I don’t know about you, but during much of 2018 I felt like I was swimming Upstream. Each day seemed to bring Just One Damned Thing after Another; other days seemed like A Walk in the Park.
On the personal side, my concussion in May led to the The Longest Nine Months of feeling like I lived in an Alternate Side, a side where writing and teaching and thinking were an Unlikely Pilgrimage.
I’ve always known that we all were Born in a Treacherous Time, but just one minor traffic accident (in which my guy and I were rear-ended) kept me from my Business of Being, my Soul Purpose in and Out of the Workplace.
Even though most of my family and friends understood my Obsession – Before and Again – with the Wonder of writing, they insisted that I wasn’t Eligible to create on the computer for my normal 6-8 hours a day. My loved ones (and doctors) told me to sit out on the rocking chair – Watching the Daisies – to heal.
At times I felt In Pieces, observing my Shadow Sister, who seemed to have lost her Spark of Light while Pretending to Dance. But then as I sat still in the sun and viewed the birds and squirrels and chipmunks include me in their antics (one of them whispered to the other “She’s One of our Own!”) I realized that I had become part of the Sublime Shadows of Life.
Yes, my writing input had Fallen, but The Storyteller Speaks in many different ways. Breathing, observing, listening became a Godsend. I knew that in the Probable Future I’d retain my ability to sit in front of the computer screen, but for now, My Love Story would be relegated to tiny creatures who shared their acorns with me and showed me A Second Chance at imagination.
With pad and pen I wrote another children’s tale – a sequel to my Birds of Paradise – as I rocked. At first the cat is lonely and friendless in my next story, but Molly Finds Her Purr after discovering What’s in a Name. My incredible illustrator, Shelley, began working on sketches, since All We Ever Wanted was to entertain children and adults as they read the Origin of love and friendship.
The Pull of the Moon made me a Time’s Convert as I stood on my porch every night watching the stars twinkle, encouraging me to become one of The Hopefuls.
And I am, I am, as I heal and share with you the magnificent works of writers around the globe who promise us that with A Trail Through Time, the sun still glistens and the night sky still surrounds us with the soft comfort of the next day to come.
Books I Read in 2018, in order of appearance(I enjoyed all of these books – those asterisked knocked my socks off):
Upstream, Mary Oliver
Just One Damned Thing after Another, Jodi Taylor
A Walk in the Park, Jill Mansell
The Longest Nine Months, Carol Balawyder
Alternate Side, Anna Quindlen
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Rachel Joyce
*Born in a Treacherous Time, Jacqui Murray
*The Business of Being: Soul Purpose in and Out of the Workplace, Laurie Buchanan
The Obsession, Nora Roberts
*Before and Again, Barbara Delinsky
Wonder, R. J. Palacio
*Eligible, Curtis Sittenfeld
Watching the Daisies, Brigid P. Gallagher
In Pieces, Sally Field
The Shadow Sister, Lucinda Riley
A Spark of Light, Jodi Picoult
Pretending to Dance, Diane Chamberlain
*One of Our Own, Willa Cather
Sublime Shadows of Life, Balroop Singh
Fallen, David Balducci
The Storyteller Speaks, Annika Perry
The Godsend, AC Flory
The Probable Future, Alice Hoffman
My Love Story, Tina Turner
A Second Chance, Jodi Taylor
*Birds of Paradise, Pamela S. Wight
What’s in a Name? Sally Cronin
All We Ever Wanted, Emily Griffin
*Origin, Dan Brown
*The Pull of the Moon, Elizabeth Berg
Times Convert, Deborah Harkness
A Trail Through Time, Jodi Taylor
*The Hopefuls, Jennifer Close
More Books I Read in 2018 (in my own order of reading)
Lies Jane Austen Told Me, Julie Wright; Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of the Runaway Slave Ona Judge, Erica Armstrong Dunbar; The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, Phaedra Patrick; *Poison, John Lescroart; The Seven Sisters, Lucinda Riley; The Storm Sister, Lucinda Riley; From a Paris Balcony, Ella Carey; *Miira, AC Flory; Nabatea, AC Flory; *Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman; Marlie, Anneli Purchase; Twenty Years After I Do, D.G. Kaye; Circumstances of Childhood, John Howell; The Cuban Affair, Nelson DeMille; A Symphony of Echoes, Jodi Taylor; Murder in Thistlecross (A Malice Novel Book 3), Amy Reade; No Time Like the Past, Jodi Tayor; What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Jodi Taylor; *The Story of Arthur Truluv, Elizabeth Berg; Y is for Yesterday, Sue Grafton; At Seventy: A Journal, May Sarton; *Soul Swallowers (The Shattered Sea Book 1), D. Wallace Peach; *Digging to America, Anne Tyler; *On Turpentine Lane, Elinor Lipman; A Nearer Moon, Melanie Crowder; Same Time, Same Beach, Dorthea Benton Frank; The President Is Missing, Patterson/Clinton; *The Hubley Case, Justin Lee;
Wake-Robin Ridge, Marcia Meara; A Father for Bella, Jill Weatherhold
