CoffeeCat's Barista Books Vol.1

I'm Abigail - coffee obsessed, cat cuddling, book lover. I read a range of genres from fantasy to murder mysteries to romance, with lots of manga and graphic novels thrown in.

Currently Reading:
Virginia Woolf's Garden by Caroline Zoob
The Art of Troll Hunters

Listening To:

Favorite Books of the Year:
The Weirdies
The Tea Book

Books Read: 42
Books Reviewed: 1
Women Authors: 10
New Authors: 3
New Books: 15
Off My Shelves: 28

The Martian by Andy Weir
The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard (a favorite of mine)
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
The Weirdies by Michael Buckly
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Ancient Magus' Bride by Kore Yamazaki
Library Wars volumes 12-15 by Kiiro Yumi
The bride of the Exorcist Knight volumes 1-3
Fiance of the Wizard volumes 1-3 by Keiko Sakano
Snow White with the Red Hair volumes 1-10 by Sorata Akiduki
D.Gray Man volumes 13-21 by Katsura Hochino
Raven Teen Titans by Kami Garcia

Very Excited to be apart of early reviewers again!

Early Reviewers Books:

Welcome back!

>5 drneutron: Thanks Jim! I'm happy to be back, very happy 2020 is over, and looking forward to the reading journey of this year.

Dropping a star. I like what you've done with the place.

Well, hello there, Abby! Nice to see you back with us.

I like your set-up, but it needs more Chandler ;-)



Same, Chandler, same.

And keep up with my friends here, Abby. Have a great 2021.

Happy reading in 2021, Abby!

So wonderful to see you here, Abby!!

>7 Crazymamie: Why thank you Mom! You know I can't resist FRIENDS.

>8 katiekrug:


The world needs more Chandler

>9 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, I hope 2021 is better for everyone.

>10 FAMeulstee: Same to you!

>11 scaifea: Hey Amber! Trying once again to keep a thread and to keep on top of stats. I know I'll fail miserably but will have fun trying.

I'm having a decent arm day so I'm going to clean and do laundry while listening to either the first Slough House book or the third Iron Druid book. Both series were suggested to me by my mom and I'm really enjoying the Iron Druid books so far.

Haven't been getting a lot of reading done as I've had a cold this week, but I'm feeling better now going into the weekend. I have been keeping up with the WEBTOONS I follow - WEBTOONS are basically scrolling graphic novels online that update once a week until their completion. Many WEBTOONS have been turned into tv shows by Netflix.

These are my favorites:
1) Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

UP EVERY SUNDAY
"Witness what the gods do…after dark. The friendships and the lies, the gossip and the wild parties, and of course, forbidden love. Because it turns out, the gods aren’t so different from us after all, especially when it comes to their problems. Stylish and immersive, this is one of mythology’s greatest stories -- The Taking of Persephone -- as it’s never been told before."

Lore Olympus does deal with sexual trauma, which is usually a very big trigger for me, but the way Rachel Smythe handles it is unlike any other author I've read so far. The artwork is beautiful, the characters are funny but real, and all the Gods have secrets, issues, corporate jobs, and various hobbies.

2) Freaking Romance by Snailords

COMPLETED - This can be read in its entirety as the story is fully completed.
"A sexy supernatural story about being out on your own, finding your dream apartment and discovering that your new place is haunted by a handsome spectral stranger from another dimension. Sure, HE can’t see you and YOU can’t touch him, but who said every relationship starts out perfectly?"

I love the artwork in this is amazing and the characters are very believable. This web comic deals with love and what it's supposed to be but how some people use it as a manipulative weapon (there is family abuse) to control others. The two main characters are both searching for freedom and who they are. Their journeys are a roller coaster ride of trials, crazy phenomenon, learning how to stand up for themselves and what they want, and both finding love. This story arc had so many plot twists I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.

