Hello, I'm linking back to The sunday post held by Kim, The Caffeinated Reviewer and The sunday salon held by Deb at Readerbuzz. Click on the links to access their posts and discover plenty
of great bloggers who are dying to share their book reviews, and other things, with you !
*°*° BLOG UPDATES °*°*
I'm linking back to The Sunday Post for the last time, not because I don't appreciate it (I really do and Kim does a great work) but it has become so huge - almost 70 subscribers - that it's getting difficult for me to follow. It often takes me several days to visit them all. Once I'm back at work, it will probably be impossible. But I wish to thank Kim for the warm and supportive community she has created over the years and wish her continuing success ! There are so many bloggers I wouldn't know if it weren't for her :)
I also unsuscribed from the "Comment 4 comment" challenge because thinking about it, I don't think commenting just for the sake of commenting, as it sometimes happens, is worth it and also because I have this problem with whatever it is on my computer that prevents me from signing up with my Google account (Badger again, probably). At least, I can comment with Twitter... However, I'm still working on solving this and building that blog roll. The time it will give me will allow me to comment on a more regular basis - and read more ! Less comments, better quality, more regular - I hope. These days, I can only catch up once a week, when I can ! Anyway, my spread sheet with blog addresses and names is almost ready.
*°*° LIFE UPDATES °*°*
My eldest daughter is not enjoying homeschooling. It's been almost a year since she didn't go back to Paris to study Korean and when she seems a bit depressed, since I'm working from home for the time being, I take her out walking or we watch things together to cheer her up. She's been away almost one week last summer to visit a friend in Brittany and a couple of days last week in Paris to visit another friend, that's all. She practically sees noone and goes nowhere. There has been a study on French students recently after several suicides and their morale isn't good, so she's my priority. I don't think she's in danger, mind you, I just don't like to see her that way.
This week, I watched one episode of Hercule Poirot, then :
Star Trek Beyond - I love those new Star Trek films !
and also All creatures great and small
I both loved them ! Different styles :)
*°*° LAST WEEK °*°*
with a heartfelt thank you to Mareli for her quick help, that problem is solved !
A review of a delightful non-fiction by Elizabeth von Arnim
perfect for our situation and this time of year
(read for The Classics Club)
Review of a re-read I absolutely enjoyed
I posted about my healthy morning routine in the bathroom
*°*° BOOKS READ °*°*
For my Japanese literature challenge,
I wasn't in the mood for this type of book : I struggled then DNFed
*°*° CURRENTLY READING °*°*
For my Brontë challenge, Kate's Brontë challenge and the Classics club challenge
I have the weird feeling I'm reading a retelling of her The professor
with a few changes
*°*° BOOK HAUL °*°*
Nothing, nada, niente : I was so wise I totally deserve chocolate
*°*° ON YOUTUBE °*°*
A video from the Brontë Parsonage on the occasion of Anne's 201th birthday
Ink painting of cats - impressive !
A visit of Agatha Christie's Greenway House in Devon,
it's in French but just take a look at her library - she owned 4500 books !!!
If you have more time, this video celebrates
the 100 years of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple
*°*° ON THE NET °*°*
I didn't have the time to peruse my Bloglovin' feed...
i get what you mean. i spend more time with email than i do on my blog. sorry to see you go
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
That's it, I write a blog about books, which leaves me less time to read ^^
DeleteI think this pandemic has been hardest on older teens and young adults. My oldest daughter doesn’t let it stop her much, she just follows protocols and does what socializing she can. Both of my daughters are at the same college and they share an apartment, so I sent them up there as I normally would and they make the best of it. But it is definitely hard and impacts them so much.
ReplyDeleteI agree ! My youngest daughter doesn't care much, she's glued to her computer, but the oldest wants to at least see some of her friends - respecting the distances, with a mask and all that...
