Tags
camp fradd, february, Monthly Review, moving, share four somethings, Valentine’s Day, write28dayschallenge
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.

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.

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.
You know, your name is not in your “about” section.
For the life of me always think, “OF COURSE this is who awkwardly graceful is…it’s Brooke.”
But sometimes I forget.
And as people pop over from linkups or great posts…you might want to add it!
You are an IMPRESSIVE reader. That is amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for pointing that out to me! I’ll update that now.
LikeLike
I’m impressed by the number of books you read. I’ve completed eight books so far this year and I thought I was doing well! One of mine is Don’t Overthink It, which I see is on your list too. I’m glad you’re enjoying the 28 day challenge. I’ve done Write 31 Days in October a couple of times and I found it provided helpful motivation to write and stopped me overthinking it so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This season of my life allows for a lot of reading, and I’ve told my husband that I need to find a new hobby and diversify! 🙂 And yes, I appreciated Bogel’s book on Overthinking. I read that one on my phone’s Kindle app in little snippets of time I found here and there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My goal is to read 3 books per week. Everything counts:
Cookbooks
Children’s Books
Devotionals
Fiction
Non-fiction
So far I’m at completions for the year. Seems like we are on the same pace!
LikeLike
Sounds like a good plan! And yes, I have a brought range of what counts as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy house anniversary! And congrats on writing 28 days! I love your TGT post. So good to see your words there. (I would also be a gatherer of more than my share if I were in the wilderness!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
So impressed with the amount that you are reading! And congrats for the article at ‘The Glorious Table’ and for participating in #write28days – it is the taking part that counts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
You’ve had four houses since you’ve been married?! We’ve had one apartment and three houses, so I guess we’re there with you. The Mysterious Benedict Society is on my 2021 to-read shelf. My daughter really likes the series and wants me to read it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first 2 took me a while, but I read only about a chapter a night.
LikeLike
My daughter and I both love The Mysterious Benedict Society series! Excellent reading choice! I love that although they are written to a younger audience, the books are so appealing to adults as well. (My daughter is a college student now and still lists MBS as one of her all time favorite books and re-reads them)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. I hope my library has #3! I borrowed the first 2 from my sister.
LikeLike
I admire your reading-specific goals! And way to go on writing 28 days!! Thanks for linking up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for hosting!
LikeLiked by 1 person