Saturday, July 02, 2016

Sunday Post: June Wrap Up & July TBR Poll

The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. 

Happy July! It promises to be a busy month for us. This first week will be relatively calm at least. My mom will be in town for a week or so after that and my husband and I will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary.  Mouse will be transitioning from her current daycare into a new one later in the month. It's a toss up who is more anxious: my daughter or me.

Also coming up is my 10th blogging anniversary (July 23rd). I do not have anything big planned, just a change here and there. On the last Monday of each month, I would like to add a retrospective feature where I highlight what I was blogging about 10 years before. I was inspired by Kay from Kay's Reading Life's Bookish Nostalgia and Stacy of Stacy's Books' A Look Back features, and hope you will enjoy a visit into the past with me each month. In addition, I am making Mouse's Corner a monthly feature on my blog. Mouse's Corner is where I highlight what my daughter, Mouse, is reading or up to. Up until now, the feature has been rather sporadic.

Perhaps you have noticed my new header. I'm so excited about it! It was a blog anniversary present to myself. It was hard enough waiting for July to unveil my new look that I decided I couldn't wait until my actual blog anniversary. I enlisted the services of Michelle Albanese Parsons of Limabean Designs and Because Reading is better than Real Life to design my new header. She was extremely patient with me and always professional and friendly. I am so pleased with her work. She also created a blog button for me--my first one. It only took nearly 10 years. My husband had a hand at helping me with some of the other new features you see on my blog. I owe both him and Michelle a big thank you for all their hard work.

What are you all up to this weekend? Any Fourth of July plans if you're American? I would love to know what all of you are up to, have been reading, listening to or watching this past week!


New to the Shelves: I recently won a book in a giveaway hosted by Kathy of BermudaOnion, and it arrived in the mail Saturday morning. There's something to be said for bookish mail! The book is called Vanishing Time by Katherine Britton. It sounds really good!


What I Am Reading: June was not quite the reading month I hoped it would turn into, but I am pleased with what I did read, even if not the quantity. It was a nice mix of books. I didn't manage to finish my June TBR List book, The Magician's Lie by Greer MacAllister, before the 1st of July, but I was able to finish it this weekend.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Fantasy)
Under An Adirondack Sky by Karen Rock (Contemporary Romance)
The Hummingbird by Stephen P. Kiernan (Fiction)
Grace Without God by Katherine Ozment (Nonfiction)

Of those four, my favorite was Stephen P. Kiernan's The Hummingbird, which I will be reviewing the week after this. Grace Without God was a step outside my comfort zone--if only because sharing anything about my own faith so publicly makes me feel a bit anxious. It was a worthwhile read though, and I am glad I took a chance on it.

I am now reading The American Girl by Kate Horsley and The Fireman by Joe Hill, both of which are quite engrossing and competing for my attention.


What I am Listening to:  This past week I started a new audiobook, this one by Ruth Ware called In a Dark, Dark Wood, narrated by Imogen Church. I am over halfway through it and listening any chance I get. It's quite good. Have you listened to any good audiobooks recently?


What I Am Watching: I finally took time out to watch the Netflix movie Beasts of No Nation based on one of my favorite books by Uzodinma Iweala. It was disturbing and heartbreaking just as the book was. I thought it was very well done. The boy who played Agu, Abraham Attah, did an amazing job, as did Idris Elba. I also have watched several episodes of the first season of Zoo, a CBS production based on a James Patterson novel with the same title. It's gotten mixed reviews, but I am enjoying it. More in line with family fare, we watched LabyrinthMaleficent and Wreck-It Ralph recently. My husband and I had seen Labyrinth and Maleficent before but they were new to Mouse. Wreck-It Ralph was new to all of us--and quite adorable. Have you seen any of these? If so, what did you think?


What's Going On Off the Blog: Mouse is being treated for conjunctivitis at the moment. She and I spent Friday watching movies, stringing beads, reading books, drawing and building a blanket fort. Her eye is looking a lot better. She's been very brave about the eye drops, with minimal protesting. Luckily there was no swim class this past Friday, and so we didn't have to skip it.