The Bone Curse, Carrie Rubin; The Perfect Couple, Elin Hilderbrand; House Witness, Mike Lawson; Little Woman in Blue, Jeannine Atkins; *An American Marriage, Tayari Jones; Soul Swallowers (The Shattered Sea Book 2), D. Wallace Peach; *Perla, Carolina De Robertis; Surprise Me, Sophie Kinsella; Clock Dance, Ann Tyler; Mosquito Song, J.J. Brown; By Invitation Only, Dorthea Benton Frank; The Pearl Sister, Lucinda Riley; *What Alice Forgot, Liane Moriarty; While the Bombs Fell, Robbie Cheadle; Comorbidity, J.J. Brown; The Worst Noel, Amy Reade.
Very clever, Pam. Happy new year!
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You were my first commenter on my reading post, Sue! Thanks so much. I still have my ghost story that I’m gong to send you — one of these days on 2019. ;-0 xo
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It was quite odd. ..I clicked into an email as yours came through and it opened your post instead. X
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No such thing as coincidence…..right? ❤
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No, there is not 🙂
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🙂
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What a great post and list, Pam. You are an avid reader.
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Reading opens my world, for sure. As does meeting wonderful people like you, Robbie, in a place I’ve never visited (yet). ❤
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Africa is a great place to visit if you enjoy wildlife and natural wonders, Pam.
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One of these days, one of these days….
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Very impressed with the diversity and length of your 2018 reading list! May your 2019 be filled with excellent tales, both to read and write!
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Thank you – I wish the same for you – good reading and good writing in 2019! ❤
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From the opening words, your post became a compulsive read. An ingenious device for a year in a view.
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I have so much fun playing with words. Perhaps that’s why I love reading them so much too. 🙂 Happy New Year!
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And to you. 🙂
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Not read much then, Pam! I don’t know how you do it – I’m still reading last year’s hard-copy presents (Christmas, Birthday, Father’s Day), and now have another handful from another Christmas past – not to mention Kindle seductions! As ‘Eleanor Oliphant’ I hope you’re completely fine – Gail Honeyman’s book my read of the year. My best to you and yours for 2019. Eric.
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You and I are on the same “page,” Eric. I sank into Eleanor Oliphant’s world with worry and then hope and then joy. Honeyman showed us writers how it can be done. To you and me “doing” great writing (and reading) in 2019.
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Reading more is something I’d like to do for 2019–I find it difficult to read for pleasure though as reading is a huge part of my job. By the time I’m ready for bed, I can get about 5-10 pages in and I’m done! There are a lot of books on your list that I want to read too! Happy New Year!
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Reading for pleasure helps me fly into other worlds that I’m afraid I may never get to on a plane or a boat. But in my imagination, I can go anywhere. This year, since TV and movies were contraindicated for healing, I found more time to imagine with the words of others….To reading and writing in our New Year, Kate. xo
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i love how you created this post and love your list, too!
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Thank you for your enthusiastic response to my reading “list.” I wish you a year full of happy students and happy reading. ❤
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What a creative way to tell us what you read last year, Pam! And you are a prolific reader. I should not be surprised considering what a fabulous writer you are. Happy 2019 and may your noggin be enveloped in safety. ❤️
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I send a (reading and writing) toast to your noggin and my noggin, Molly. CHEERS!
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Cheers! Going to go read a book right now!
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MELewis said it so perfectly!
I’m in awe of how many books you can consume in a year … and then how creatively you can tell the story of your year based on their titles!
I know that concussions require a long, slow recovery. I hope you are back to 100% soon. Best wishes for 2019!
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I appreciate the understanding you have for the length of recovery time, Joanne. Many think a few weeks is all it takes to “shake off” concussion symptoms (and actually, I used to think that too). My patience dwindles at times, but a good book calms me down. CHEEERS to you for 2019. I look forward to following your antics (just teasing) on your blog – biking and showing us your world.
