The Sunday Post #236 | January 24, 2021

      

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's a chance to share news: a post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books,
 and share what's coming up on your blog in the week ahead. 
Hello, hello! I've skipped the last couple weeks of Sunday Posts so it's nice to be checking back in. Last fall I made a commitment to a more relaxed style of blogging and it's been a game changer. Sunday Posts are always quite time-consuming for me and the last two weeks I simply haven't felt like devoting the time to it. I was happier doing other things. What a concept! :)

Like many others, I was glued to coverage of the inauguration on Wednesday. I was pretty concerned about safety and was so pleased to see it all carried out smoothly. From Kamala Harris being sworn in as Vice President, to President Biden taking the oath of office and listening to his inaugural address, Lady Gaga's rendition of the national anthem, Amanda Gorman's poem, watching as President and Dr. Biden entered the White House... I found the whole event so uplifting and full of hope. And seeing former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, united, and showing such unwavering support for President Biden was a real highlight.


I've done quite a bit of unhauling over the last few weeks. I sold our dining room furniture, right down to the rug, so that room is quite echo-y right now. :) Then I weeded out a lot of artwork and home décor that I no longer used or wanted and posted it on our neighborhood Facebook page as free porch pick-up items. Within a couple hours... *poof*... all gone. I no longer have it all cluttering up my closets and someone else can enjoy them. Doesn't it feel great to weed out and declutter?

Then I randomly decided to update the home library a bit and add a small desk. Amazon to the rescue (as usual)! Within days I had my desk, a new chair, a gorgeous lamp, and several other aesthetic must-haves. :) This is where I'll play with work on my book planner and I love having a dedicated place for it.


Instead of an 80's throwback, I'm sharing Lady Gaga's performance of the national anthem at the inauguration this week. It was a stunning performance and I found it so moving.


Friday, January 22

WHAT I COMPLETED IN THE LAST WEEK



WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING

    

Reading:

Listening:



How was your week? Any new books? Any news to share?
I'd love to hear about it!

52 comments

  1. Sunday Posts can be tough. :) And I applaud relaxed blogging styles lol- I've been leaning that way myself lately!

    Wasn't the inauguration refreshing? I thought Lady gaga was amazing.

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    1. Taking any and all pressure or expectations out of blogging was a total game changer. :)

      And Gaga's performance was incredible!

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  2. Your new desk area is adorable! That's a lot of ARCs for your. I'm surprised. Hope they are all fantastic!

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    1. Right? I probably had 4-5 arcs total last year and here I am with 4 in January. Ack. I imagine this is a total fluke and the rest of the year will be back to normal for me, but these all really caught my eye.

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  3. The Sunday Post does take up a lot of time, I agree. Redecorating feels great, doesn't it, especially now that you have a special place for your beautiful book planner ^^ I'm totally in love with your new lamp, by the way. Enjoy your new desk and have a great week !

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    1. I used to do Sunday Posts religiously but now I take time off whenever I feel like it. Much less pressure that way. And thanks! I'm really happy with the desk and lamp, too!

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  4. Wow, Gaga's performance gave me chills! I love her so much. She's amazing and her voice... So much passion and power! Love it 😍 I love the aesthetic of your new work space! Super cute and so very calming to look at as well. Also, how are you liking The Awakening? Can't wait to get my hands on it! I hope you have a great week ahead 😊

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    1. Wasn't she amazing?! So powerful.
      Thanks! I'm so happy with my desk area, too. :)
      I really enjoyed The Awakening! Really fun and entertaining and I'm already looking forward to the next book.

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  5. i loved the inauguration and feel a sense of relief, seeing the government getting back to work. i have high hopes for the new year. i never thought of doing a post and seeing come by and take what you want. i have stuff stacked all over the place, but covid keeps me from doing anything with it. thanks for the great idea
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. I've seen others post on our community FB page about free "porch pick-ups" and it's a great way to pass items on that you don't necessarily want to sell. I hope it works for you, too!

