So while I didn’t really establish a nighttime routine, I did in fact start a yoga practice and I’ve done yoga almost every day in July. Huge progress. I’ve also found a cream I love and have used [...]]]>

Since we’re a few days from the end of July and I didn’t manage to post yesterday, I figured I can just merge the updates and then make plans for August later this week. I haven’t had any time to think about August as July went a little more awry than I had planned. But that’s ok. Life.

So while I didn’t really establish a nighttime routine, I did in fact start a yoga practice and I’ve done yoga almost every day in July. Huge progress. I’ve also found a cream I love and have used skin cream more days this month than the whole year before this. So major progress.

I made a little progress on the reclaim list but not nearly enough. This one will have to be something I re-tackle.

• Progress on the big five:
  • Y: Got a lemon (not orange) tree. I didn’t do side yard but I did plant flowers in the front though two out of three already died…
  • G: Got ikea unit moved but didn’t unpack and put away the last bits leftover. I also got a carpet though and it looks nice!
  • S: Did the change, appointment tomorrow, working on research.
  • Sa: doing a really good job at work. Also now can leave home and be outside without her freaking out. Progress!
  • D: Finished both the cleaning and servicing.
• Three Medium goals:
  • Quests are finally ready to go though i am so tired of it, we’ll see if it takes off.
  • MBSR book stalled after week one, partly because I am reading so many other books at the moment.
  • Finished all of my chores, I am very proud!

• Start: I am slow reading both Diaspora and The Master and Margarita, and loving it. So proud!
• Stop: I did an excellent job in July reducing my snacking considerably.
• Continue: I did a handful more this month but not nearly as much as I wanted. It’s ok. It’s been an unexpectedly busy month and I am happy with how I prioritized.
• Brave: Actively working on this.

I’ve done a lot this month. And some unexpected curveballs too. I am really proud of how I handled it all and truly grateful for my full life. Working hard to move onward and working hard to appreciate what is.

Here’s to another month. Paying attention. Loving my people. Savoring and living in awe. And taking steps to move onward.

Eh. this was not as interesting as i’d hoped it would be.

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3.5 stars for the crazy twist at the end that really left me more confused than i expected. It was interesting but also i feel a little too over the top towards the end.

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Cute, sweet read just when i needed one!

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What a gifted writer Nina LaCour is…I loved every minute I spent with the story of Odette who is best friends with her cousin Delphine. Both of whom have secrets they can’t tell anyone else. As they make bold moves to leave their Creole community and move to Los Angeles, their lives diverge only to converge years later again as a result of a huge moment for Delphine. Neither woman will be the same again. As we follow Odette navigate her life and her [...]]]>
Meet Me in the Garden by Nina LaCour
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a gifted writer Nina LaCour is…I loved every minute I spent with the story of Odette who is best friends with her cousin Delphine. Both of whom have secrets they can’t tell anyone else. As they make bold moves to leave their Creole community and move to Los Angeles, their lives diverge only to converge years later again as a result of a huge moment for Delphine. Neither woman will be the same again. As we follow Odette navigate her life and her choices and the consequences they bring, I felt like both wishing she were braver and having so much empathy for her and her fears around losing everything she loved most.

LaCour’s writing is so real that the characters jump off the page and carve their place in your heart as the story navigates family, belonging, mental illness, black community, sisterhood, queerness and so much more. Angel Pean’s audio brought it to life beautifully, helping me connect to the story much more deeply.

with gratitude to netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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3.5 totally readable. I loved listening to this one. It’s fun, it’s funny and full of moxy.

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This was a lovely story to listen to, and interesting history with good depth but the characters weren’t as textured and developed as I would have liked. Glad I read it.

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3.5 stars

for some reason this book didn’t make it for me. I liked it but didn’t love it. And i am not sure why. maybe it was the wrong book at the wrong time.

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This was okay. readable and moved fast but will not stay with me. Sometimes those are the perfect books for the moment.

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