As for me, I went in for some blood work the week before last. It was a mix of good and bad news. It was not completely unexpected, but still very disappointing. Work is work. The new Assistant Director is visiting this week and everyone wants to make a good impression. Otherwise, there is really nothing new to report.

Gracie and Snoopy

The Past Two Weeks In Reading Mews:
*

Help me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:


My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Sunday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow. While I will attempt to post my review that same month, I make no promises--it may go up the following month. 



I have been craving a little romance in my reading as of late and these three titles jumped out at me. All three are cross-genre novels, mystery and romance combined. The difference is one is contemporary, another historical and one paranormal. Which one do you think I should read?


Kill Without Mercy (ARES Security #1) by Alexandra Ivy ~ A Special Ops agent taking care of family matters before heading back to work didn't expect to get mixed up with a woman with dark past who is on the run from a serial killer.



Code Black (Paranormal Crimes Division #1) by Tina Moss ~ An ambitious reporter hiding her own supernatural ability finds herself in deep trouble as she unearths information on a series of paranormal murders, and turns to a special agent shifter for help.



'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick ~ In Victorian London, the owner of an exclusive "introduction" agency and a reclusive crime fiction writer team up to track down and stop a stalker.




Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? Be sure and vote!


© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

77 comments:

  1. I vote for the Victorian one, because I like mysteries. :)

    Happy almost blogiversary! 10 years is an impressive time. I've been pondering getting a blog makeover myself; now that summer has actually started for me, I'm going to start thinking about it seriously. It's hard to imagine what 'Howling Frog Books' looks like!

    BTW I see we are neighbors. I live in rural northern CA, the part nobody remembers exists. Would love to know if you are at the other end or nearby!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jean - 'Til Death Do Us Part does sound good. :-) Thank you for voting!

      Thanks too for the blogiversary wishes. It doesn't feel like it's been that long. I love the title of your blog. I can think of several directions you could go with a new design with that kind of title. :-)

      Now you've got me curious where exactly you live. I'm at the other end of the state, in Southern California, but I spent a good part of my growing up years in Northern California. My mom and brother and his family are still there, along with other extended family. My in-laws are in the central part of the state--so we're all spread out.

      Thanks for visiting, Jean!

      Delete
    2. My mom went to Cal State Chico. That was a very long time ago though. :-)

      Delete
  2. Hey I like the new look! Very nice... and good job Michelle, the header is great! And 10 years? Wow, that's amazing. Good for you! I hope you guys have a nice 4th, it looks to be a quiet and relaxing one around here but fireworks are in order. :)

    I liked Zoo and was looking forward to S2 but the first episode of S2 underwhelmed me a bit. Still I'm glad it's back and will keep watching. Other than that I'm mostly caught up on shows...

    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greg - Thank you! Michelle does good work, doesn't she? I've been wanting to hire someone to make a header for me for some time, and I like to support my friend's businesses. Her price was reasonable and she obviously has a lot of talent.

      It doesn't feel like 10 years. :-)

      That's too bad about the first episode of Zoo. Hopefully the rest of the season will pick up. I think I may have three or four more episodes to watch in the first season.

      A quiet 4th sounds nice. Ours will likely be too, although we do plan to catch the fireworks. I hope you have a Happy Fourth of July and a great week, Greg!

      Delete
  3. Ten years blogging??!!! Wow! Congrats on that, I'm only about to hit a year on the 9th lol. And I love the new header!

    Sorry about whatever the bad news was for you, but I'm glad your daughter's eye is getting better. Have a great week :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristen - Thank you! Nine years is nothing to sneeze at. :-) Congratulations on your upcoming blog anniversary too!

      My daughter is already tired of having to take the medicine. I think her willingness to cooperate is waning quickly. Oh well. The joys of parenting. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  4. Congrats on 10 years! I have heard amazing things about Lima Bean Designs, so I'm glad that you like your new header. Also congrats on 18 years with your husband! Have a wonderful week. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anna - Thank you! It's a month for anniversaries. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  5. I voted for Till Death Us Do Part as the cover caught my attention.
    Happy anniversary. And your new header is super cute! I hope your bad news is something fixable, if it is, then I'm sure the disappointment will pass.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trish - Thank you for voting. 'Til Death Do Us Part seems to be in the lead so far. :-)

      Thank you also for the anniversary wishes! I am glad you like the header. I think it turned out quite well!