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  6. I'm helping my mother to unhaul and clean out the clutter, and have been using Marketplace as well. Afterwards it feels so much lighter. :D How are you liking the new Nora Roberts and Roommate?

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    1. I really enjoyed The Awakening! Really nice start to the series. It had been years since I read anything by Roberts and I forgot how "readable" her books are. So easy to fly through.

      Loved Roommate! Sarina Bowen did it again. I adored both main characters so hard.

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  7. I have been doing a more relaxed blogging and also posting when I have stuff to say on Sunday. Sometimes my weeks aren't that exciting lol The Inauguration was fantastic and I feel like we might be in a better place. *fingers crossed*

    I hope you have a great week, Tanya! Happy Reading!

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    1. I've definitely given myself a break these past few months when it comes to blogging and I'm much happier for it.

      I really think with the change in the White House we will see so many positive changes.

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  8. Looks like you had a great week. I know the feeling all to well of finding a more relaxed style of blogging. I think I'm due to declutter the house plus makes room for all new stuff. You have such a cute desk area. Have a great week. I feel like we are all living the covid restrictions they just never seem to end. At least they are trying to keep you all safe and you get to return to school. In California our kids have almost been out a year and at the rate we are going I don't see them returning anytime soon sadly. Looks like you had a great week. Happy Reading!!!

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    1. I wish my state (FL) had better leadership but this whole Covid mess was mishandled from the start. Our governor refuses to even do something as simple and make masks mandatory. Ugh. Decluttering feels so great, doesn't it? I felt so much better after weeding out so many things we weren't using.

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  9. I love your new desk and chair! It does feel great to get rid of things you don't need anymore. We gave a ton of stuff away with our move this past year. How are you liking Roommate? I hope you have a great week and enjoy all of your new reads!

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    1. I loved Roommate, Carole! I just adored Kieran and Roderick. I swear, Sarina Bowen writes the best characters. :)

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  10. Your new desk/office set-up for your library is gorgeous! And I adore Lady Gaga. You could tell she was very emotional herself during that performance. It still gives me goosebumps!
    I have got to read more by Sabrina Bowen. The Roommate looks so good.
    Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks Whitney! I am so thrilled with the new desk and lamp and accessories.
      Sarina Bowen is one of my top faves and she didn't disappoint with Roommate. Loved it. :)

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  11. I too was relieved that the inauguration went off without any riots! Whew! And I'm living for the Bernie memes that resulted. Enjoy the Roommate!

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    1. Those memes are hilarious. And Roommate was so, so good! Loved it!

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  12. Love your new desk space! I couldn't stop watching the inauguration coverage on Wednesday, either! I wanted to be a part of such a historical event.

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    1. Thanks! I'm totally happy with the new desk.
      And it was so moving to watch the inauguration and all the events surrounding it.

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  13. Oooh you got Rebecca Yorros's ARC! I wonder if I'll get it too. And lady gaga was so moving!

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    1. I hope you get it, too, Sophie, and that we'll both love it!

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  14. Your desk looks fab, very nice indeed!

    I’m trying to relaxed with blogging too, at the end of the day it’s not our job, it’s our hobby and it should be fun!

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    1. Exactly, Heather. I refuse to feel stress or pressure over a hobby. LOL

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  15. Wednesday was definitely a day of relief! I love your desk and chair!!

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  16. I loved everything you mentioned about the inauguration. I also appreciated the memorial the night before. And I'm dying over the Bernie mitten memes. I feel relief over having adults back in charge.

    It's great you are relaxing with a schedule which works for you. And go you on the decluttering. I would be doing things if I wasn't so limited right now. Soon.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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    1. Same here, Anne. Having a reasonable, sane person at the helm is an immense relief.

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  17. I watched parts of the inauguration and loved Tom Hanks, Katy Perry, and the fireworks. Very inspirational! I was impressed by all three past presidents coming together and showing a united front. What a contrast from the last four years and his disgraceful exit!

