You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Our thread for chitchatting! What is happening in your corner of the world? How is the weather? What have you been doing? Do you have news? Let us know!

So much and yet not that much all at the same time!

News update (did I post this here before?) My nephew is heading to Sidney, not Melbourne, for medical school--he just got his visa approval today. Better school, more affordable city and he and his partner have a place they can stay. He's worked very hard for this, so hopefully all goes well :)

There are things coming up for me and my immediate familiy, but who knows if they'll lead to any news?

That's exciting, Karin! Which uni in Sydney? Personally, I think Melbourne is a nicer city, but a lot of people prefer the Sydney weather and beaches. I would argue on the affordability, but maybe there are ressies (student residences/halls) they can get a place in that is more affordable for students which would help heaps!

Very cool news. Hope he loves it here!

Congrats to your nephew, Karin!

I would really love to visit Australia some day. It's definitely a bucket list item. If I ever make it there, I'll have to get some tips on where to go and what to do from you, Rus.

I am heading overseas later this month. I will be in Madrid for a week. My husband has business there so I will be on my own for a couple of days, but mostly we'll be doing things together. If anyone is familiar with Madrid, I'd love any tips or suggestions you may have. We were considering staying a few extra days and visiting Barcelona, but decided it would be better to do that when the weather is warmer if we get the chance.

Karin wrote: "So much and yet not that much all at the same time!

News update (did I post this here before?) My nephew is heading to Sidney, not Melbourne, for medical school--he just got his visa approval toda..."

Well done to your nephew Karin. Hope it all goes his way!

Congratulations to your nephew and the family, Karin. Will be a whole new adventure for him!!

And Kristie, that sounds amazing for you and your husband too. I’ve never been to Europe at all. It’s always been a bucket list thing. I hope you both have fun!!

You all have a base here in Canberra, although it is not high on any tourist lists. Very happy to help with bucket lists and if you want to come to our dinky Capital City, show you around!

I've heard Barcelona is getting stupid crowded in summer now, so maybe winter is the best time to go? But enjoy Spain either way. That is very very high up my bucket list.

Karin wrote: "News update (did I post this here before?) My nephew is heading to Sidney, not Melbourne, for medical school--he just got his visa approval toda..."

That is great, Karin! Congrats to him!

Kristie wrote: "I am heading overseas later this month. I will be in Madrid for a week. My husband has business there so I will be on my own for a couple of days, but mostly we'll be doing things together. If anyone is familiar with Madrid, I'd love any tips or suggestions y"

Sound great, Kristie! I've never been in Spain, but I know Madrid is amazing. Enjoy!

Happy 2026 !!!!

I have not been online much in the last years. Life definitely got in the way. But i look forward spending time around here again. :)

Welcome back, Esther! Can't wait to discuss books and to see what you are reading.

Glad to see you again, Esther and Happy ‘26!

Rusalka wrote: "That's exciting, Karin! Which uni in Sydney? Personally, I think Melbourne is a nicer city, but a lot of people prefer the Sydney weather and beaches. I would argue on the affordability, but maybe ..."

Right, Sydney--Sidney is in British Columbia where I'm from so I get that mixed up sometimes, which drives me batty.

I don't know, but it's a medical school that's ranked higher than the one he was accepted to in Melbourne. He scored 527/528 on his latest MCAT so I'm guessing U of Sydney, but am not sure. (He is well organized and studies hard.)

I just texted my sister to ask, but since neither of us sits beside our cells all of the time I don't know when she'll answer.

@Rusalka University of Sydney

UBC rejected him about 5 times even though he has top marks, etc, so he finally applied overseas. British Columbia's loss, IMO. I wouldn't say this about all of my family, but I'm sure he'll have both a fabulous bedside manner as well as make an excellent physician.

For those who don't know, U of Sydney is not only Australia's top medical school, but it's #31 in the world which is amazing. UBC (University of British Columbia) is ranked only a few above.

I like to boast about Canada, Australia and NZ who are often overlooked. I've never been down under, but have known some amazing Kiwis and Aussies IRL and online.

