I have been absent in my blogging. It has been about a month since I have seriously sat down and reviewed or written anything substantial. It started out with the business of life getting in the way – getting ready for the holidays, playing chauffeur to daughter, mother and father (parents car is in the auto graveyard), super-charged job hunting, a couple of blizzards, and so on. There was also a major delightful distraction. I am  now an Auntie!!! My brother and his wife gave birth to a handsome boy and I cannot express my delight! First time as an Auntie and cannot wait to babysit and teach this kid some fun ways to terrorize his parents. Hey, my brother did it with my daughter.

In addition to these life distractions, inspiration was also at a low. Not in what I was reading but in what I wanted to say and how to say it. The written language seemed to have taken a vacation. I would try to write a review or a general post and become so distraught I my general lack of focus that I would give up telling myself that tomorrow would be a better day. It wasn’t.  The fact that I had reviews that were late just added to the feeling of failure. I finally sat down with pen and paper (still my favorite way to express myself) and started writing, anything. I am by no means a keeper of a personal journal or diary but I have found there are times when jotting thoughts, ideas, and concerns reminds me that I actually do like to write and share and communicate.

I was again excited to blog and wrote (pen and paper again) a few reviews and some ideas for other posts. I woke up one morning a couple of weeks ago feeling energized and ready to get back on the blogging track. I started up my laptop and found my email, reader, and blog had disappeared. I was able to log-in to everything but a blank screen faced me at every turn. My blog itself was still present but the admin panel showed nothing and would let me do nothing. Then, my computer froze. Reboot – froze again. Reboot – able to get around for a few minutes and then the big freeze. Perhaps the below zero temps and 3 foot snowdrifts had something to do with it. I had to blame something.

Long story short, I have been working diligently and with much frustration on trying to resolve these issues for some time now. I was able to check out a few other blogs and comment but this would lead to a computer freeze-down after only a few minutes. So, of course, no blogging.

I would just like to apologize to those authors, publishers, publicists and distributors that were generous enough to give me the opportunity to read and review some wonderful books. I have not forgotten. My lack of inspiration is the true culprit. If I had stayed focused and consistent in my blogging my computer troubles would have surfaced and been resolved sooner. Perhaps I have burned some bridges and rightfully so. I certainly hope I will be able to earn back the confidence that I am serious about my book blog and my obligations. I will be working feverishly to catch up on those reviews that are due.

I would also like to apologize to my readers (if you have stuck around – thank you for your patience)!

With all that being said, I would like to post a tentative schedule for the beginning of the new year fast approaching.

1. Post all reviews (These Old Shades, The Ice Chorus, Lethal People, just to name a few)
2. Choose and notify last giveaway winner (loooooong overdue)
3. Thank my Secret Santa (lovely, lovely)
4. List my 2010 challenges
5. Update my read list
6. Acknowledge those great folks from whom I won a giveaway
7. Introduce a new blog layout

This will by no means happen over the weekend but I will be working very hard to return to that comfortable place where “catching up” is not the phrase of the day!

Bear with me and thanks to all!!!!

Where I apologize profusely and play catch up! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

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This is not another sob story complaining about my frigid toes. It is a proclamation of joy!! The new furnace is installed!! What a thing of beauty. When my daughter and I detected the first whiff of that lovely the-heat-is-on aroma, we could hardly contain ourselves. I even hugged the furnace guy and his cohorts and then my daughter and I did this little jig (jump to 1:40 if you want to get to the dance)

Jumping for joy!!!! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

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I am cold. Actually, cold is too mild of a word. Freezing, frigid, shivering, bone-chilling cold.  It is joked about that if you want to experience all seasons within one week, move to Nebraska. The photos on the left were taking on Friday after dinner. The photos on the right were taken the next day at 10:00 in the morning. I wanted to actually stand in the close-to-same position to take the snowy pics but, um, no – not going out in the snow so they are roughly showing the same areas of the yard. The local news and The Weather Channel predicted some snow, a dusting with no accumulation if I remember correctly. Damn ye weather people!!!!