3) Suitor Armor by Purpah


UPEVERY FRIDAY
"Lady-in-waiting, Lucia believes getting through the royal wedding will be the toughest part of her new life. That is until she finds herself falling head over heels with Modeus, an up-and-coming knight to the king's guard. With her newfound interest, she is quickly awakened to the mysteries of the kingdom when she learns Modeus is in fact an enchanted suit of armor without a soul. Could there be more to him than just shining armor?"

This is a new WEBTOON and there for doesn't have many chapters yet, but I'm already enjoying myself with the storyline and the artwork. So far, a common theme of hiding one's true self because they wouldn't be accepted otherwise is running through most of the characters.

A funny thing happened the other day - my mom and I were both doing things around the house with headphones on listening to our separate audiobooks in silence. About 2 hours later when I had finished my book and was waiting for my mom to come out of her room to exclaim over it, she stepped out and beat me to the punch! We had both been listening to The Weirdies without realizing it, and couldn't wait to tell the other. It gave us a good laugh and we are both delighted that there will be more. It was vastly entertaining and full of laughs.

My mom (Crazymamie for those that don't know) has put up an excellent review that I couldn't possibly compete with, so instead I will just direct you to hers.

>15 Coffee.Cat: - Your mom did get me with her comments on this one, and I immediately added it to my Audible library.

I love that you two were listening at the same time without realizing it!

>15 Coffee.Cat: is that like a jinx thing where somebody owes somebody a coke? 😀

>16 katiekrug: I'm glad to hear it, it is a fun quick listen. She described it perfectly saying it was a mashup between the Adams Family and a Series of Unfortunate Events.

Crazy right?

>17 drneutron: Ooohh, it should be! We did decide to make a second pot of hazelnut coffee and have mocha lattes while exclaiming over the book.

>18 Coffee.Cat: Hazelnut coffee sounds delicious, Abby. Hani and I quite often compare notes on books.

>19 PaulCranswick: Oh indeed it is delicious, one of our favorites. Book talk is the best kind of talk.

Happy birthday!

Belated happy birthday, Abby!

I'm very late to the birthday party, Abby, but I hope you had an amazing day!!

Happy belated birthday! You get the whole pot of coffee to yourself!

Hey, Abby!!

I'm 25 and loving it! I've annoyed my family to no end by randomly adding to conversations that I am now a quarter of a century. I find it incredibly amusing.
I was hoping to update here sooner, but alas, my arm has been particularly bad lately and I couldn't manage the computer. I am WAY behind on adding books and reviews here, as I'm now past 20 books for the year. Hopefully I'll get those soon when my arm permits.

Meanwhile, a quick random update on my life for no particular reason!
As I can no longer draw with my right hand, and haven't been able to since last June, I have started learning how to paint with my left hand. I expected it to be a complete disaster since I have never learned to paint or done any art with my left hand, but to my surprise, it's not completely horrible. More than that, I am so indescribably happy to be doing anything art related that I'm not being obsessively critical of my progress like I usually would be in my sketchbooks. I've almost finished my first painting!

Of course my days are filled with coffee, cat cuddling, and most of the time (unless I can't hold the book open) reading. But lately, there has also been an ungodly amount of time spent playing Harvest Moon Mineral Town on the switch. I received this game for my birthday and by the end of the week everyone in the house was playing it like crazy - this game is highly addictive.

My hand is giving out for now, but I'll be back soon to reply to posts! Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, ya'll gave me a huge smile!

I'm glad you're back to doing what you love, and I hope your arm is better soon so you can then be ambidextrous!

I'm sorry that your arm is keeping you from your drawing, but it's wonderful that you've sorted out another way to do what you love! Very clever of you!

Coffee talk: I ordered several different bags of Zabar's own brand of ground coffee, and in reading the descriptions, I had to get a bag of Zabar's Special Blend because it said that this was the one the company employees brew for themselves in their offices. It's awesome. Rich and flavorful but without the smokiness that often goes along with strong coffee. It's one of my favorites.