Congratulations to your nephew, Karin and welcome back, Esther :)

Rusalka wrote: "Very happy to help with bucket lists and if you want to come to our dinky Capital City, show you around!"

When I read this comment I thought you said "drinky Capital City" and that remind me of a wine question I had for you. Then I realized I was wrong and it said "dinky" but too late. LOL

So, our local winery had a great promotion of Yellow Tail wines last week, so we ended coming back home with 6 different ones between reds and whites. I hope they are good, because 6 us a lot. My husband got very excited. Do you have any opinion on them? We think we have tried a Yellow Tail red before, since we kind of remember the label, but who knows, maybe we just saw it in the winery.

Yellow Tail is quite popular in Canada. I've enjoyed a bottle or two.

That is good to know!

Well, if the shoe fits... ;) We do have a good distillery, winery, and brewery scene here.

Yeah, Yellowtail is what we export, and was developed purely for the export market not for the Australian one. To quote my winemaker uncle last week when we told him how much we saw Yellowtail for in duty free in Trinidad "Their marketing campaign is working for them." The fact they have a promotion with your local proves that further!

I do hope you enjoy them. But as to our opinion, we would choose any other label or winery over them.

We'll, we will have to try them then, and let you know. :)

IT’S MY MOM’S BIRTHDAY TODAY!

I hope your mom has a nice birthday, Christine.

Sandra wrote: "I hope your mom has a nice birthday, Christine."









My mom had a really nice birthday Sandra

I decided a few days ago that I really need to stop doom scrolling on social media. So, I'm replacing the time doing that by watching YouTube videos. I subscribed to a quilting channel called The Last Homely House.

https://www.youtube.com/@thelasthomel...

The woman, Kate, is from England and she has great videos of her quilting journey. She has the most beautiful cat named Rita who joins in the fun.

After 4 days (I think this is the 4th day), I'm feeling less outraged and less anxious, so I think I'll keep doing what I'm doing for my mental health.

Last night as I was watching, I was thinking her set up was quite functional and has great views to the outside. I thought that I would like to make my sewing area a little more functional. This morning, in the middle of doing a bank reconciliation (great time to get distracted), I started thinking. This office, once I retire, could be a great sewing room. So I started planning. And now I'm all excited.

On another note, I withdrew from my online bookclub. We've been together for 20 years, but I don't feel aligned with the group that much any more especially since my life changes in the last 5 years.

Funny, because I chose "rejuvenation" as a word for this year, and I'm already seeing some forward movement.

That’s awesome Janice, good for you. It’s always hard to really look at things that have been in our lives for so long

Hey did anyone see that Baker & Taylor the largest distrubtor of library books in the US just closed after being in business for 200 years?
I was wondering why it seemed there weren't as many HB copies of new released books available just audio and ebooks.
I was at the library yesterday talking to one of the librarians and she said this is huge and they don't know what the ramifications will be for libraries. B & T sold books at wholesale prices to libraries and provided them with labels and lamination so libraries didn't have to pay that cost.
Amazon is in the process of stepping up and trying to fill the void, but it will take months to get anything in place.
And of course our government has reduced funding for public libraries.

I think I know where my charity dollars are going this year 🥲

That's great, Janice. I've been thinking about removing FB from my phone so I don't mindlessly doom scroll every time I have a couple minutes. I mentioned it to my husband a while back and he removed his and has seen definite benefits. I'm also always torn between watching/reading the news to stay informed and avoiding it for my mental health. I think there's a fine line.

I think you will love that sewing room. Great idea! When I eventually put my craft / sewing room back together I need to organize it so that it is more functional too.

I'm glad things are moving forward for you already. Sounds like you chose the right word for the year.

Janice wrote: "I decided a few days ago that I really need to stop doom scrolling on social media. So, I'm replacing the time doing that by watching YouTube videos. I subscribed to a quilting channel called The L..."

What a great idea, Janice and will be exciting to plan! And a great way to flip the mental health switch, too.

I try, when I can remember, and not just be knee-jerk, to be very intentional with my time. It’s boosted my reading, which always makes me feel better, so I’m going with it.

