Happy New Year everyone! Did you stay up late to ring in the New Year? We barely did but the fireworks went on for a while longer so I read a bit more before finally going to sleep. Such party animals aren’t we? Ha.
I almost didn’t start a new book in honor of the New Year because I’m carrying over about eight books from 2018 but I couldn’t resist. So after spending a bit of time at my bookshelves I decided a poetry book would be the best choice and promptly settled on Picnic, Lightning by Billy Collins.
I’ve had this book for quite a while and I know I’ve dipped into it here and there but I don’t think I’ve read it all the way through. So I’m looking forward to finally doing so.
We also welcomed the year by going out for a trail walk after lunch. We explored a new  path and must have walked for about 45 minutes. I told my husband that we really need to make more of an effort to go out for trail walks. He is an avid cyclist so he’s always out and about but I need to be outdoors more often. I enjoy looking at the trees, hearing the birds and the soft crunch of the gravel. It definitely puts you in a great frame of mind.
I’ve really enjoyed having some days off from work. We’ve been watching House Hunters International and are already making plans for our travels this year. And, I’ve been having fun with a new crafty project. I’ll tell you more about it soon.
Wishing you all the best in the New Year and lots of great books!
Glad you walked yesterday and not today, right? Quite cold and rainy out there. If it weren’t for the cedar, I’d love to walk outside, but it’s just not worth it for me. Hope you have a good rest of the week and look forward to all your adventures in 2019!
Ahhh yes, I’ve added Picnic Lightning to my Amazon cart. I love Billy Collins, and it’s been too long since I read any of his work. I can’t wait to learn more about your new craftiness!
Yesterday was nice and sunny to begin with here, then became dreary, and the rain started again during the night. I’m hoping to walk more this year after abandoning the habit for several months, but definitely not today. I wish there were a nice trail walk that I didn’t have to drive to, but even being out in the neighborhood is better than nothing. Glad you got your trail walk in and am curious about your newest project!
I went for a trail walk yesterday, too. On the beach of the Great Salt Lake. The wind was bitter and cold, but the sun was warm and it was lovely to be outside on the first day of the year. 🙂 I hope you get to travel somewhere awesome this year!
Kay – What a change in weather right? I totally could have stayed in reading all day today. I don’t blame you though about not wanting to be outside with all the cedar in the air. Hopefully the rain will clear some of it out!
Andi – Yay, so glad you are looking forward to this one. I just love his poetry!
Jen Mullen – Oh I hear you. It does feel like it defeats the purpose to have to drive to a walking trail! I’m just so glad we actually have quite a lot in our area as opposed to when we lived in Dallas.
Lark – Yay! I think we all had the idea because we saw a lot of others enjoying the holiday! I hope I get to go somewhere wonderful too 🙂
Sounds like your year is off to a wonderful start – a new poetry book and a long walk. What could be better? Happy 2019.
Good for you to get outside and walk. We went out on New Year’s Day and caught a gorgeous sunset over the ocean. I’ve been trying to get out every day and walk the trail along the bluff and through our neighborhood, but it’s been cold, windy and rainy for the past few days. After feeling a little bit of cabin fever, I put on my rain gear and went out for about half an hour yesterday. Spotted a couple of whales, which was a nice reward for unfavorable conditions!
We plan to pick up some reserved books at the library this week and I think I’ll grab a couple of books by Mary Oliver and Billy Collins. Those two always seem to speak to me.
Happy New Year!