The snow has pretty much melted from the trees and shrubs but there is still quite a bit on the ground. If this wasn’t bad enough, the furnace has a crack in the heat exchanger (whatever that is) so there is a extremely high risk of CO2 poisoning if it is turned on. The possible earliest to get the new furnace is Tuesday, Thursday at the latest. The forecast calls for more chilly days and freezing nights. Brrrr!  So folks, I am cold. Ready for my ensemble?:

• 2 pairs of socks
• long sleeved t-shirt
• heavy, heavy sweatshirt
• gloves
• scarf
• leggings
• heavy, heavy sweatpants
• blanket constantly wrapped around my body

Thank goodness I have the 2 dogs to sleep with at night. I can actually wear 1 set of clothing with my 4 blankets.  I have cleaned the house, vacuumed twice a day, washed dishes even if there is just one bowl, turned on the oven with nothing baking, sat in a hotter-then-hell tub, drank so much green tea I think I am turning green (ribbit), taken the dogs for power-walks (at least the house feels warmer when I come back in) and read,read,read wrapped in my blankies in efforts to stay warm.

I have also added a few things to the blog. I decided to take an inventory of all the books I have acquired since starting this blog and that are still unread. This is by no means a list of all of my to-be-read piles – I would cry if I had to type all of that information. They are organized in a very general way in the “book lists” page (take a look up). I have also started a daily reading journal which will include a very brief update of what I am reading – again there is a  “daily reading” page and a button on the left sidebar. Another new little thing-a-ma-bob is a bookish events page (and button). I am hoping to list some giveaways (my own and others), nationwide book events and major bookish dates. I am not sure if I will be keeping this little endeavor but I am giving it the old college try.

Please take a peek and let offer any opinions, suggestions and/or some great bookish dates for the calendar.

I now leave you with just a few pictures to help in remembering the good warm days of yore plus they are cute!

Why hello winter! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

posts you may enjoy

• October 29, 2009 -- Found it – another award! (0)
• October 25, 2009 -- Read-A-Thon Hours 17 through 24 (6)
• October 24, 2009 -- Read-A-Thon Hours 15 and 16 (8)
• October 24, 2009 -- Read-A-Thon – Hours 6 through 14 (and a little music) (5)

So, I decided to take the plunge and move on over to a self-hosted blog!! So far, so good. (?)

There area few neat little things to point out. To the left are some easy access buttons for some other places I hang out online if you would like to join me. My pages are strewn across the top of the page, including my contact page for sending a direct email.  I am still debating on the yellowish sections of the page.  I will live with it a while and see how I feel.

I am hoping to add some exciting features now that I have more options and control and I will be starting full-force in catching up on my posts, reader, comments and everything else I have missed.

Stay-tuned and please, please let me know what you think of the new layout.  This is a work in progress and I would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions.  Yippee again!!!

My new blog home! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

posts you may enjoy

• March 25, 2010 -- The River Kings’ Road – Review/Tour (0)
• November 12, 2009 -- This and That (new winner, awards, e-reader giveaways) (10)
• October 30, 2009 -- A Book Blogger’s New Discovery (10.30.09) (1)
• October 29, 2009 -- Found it – another award! (0)

I have been in a funk.  A great, deep funky funk.  I do not know why. I guess it is just one of those things – unexplainable but discouraging just the same.  I have tried for days to sit and post something, anything. But nada!  I suppose I could do one of those streams of conscience  exercises but what fun would that be for anyone else to gaze upon. It would probably go something like this…

I am in a funk. Why? Don’t have a clue. My dogs are bugging me! But they are sure cute. Hope my daughter is okay at her new job. She is so goofy. I wish I could get…

See, not interesting.  Then I received a couple of emails that caused a spark in the ol’ mood generator.  I just need to plunder ahead and post something. I then remembered someone gave me an award short while back. Now, I have something to share.  I am going to actually create a new post.  It would not be proper to include something happy with this funk tirade. I guess we all have those days!!!

So, what is your cure for the blahs?

*image courtesy of monsfoothilldesigns

Get me out of this funk! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

posts you may enjoy

• November 12, 2009 -- This and That (new winner, awards, e-reader giveaways) (10)
• October 29, 2009 -- Found it – another award! (0)
• October 4, 2009 -- A few more awards! (8)

I have changed my blog’s theme and am wondering if anyone would be kind enough to offer up their opinion?  Be honest, I can take it!  I do miss my header and the three-column look but I love the fact that the pages tabs drop-down and the general look.  Please, let me know what do you think?