You’ll be creating amazing things in that room! 😀

Oh, that's a lot, Jayme. I hadn't seen that. Terrible time for the government to have reduced funding to the libraries. I wonder if we'll see a lot of libraries close or be combined with other locations. Seems like there may be a big shift to ebooks and audios at least for a while. I'm torn between being thankful that Amazon is willing to step up and concerned that this will make them even more of a behemoth.

I totally get the avoiding the doom scrolling thing. I gave up FB years ago. I just couldn’t get into it. But my husband watches CNN/MSNBC all day. Plus we have various NY Times feeds on our phones. It’s all so depressing and I find myself yelling at the TV. Actually did that when some idiot said something incredibly stupid last night. Personality I’d rather watch old movies on TCM.
At the moment. I’m 1week into recovery from total knee replacement surgery so I’m reading between PT sessions. Plus I decided to start a knitted sweater pattern input 10 years ago and has been sitting in a box. I gave up because I couldn’t figure out the back yoke pattern instructions.(maybe too many drugs) I the end I’m using the yarn to make a simple vest. Less complicated in one color. My craft room is really just a closet full of boxes of knitting and needlepoint supplies plus my sewing machine. I need to organize it better. Love the idea of a whole dedicated room to crafts, Janice. I’m sure we’d all like to see what you come up with.

Janice that room is going to be amazing.

Roz I also dropped Facebook about a year ago now. Best thing I ever did, and I also have a hubby who listens to talk radio on his long compute. I told him he can't listen to it on his way home because he would walk in the door fuming. I said please go back to your heavy metal. lol

Roz wrote: "I totally get the avoiding the doom scrolling thing. I gave up FB years ago. I just couldn’t get into it. But my husband watches CNN/MSNBC all day. Plus we have various NY Times feeds on our phones..."

Art heals, Roz! Wishing you a full and reasonably fast recovery. Knitting your body and your vest / sweater!

I got away from FB years ago, and I barely go into IG anymore, it’s just too depressing. Twitter is … yeah.

The only social media I do is here. Really glad to rediscover this group, and Janice, your challenge is really helping me focus on what’s really important (star tasks, not work tasks!!) 😂🙏🏻

I’m only kidding a little. I’ve got anxiety and therapist has me journaling daily so I’ve been trying to keep that up for the new year …. I notice huge improvements in my mood when I read a lot and the acupuncture is thankfully a game changing big deal for me too.

We all have to make our way in this crazy world. I can suggest writing postcards too as I find that very therapeutic. Consider googling ‘postcards to swing states’ and clicking on the ‘news boosting postcards’ link. I believe this is what helped so much in ‘25, in VA, NJ, etc.

That organization has its act together and will mail you everything you need, including the cards, a short script for each card, and a checklist of names and addresses. You just write it, add the postcard stamp and mail it when the letter that arrives with it tells you to. It helps get reluctant (view spoiler)[Dem (hide spoiler)] voters out to vote.

Imo There is no therapy better than the ‘Doing Something’ therapy!

You are all so dedicated, giving up FB. I can't quite convince myself to give up FB or IG.

I like the idea of switching up the doom scrolling for crafting though, I should really pick up my crochet again. If my fingers are busy I can't scroll or snack! :)

I hope your recovery goes well, Roz.

Wonderful that you have found something that helps you feel like you're doing something to help politically, Laura. I think a lot of people feel helpless and it definitely affects their mental health.

I'm the same, Dawn. Other than Goodreads, Facebook is the only social media I use. I keep it because my family and friends are spread out over the entire world and it's how I keep in touch. I'm not great about other forms of communication. It's an unfortunate aspect of FB that there is so much negativity laced throughout it.

I also crochet and paint, but haven't been doing much lately. I'm trying to get back into it and have been doing a 30 day watercolor challenge, which is fun. I have let a lot of my activities fall to the side recently. Even my reading has taken a hit. I'm still reading, just less. I want to increase my reading & painting and start crocheting again instead of scrolling. I even have some tv shows lined up that I would like to get through if I feel like doing nothing.

