Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thankfully Reading Weekend and Stuff



I need some time to finish up some 2009 challenges and just learned of this upcoming fun event:

Looking for an informal, no pressure opportunity to devote to books and reading?  Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelves gets full credit for coming up with the idea of Thankfully Reading Weekend. which will start on Friday, November 27 and end on Sunday, November 29.

There are no rules to the weekend and no prizes; the plan is to simply hoping to devote a good amount of time to reading, and perhaps meeting some  reading challenges and goals for 2009. We thought it'd be fun if we cheered each other on a bit. If you think you can join in, grab the button (Didn't Jenn do a great job?) and sign on to Mr. Linky. If you don't have a blog, use the comments!

If you can't join this weekend, Bethany of Dreadlock Girl is hosting a Read-a-thon on December 5 and Michelle of GalleySmith is hosting "seriespalooza," an event for catching up on your series, later in December.

International readers: Just join in, no need to be celebrating the U.S. holiday. Remember that there are no rules. You can sign up HERE.


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Other Stuff

It's been a lousy (9) days around these parts since my brother's passing. The hub hub of activity: preparations for the wake, funeral, celebration of his life, and all the cards, flowers, food. Suddenly, all the activity stops and suddenly the realization sets in. My SIL and I have started our walking routine once again. Things feel very weird to me, without my brother next door.  I have my husband, who has been my rock through lots of sleepless nights.  I can only imagine how lonely the house must be for my SIL. Life, at least for now time passes slowly around these parts for all of us. 
Thank you all for your warm, sincere expressions of sympathy; it meant so much to me. 

  • READING -  I'm almost through with (2) books: Her Fearful Symmetry, Niffenegger, and Away; Amy Bloom (audio) - I am enjoying both of them, now that I am a bit less distracted. 
  • THANKSGIVING - This did have a way of sneaking up on us. We'll be having (6) for dinner so I won't be stressing myself out too much.  (What are your plans --those of you celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday?)
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20 comments:

  1. rhapsodyinbooksNovember 22, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    I'm also reading Her Fearful Symmetry. I'm so glad you're joining Thankfully Reading Weekend. I think it will be fun!

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  2. bermudaonionNovember 22, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    I'm sure it will take a while for life to feel normal again. I have a feeling you're in for a tough holiday season. My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family.

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  3. AlyceNovember 22, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    This is one of those times where I'm at a loss for words, because nothing I say will make it better.

    I hope that your Thanksgiving plans go well. We're going to visit relatives (our parents) so we don't have to do any cooking, which is good because I'm not a great cook.

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  4. SukoNovember 22, 2009 at 2:37 PM

    Thankfully Reading Weekend sounds like fun. I like the "no rules" part.

    All the best to you and your family!

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  5. JoAnnNovember 22, 2009 at 3:32 PM

    I hope getting back to a normal routine helps, but I know how hard that can be. Thanksgiving is at our house this year, but with a relatively small crowd of 14. There's a big family party on Saturday with my aunt, cousins, etc...can't wait!

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  6. caiteNovember 22, 2009 at 4:23 PM

    I am so sorry about your brother and yes, you are right, that it becomes even harder when all the activity dies done and you are just left with the reality. It is especially hard this time of year..
    you SIL is lucky to have you and your husband near. you are lucky to have each other...

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  7. StaciNovember 22, 2009 at 4:59 PM

    I am thinking of you and your SIL....my heart feels so heavy with grief for you both and I look at my own brother differently now. We think that we're invincible and that we'll always be there for the other sibling. ((hugs))

    ** I may have to join in on the Reading Weekend because I certainly won't be out shopping with all of the crazy people!!!

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  8. TiNovember 22, 2009 at 5:37 PM

    I'm sorry that you are going through such a rough time right now. Losing a loved one is like losing a limb. You just have to learn how to function all over again, but you will...with time of course.

    On a reading note, I am hoping to finish Her Fearful Symmetry tonight but with the kid interruptions today, it doesn't look like it will happen. However, Els' creeping around and hiding in TVs is totally weirding me out!

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  9. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 22, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    Ti...and the writing in the dust on the piano too..LOL

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  10. DonnaNovember 22, 2009 at 6:20 PM

    I'm so very sorry about your brother. Hope you are able to have a good Thanksgiving.

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  11. Suzanne YesterNovember 22, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    My heart goes out to you and your family... I wish there were words, any words, to soothe what must be a tough time for you, but remember you have many shoulders to lean on in your blogging community!

    Take care

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  12. AliceNovember 22, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    I would love to join in but my sister is back from Sydney so I'd be spending time with her... You have fun!

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  13. PoochNovember 22, 2009 at 10:48 PM

    My sympathy on the loss of your brother.

    Since none of our kids and grands will be around, DH and I are going to help with the local Community Dinner on Thanksgiving. Strange not to have family here, but I am looking forward to a new experience.
    :)

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  14. TheBlackSheepNovember 23, 2009 at 1:03 AM

    I hope the healing process and Thanksgiving go well for you. This year will be hard I'm sure, but it will get better.

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  15. JessNovember 23, 2009 at 3:53 AM

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss, I wish there was something someone could say or do to make it better, but nothing can ever make up for such a loss.

    On another note, the Thankfully Reading Weekend sounds fun and I'm planning on making this whole week my reading week! Can't wait to see what you read!

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  16. ZibileeNovember 23, 2009 at 4:09 PM

    I can imagine that things are hard for you right now and I am hoping that life will become more peaceful for you and your family soon. I am thinking about joining your reading weekend, but have to make sure I have the time before I commit to it. I think it would be really fun to read all weekend though! I am also interested in what you will think of Her Fearful Symmetry.

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  17. JennersNovember 25, 2009 at 7:39 PM

    I do think that the business immediately after a loved one's passing keeps you so busy that you don't truly start to grieve and feel the loss until the business stops and you go back to "normal" but of course, nothing is normal anymore. I've been absent from blogging for the last few weeks because my mom is visiting. She lost my dad in August and her mom died earlier this month so she is trying to navigate her way though this and staying with us for awhile to get "out" of the house. It can also be so tough to go through this during holidays ... everyone seems to busy and happy and then there you are ... feeling sad and tired and depressed. Take heart .. you are not alone. Thinking of you!

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  18. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 25, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    Thanks so much for your sweet comments. It is very tough to go on with daily life, and holidays when you are grieving. I am doing okay, but I worry about my SIL.

    Have a great holiday all who celebrate...HUGS

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  19. Book Bird DogNovember 27, 2009 at 10:38 PM

    Here's what I'm reading right now for Thankfully Reading: Killer Keepsakes

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  20. Book Bird DogNovember 30, 2009 at 12:55 AM

    I have an award for you over at my blog. Click on Award

    ReplyDelete

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