Hello Bloggy Friends – I didn’t mean to take a blog break but just got caught up with other things and one day turned to the next. You know how that goes. So I had decided to take a full week off but then today I read the news about Borders and I’m just so bummed out and had to talk about it with other bookworms.

I know they are a big box bookstore but really any time a bookstore closes it’s a sad day isn’t it? My husband and I typically go to Borders for our date nights as we have two Borders near us and now those stores are closing. Luckily we still have Barnes & Noble and we do have a wonderful indie bookstore in town, unfortunately it’s not as close by.

I don’t know when the stores will be closing but you bet I’ll be going by as much as I can.

Anyway, that’s it for now. I am going to take the rest of the week off from blogging but I will try to be back for Sunday Salon. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and go show a bookstore some love ok. I know I will.

“The teaching tool of one swami was to repeat the phrase ‘are you awake?’ At certain points throughout the day. This reminded his students to remain mindful and not slip into sleepy patterns of habit. Repeat it to yourself every now and again.”

I found this little gem when I opened up 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom to the first random page and I love that it really speaks to me especially given that I feel like I’ve been putting aside important things. Like connecting with friends, going to yoga, crafting, etc.

I’m still struggling with my work schedule and that sort of throws my whole evening out of balance. It’s not so much work but the commute. I haven’t had a long commute in years so now to have a long commute and with horrible traffic, well it’s really no fun. Even if I’m not necessarily tired from work, the ride home will leave me in a less than stellar mood. So yes, I’m still working on finding some balance in life.

Anyway, I did have a present waiting for me today so I really shouldn’t be as grumpy. My box of books from Amazon arrived and here’s what I got:

• 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom by Liz Lark. This chunky little book has meditations, asanas and all sorts of teachings to enhance a yoga practice.
• Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. I loved To Say Nothing of the Dog and have been meaning to read another of her books.
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. How many of you have told me to read this book? Lots of you right. I am looking forward to it.
• Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. It seems like everywhere I turn lately I see this book. NPR, a friend at book club mentions it, blogs, etc. So I think the stars are aligned and telling me something – read this!

I wish you all a terrific weekend. I am planning on taking naps, going out for yummy food, yoga, and hopefully finishing at least one book. And, of course catching up on your blogs. What about you, what are you up to?