Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more.
10 July 2023 
You may have noticed that I have been absent from the blogosphere for some time now. And this is not the first time, I was also very quiet with both reading and blogging during the start of the year. Anway, for those of you who may not be aware my dad passed away in January. To cut a long story short my mother also passed away in May this year. This wasn’t totally unexpected as she had a long term illness and also was unbearably sad and I think made the unconscious decision to simply ‘give up’. In a nutshell the first half of the year has been very sad for me. And, I’m usually a very upbeat person so I’ve been in quite unfamiliar territory. All that being said, I’ve finally reached a place where I just want to get back to myself, I don’t like the new ‘alien’ me, and fundamental to this, in the first instance, is reading, and in the second instance blogging and having a way to discuss books with people who also share that love of reading.
So, the past few weeks, I’ve been reading, a lot, and it’s felt good, plus I’ve read some really good books that I just want to buzz about. This brought me to the realisation that I’m ready to jump back into my blogging again, more than that, I really miss it. That isn’t to say that I don’t feel sad any more, more that I want to get back to myself eventually and taking part in the things that I enjoy feels like the best step in that direction. With that in mind, I won’t be using this place to dwell on things, this is my happy place and I want to keep it that way (you may be much relieved to hear!)
Anyhow. Moving swiftly on.
I have at least 10-12 reviews (quite possibly more, eek!) to write and post – so the blog will be quite busy for a little while. I’ll cut out some of the other memes for now whilst I catch up. I’ll also be doing some hopping around to see what I’ve missed and looking at some of the upcoming reads that I have on my plate.
On top of that I’ve been working my way through my SPFBO allocation. I will post separately about this but I will say I’ve made good progress and I’m definitely on track. I won’t say more at this point.
It feels good to be posting again. It’s amazing how quickly you get out of the habit but hopefully this is my first step to getting back on board.
Books and travelling with Lynn 
I’m so glad you’re going to blog again, I thought you might be gone for good😥 Looking forward to chatting again about books with you, and of course my condolences for your losses.
Thanks Tammy. It’s such a part of my life now, reading and blogging and I’m not ready to give it up at the moment. I’ve just been distracted but I feel like I want to jump back on now so all is good.
Lynn 😀
I’m so sorry for your losses. Wishing for peace and comfort to you.
Thank you 😀
Lynn, it’s good to see you back here. I’m so sorry for your losses. 💜
Aww, thank you. It’s not been the best first half of a year ever – but I’m trying to get back to some normality now. Is it even possible – lol.
Lynn 😀
I think we just find new ways to carry on. 💖 💖 💖
I’m so sorry, and I’m glad you’re staying with something that gives you pleasure and will hopefully be a source of comfort going ahead.
That’s what I figured. I’m not really ready to stop blogging and I love chatting about books – what better place than the blogosphere.
Lynn 😀
I’m sorry about your losses, Lynn, but I’m glad that you’re getting back into blogging and reading. I hope being in touch with friends helps you feel better somehow.
Thank you, this is one loss that I can counter. I’m not ready to stop blogging yet so hope I can get back into things.
Lynn 😀
So sorry for your loss, Lynn. My condolences.
Thank you 😀
Dear Lynn, I’m so sorry about your losses.
Welcome back to the world of blogging. Reading and writing can be a good support for lots of people.
Keeping you and your parents in my prayer
Thank you, yes, I’m hoping to reclaim a little piece of myself that I feel like I’ve lost in recent months.
Lynn 😀
You’ve had a really rough year so far and I am so sorry to hear about your parents. I don’t blame you for needing some time to yourself, sometimes it’s what it takes to grieve and to heal. I’m so glad to see you back though, I miss your reviews and chatting with you in the comments!
Yes, ditto that last. I miss my blogging buddies and reading all your reviews. It’s how I find my next books – my tbr will become manageable if I stop blogging!!
Lynn 😀
I’m sorry to hear you had to process such a heavy load in so short a time and I hope that time will prove helpful in the necessary healing: It would seem that books gave you a great hand already… My best 🌹
Thank you – it’s been a bit of a cruel year but time is definitely helping and getting back to some of my former pastimes too.
Lynn 😀
I’m so sorry for your losses, Lynn.
I’m glad you’re getting back into blogging, I’ve missed your reviews and chatting about books.
Thank you, I’m gradually getting back into everything, although I do have a lot of catching up to do. It’s good to be back though.
Lynn 😀
Hi Lynn, it is lovely to hear from you and that you are starting to feel more yourself after a very sad time – I have been very sporadically blogging too for very similar reasons. Good luck catching up on all those reviews!
Love & Blessings, Jessica 💌
Hi Jessica, it does feel good to be getting back on board with an element of my life that gives me such a lot of happiness, particularly after such a sad year. I’m sorry to hear you’re also having a sad time. I’ll be catching up with your blog very soon.
Lynn 😀