Hi, Abby.

I'm sorry your right hand has been giving you so much trouble for so long. Is there any possibility of it recovering? Good for you for working with your left hand and keeping up with your art.

I enjoyed your webtoon reviews. I've unfortunately yet to find one that's grabbed me. My favorite graphic book so far this year is Mary's Monster by Lita Judge, about Mary Shelley's life and her writing Frankenstein. I think it's one you'd appreciate.

https://elentori-art.tumblr.com

I am a woman on fire. I am a woman in never ending pain.
I am a warrior fighting both, CRPS cannot stop me.

I have been having a very difficult time living with my CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and Ranauds. I had a flare up that lasted 7 days and had me in more pain than I had ever experienced, I could hardly get out of bed, sometimes I couldn't feel or move my legs, sleep was utterly impossible. My family has been the very best thing in my life and they have literally supported me so I could walk, carried food and glasses up the stairs and back down again, and they have gone above and beyond to love and help me.

I had my first Pain Management appointment; it went far better than I had hoped. I learned a lot, felt that I was finally truly heard, and we have started step one of managing my CRPS and Ranauds. We are starting with trying to reduce the Painsomnia, because sleep is a huge factor in pain and functionality on a day to day basis. I am deeply happy to report that I am getting more sleep than I have in a long time.

On to the reading front! My total for books read this year is at 42.
Quick list, some of these I read multiple times in a row.
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard (a favorite of mine)
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
The Weirdies by Michael Buckly
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
The Ancient Magus' Bride by Kore Yamazaki
Library Wars volumes 12-15 by Kiiro Yumi
The bride of the Exorcist Knight volumes 1-3
Fiance of the Wizard volumes 1-3 by Keiko Sakano
Snow White with the Red Hair volumes 1-10 by Sorata Akiduki
D.Gray Man volumes 13-21 by Katsura Hochino
Raven Teen Titans by Kami Garcia

I've mostly been rereading, so that I can pick up and put down a book easily. I think that's all for an update, on to answering posts!

Abby, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with so much pain. I hope the pain management continues to help. That's good news on the sleeping front. Hang in there and take care!

>21 katiekrug: *Grins* Thanks Katie!

>22 drneutron: Thanks!

>23 FAMeulstee: Ya'll are too sweet, thank you!

>24 scaifea: It was an excellent day mostly spent video gaming. And of course, eating cake. Yum!

>25 mstrust: Haha, thank you; I did have multiple mochas and it was fabulous.

>26 ronincats: Hey Roni! Lovely to see you here.

>28 mstrust: Thank you for the well wishes, & how cool would it be to be ambidextrous! I have gotten quite good at things like pouring milk, using utensils, and other mundane tasks with my left hand which definitely helps. There were a lot of spills in the beginning...

>29 scaifea: I needed art in some form, I was beginning to fall into a bad mind space without it. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to be creating again. It is definitely a learning curve but so worth the time and effort. I'll have to post a picture of the paints I bought, and then the ones my Dad gifted me as a surprise - they are absolutely gorgeous. I'll also post my first painting attempt here at some point.

>30 mstrust: How I love coffee talk! I'll look that one up right away; you know I'm always game for new coffee profiles. I've been tea obsessed lately myself, especially since my Mom (Bless this woman I get to call my Mom) bought me a small electric kettle with an ergonomic handle that you can set the exact temperature of for my room! She wanted me to be able to brew tea for when I'm inevitably up at 2am without having to take on the stairs and something very easy for me to pour. I love this kettle, I use it 3 times a day.

>31 jnwelch: Hey Joe. CRPS cannot be cured, it is usually a lifelong disability (I am so not used to saying disability, that will take some getting used to). There are cases where for unknown reasons (not much is known about CRPS in the medical community as it is rare) it simply goes away. It can spread (as mine has) or it can remain in only the first effected area of the body. My Pain Management doctor said I'm actually in a really good place for a year into this as I don't have the bone and muscle atrophy as seriously as other patients. So my stubbornness in using it whenever I can has paid off in that respect.