DeleteMy heart goes out to your daughter - I am really worried about the youngsters. I do think they are the sector that has been really slammed hard by the pandemic. Just at a stage in their lives when they should be out and about, discovering new friends, who they are and what they're like - they are suddenly penned up with their families again:((. Worse, I'm a bit depressed to see how very harsh my age group - 60+ - appear to be to their plight.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to see you leaving - though I completely understand. There are those bloggers who pop up once a month, instead of weekly and do a monthly roundup... just a thought. So the very best of luck to you - I haven't been following you long, but I have really enjoyed your posts. Take carex
Thanks, SJ, that's very kind :) And yes, we of the older age seem to be the main targets of this virus but our healthy has repercussion on all of society. I personally enjoy staying home even if I'd prefer spending my time visiting castles, museums and exhibitions !
DeleteYour daughter and I seem to have a lot in common. I went to Korea to teach and I've also been to France. Your daughter is quite brave. She might like this American Youtuber Megan Bowen who vlogs from Korea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EQr3VOZcRE&ab_channel=MeganBowen
ReplyDeleteThanks Carl, I just gave her the link :) You're an English teacher ?
DeleteI'll come back and watch the video's you've shared on Agatha Christie. I did watch the video on the kitty drawings. How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI get what you say about the comments. It does take a lot of time. My tactic - I don't always visit all the bloggers on the memes and features, I try to get to as many as possible, but you can't get to them all. I give myself a time-limit and that's it.
Blogging should still be an enjoyable experience and find what works for you! I'm also back at work and I don't get to spend that much time on the blog, never mind commenting.
But we'll stay posted! I have you on my blogroll as well and will be able to see when you post.
Have a good week!
I've thought about the time limit, a good technique. I also thought about either a week off each month or a day off each week - I think the week off is easily manageable, because I'm often interrupted during the day ^^ I'll keep in touch too, enjoy your week Mareli :)
DeleteI'm so sorry for what your daughter is going through. This pandemic really hit the young people hard. Many hugs and prayers for her.
ReplyDeleteAs for blogging, I don't always get a chance to visit every link on the weekly memes. I get to as many as I can. You do what is best for you.
Stay safe and have a great week!
Thanks Yvonne, as a control freak, I'm figuring out a way to handle those comments, visiting and do a bit of reading on the side ^^
DeleteI committed to visit each blog that comments on mine this year, too, and I think you are right that it is difficult. But it's a goal, not a requirement, and I do the best I can. Still I am sure I miss a blog here or there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took over the Sunday Salon, I decided to pay particular focus to anyone who links up on the Sunday Salon post. I enjoy taking my time and carefully reading the posts of anyone who links up and leaving a thoughtful (I hope) comment. I don't think anyone who links up is obligated to visit all the other blogs. On other linkups, like Top Ten Tuesday, I made a rule to visit all the blogs who are in the same column I am in, and then I spot-visit the others. I do think it is wonderful to visit other blogs. Comments are so lovely.
I felt depressed yesterday. I think I suddenly realized how long it may be before I get the vaccine (I won't be 65 until November), and I miss seeing other people. The weather was dismal yesterday, too. I decided to do better today. I worry about young people. This could be their whole young adulthood for them.
I need to take a look at Star Trek Beyond. But right now we are completely lost in the old All Creatures Great and Small series.
I hope you have a lovely week, Iza!
You're right, I'll also try to do the best I can and stop worrying about the rest. I'm 55 and won't get the vaccine anytime soon, my aunt who has diabetes can't even have it yet, all appointments are taken and there are not as many vaccines delivered as promised. I feel sorry for all the people who are short on money, losing their job, their shops and all that... Enjoy the series and have a great week, Deb :)
DeleteI enjoy the newer Star Trek movies too :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter starts university on March 1st, I know her experience is going to be marked by Covid, but hopefully the vaccine roll out will encourage the return of normality for both my daughter and yours.
Wishing you a great reading week
The vaccines are starting slowly here in France. People who are given a first injection have to take an appointment for the second injection, something I find silly : they should be given an appointment right on the spot ! My aunt who has diabetes can't even grab an appointment. Oh well, we'll do our best, best wishes for your daughter :)
DeleteI hope your daughter is ok, the pandemic is difficult for the younger ones, I know my daughters miss their friends badly.