What do you think – honest please! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

posts you may enjoy

• March 25, 2010 -- The River Kings’ Road – Review/Tour (0)
• November 12, 2009 -- This and That (new winner, awards, e-reader giveaways) (10)
• October 30, 2009 -- A Book Blogger’s New Discovery (10.30.09) (1)
• October 29, 2009 -- Found it – another award! (0)

It is a good day! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

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• September 2, 2009 -- My(?) new lamp!!! – Review (13)

Publisher’s Weekly

A few years ago, I worked at Barnes and Noble. Let me just say, favorite job! I received discounts on my purchases, ARCs and any magazine that was being replaced with the new issue. Actually, my favorite part was shelving the books and setting-up displays.  Love love love playing with books.  But anyway, I never had to worry about where I would buy my books. When I left that job (oh sad face ), I have to admit my literary purchases did go down. I survived though so don’t worry. I had built up quite a library during my time at B & N and since my subsequent employment resulted in 80 hour work weeks at times, I didn’t have the time or the ability to keep my eyes open long enough to read anything but my cereal box in the morning.

I recently lost my job. While it has been a treat to have the time and energy to do those things I have neglected,  I do have to ponder and weigh every purchase. What’s a book girl to do? Well, before my stint as bookseller extraordinaire, I spent many of my days and the little bit of jingle in my pocket at second-hand bookstores. So, in my search for a deal, I have returned to the gently loved book world and am having a grand time. There is such a sense of accomplishment when you find those books that you have always wanted to read, books by authors that have sparked your curiosity and those surprises that seem to jump off of the stack and wave! I am sure I look a little goofy with the huge smile on my face as I stroll through the exit, goodie bag in hand consisting of oodles of great finds. I believe I will continue this when the bucks start rolling in again. It is economical and a great way to support a local book business. Win Win!!

I know there are other options for getting your book fix and I thought I would share a few I have come across to aide anyone going through a book drought.

• Book Sale Manager enter your state or zip and receive email updates when a library or other non-profit groups have a book sale
• PaperBack Swap “Mail a book. Get a book. Any book you request is yours to keep, share or trade. No late fees. No processing charges. No hidden charges. Every time you mail a book to another member, you can request one for yourself.”
• Read Print free online book library with thousands of novels, poems, essays, short stories and plays both fiction and non-fiction
• Bookswim is a rental library along the lines of Netflix, it includes paperbacks, hardcovers and even college textbooks, choose your monthly plan and keep the book as long as you want (with an option to purchase if you like) and then return,  shipping is free both ways

Now, for something completely unrelated to books.  If you happen to not be one of the almost 20 million who have viewed this, please take a a few moments.  I guarantee it will put a smile on your face – I am still smiling!!

Have you changed where you buy your books? is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

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• December 8, 2009 -- Teaser Tuesday (12.08.09) (20)
• December 1, 2009 -- Deconstructing Sammy: Music, Money, and Madness (Matt Birkbeck) – Review (2)
• December 1, 2009 -- Teaser Tuesday (12.01.09) (7)
• November 24, 2009 -- Teaser Tuesday (11.24.09) (14)

Thanks!

Cutest Dog Competition is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

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Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-on LED Light, Blue 40521

I also have some super reading buddies.  They follow wherever I may decide to hunker down with my current escape and usually snooze since I am not very exciting when caught up in a good read!  There are times that my buds declare anarchy and try to eliminate the horrible object that is monopolizing all of my attention.  I have had to chase down my books more times than I can remember and there are quite a few that have been autographed with teeth marks but heck, they are my buds!!!!

Mikey (left) the main book thief and Maisie a very willing accomplice!!!

Charkie (left) and Lily (and yes, this is a normal expression for Miss Grump) who are definitely not lap cats unless I have a book in my hands!

Reading buddies!!! is a post from: booktumbling

©2012 booktumbling. All Rights Reserved.

posts you may enjoy

• August 9, 2009 -- Two barks means faster – Review "The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel" (3)
• July 28, 2009 -- Teaser Tuesday (2)