      I hope you have a wonderful week!

      Delete
  6. Congrats on your upcoming blog anniversary :) Wreck-it Ralph is great - very cute, and a clever premise. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maree - Thank you! We watched Wreck-It Ralph again this morning at my daughter's request. I didn't really know what to expect with the movie, but it's right up my daughter's ally. She has a new favorite. :-) I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  7. I like the look of Vanishing Time! Also love the new header.

    Have a great 'easy' week this week before the busy-ness begins!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deborah - Vanishing Time does sound good, doesn't it? I hope I enjoy it. I'm glad you like the new header. :-)

      I hope you have a great week too! Hopefully work will be on the slow side too.

      Delete
  8. Wow 10 years!! Love the new header!! Hope Mouse feels better. Kids with eye drops is hard. I voted for Til Death do Us Part. Have a great week!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grace - Thank you! I'm quite fond of it myself. :-) Mouse is feeling much better today, although giving her the eye drops is getting harder. :-(

      Thank you for voting! I hope you have a great week!

      Delete
  9. My goodness - 10 years - that is a huge achievement! I hope Mouse soon feels better, it is miserable having such sore eyes especially in the summer when pollen and dust, etc aggravates them so. Have a great reading week. This is my Sunday post - https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2016/07/03/sunday-post-3rd-july/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - Thank you! Mouse hasn't been too happy, especially when I get on her not to rub her eyes. Poor girl. She's doing better fortunately. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  10. I love the new look and am so impressed with 10 years of blogging. I often wonder if I'll make it that long. I'm glad your book made it - I hope you love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - I didn't think I would make it to 10 years. I even was thinking of stopping once I did reach 10, but fortunately I haven't felt the urge to quit. :-)

      Thank you so much for the giveaway! I am looking forward to reading Vanishing Time.

      Have a great week, Kathy!

      Delete
  11. Wow, happy upcoming 10th blogoversary! I've only been blogging for nine years, but my first year hardly counted, as I didn't do much. lol

    I like the idea of the retrospective...I might do something like that when I approach ten years. Or sooner. lol

    Your new blog look is gorgeous! Very bright and colorful, which are my favorite things. Enjoy!

    I like the sound of The American Girl. Enjoy!

    Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - Thank you! Nine years is a long time too. :-) I think I had a year in there where I hardly blogged myself--right around the time my daughter was born. I still haven't gotten back to posting as much as I did in those first five years.

      I think the retrospective posts will be fun. That would be neat if you decide to do something like it too!

      I am glad you like the new blog look! I was worried it would be too bright, to be honest.

      I hope you have a great week!

      Delete
  12. I voted for you, though I truthfully haven't read any of them, so I just read the blurbs.

    I love, love, love your new blog look! I love the header and the bright colors. Limabean Design had designed my blog divider on my previous blog and I love her work and highly recommend Michelle to anyone as a patient and talented artist!

    Congrats on the coming blogoversary, wow, 10 years! I've been blogging for about 5 years, but have taken small hiatuses all the years between blogs, so it's not the same. I always enjoy your posts, so keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rita - Thank you for voting. :-) I'm trying not to peek to see who is in the lead so far.

      I am so glad you like my new blog look! Michelle does such great work, doesn't she? I like too that she's very affordable.

      It's hard to believe I've stuck with blogging as long as I have. I still enjoy it, although there have been definite changes over the years. Thank you for your kind words, Rita. :-) Have a great week!

      Delete
  13. The Amanda Quick book is on my list. That sounds like a good one. Happy Reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heather - I have yet to read an Amanda Quick book, but this one sounds right up my alley. I look forward to reading it. :-) Thanks for voting!

      Delete
  14. As a romance blogger, I recommend Kill without mercy! It was GREAT!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samantha - I am really looking forward to reading Kill Without Mercy. I am glad to hear you liked it so much!