ReplyDeleteI have two and a half weeks worth of comments I’m working my way through, I use Newsify to keep on top of must read blogs, it’s difficult.
Hope you have a good week.
Ah, I knew Bloglovin' and Feedly, but not Newsify, I'll have to take a look. We're on the verge of lockdown but no lockdown but probably lockdown, oh well... Good work on the comments, have a nice week !
DeleteAs an educator, I feel for your daughter. Mine is also home (has been since November 20) and has a few more weeks until she goes back to college. I am so glad she attends a small college so that she can be there in person with her peers for at least part of the year. Otherwise she is here with me and my parents and no one else.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest daughter is at school part-time but the older one sees only her boyfriend outside of us. She'll be off for the rest of the week to see friends in a different town, that will be a nice change for her. If we're not locked down in between ! I'm glad your daughter will be able to see her friends, that will be a nice change for her, at an age where our kids ong to see greener pastures !
DeleteSending lots and lots of warm thoughts for you and your daughter. This pandemic has been extremely hard on the tweens and teens, probably more than any age group, since socializing is the main way they connect. So I feel for her. Are there opportunities for virtual events or even things you can do with others, like how we do readathons, etc? I hope the vaccine rollout goes faster and the society is able to come out of its social distancing.
ReplyDeleteI gave up on regular commenting a while ago but I try as much as I can on Sundays. It's hard work blogging, reading, commenting, and following - all while living this thing called life. I try to tell myself that if I comment on even a few blogs, that's a few more than zero.
She's off tomorrow to spend a few days with a friend, with masks and gel and distancing, it will do her good, thanks Athira :)
DeleteAs to commenting, after a few days when I read, read and read (and DIYed), I finally got back to the blog, lol !
Makes sense to prioritize what you have time for and maybe later you can return to those challenges and weekly posts. Rough go for your daughter and others who are studying in isolation and you're the best mom for recognizing her low spirits and helping with it.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I have a Nietzsche book on my shelf and I've tried to read it three times now. I watched the 100 Years with Agatha Christie, too. I'll have to watch the one on her library.
Have a good week, Iza!
I never understood how people who stay home can be bored, there's so much to do, to learn and to read ^^ You tried Nietzsche three times ? I tried that one out of duty, one might say, but I don't think I'll read one of his books soon, rather a biography, perhaps. Thanks Sophia !
DeleteI'm sorry to see you go. I do spend a lot of time commenting but I've kind of figured it out but it has taken a couple years. I don't visit everyone's blog, just those I enjoy. I used to try to do all of them. I comment on Sunday posts but the ones I follow on Feedly (rather than emails) I only comment if I have something to say.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has really taken to online college classes more than she expected. There are some she doesn't want to do online but she likes the flexibility. Since she has health issues she likes not having to be in a class at a certain time. I hope your daughter finds some good things too. Stay well!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Thanks for visiting my little blog! Nice to see a new face. I'm so sorry your daughter has been struggling. Such hard times. Big hugs from my neck of the woods.
DeleteMy son has been doing online school since last March. It's tough but we're all able to work from home and it's nice being able to be all together and help each other out. But he is definitely ready to start back up in-person next fall. I sure hope we are able to get vaccinated by then.
I just started All Creatures Great and Small. I haven't seen the older series but am enjoying this new one!
Looks like you are doing well in your classics! Nice. I'm trying to read more this year. I hope you have a great week!
Thanks Anne, I'm thinking about doing the same for the comments - if I lived alone, it would be easier to organize myself ! My daughter will be off this afternoon visiting a friend for a few days, with the necessary precautions. I'm glad that your daughter finds it easier to manage from home (my youngest does too !). Take care :)
DeleteYou're welcome Heather :) I do hope your son will be vaccinated by fall. It's progressing strangely in France, my aunt who's old and has diabetes can't even get an appointment... I'll be happy to see which classics you choose and what you think of them, enjoy ;)
DeleteI think the pandemic is hard on young people especially. I'm happy that you're getting her out on walks because exercise and getting outside is very helpful to a person's mood.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to watch that Agatha Christie video just to see her library! I want to watch All Creatures Great and Small. Looks really good. Have a lovely week.
