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Valentine’s Day and Mardis Gras decorations have been taken down and we’re starting to see spring-like weather, at least here in East Tennessee. That means it’s time to take a look back at February and Share Four Somethings with Heather.

Loved

The Glorious Table published an article I wrote, which was prompted by a show my darling and I binged last year. The particular episode I reference in my post haunted me, a profound takeaway for reality television. Writing through my emotions helped me pin down exactly why his heartbreak stuck with me, and I loved being able to share it with others.

Writing for The Glorious Table stretches me. I love being able to learn from the editors and contributors. One day I hope to become a monthly contributor and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something bigger.

Read

In 2020, I blew my reading goals out of the water. Then last month, I started 2021 off strong reading or listening to 15 books. Rather than getting stuck reading the same ole same ole, I decided to set month-specific goals. I want to finish up (or at least make progress) on some book series I’ve been reading, while also making time for recommendations from others. My to-be-read pile often gets neglected thanks to the excitement of “shopping” for books at the library.

I decided in each month of 2021, I would purpose to read:

A recommendation (from a friend or online book group):
A friend loaned me The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho over a year ago. I seem to be the last person on earth to read it, and now understand why everyone speaks so highly of this brief novel.

From an ongoing series:
My mom and I have read Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books from the beginning. She picked up Twisted Twenty-Six in paperback last month and let me read it first. Stephanie’s story is starting to get a bit tired, but the novels are always fun, easy reads.

From my stack:
I borrowed the first in the Mysterious Benedict Society (Trenton Lee Stewart) series from my sister because I needed a book to read right before bed. I’m sensitive, so I have to be careful not to read anything scary or I’ll have nightmares. Because I read more than one book at a time, I also like to make sure the stories differ enough that I don’t get them confused.

I enjoy Stewart’s characters and his idea that what makes the society members unique also makes them perfect for the job of saving the world. Each has a different perspective, and it’s their collective abilities that empower the kids to take on the evil Mr. Curtain.

Covers of some of the books I’ve read in 2021

I’ll have at least 10 books finished by month-end. I doubt I’ll keep this pace through the entire year, but I’m enjoying the books as they come my way.

Treasured

I appreciate my time spent writing this month, thanks to the #Write28Days challenge. I’ve been working on writing more frequently to help re-establish my writing routine. While I would love for everything I share to have the polish and care I put into my contributions at The Glorious Table, that’s not something I have the bandwidth for at this stage of my life.

I’ve not published daily as the challenge encourages, however, I have shared {12} posts this month alone. Compared to the 19 I wrote for the entirety of 2020, that’s excellent progress. I plan on continuing the practice into March, finishing the assignment late. This, too, marks progress for this perfectionist’s heart.

Ahead

This weekend, Jay and I will celebrate our first year living in Camp Fradd 4.0. I tend to overthink the most simple of choices, yet when I found this house, I had no doubts. Moving on leap day last year presented us with a unique way to remember this anniversary.

Jay and our friend Filip moving Bearack O’Bearma this time last year.

I’m sure to be a bit emotional when we hit the 1-year mark of COVID restrictions. Ultimately, however, I want to choose gratitude for all we still have and enjoy despite an extra challenging year.

What about you? I’d love for you to share your February highlights in the comments. Or better yet, create your own post and link up at Heather’s site.