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A very clever post, Pam. Happy New Year.
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To clever reading and writing in 2019, Mary. xo
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Nicely done. I like that one of your asterisked titles was by that brilliant writer, Pamela Wight.
I’m impressed that you keep track of what you read. 🙂
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Haha, you noticed my complete lack of ego there, where I asterisked my own book, huh? As you know, we writers have to talk ourselves out of shyness. As far as my list, I have a file on my computer and my routine is to add the title of a book as soon as I read it. This also helps remind me to write a review on Amazon and Goodreads, particularly if it’s an Indie book. Reviews are SO important.
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You are so organized. 🙂
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Creative! I look forward to sharing your reading experience.
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I’d love to hear what book you are reading, or chose to read, and if you enjoyed it, Arlene. Happy New Year to you!
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At the moment I’m reading All These Wonders: True Stories about Facing the Unknown, with a foreword by Neil Gaiman. It’s a series of true stories shared by people at Moth speaking events. I’m only about one-quarter of the way through but so far the stories have been really engaging.
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Ohhhh, I need to read this. Off to find a copy. THANKS.
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One downside of my Netflix subscription, Pam — I’m not reading nearly as much as I once did. I’d be interested in how you choose what to read next.
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Great question, Janet. First, I had to stay away from the TV and computer screen for weeks. I slowly added the computer, but only an hour a day. TV not at all for quite some time, and going to the movie theater (I love watching movies) is still verboten. Thus, my reading time almost doubled. Many of my friends are readers, and we e-mail each other titles of the books we enjoyed. I also read recommendations on Goodreads, and my library sends out a monthly newsletter with great reviews. Last, not but least, I read reviews from bloggers about their own books or Indie books they’ve read and recommend, and I make sure to read them…and review! I believe strongly in Indie writers and Indie publishing.
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This was great, very clever! It appears you were able to read while sitting on that rocking chair. All the best for 2019!!
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The first few weeks after the concussion, I could only play with the squirrels. Then I added reading time, slowly. Hardbound books were best until an occupational therapist suggested I use the Kindle with low light and large font. Helped tremendously. Happy New Year, Darlene. Your Canadian holiday was so great. Now back to the warmth of your Spanish home. xo
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Great post, Pam! I’m so jealous of your reading time! Happy New Year!
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My reading time almost doubled because of the inability to write and work on the computer, Jill. The plus side was learning so much about writing while reading. The negative side was not working on my next romantic suspense. But I have high hopes for 2019. And I hope hope hope you are working on YOUR next book. xo
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Wow! So many books you’ve read! And how beautifully you intertwined them into this post. Wishing you continued healing and more time to write (and Read) in 2019!
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PS I’d love to buy Birds of Paradise. Is the best place to get it on Amazon?
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My publisher is in the midst of changing printers so Birds of Paradise is on hold now on Amazon. I’d be happy to sell you a book from my home office using friends/family rate. E-mail me at pam.wight@colettawight.net and I’ll give you the details! ❤
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I would love that! Thank you Pam! I’ll be in touch!
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Pam, I do love your post that in spite of all excudes piece and contentment.
You have so cleverly wowen in th titles of books in your text, really admired that.
Now, to sit in a rocking chair with a note book and pen and lots of good books sounds so tempting…. o.k. , the concussion isn’t funny. But they can spark remarkable results. I had the same happening in -15 and a couple of weeks later poems started pouring out.
May this New Year be good on you and very creativity.
hug
Miriam
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Miriam – we both discovered what can happen when we stop “doing” and just sit “being.” Yes, creativity opens up in marvelous ways. ❤
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It does indeed. Wake up calls maybe ….❤️
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Very clever post and awesome book list! About 10 years ago I fractured my knee and had to keep my leg straight for 4 weeks. At first I was annoyed because it was May and I had gardening to do. Then I realized how lucky I was to be able to heal in my back porch with all the wildlife to entertain me. Fortunately I was able to read too. I was still very cranky although looking back, the timing was perfect.
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I LOVE your honesty about being cranky despite the ability to sit on the porch watching nature and reading a good book. Believe me, I got cranky too. I discovered how important it is to me to always be writing and creating. Reading books helped keep me sane, yes, but I got quite low at times, wondering if I’d ever have all of my brain back. Months later, my head is much clearer, but I still need more patience to keep healing. Wait. I think I’ll go read another book. 🙂
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The head is a touchy thing and scary too. My issue was immobility. I found that not being able to drive or do my own shopping did not make me happy. I am very grateful every day that I have no mobility issues now.
