flight paths discussion

December could be dreary
Festive lights turn it cheery
In gratitude we gather here
We've survived another year
We've read some terrific books
All in all it finally looks
Better than we expected
Reading keeps us all connected

Beautiful and so true. Lovely peom, Magdelanye!

Thanks Petra
I guess your daily runs are weather dependent
Did you make some of your special carvings this year?

Magdelanye, we have a treadmill. I don't like to use it because I get too hot but I do get on it when the weather is too ugly outside. I prefer running outdoors, by far.

I'm making a carving for my tai chi instructor. It's a carving of him in one of the tai chi poses. My success varies each year but each one (so far) has some similarity to him. I count that as a win. LOL.
I knit a bag for another friend. I still have to line it with felt to stabilize it well.
After that, I'm ready for Christmas. Better get a move on.

I'm also leading the last of the Charles Dickens Christmas stories for a group read here on Goodreads. I am making notes now to be prepared for that.

All of that is keeping me from my books. I'm way behind my reading goal for this year. So be it, I guess. The goal is self-imposed anyway. LOL.

I’m knee deep in holiday reads. A little like the season, my tastes are varied and I am bouncing between books. I just finished Kristin Hannah‘s “Comfort and Joy” and found it oddly unsatisfactory. I’m also reading “The Last Christmas in Paris” and absolutely loving that one. It’s also almost time to start by annual reading of “A Christmas Carol”. I look forward to embracing that like an old friend.

Natasha! Great to see you here!

I love reading A Christmas Carol, too. I never tire of that story.
I also recommend Tolkien's book, Letters from Father Christmas. He wrote the letters for his children over the years. They are delightful.

I'm about to start another of Dickens' Christmas stories,
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain, for a group read in another group that is starting soon. You're welcome to join us, if you wish.

I've been so busy with making Christmas gifts that I haven't been reading much at all.
Last week I picked up a graphic novel called This One Summer, and enjoyed it quite a bit. I found it relaxing to look at the artwork and ponder the story. It delved into a young girl's beginning awareness of adult situations, especially the role of women and the issues they can face.

Natasha, I hope to see you here again soon.

Hi Petra! I’d love to join you in the Dickens’ group read! Message me the details, please!

You’re carvings sound like true works of art. I adore receiving handmade gifts. My oldest niece is a very good painter and I get very excited when she gives me something that could be a canvas. Gifts from the heart make mine melt.

I decided to cut down the treacle a little in my Goldie’s reads and added a few roof thriller that’s most interesting than I thought it would be - “The Couple in No. 9.” I’ll freely admit I was influenced by BookTok.

Yes indeed Natasha good to hear from you, and you too Petra. Even though I don't share your Christmas themed reading enjoyment, I love hearing what you are up to.
No notifications means more effort needed to keep up. Checking here midweek there was no new comments so lovely surprise today

I am really enjoying being back at the library but disciplining myself not to get too carried away. Right now I am back in wwII although i cannot resist the new arrivals shelf.
Will i ever get caught up on my reviews?

Im sure your tai chi instructor will love the gift Petra.

Magdelanye wrote: "Yes indeed Natasha good to hear from you, and you too Petra. Even though I don't share your Christmas themed reading enjoyment, I love hearing what you are up to.
No notifications means more effor..."

I love books sent in and around the Great Wars. They always seems to be so emotionally satisfying.

Then you will probably enjoy the two quite different ones Ive just finished. Working on reviews

Sorry I've been so MIA--my Greek class has overwhelmed me. I think next semester I'll take something easy (I'm thinking 19th century French novels--something I used to love anyway)

reading has taken a backseat but I just finished rereading Daphne DuMaurier's The Parasites, a comfort read--I've been reading it since I'm 14

Hope you are all well this holiday season

Ellie you have been missed! Certainly great that you've dropped in.
I couldn't help but conjure up some grand reasons for why we havent heard from you in such a while and the one I settled on was immanent grandchild.
Never mind! But I had to laugh at the idea that a book called Parasites could be called a comfort read (obviously I haven't read it)

Reading another grueling WWll book and Natasha, this one i think you will really like. Goddess of Warsaw is amazing. Im taking a little break before finishing the last part. There is a Petra who plays a special role in it but Petra, I'm really not sure you would appreciate this one.

From London to Finland

finally! cant wait to hear how you fared with the shades of magic, Ice Bear.
I want to know what people are reading these last few days of the year, and if anything lined up for the new year.
I am about halfway through a ragtag of titles...Ann Patchett
Truth and Beauty about her friendship with Lucy Grealy
The Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild In A Tame World by Craig Foster, and
Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoon documentary fiction.

We're having a quiet time here with my step-dad. I've been able to do a little bit of reading.

I finished Tisha: The Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaskan Wilderness and found it a good story. It gave me a sense of adventure while I spend this quiet time.
It amazes me how people can live in such cold temperatures. She was talking about the temperatures dropping below -50 in the winter. Brrrrr........ All in all, I enjoyed this story of living in Alaskan wilderness during a pioneering time.

I've now started A Fifty-Year Silence: Love, War, and a Ruined House in France.

Happy New Year, Flight Pathers!!!
Wishing us all a healthy, happy, stressfree year ahead.

Yes indeed Petra!!
With many reading delights ahead!

Happy New Year!!

A wonderful year ahead for us all <3