November is one of those odd months for me. On the one hand, things are slowing down - the year is coming to a close, projects are wrapping up, and I begin looking back over those challenges and goals I set waaaay back in January. On the other hand, things are revving up - it’s lighter earlier, the weather around here tends to be brisk and cool, and I usually get a burst of mental and physical energy. As an optimistic realist, I try to be - and stay! - hopeful, approaching the upcoming year like a new planner, one full of blank pages waiting to be filled with as many positive activities and plans as possible.
Writing
I wrote a drabble then subbed it to a contest. Crafting stories of 100 words exactly is always a fun challenge for me!
Reading
I’m closing in on my 2024 Reading Challenge (52 books) over on Goodreads. I’ve mostly been ahead, which is good since I’ve hit some sort of reading slump. It’s not the books; it’s me and my focus.
Watching
For Halloween, we re-watched The Silence of the Lambs. That movie never disappoints!
Tortoises
The tortoises took their annual trip to the vet. They’re healthy and solid - Larry is about 12 pounds and Mrs. Larry is about 9. And my back attests to these new numbers every time I bend over to pick one of them up!
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Are you looking back at 2024 yet? Looking ahead? Both? Ever hit a reading slump? How did you fix it? Are you a fan of the movie, The Silence of the Lambs? If you have pets, how’re they doing?
I did have a reading slump after my husband died, but gradually my love of books increased. Now I only read books I really enjoy. It helps me keep reading. I'm glad you're enjoying your 100-word stories. It sounds challenging.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like there's anything wrong with the books - they're good, solid reads. It's more my attention keeps wandering off....
DeleteWriting those micro fiction stories is definitely challenging! :)
It's like picking up a bowling ball!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading but I need to keep better track of it on Goodreads.
Ha! I never thought of it that way!
DeleteI find keeping track of things works for me and is actually kind of fun. But I'm weird like that. :)
I've been reading like crazy. I've joined two book groups and that doesn't even count the books I've read in between. I haven't been counting but maybe next year I will. Haven't watched Silence of the Lambs since the very first time. It got too much in my head!
ReplyDeleteExcellent on all that reading! I love when that kind of thing happens. :)
DeleteThe Silence of the Lambs gets in my head every time I watch it so, yes, I hear you on that. :o
My reading waxes and wanes depending on my own productivity. I can't read while I'm actively writing, because I get too drawn into the other story that I can't focus on my own. But I'm not doing active writing right now (just edits), so I've been gobbling up the Lady Sherlock stories.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your activities and burst of energy with the season shift!
Yeh for gobbling up stories! Lady Sherlock sounds intriguing.
DeleteThanks, Loni! I'm hoping the cooler weather comes back soon. It really helps my oomph.
Looking back isn't always good for me unless it's old pics of happy memories. But I do like to make plans. Short ones. Doable ones.
ReplyDeleteI do my best to chase my joy and keep the rest at arm's length. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Love the idea of "Drabble" plans! Would definitely feel like I actually accomplished something that way. Maybe even more than one thing. Gasp! :o
DeleteChasing joy, yes. :)
I've been reading, but I'm on a Goodreads update slump. I love reflecting at the end of the year. I'm definitely in slow mode, with ideas brewing for what's next. :)
ReplyDeleteLetting ideas brew and simmer is one of my favorite things. It's feels like a hopeful act. :)
DeleteI've never had a reading slump. I love the business at the end of the year starting with Thanksgiving. And next year is already filled with deadlines and plans. Better than not having any plans.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about having deadlines and plans being better than not having any. For me, setting some goals and having some projects gives me a loose structure, but too many/much then I started feeling overwhelmed and that's not good for anyone around here. :)
DeleteI'm currently in a reading slump. I just don't have the spare energy for the emotional roller coaster rides a long book can take me on. So right now I'm sticking with shorter fiction and drabbles. I love me some drabbles.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about that reading slump! Maybe in addition to the short fiction, try some nonfiction? A bio or a memoir or something about nature? Usually, those kinds of things are easier to pick up and put down. Might try that myself.
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