      Delete
  15. Happy bloggoversary! And happy anniversary! Both impressive numbers! I'm glad Mouse is taking her eye drops so well. I've had a child who didn't and it was a nightmare. It's very hard to get eye drops into an unwilling patient. I love love love the new blog look! I've been meaning to check in with Michelle about a new header and button but just haven't. Thanks for the reminder. Yours looks fantastic. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - Thank you very much. :-) Mouse has taken to giving us a hard time about the eye drops now. Maybe if I hadn't said anything. LOL She doesn't mind them once we start giving her her doses, but it's the prep time when she's begun freaking out. Poor kid. I probably would be the same even now as an adult. I hate eye drops too.

      I am so glad you like the new look! I've been sitting on it for about a month now, which has been hard. I couldn't wait any longer. Michelle does such great work--and it's nice to show support for a fellow book blogger. I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  16. I voted for Code Black, because it sounded intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - I think Code Black sounds intriguing too! I can't wait to see which book wins. I'll likely read them all though. :-)

      Delete
  17. I haven't read any of these books, but Kil Without Mercy sounds the most interesting to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nora - I like the sound of Kill Without Mercy too. :-) Thank you for voting!

      Delete
  18. 10 years! Goodness...that is amazing! Love the header and button...and my how beautiful Gracie is!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa - Thank you. :-) Gracie has really grown into a beautiful cat. She's extremely playful and smart. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
  19. Happy blogoversary! 10 years - wow! And happy anniversary! I like the idea of the Mouse's Corner feature. I love the new header and button. Several people have changed things up and I'm almost wanting to as well. I hope the news from your bloodwork wasn't too terrible. Isn't it funny how people act when the big boss is around? Working in a school it's comical. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charlie - Thank you on both counts. :-) I am glad you like the Mouse's Corner feature idea. I have wanted to make it a more regular staple on my blog, but just haven't managed to stay organized enough to do it.

      I go through periodic blog look changes because I get bored easily. I think this one will stay with me for awhile though. I really like how it turned out.

      It is funny how everyone acts when the big boss is on site. My boss is a bit nervous, I know. It's also the same day as our Island Day Potluck, and we're supposed to wear Island themed shirts. There was some talk of nixing that idea because of the AD's visit, but last I heard we are going to be allowed to anyway. I think it's a good thing--show her our office spirit, if you will.

      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  20. I wondered if I was on the right blog for a minute but I love the new look. Wow..10 years! That is awesome. July does sound like a busy month for you but the good kind of busy. I hope everyone gets health soon. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole - It is quite a different look, isn't it? I am glad you like it. :-)

      Yes, July should be a good one. Hopefully I will fit in some reading and blogging in there as well. That's the plan anyway.

      Have a great week too!

      Delete
  21. Congratulations on your anniversary and good luck with the daycare change.

    Wow, 10 years as a blogger. You are definitely in a different phase than I am (my blog is turning 6 months in July). I really like your blog button.

    I'm looking forward to seeing what you were doing 10 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeanene - Thank you on both counts!

      I am not sure the number of years matter so much--just where I am in my life and how blogging fits into it. :-)

      Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  22. I love the new header! And congratulations on your upcoming blogoversary -- 10 years is amazing. I'm celebrating my 7th this month. Go us!

    I'm sorry to hear Mouse has conjunctivitis; that's no fun. Sounds like you're both handling it well, though.

    I voted for the Amanda Quick because it's the only one I've read, but also because it was good. :-) Have fun, whichever one you read next.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lark - Thank you! Happy Blogoversary to you too! July was a great month for us bloggers. :-)

      I wish the conjunctivitis stopped at Mouse. I seem to have gotten it now. :-(

      Thank you for voting! I am glad to hear you liked the Amanda Quick novel. That bodes well for me. :-)

      Delete
  23. Congrats on your upcoming 18th wedding anniversary. That’s amazing and I hope you have a great day.
    And almost 10 years of blogging. Wow!! Super exciting. And the highlighting of what you were blogging about 10 years ago sounds like a great idea. I can’t wait to read it. ;)
    The new header looks beautiful. Really classy. Love it!!
    I voted for ‘Kill Without Mercy’. It sounds like a great read.
    Have a great week and happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maureen - Thank you! It's hard to believe we have been married that long.