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Here’s to a healthy and active New Year!
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Quite the voracious reader you are.
And I sure hope Birds of Paradise knocked your socks off!
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We authors wouldn’t publish anything unless our socks were knocked off, for sure Mike. You must be buying a lot of pairs of socks lately! Go knock some more off!!
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Oh, my gosh, Pamela – So many books! I’ve read book of Laurie Buchanan’s books, Jill’s A Father for Bella, and of course your Birds of Paradise and the Right Wrong Man.
I have logged fewer books than usual because of my focus on my memoir manuscript, but I catalog them all on http://www.rifflebooks.com and on Goodreads.
Concussion aside, you’ve got a clever weave of book titles here. You’re really cookin’, Pam!
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How neat! I had not heard of Riffle before. I do have a file on my computer in which I list a book as soon as I read it – helps me remember to write a review for Amazon and Goodreads, particularly for the Indie books and those of bloggers I follow, like Jill and Laurie and Diana Peach and Jacqui and John Howell and – geez, the list goes on and on. I CAN NOT WAIT to add your memoir to my list of books read – hopefully in 2019??!!
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Wonderful, a new book. I’m still praying for your healing, but however could you read so much? Love you Jeanette
Sent from my iPad
>
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With no TV to entertain me, and lessened computer time, it’s amazing how accessible books can be for transporting me/us to new adventures. xo ❤ to you Jeanette.
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Wow Pam, you read a lot. Nicely done to integrate so many titles in your blog. I hope you’re healed from the concussion. And it was fortunate that you were able (and allowed) to still read books. Sitting on the rocking chair watching life (in the garden) go by, sounds like bliss. For a little while anyway. 🙂
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I like to imagine that as you roam the country with new experiences every month, you stop at each spot and read also, Liesbet. My doctor would not be pleased to see my extensive reading list, since my concussion side effects are not totally healed yet, and I’m supposed to sit more and do nothing more. But with books, at least I can experience lots of adventures in my head!
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Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to read. And, the time I do allocate to reading is usually to leave feedback or reviews for author friends afterwards. 🙂 One day, I’ll be able to prioritize my time, so reading my own pickings will be a part of the month again.
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You and my husband are voracious readers. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year with only pleasant surprises and great stories.
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I have the gift of being a very fast reader – so I can read a book in 3-4 days easily. Probably your husband has the same gift! However, if I baked as beautifully as you do, and then could take long walks in your neighborhood, I bet I’d only get through one book a week. 🙂 xo
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So many books! I’m glad you’re getting better and that you were able to take step back and even relish the time you had to spend away from the computer. May 2019 bring you no concussions and many more great books! Great way to present them, too.
P.S. Thanks for reading mine. 🙂
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I loved including two of your books in my “Books Read” list, Amy. And I hope to have at least one or two more to add of yours for 2019!! I did love all this reading, but I’m ready to finish the healing so I can get back to my writing and perhaps publish two books in this new year. Good luck to both of us! ❤
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How on earth, after suffering a concussion, teaching a class, begin writing your second children’s book, and being the best darned grandmother, wife and mother did you ever have time to read 80+ books? You are so out of my league! I sit in your writing group and marvel at the books and authors you comment on and I have thought to myself, ” Becky, you must up your game!” But then I remember why I am writing with you: in the hopes of doing just that.
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Pam is in a league of her own! 😀
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This past summer, our neighbors began to think I LIVED on that rocking chair. Haha. I think they most got worried when they saw me talking to the squirrels, not realizing that the squirrels were talking right back at me. ;-0
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Ohhhh, blush, your praise is too much, and believe me, you are in your own beautiful league of writing and reading and poetry-ing and mothering amazing people. But I sure do love having you in my class!!
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A cleverly written tribute to authors Pam. May your 2019 be far less eventful. Congratulations on the sequel too!
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Thanks much, Sue. I was honored to be mentioned in your post “Gratitude To Our Global Village – Bloggers of 2018” Several of your readers came over to check out my “Eating My Word” post, and more. A global village, indeed. ❤
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That’s wonderful to hear you had some visitors! Thank you for your support and hoping the year ahead is a smooth one for you.
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I envy your swimming prowess Pam, you inspire in more than one way! I am sure Birds of Paradise would sing sweeter. Wishing you all the best.