Yes, Kristie, and I agree, that helpless feeling is the worst! I can share that the feeling after a win that you know you helped be a part of is almost like a superhero feeling. I'll never forget how we all felt when the B win was announced in Nov. 2020. It was one of the best feelings ever, and being part of that team was amazing (I wound up being one of the moderators on the National Text Team.) I can't tell you how many voters thanked me for my service as if I were in the military. Older folks telling me "This is your generation's WWII moment" It was humbling and gratifying.

Art at any level is so so great. Really glad to see there are so many artists of all kinds here.

Glad to hear you're doing a watercolor challenge! I have a sketchbook that I turned into a journal / art journal and I have a watercolor background on each page. I can't imagine writing on a white page anymore! Plus, it's a great background for collage, or any type of journaling or painting you'd want to do on top.

I use these books, I've found them amazing and also inexpensive: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A7JJF0?...

They're also great for pen and ink, pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, pretty much anything that's not too too heavy!

Kristie wrote: "I hope your recovery goes well, Roz.

Wonderful that you have found something that helps you feel like you're doing something to help politically, Laura. I think a lot of people feel helpless and i..."

That is also part of why I keep FB, it is the only contact I have with a lot of people. And it also houses a pretty nice photographic record of all the vacations I've taken in the last 20 years.

I love the idea of doing watercolours but I've never actually tried it, but then I also like the idea of learning a new language and embroidery and lacemaking, and haven't done any of them either. :)

What do you do for crochet? Thread? Yarn? Blankets, clothes, toys? Or just a little bit of everything?
I do a little of everything, though I've never been successful at human clothing, barbie doll clothes are much easier.
I want to make more of these: https://www.amazon.ca/Christmas-Ornam...

Roz wrote: "I totally get the avoiding the doom scrolling thing. I gave up FB years ago. I just couldn’t get into it. But my husband watches CNN/MSNBC all day. Plus we have various NY Times feeds on our phones..."

Heal quickly, Roz. You'll be back on your feet in no time.

I stopped using FB about a year ago. I still have it, and I'm constantly reminding my friends, "I'm not on FB any more." There are a couple of things I get notifications on - like quilt retreats.

I trashed Twitter a while ago because it was such a cesspool and getting worse.

The one I just stopped (but still have) is BlueSky.

I just reread my original post and I see I said I quit my online book club, when I meant to say that I quit my real life book club. They met last night, and I was included in the group email this morning announcing the next book. It's a book of short stories, and my first thought was, "At least I don't have to read another book that I don't care for."

Laura - I love that you have a journal with a watercolor background. That's so cool! That paper is meant for dry media. Does it warp your pages?

Dawn - I mostly use use yarn and crochet smaller things. I've made baby blankets, scarves, shower scrubbies, things like that. I also make my mom a Christmas ornament every year and I made a small tree that I stuffed to put on a coffee table. I also use t-shirt yarn to make baskets, which I love. I have some other things that I want to crochet and a few projects that I've started that I'd like to finish. I love trying to make new things. I've tried making bigger blankets, but I always get tired of it before I finish. I think I have three or 4 that are about 1/4 done now. lol

Janice - That's hard to quit a real life book club because you get to know the members, especially after so many years. I used to have 3 face-to-face book clubs and left one because it was too much. I really enjoy getting together with my current book clubs, but I think I'm going to have to start skipping some of the reads because I'm not interested in all of them and I want more time to read what I'm interested in.

I know what you mean about real life book clubs. I had never been in one until I moved to the community where I live now. I liked the idea of being part of one and figured it would be a good way to meet people who liked to read. It’s worked out okay but of course there are times when I’m just not interested in a month’s selection. So far this year I don’t like the first 2 (a sappy romance and one where the author and book premise were awful). Not a good start. It’s difficult to choose a selection that’s interesting and can provoke a discussion. Books that are provocative, touch on timely societal topics and maybe push a couple of buttons.

