The final days of 2022
I started writing this newsletter in the beginning of December. Unfortunately, before I finished, I fell victim to Christmas shopping madness, work deadlines, and COVID.
But that’s alright. I’m back. And all I have to do is cry edit what I’ve written. No biggie.
But first: how are you doing?
The end of the year can be a funny time. Lots of excitement of the new year. But also burnout from the year that’s been. A moment of pondering and at times poignancy. A moment of rest but also a final push of energy amidst the chaos.
It’s also the time to reflect and regroup. And give yourself a pat on the back.
It’s often easy to be consumed by what we have not been able to achieve in the year. But I’ve found that by taking this time to remember all the important moments that had happened, I’d find milestones achieved that I might have forgotten.
That will put things into perspective – and help me see how I’ve grown and progressed.
And sometimes, no matter how slow you think the progress is: Progress is still progress.
All that to say, remember to be kind and gentle to yourself during this time of the year.
If you’ve not been able to achieve certain goals this year – there is still next year. And it’s never too late.
Books books books
It’s the last month of the year – and the last month to complete my Goodreads reading challenge 😉
After finishing the wild ride that was the Six of Crows duology, I decided to indulge in a couple of romance novels to change up the pace a little.
They were alright. Though I didn’t love them as much as I thought I would.
That’s something that I'm struggling with lately: finding romance novels that I click with. Could it be that genres, like seasons, sometimes need to be changed up a bit? Have I been reading too much romance novels? Am I becoming pickier? Harder to please?
Jaded and cynical? 😳
Anyway, since then, I’ve finished Saint by Adrienne Young – which is a prequel to the Fable series (but you should still read Fable and Namesake and The Last Legacy before you even peep at Saint, for maximum enjoyment).
I also read:
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Nothing More To Tell by Karen M. McManus
A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee
Drama King by Penny Reid
What books have you been reading?
Other bits and pieces
What I’ve been watching
For the first time in a long time, I actually watched and completed a Netflix series! (I have this fear of commitment when it comes to TV series, but that’s a discussion topic for another day.) And of course, it was Wednesday.
So many things to love about this show: all the actors who nailed their characters; Tim Burton, who as usual did a brilliant job in creating such a dark, whimsical world; the plot, with suspense, twists and turns galore; and the script, beautifully written sprinkled with well-executed humour.
But, the standout scene must be where Wednesday played the cello cover of Paint It Black, am I right?? It was glorious! And it briefly tempted me and my hubby to pick up the cello 😆 And I bet we were not the only ones! I’m pretty sure this show has revived interest in the instrument.
What I’ve been listening
I’ve been listening to Cœur de pirate recently. I first heard of her from V.E. Schwabb’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue book playlist. Since I don’t understand French, I have no idea what she’s singing… but something about her songs and voice pulls me in anyway.
What you need to check out
This video of Benedict Cumberbatch reading a cover letter on Letters Live hits all the right notes. His performance ✔️ The letter itself ✔️ And the success of the story of the person who wrote the letter ✔️
Hope you had a lovely Christmas – and here’s to a great start to 2023!