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I was so happy to include your beautiful book of poems in my “booking” story here, Balroop. Through your words, we all realize how important the Sublime Shadows of Life are. ❤
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I’m impressed that you still know which books you read. You must keep a list. I tried doing that once but I kept forgetting to add to it. A clever way to round up the year in review, Pam. Thanks for including one of mine in the list. I hope we all have a good year of reading ahead of us.
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Of course I included Marlie in my list! I’m just hoping you’re in the midst of writing your next book. I love how you use settings from your amazing part of the world. Yes, I have a file right on my computer desktop, and make myself add the title once I read a book before I pick up the next one. Helps me remember to review on Amazon and Goodreads also, particularly if it’s an Indie book.
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If only readers knew how much we value a good review! Thanks for yours, Pam. Interesting what you say about settings. Right now that is the one thing that is keeping me from getting a serious start on book six. I have it mostly plotted out – even have the needing figured out ahead this time, but I’m casting about for an interesting setting. I have work to do!
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Well, I’m voting for your own ‘backyard’ setting, which is incredible.
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The Captain would agree with you, and thanks for the “vote,”
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A wonderfully clever shout-out to all the fabulous authors of books you read in 2018, Pam! Wishing you much success with your new children’s book, Molly Finds Her Purr, and that you and enjoy a Purr-fectly amazing 2019! ❤
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Thanks, Bette. And right back at you with your soon-to-be-published Maine haiku book!
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Thanks, Pam. 🙂 Happy Week!
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WOW!!!
And with a concussion too!
You’re amazing!
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I overdid it on the reading, but it was so distressing to not be able to add chapters to my next book on the computer. I consider reading a necessary part of being a good writer, so my time was not wasted. That’s my rationalization, anyway. 🙂
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Wow, Pam. You did a lot of reading in 2018! I’m impressed. My list was much smaller, sadly. I loved your clever post, and hope that this year brings much better health and a world of stories. Happy Writing!
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To reading AND writing in 2019! ❤
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Absolutely!
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We too, now with physical challenges. have discovered the amazing acrobatics of squirrels through leafless winter trees. Reading again is my 2019 resolution, perhaps only made possible by skipping news and social media. Writing currently suffers, but when one door closes another opens.
Healing wishes to you
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Paula, my one good result of a concussion was needing to stay away from the TV (and movies). My soul settled with the lack of news. (!) 🙂 xo
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Very proud to be part of your 2019 line up, Pamela. I wish you a very healthy New Year.
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I have another one of your books on my TBR list also, John. In my Kindle. Here’s to happy reading (and more writing!) in 2019.
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Thank you, Pamela. Love to hear this. (as you can imagine)
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Hi, Pam – What a wonderful and clever post.
I am in complete awe of your resilience, your creativity…and your completed reading list!
You are a true inspiration!
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Wow, thanks for the compliment, but to be honest, reading kept me sane all those weeks/months I had to stay away from screens like computer/TV/phone. :-0 I almost feel guilty admitting about the time I spent reading, but really, that’s kind of silly, isn’t it? I feel that the more we read, the more empathy we gain about everyone else in the world. To opening our world in 2019! ❤
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Dear Pam. I hope 2019 sees you shaking off those feelings and your symptoms of 2018.. These things often come to slow us down.. And you have made remarkable use of your time in both writing a new story and in ALL of that reading, I am impressed..
May this New Earth Year bring you Good Health, Lots of Joy and Inspiration..
Sending Love..
Sue ❤
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Inwardly, I completely agree with you that the Universe finds ways to slow us down. (And I’m biting my finger nails, wondering if bigger things will happen to slow down the entire world/our culture.) I admit, I grumbled a bit (or more than a bit) with the headaches that showed me I had to let go of my computer/screen work. I fell behind with writing, but perhaps I opened up with the ability to stop listen watch feel. I hope so! Namaste and warm hugs to you.
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Listening to your inner guidance is what these spaces crracr. Embrace your different routine. You will be surprised at the benefits, even if they don’t show up right away 😁💖🤗 .
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A novel idea, and I thank you for the list! I recognize (and have read) some of the authors— I’ll be chasing them down and reading some of them. Like you, I read a lot, but lately am finding large print books easier to read. Worse luck, since it’s usually slim pickens on those shelves!
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I generally like to read hardbound books (print easier to read than paperbacks) but my occupational therapist (for concussion) encouraged me to read on the Kindle with low light and large font. That helps eye strain and readability. What’s nice is that I can now order e-books from my library. Just a thought for you….
