath, almost as if it had been waiting patiently.  But it looked slightly different, since, as usual, when I take away the ornaments, trees, etc., I see little tweaks I can make to the surroundings.  Nothing major or back breaking.  Just a little change here and there.  Like these:

I have started reading my first book of the New Year:  Potboiler, by Jesse Kellerman.  I had mixed feelings about some of his previous books, but he is definitely a talented author.  And I love the blurb on this one.

Arthur Pfefferkorn is a has-been, or perhaps a never-was: a middle-aged college professor with long-dead literary aspirations. When his oldest friend, bestselling thriller writer William de Vallèe, is lost at sea, Pfefferkorn is torn between envy and grief, for de Vallèe not only outshone Pfefferkorn professionally, but married the woman Pfefferkorn loved.
Pfefferkorn’s decision to reconnect with de Vallèe’s widow sets in motion a surreal chain of events, plunging him into a shadowy realm of double crosses and intrigue, a world where no one can be trusted–and nothing can be taken seriously.

What will your day and year bring?  I hope you will find the happiness, peace, and balance you desire.