Hello there, reader. It has been a while. I’ve been nursing the idea of coming back to regular blog posts, and trying to imagine a way to do it gracefully. In the end, there’s nothing for it but to sit down and start writing. It’s the only way to push open that gnarly wooden door, let some sunlight scatter the dust, and remember the way back to writing.

In the first months after Sieg’s diagnosis with Type1 most things creative fell into the cracks. I kept reading–some educational, a lot just for enjoyment. I fed, clothed, taught our children, kept the house clean-ish, and that was it. As we got our feet back under us, I’ve slowly added some of my creative pursuits back in. I try to write every day. I try to practice violin most days. The trickle-down is slow, but eventually the slowest trickles become a stream.

And that is how, one day in February, I sat down and wondered whether it was too late to do my ‘2020 in Reading’ recap post, and started writing this.

2020 Reading Recap

For all the bizarre changes 2020 held, it was a great year for reading. My big number goal was 125 and I ended the year with 131 books read. My educational reading goals were not 100% achieved. I had a specific list of 25 nonfiction or classic books I wante to read for my own continuing education, and I did not get through every title. I did, however, manage to read 47 nonfiction books, along with 84 mostly delightful fiction books. I regret nothing! Unfortunately, based on last years recap challenge... this is becoming a theme with me. Nonetheless, I’ll keep on trying. This year I have already made good progress on my specific education reading list. Maybe this will be the year I break the trend. (I know, I know, I’m laughing too…)

That’s the short recap, in any case. Since it is February 18th, I believe that’s all I’m entitled too.

2021 Reading Goals

Once again, I’m doing the Schole Sisters 5×5 challenge. I really like the idea of breaking down what I want to read towards my own education by subject. The subjects I’ve picked this year are 1) Homelife and Education; 2) On Writing; 3) Poetry and Classics; 4) Science; 5) History.

The idea is to read 5 excellent books in these categories. If I read a little more than 2 books from that challenge every month, I should make it, and I’m starting strong with 7 books off that list so far in 2021! My number goal for the year is 130, but number is less important to me than quality, and the ratio of educational to fluff. So far, good!

Hope 2021 is a great year for reading all round! How is your year in books starting out?