Gwen (my daughter) is doing on line gym with one of her friends, they support each other :) Agatha Christie has books everywhere in her home - and I mean everywhere ^^ Enjoy and have a nice week :)
DeleteSorry your daughter is having a hard time. Hopefully people get vaccinated quickly, and we can get back to normal. I try to visit every blog in the link-ups, but I can’t always do it. I hope everybody knows that blogging is a hobby. People comment when they can. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
My daughter has found a way to escape for a few days, but my aunt is having a hard time getting a "normal" medical appointment :/ Thanks Aj !
DeleteI'm sorry things are tough for your daughter. Our lives have changed drastically since the pandemic, but we're thankful our children are in their late 20s and out of school.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to commenting, I think we all just try to do the best we can. No pressure... blogging is supposed to be fun!
Yes it is ;) My youngest daughter is enjoying homeschooling immensely (no more getting up too early to catch the bus !).
DeleteAgreeing with other comments that this pandemic has seemed hardest on the teens and young adults. (Well, younger than me. At 30 I still like to think I’m a young adult. 😂)
ReplyDeleteI stopped at 30 in my head many years ago ;) It's hard on the teens but also on old people, I can't wait for this pandemic to end...
DeleteI worry about my teens mental health too. This pandemic is taking a toll. It's good that you do things with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteShe's found a way out for a few days, it will do her good. I'm worried about my aunt, now ! Thanks Laura :)
DeleteI have kids in their late teens . The pandemic really stinks for them - should be such a fun time of socialization and freedom :-( It’s rough
ReplyDeleteI hope this will all get better in summer, fingers crossed !
DeleteIt's good that you're keeping an eye on your daughter's mental health. I'm thankful my child is in their 20s and working from home (which is currently my parents' house, 2000 miles away), but it has been a strain on them as well. And on all us adults, too, to be honest. Even as an introvert, I'm feeling it.
ReplyDeleteI love the stuff you're watching. We watched the first episode of All Creatures; I need to catch up on the next ones, and then get back to the older ones which we were watching last year.
An introvert too, I love staying home, but I also like to have the opportunity to go out if I want to, but all museums, castles and exhibitions are closed and the countryside is muddy, so... I keep hearing about the older All creatures, I'll have to take a look at that !
DeleteVon Arnim is a wonderful writer, isn't she? I can't wait to read more of her work. I have The Enchanted April slated for ... April! The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is my favourite Christie so far. Just excellent!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to your daughter. I hope she begins to see the wonder in life in spite of the craziness of it. Here's a link to a video that always help to cheer me up and makes me aware to be grateful for what I have: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhOUaszMGvQ It's a mother speaking to her child and I think it's quite beautiful. Take care!
Enchanted April is the book that drew me to dive into Von Arnim's novel, it's so great ! I love her writing, it draws me into her books with pleasure every time. Thanks for the link, Cleo, I'll take a look at it. Have a nice end of week, now, and take care :)
DeleteThe Sunday Post is awesome but yes- between visiting and doing the posts it can be quite time consuming! And that is great that you are monitoring your daughter like that- this pandemic and lockdowns have been so damaging to kids, not being able to go anywhere and see others. She's lucky to have you watching over her. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the recent Star Trek movies. And I love that Christie video!
Our young and our elders, they're the most fragile these days. Honestly, if you love Star Trek (I bet you do ;) you should watch the new movies - I was wary first but they're awesome !
DeleteOoo, must check out those Agatha vids. Hope this week goes alright for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI have other videos I still need to watch, I'll post the link as it goes :) Thanks, take care !
DeleteI'm so sorry to read about your daughter. I hope you guys find a good way for her soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree on the commenting just for the sake of commenting thing. I really don't like to do that.