      I am glad you like the header. Michelle did a great job. :-)

      Thank you for voting. Kill Without Mercy does sound really good. I look forward to reading it.

      Have a great week too!

      Delete
  24. Loving the new look. Here's to almost ten more years of blogging and 18 years of marriage.

    Loving that we get the opportunity to vote on your next read. Code Black sounds the best of the three to me despite the fact that I dislike the cover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tracy - Thank you for the well wishes!

      It's nice to have someone else help me decide what to read for a chance. Sometimes I take too long deciding. LOL Code Black does sound good. I've been wanting to read it for awhile now. Thanks for voting!

      Delete
  25. I love your new blog look!! It is just snappy and gorgeous. This IS a big month for you - so much goodness happening. Happy blogiversary in advance. Love the idea of doing the 10 Years Ago series - looking forward to it. I keep running into In a Dark Dark Wood every now and then. It's probably a sign that I need to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Athira - Thank you! I like how it turned out too. It's certainly a very busy month. I am looking forward to looking back at what I was up to 10 years ago on the blog. Now to make time to put that post together . . .

      I finished listening to In a Dark, Dark Wood yesterday and definitely recommend it. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  26. Pink eye is no fun! I had it twice, I hope it goes away quickly and she can get back to swimming!

    LOVE the new looks and the background looks great! Complements it beautifully!
    Thank you for all the kind words! It was a pleasure working with you.

    Have a great week, Wendy! Happy Reading! ox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle - It's my turn for the Pink Eye. I don't remember having it before--but it isn't pleasant. My husband is now complaining one of his eyes is bothering him . . . I've been on top of the cleaning and disinfection and washing everything over and over again . . . Ugh. I hope this will be the end of it.

      Thank you again for the great work you did on my header and button. I love them. :-)

      I hope you have a great week too!

      Delete
  27. Oh, dear, on the pink eye! I'm glad the audio book is working out, I liked In a Dark, Dark Wood and look forward to The Woman in Cabin 10!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - Pink Eye sucks. :-( Mouse's seems to have cleared up and mine's on its way to being gone, I hope. I can't wait to read The Woman in Cabin 10 nowl. I really enjoyed In a Dark, Dark Wood. Have a great week!

      Delete
  28. I just finished In a Dark Dark Wood and liked it (print). I decided to try Ware's debut after enjoying Woman in Cabin 10 so much.

    Sorry about Mouses pink eye and, I hope your blood work improves next time. Take care Wendy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - I'm looking forward to reading The Woman in Cabin 10. That one sounds like it will be good too.

      Fingers crossed about my blood working being better next time. I'm hoping for that too.

      Thanks for visiting, Diane.

      Delete
  29. First of all, congrats on the blogiversary! I think we started blogging around the same time; I need to check out which month I started it. ;) And, I love the new look of your blog!!

    I'm currently reading Woman in Cabin 10; I'm enjoying it so far. I'll read In a Dark Dark Room later, perhaps sooner depending how much I like the author's writing.

    Finally, hope you've a wonderful 4th July holiday with your family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - Thank you! You are one of my blogging sisters. :-) I am glad you like the new look. I worried it would be too bright at first, but I think it turned out well.

      I am glad to hear you are enjoying Woman in Cabin 10. I can recommend In a Dark, Dark Wood. :-)

      Thank you! I hope you are having a great week!

      Delete
  30. Love the new header! I thought that looked like Michelle's work, she's so good :) Congrats on 10 years (almost) that's amazing! Oh and I voted for the first book - they read it in my book club and a lot of the ladies really liked it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Berls - Thank you. :-) Michelle is so talented. Thank you too for the anniversary wishes and for voting in my poll. I am eager to see which book won and get started on it.