Cover to Cover, the local ladies book club here used to be the excuse to go out for dinner and drink wine, then it became the reason they were getting babysitters and going out to drink wine, then they realized how many weren’t reading/finishing the selections, so now we put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. We all contribute a prize to the pot which were then made into three baskets. Then for every book you don’t finish you lose a raffle ticket. The more you read the better your odds of winning. I know it does nothing to fix having to read bad books, but it does give incentive lol

Kristie wrote: "Laura - I love that you have a journal with a watercolor background. That's so cool! That paper is meant for dry media. Does it warp your pages?

.."

I’ve tried tons of them and find this one works the best. I take a small spray bottle to both open pages, which instantly curl. Finger on each corner, left and right,for a couple of seconds. Then I pick one and hold it flat until I can get paint and a brush on there, which flattens it out. Sometimes you have to keep a finger on the corner for just a bit until it behaves lol.

But the color slides so beautifully on there so whatever sizing they’re using, it’s perfect and those journals are a joy to write or create in. I use them for my everything book, so if I had to call someone and I want to refer back to who and when, it’s all there, in date order.

I find wc is more fun if it’s totally abstract and just watching the colors blend. Very meditative and zen! I like to hold it up and watch them flow together. The sizing allows for this and it’s beautiful.

I hope you enjoy!

It's really difficult to find books that everyone in a book club is interested in reading, especially without falling into a book rut. Both of my book clubs have members choose books they want to read. One of them plans the reads out in advance with a book chosen by each member and we meet at the same house every week with a different person bringing the snacks. The other asks for volunteers at each meeting for someone to plan the next meeting. That person chooses the book and a restaurant and we all meet for lunch.

That's a great idea, Laura, and it sounds fun. I love watching the paint move and blend in wet on wet painting,

Jenn wrote: "Cover to Cover, the local ladies book club here used to be the excuse to go out for dinner and drink wine, then it became the reason they were getting babysitters and going out to drink wine, then ..."

We had a problem at one point where people wouldn't finish the book, come to the meeting and not want others to spoilerize the book because they hadn't finished it. I think they were coming for the wine. LOL!

Laura wrote: "Kristie wrote: "Laura - I love that you have a journal with a watercolor background. That's so cool! That paper is meant for dry media. Does it warp your pages?

.."

I’ve tried tons of them and f..."

Such a great idea, Laura. And then you can use the watercolours to help set a mood for your journal.

Janice wrote: "We had a problem at one point where people wouldn't finish the book, come to the meeting and not want others to spoilerize the book because they hadn't finished it. I think they were coming for the wine. LOL!"

I can see that! lol

Kristie wrote: "It's really difficult to find books that everyone in a book club is interested in reading, especially without falling into a book rut. Both of my book clubs have members choose books they want to r..."

We took turns choosing a book. When it was your turn, you chose the book, hosted the meeting at your house, and provided the snacks/wine.

It worked pretty good and we read some really great books. We also read some duds. The first book was The Guns of the South. It was a dud! The only ones who finished it were the hostess & myself. The others couldn't slog through the overly thorough information dump on AK-47's.

Imagine that! There are books I read recently that I cannot recall a single thing to the point you'd think I'd never read it. But this book we read 20 years ago, left an impression.

Oh, that's funny! I can't remember the first book I read with any of my book clubs. I'd have to look it up.

My book club meets once a month in the community club house. At the November meeting we each suggest a book for the coming year and choose a month for hosting. The suggester is the “host”, snacks optional. The only requirements are that the suggester has read the book already, it isn’t too long (no doorstops) and it’s available through our library/Libby for those who don’t want to purchase. It’s hard to say no to someone’s suggestion and I read more than some of the other members so I know when some of the books are a dud (to me) but I don’t say no. Reading is a matter of taste and in this past year I had forced the group to read a sci-fi selection. (They liked it) But this time a member suggested an out of print book, not available for borrowing and had bought enough books for each member. A bit cheeky. So I contacted the library and requested they purchase a kindle version and have it available on Libby, which they did. I let the suggester know and she was so angry about it since she had bought the books. Not my fault. And didn’t want me to tell anyone. I read the book and hated it. Can’t wait until next month to hear what people have to say.