Have a great week and happy reading.
She's found a way herself, at least for a few days, thanks Maureen. I wish you a great week too, Maureen, and losts of rest ^^
DeleteMy prayers are with you and your daughter - Lockdowns have certainly been terrible for people's mental health, especially our young people. 🙏 Also sorry to hear you DNF'd two books last week! Hopefully this will be a better week of reading for you. I will be particularly interested to hear your thoughts on Villette, as I have that on my Classics Club list and am a little dubious about it, after not loving The Professor. Take care and happy reading! 🙂
ReplyDeleteYou know, when I DNFed the books, I was almost glad - that physical TBR was going down faster, lol ! I'm currently having fun with the Murderbot and an old historical romance, so it's good. I didn't love The professor, too dark and long for a short book, but liked it intellectually, I'm not keen on re-reading it. Villette was much better, even if I was worried it would be a rewriting at some point ! I'll publish the review quickly. Thanks Jessica !
DeleteChildren's mental health is a serious issue in this pandemic. It's going to have reverberations for years or even generations to come. I hope you can find a good way to support your daughter and know that there are many parents out there to share your struggles with -- it seems like a lot of them have already commented here! Wishing you strength and good reading to keep your spirits up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lory, my daughter is in a loving family and fortunately, she knows it :) I'm taking her out as much as I can, I hope all kids will soon be able to meet their friends and go out again !
DeleteMy heart goes out to you and your daughter. It's such a difficult situation that we have so little control over. I am glad your daughter has you to look out for her. Wishing for the best for everyone. Sending hugs both to her and to you. I know this can't be easy for you either, especially knowing she's suffering.
ReplyDeleteKeeping up with comments can be a challenge, can't it? I know I struggle and feel overwhelmed sometimes. I confess I do not comment on every blog linked to the Sunday Post. And sometimes I'm late replying to comments or reciprocating visits. I always hope that people will understand because I know many of us are in the same boat. I used to only do the Sunday Post once or twice a month and that worked well for me. I am trying every weekend this month, and it's . . . Well, I don't know if I can keep it up. Perhaps once a month would work for you? But whatever you decide, I am sure it will be the best decision for you. Book blogging should be fun and when it feels more like an obligation, it definitely less so, doesn't it?
I hope you have a great week! Take care.
Thanks Wendy, yes it's hard to see your loved ones suffer, but she knows we love her and the cats are good for cuddles too ! I feel grateful for all the comments I see here about how difficult it is to keep up with comments, I feel less alone, it's comforting :) Thanks Wendy !
DeleteSorry about your daughter feeling bummed. Kids have it hard during these Covid times. It's been so long under these conditions, ugh. It's very sterile and boring. So isolating. It's starting to drive me crazy. I think I'd like to watch All Creatures Great & Small .... I'll look for it. thanks. Take Care.
ReplyDeleteBeing locked up last year was different, it was spring, we had a beautiful weather, our windows were opened on the countryside and the nearby wood, but now ? Cold, windy, wet and muddy, lol. I'm trying to keep my daughters occupied. All creatures great and small was a very good show, I hope you love it too. Thanks Susan :)
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear your daughter is struggling but it sounds like you're keeping on top of it. Some kids take better to being in lockdown then others. I'm lucky in that my son is very much an introvert and has been okay with the isolation but I know he has several friends who have really struggled. Keeping up with comments is difficult. I was really hard on myself in the beginning but I've been better about accepting that I can only do what I can do and not stressing myself out though it's tough. I agree about quality of comments over quantity. I really want to watch All Creatures Great & Small! I read the book years ago but never saw the original TV production. I saw just a few minutes of the newest one but it looks wonderful. Hope you're having a great week!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest daughter took to lockdown like a fish takes to water, lol, but my other daughter is more gregarious. I'm glad your son is taking it well, it's so reassuring when they do. I bet you'll love All creatures great and small, I need to watch the older version too *and* read the book ^^ Thanks Katherine !
Delete