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I love to read and I also really enjoy discovering what others are reading, so this was a delightful post. I don’t know if you enjoy e-reading, but I do. I have found that using the Libby app for library access has created for me an endless supply of titles. I’ve been like a kid in a candy store! I didn’t think I’d ever be won-over to reading on a screen, but I like being able to adjust the print size and easily read in bed. LOL! Fun post, Pam.
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Yes, Yes, and YES, Debra. I read probably 75% of books on my Kindle now, since I can maneuver it for better readability (low light and large font) and I order e-books from my Library consortium. It’s great! However, when I order “just published and well-reviewed” e-books from the library site, I have to wait “in line” to receive them. Then, with my luck, three will come in at the same time, all due in two weeks. Thank goodness I’m a fast reader. 🙂 Happy New Year, Debra.
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Wow! I am in awe of the number of books you read in 2018… I realise that being stuck in recovery definitely helps… but still. Wow.
Clever way of writing what you read, too…
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Thanks, Dale. I’m generally a “50-books-a-year” reader, but this year I had to forgo my writing and computer time for a number of months, so I used that time to read (thus, a higher books-read count). I consider reading a necessary part of writing well, so I’m hoping it was time well used. 😉
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Absolutely. I’m sure, in your position, I’d have done the same!
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❤
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You are such a clever lady! I was so busy admiring how you did the roundup of 2018 that I didn’t notice you’d included me in your lovely list. I’m truly honoured. And I wish you a full recovery in 2019. Better still, I hope that your enforced rest re-energizes you for years to come. -huge hugs-
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Yes, in some ways taking a half year off from writing my next novel to heal my bruised brain may re-energize my writing habits. I hope so! Now, when’s YOUR next book coming out? You hooked me so much with your MIira series!!!
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I admit I’m struggling a bit. I spent 2 years writing tech stuff, how-tos and learning how to do covers. My creative Muse is still sulking. I do a little every day to build up that habit again.
I hope you plunge straight back in without any hiccups. 🙂
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Oh, I think hiccups are the ‘name of the game’ for writers. We have to just try to swallow water backwards and work through the writing burbs. 🙂
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lol – the image of swallowing water backwards definitely made me smile! Going to go practise right now. 😀
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Always works for me. 🙂
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🙂
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Now, i’m jealous of that book list. I’ve read a few of those too, heard about some of the others.
And i liked the way you wove that story – clever and entertaining. Sorry though that you had to step back from something you enjoyed doing. on the plus side, you got to read all those wonderful books.
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And the majority of the books I read in 2018 are long, Jina. 🙂 (Re: your December post.) Once I get into a character’s mind, I don’t want to leave it. Now, for 2019, I’m determined to finish writing my next novel and hope that readers don’t want to leave my main characters’ minds either… ❤
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I loved how you wound the titles of books into a very interesting story. You are a voracious and fast reader! Wow! I’ll keep this list and see if I can get to some of these. Wishing you a great and wonderfilled new year, Pam.
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I have the ability to read extremely fast and take advantage of that ability as often as possible. The only problem with it is that when I’m reading a good book, I don’t want the last page to arrive so quickly! Happy Reading to you in 2019.
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I’ve had a lot of books I didn’t want to end as well. ;(
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I love, Love, LOVE this list of books and the clever way you presented them. I’m adding many of the titles to my own must-read list. Thank you!
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Of course, I LOVE that I included your latest book in this post, Laurie. It fit into my narrative so well, don’t you think? 🙂 ❤
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Spot on!
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Y.E.S. My being salutes yours. xo
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Your mind is a national treasure—the way it creates! 💗💗💗
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Ohhh, a national treasure! Filed with gold nuggets and unexplored territory…? How I love that image, Kathy. Mwahhh!
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It may not have been a year of writing at the computer, Pam, but it was a year of reading and growing. I love that you have a new picture book on the way and can’t wait to read it.
I appreciate the clever way you wrote your post, including so many book titles. I also appreciate your list with asterisks for those that knocked your socks off. There are a few on my TBR list already. Looks like I’ve a few more to add.
I wish you a 2019 that is more to your liking and incredibly successful. Stay with what you need and love and all will work out in the end. Best wishes.