    Your library looks beautiful! Love the lamp, the pink, white and grey combo and how it looks so uncluttered. I need to get rid of a bunch of artwork just sitting in my bedroom, but I feel guilty throwing it in the trash. I should look into listing it as free on social media. Good idea!

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    1. Definitely a big contrast from the last four years. And long overdue.

      Thanks for the nice comments! I'm loving the new desk and accessories. I love working in there now. :)

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  18. I am in LOVE with your library office! You did such a great job! I also agree completely about the Inauguration- it was so beautiful! And just so... positive, you know? People were hopeful and happy and kind. I legit forgot what it was like. Kamala is just such an inspiring woman, and Joe just... he cares, you know? No matter his faults, he genuinely cares about people. It's such a 180 and I freaking LOVE IT. Hope you have a great week!

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    1. Thanks Shannon! It's such a great workspace. I'm in the home office all day working from home, so it's nice to have a pretty separate space to do the fun stuff at. :)

      100% agree with your comments about Biden. I do believe he genuinely cares about people and wants to do what's best for all.

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  19. Good for you that you're doing a more relaxed blogging style. Blogging needs to be fun right?!
    The inauguration was definitely memorable and beautiful. I loved watchting it!
    Your new desk looks super pretty!
    Have a great week and happy reading.

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    1. Thanks Maureen, I'm so happy with how the desk in the library turned out. It's great to have another work space outside of the home office. I spend enough time in there as it is! :)

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  20. Maybe do an abbreviated Sunday post would make things easier? It's a nice post, but I see how it would take a lot of time. I love reading your Sunday posts. Oh, and I love that desk!

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    1. That's an option but mostly I just don't post if I don't feel like posting. :)
      Thanks! I am so happy with the new desk.

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  21. Love your new desk and set up. I need to create an office environment in my room since I'm mostly working from home and with the carpal tunnel, I'm hoping it will help with pain management.

    I loved the inauguration as well. It was beautifully done and I'm SO glad that everyone was safe.

    I hope you are enjoying Roommate. That's on my wish list!

    -lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I'm in my home office so much as it is (working from home all day every day) so I was desperate for another work space away from the office. I'm loving the new desk and work area. :)

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  22. I agree that the inauguration was such a high point in my week. I was so happy to see some steps taken toward actual unity, especially after the last 4 years. The new furniture looks great!

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    1. Even the steps Biden has taken in just the last week fill me with such hope. I am hopeful we will be in a much better place a year - or even a few months - from now.

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  23. The new desk is so cute!! I can't wait to get my hands on Always Only You! Hope you enjoyed it!

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    1. Always Only You was so, so good! I hope you'll love it when you get to it!

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  24. This is the first time an inauguration has actually made me sit there and cry tears of joy the entire time I was watching it. I was definitely concerned about security, but it was just such an amazing day. And thank you for sharing the Lady Gaga video. Her performance was pure perfection.

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    1. I remember feeling pretty emotional at Clinton's inauguration. And at Obama's. But nothing like this. I was so happy to see it all go smoothly. And the positivity and sense of hope did wonders for me.

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  25. I have that desk!!

    This past week felt so restorative and like I could finally exhale. I was a nervous wreck though. Don't stand out in the open! Get back in your car! lol

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. We obviously both have impeccable taste. :)

      Right?! I kept wishing they would move the whole thing inside!

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  26. Unhauling is so great! We need to do that year with our baby/prek stuff...clothes, toys etc. We were going to take a lot down to my sister-in-law last year, since she had a boy, and then that didn't happen cause of COVID and they're 8.5 hours away. Hopefully this fall! I love your desk and chair, they are so pretty!
    Jen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog

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    1. I hope you find a way to safely unhaul/declutter, Jen. It really is a great feeling.

      And thanks! I'm so happy with the new desk! :)

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