If we were having coffee today, January 12th, I’d invite you in to have some freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. We finished the Christmas cookies last week but you’d see some stray decorations still strewn about. It seems to take longer to put them away each year than to drag them out. I’d tell you how much I enjoy the start of the new year and the feeling of resetting the clock. I’ve put my 2020 writing plan together and have given much thought to other things I’d like to accomplish in the upcoming months. I’m not one for resolutions, but I am a planner. I’d ask about your plans for 2020. What are you hoping to do?

As I refilled our cups, I’d tell you about the lovely day I spent with my daughter yesterday. We went to the Weselyan/R.J. Julia bookstore in Middletown. It was our first visit and it was very worthwhile. The bookstore has a great vibe and one of the employees was extremely helpful. We’ll definitely be back. Ali and I have decided to resurrect our family book club. We’re adding a twist this year. We’d like to do a tour of bookshops throughout Connecticut and make it a regular outing. If you are familiar with this area, send suggestions!

After the bookstore, we went to lunch at Perk on Main. We had crepes and cappuccinos and then went to visit my sister at her new place. It’s a geothermal home nestled in the woods adjacent to a nature preserve with walking trails. We can’t wait to explore it. We also stopped by Ali’s boyfriend’s place to visit his goats. It was a perfect day. How would you describe your perfect day?

One thing I’ve committed to do this year is to make more time to read. My Goodreads page is updated and I’ve finished two books so far, but then fell into Downton Abbey. Have you watched it? I had heard about it from friends and family and finally took the plunge while on vacation. I’m absolutely hooked but it is cutting into my reading time. I’m guessing I’ll finish the series in a few weeks and I have to say, it’s so worth it. I love the characters, the fashions, and the history.

As we finished our coffee, I’d spend some time speaking with you about writing. For the first time since starting my blog, I find that I’m not posting as often as I always have. I’ve had a lot of things going on in my personal life and have spent more time working on writing projects that aren’t ready to be shared. I’m trying to get back into a routine and plan to include some semi-regular weekly features to my page. One day at a time…

Happy New Year! Until next time…