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I did feel sorry for myself at times, Norah, not being able to do my regular routine. But writing this book -reading post (I was SHOCKED when I pulled up the list of all of these titles) helped me appreciate that the time was well-used and hopefully will help me in my own writing now as I spend less time in the words of others, and more time making up my own. xo
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Reading is an important precursor to writing and time well spent, Pam. Now enjoy the writing so I can immerse myself in your words. 🙂
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An impressive list of books you have read! I have only read a few of those you listed. May you continue to heal and get back to that computer screen soon! There must have been a purpose for your having to slow down! Cheers for better times in 2019!
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I still haven’t found my purpose for spending all that time on the rocking chair (or lately, in the chair in front of the fireplace) reading the books of others. But I think as I return to my own writing, I’ll discover that I’ve learned from masterful writers how to hook a reader and keep her seated in that chair. 🙂 May you be hooked plenty this new year, Jo.
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You construct some wonderfully creative posts Pam and I’m glad to know that you got plenty of inspiration last year even if the year didn’t go quite as planned. Wishing you all the best for the next one!
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You are a writer who inspires me with each of your posts that I read, Andrea. Here’s to us both getting our new works “out there” in 2019. ❤
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Good grief, what an impressive reading list! I am such a slow reader that my output is pathetic by comparison. But some better than none, right? FYI, I’m reading Min Jin Lee’s “Pachinko” right now. It’s outstanding. Love your clever usage of the book titles. 🙂 – Marty
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Pachinko is on my must-read list. It’s quite a tome, it seems. I think being a slow reader has a number of benefits – you can really immerse yourself for a longer time with a character/characters. Besides, it’s not the amount of books you read, but the quality that merge into your head and give you a new/different perspective on a subject….or even life. Happy reading to you in 2019, Marty!
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Will make copies of your list. We seem to like a lot of the same type of books. What did you think of the Lucinda Riley Seven Sisters books you read? Have you read them all until now? There are 5 out.. I haven’t read The Moon Sister yet. It is on my list to get though. “The Pearl Sister” has been my favorite so far. Although I loved the first one too. Not sure about “The Moon Sister”.. Just downloaded “The Point of It All” by Charles Krauthammer (finished by son Daniel) He seems to be an extraordinary man. Currently listening to John Steinbeck “Travels with Charley” about his road trip across the US in 1960. I highly recommend Brene’ Brown’s book “Braving the Wilderness”! So many books, so little time!!! School starts back on the 14th… yeha! Hope your New Year is off to awesome start! ❤
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Last year when I wrote my 2017 list of books read, a blogger suggested I read the Seven Sisters series. I started with the first one and got hooked, for sure. I finished The Pearl Sister this fall and am waiting until I can get The Moon Sister on my Kindle from the library’s e-book offerings. At first the books always seem a bit simplistic, but with the setting and the love interests, the author always ends up hooking the reader. I’ve added The Point of it All and Braving the Wilderness to my must-reads for 2019. You’re good at interspersing your fiction with non-fiction – I have to do that more.
How’s Grace?
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Grace is doing well. We think she is improving on the antibiotic which is a good sign. She is getting settled with us and trying to figure out her place in the “pack” which means she knows she is part of the family. 😉
We will get follow up xrays in a couple more weeks. Should have more diagnosis then. May try to biopsy place… will keep you posted. Thanks for asking! 😘
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So far… so great! xo
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That’s a wonderfully clever post! Thanks for sharing your reading list with us–I shall browse through and pick a few reads for 2019!
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Thanks so much for popping over and surveying my reading list. Happy 11 years of blogging to you!
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Wow – that is quite a reading list. Enjoyed the post, especially the manner in which it was delivered. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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My recovery would be faster if I didn’t write stories, read books, and blog weekly. But what the heck fun would THAT be? 🙂 Have FUN this year of 2019!
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What a list! I love how you wove all the titles into the story (and thanks for the mentions!). I do hope the concussion is behind you–what a long time to suffer with it.
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I thought something was horribly wrong with me for my concussion side effects to hang around so long, but I’ve met up with people who still suffer for over a year. Yikes. I suppose if I sat in a dark room meditating for 8 hours I wouldn’t be whining, but you understand. We have to CREATE and READ and WRITE to feel fulfilled. I enjoyed naming your book in my script – it takes us back in time and makes us think about where we are now.
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You are voracious Pam. I don’t keep a record but I think I match only with you on Annika Perry.