      Delete
  31. Yay you are almost at 10 in blog years! :) Hope Mouse is much better now and I'm sorry to hear about the not so good news with the doc. I have to get serious about working out and eating better to see better results.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana - It is hard to believe it's been that long. Mouse is a lot better, thank goodness. Take care of yourself, Iliana!

      Delete
  32. AWESOME Sunday post as usual, Wendy!! I loved catching up with all your news!

    First of all, CONGRATS on a bold and beautiful new header!! Michelle really did an OUTSTANDING job!! And the little red paws all around are so cute!

    I've been wanting to read a Neil Gaiman book for the LONGEST time, and really must get to one. "Neverwhere" sounds like a good one to start with.

    I will look into "Vanishing Time", although by the sounds of it, it might not be up my alley. CONGRATS on winning it, though!!

    I'm glad Mouse is being so brave about the conjunctivitis. I can relate, as I had it back in February. Let me tell you, I wasn't as brave as Mouse.... Instead, I was a BIG chicken, and hubby had to keep reassuring me that it would clear up, which it finally did! Lol.

    LOVE that pic of Gracie with Snoopy! And those throw pillows are nice, too!

    You've been blogging for TEN years?! WOW!!!! You're a REAL veteran!! CONGRATS on your upcoming blogoversary!! YAY!!!!! TEN MORE YEARS!!!! (Nah...a LOT more than that!!) I'm coming up on my six-year blogoversary myself.

    I'm going to check out your review of "Grace Without God". I'm very interested in such matters. This book looks very interesting, although the title is rather paradoxical.

    I hope things improve with the bloodwork situation! And how is mother-in-law doing?

    For your next read, I had to bypass the shirtless guy, this time around. Lol. Amanda Quick's novel takes place in Victorian London, a literary setting I love! So that's the one I picked.

    Thanks for sharing all your news, and being such a GREAT friend!!! I appreciate all of your comments on my blog since we met!! Toodles until my next comment, which will be soon, I promise!! Off to get ready for work now! (I start at 3:30 PM, so I can always get up late, lol.) <3 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maria - Thank you for your thoughtful comment! Mouse is doing much better. And now it's my turn. I don't remember having conjunctivitis before (although I probably did as a child). It feels like there are shards of glass in my eyes. It's not very pleasant at all. I am feeling a bit better today, thank goodness.

      My mother-in-law is doing well. She was given clearance to get back in the pool, which she's happy about.

      It doesn't seem like ten years. The blogging world has seen lots of changes in that time. Congratulations on your six years!

      Thank you for voting. I look forward to finding out which one will win. I hope you have a great rest of the week, Maria!

      Delete
    2. You're very welcome,Wendy!! But I forgot to mention two more congrats -- one, for your new blog button, which also looks GREAT!! And....DRUMROLL...MOST IMPORTANT: HAPPY 18TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! WOOT, WOOT!!! I'm going on 15 years myself (in December), although I don't have a sweet little Mouse like you. :( But it will still be a happy one! Hubby is my "Big Mouse"!! Lol. C ya!!! <3 :)

      Delete
  33. I like your blog anniversary celebration idea. It'll be interesting to compare then and now and also to revisit books you read then. And I like the idea of Mouse Corner. Happy wedding anniversary!

    Your new theme is nice, the mix of books and pets :) Regarding the book choice, difficult one. Amanda Quick, perhaps? Though that's very subjective of me!

    Hope Mouse's eye is better and that your situation is okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charlie - Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing what I was up to ten years ago. I think it will be interesting.

      If everyone's comments are anything to go by, I have a feeling Quick's novel will be the likely winner. :-)

      Thanks for dropping in, Charlie!

      Delete
  34. I love your new design! Also, congrats on both of your anniversaries- those both take a lot of dedication to attain. Gracie is clearly long suffering from the look in her eyes. ;) I hope Mouse feels better soon (if she doesn't feel better already).
    ~Litha Nelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Litha Nelle - Thank you! Gracie wasn't too happy about Snoopy sitting on her back, but she at least let me take a photo. :-) Mouse is all better, although her allergies are beginning to bother her again. Her eyes have cleared up, at least. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.