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I thought of you as I read through my list ( stored in a file on my computer). Last year you mentioned that many of the books I read were more ‘women’s fiction’ than not. And I had a bit of a defensive reaction to that, since books that men write are not called “men’s fiction.” So I pushed myself to read more fiction by men (like Grisham and the wonderful Dan Brown book, Daniel Silva, and a few others – I hope you’ve found the Chris Bohemian book), but I guess my list says it all: I prefer women writers! ;-0
That said, your latest book is in my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading it, Roy. ❤
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Chris Bohjalian – I’d forgotten it was you that recommended it Pam. Yes, read and reviewed. Enjoyed it, but not one of his best it seems. I’m honoured that you’ve bought my little effort, thank you.
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Great post – I know where to come when I’m looking for a new book to read! Happy New Year, Pam!
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I hope the asterisks help too, Barb. Happy Reading in 2019 – I get some great titles from you, for sure.
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You’re one well read mammal, my friend!
Happy belated New Year!
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Reading makes me a writer, And writing makes me a reader. Hand in Hand. From one mammal to another. 🙂
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Brilliant! You are a clever one, Pam. I hope your recovery is speedy and complete. My grandson had three serious concussions this year. My son finally said he had to find another sport, his soccer days are over. Happy New Year!
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I applaud your son and his decision for his son’s (your grandson’s) health. I had several concussions as a child, thus I’m told this one as an adult lingers that much longer.
But…. we have our books, and our blogging friends, don’t we?! 🙂 xo
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Yes! Praying you have a full recovery soon! Love and hugs!
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Wow! 😀 This is terrific, Pam and I don’t know how you do it! Very inventive and that’s a lot of books you’ve read … lovely to see mine included here! 😊
Congratulations on a sequel to Birds of Paradise … when is this being released? So happy for you! xx❤️
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Really? I missed your reply and w0nderful question back in January? Oh my, how time does fly like a robin (which is at this moment sipping up a worm…) Anyway, I’m hoping for a summer release of my new children’s book MOLLY FINDS HER PURR. Crossing fingers. xo
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Dear Pam… Yes, 2018 really did seem like “one damn thing after another” but after reading this, maybe a little less so. I’m so sorry your recovery time is so long. You found such a wonderful way to describe it with this post.
You read an amazing number of lovely books. Even if I had nothing else to do at all, I am sure I couldn’t have read so many.
Wishing you all good things in 2019. Happy New Year hugs.
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This is a very clever and interesting way of saying what books you read. I’m sort of shocked with the number of books you read in 2018. I’m no longer a book reader. However, even if I keep my work aside I don’t read that much.
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Wowwwwww!!!! Jaw dropped…you read all those? I mean i do read a lot too but yours was….a…looot….
I hope you get better soon and be able to share to the world your gift of words ..
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Books lead me to writing. Writing leads me to books. And you will inspire me to try more poetry!
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Thanks for updating us on your concussion. I had heard that recovery is a long slow task, and a friend got concussed one week ago. You have helped me to understand that life inevitably changes for quite some time. Thank goodness reading has been possible! I am inspired by your post and I wish you a gentle and productive post-squirrel life this year.
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Somehow I missed your January comment (on my concussion and book list) until now. I’ll blame it on the concussion! If nothing else, I do hope I’m educating my readers on the effects of a concussion. I NEVER knew how much one affects the brain and a reader/writer’s day-to-day activities. I’m in the 11th month now and better…but not 100% yet. I hope your friend is doing well and recovering from her concussion.
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I’m impressed that you found the comment at all, even more that you replied. My friend has also done a heap of reading and sitting. It seems to be mandatory time out, hard won. It’s tough when you’re a self propelled achiever, but you have shown us the upside. Take care.
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So true. Turning OFF is quite a challenge, To rocking that rocking chair. 🙂
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A lovely, interesting post and congrats on your new book! And you read a lot of interesting books too.
I have had concussions and they are not fun. I sympathize. At the same time, I’m glad that you accomplished so much. You must have really pushed yourself hard. Congrats again, and my best wishes for 2019.
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Cynthia, somehow I didn’t find your comment on my January blog about my concussion/book list until now. I apologize. Your comment is quite helpful – I didn’t know you’ve dealt with concussions also. I had some when I was a child, a teenager, and an adult, and seems that the more we suffer from, the worse each one will be (which I can understand). I’m in my 11th month and finally feeling better. Not 100%, but I see the light at the end of this long tunnel. And yes, I did push myself hard through this – not sure if that was good or not. Best to you! xo
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Great read. Hope you feel better soon and thank you.
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Thank YOU. It’s along struggle, but coming along. Thanks for reading my blog and commenting!
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