Thank you! That graphic novel is one my Mom has out from the library right now and she also recommended it. It is on my to read list!

>33 katiekrug: Thank you Katie, that really means a lot! (((HUGS))) All the support has been a huge blessing.

I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time. I hope your doctors help you with managing it well. But fingers crossed it just disappears.

Big, gentle hugs for you, friend. I'm so sorry you're going through this, but I'm also very glad to hear that you're getting good help from your doctor and that, of course, you're in such good hands at home.

I recently read a YA book that you may (or may not) be interested in; it's about a teen with juvenile arthritis and it's a very well-written treatment of her negotiating her new reality after the diagnosis. She's a great character and it's a good story, but I'd also totally get it if it's not really something you want invading your reading space right now, too. Anyway, if you *are* interested, the book is Cursed.

>35 Coffee.Cat: It would be cool to be ambidextrous indeed, Abby. I am extremely left handed and am very awkward using my right hand for so many seemingly mundane tasks. Sorry that your enjoyment of books, computers and art is so compromised by pain and discomfort. In a way though it makes your every visit here more of a blessing to your friends. xx

>37 mstrust: I have a really good feeling about the pain management doctor I'm seeing, so hopefully we can start making some progress. Everyones' support is really sweet and greatly appreciated.

>38 scaifea: I could not be in better hands family wise - they are my everything. I will look up the book and let you know if I read it, I am always up for book suggestions. Thank you for the concern, indeed my headspace is better some days than others, but I do think it's a powerful thing to share ones struggles and journeys.

>39 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, that is very sweet. My family and I are finding some great solutions so that I can still do the things I love, albeit infrequently, with the least amount of pain possible. It's been trial and error, but we've found some clever work arounds so that I can do more for myself, which has been a huge blessing. My Mom in particular is a master of thinking outside the box.

It's raining today. It was a long night and it's perfect weather to tuck into bed with Virginia Woolf's Garden by Caroline Zoob, a book which has been captivating me the last few days. The writing is beautiful and the photos are stunning. It's a borrow from my Mom's library, but I'll be very surprised if I don't end up adding it to own book collection.

Finished 6 more books, and desperately need to post some reviews as soon as my hand allows. Still waiting on my early reviewer book to arrive, but excited to be receiving one at all. It's always a joy when a book appears in the mailbox; it just brightens the whole day. I'm running on 3 hours of sleep this morning so will probably crash and burn later, but until then, Coffee! I've brewed Wicked Jack's Butter Rum today, which pairs exceptionally well with frothed almond milk and a scoop of powdered white chocolate - YUM.

Morning, Abby! Your coffee sounds *amazing*! I'm working on a plain old cup of medium roast with no frills.

Have you thought about trying a dictation app to lessen the typing? I don't know much about them other than they exist, but maybe it would be helpful...?

>43 scaifea: Sorry I'm so late in replying! Coffee is a daily Godsend. I am a very cranky zombie without it.

I hadn't thought about a dictation app...I might try that. It would definitely be nice to save my wrist the typing. Thank you for the suggestion!

Reviews that deserved more effort but I was too lazy to do so:

Virginia Woolf's Garden by Caroline Zoob
- Loved
- Writing wonderful
- Photos Gorgeous
- Made me want to read Virginia Woolf's letters but they only sell them in ugly covers *sigh*

Raven Teen Titans by Kami Garcia and Gabrielle Picolo
- Congrats to Picolo for achieving his life's dream of illustrating a Teen Titans graphic novel
- Like the direction they are going with
- Artwork amazing (Picolo is one of my fav artists for many years)
- Waiting with anticipation for the rest of the series

The Martian by Andy Weir
- Literally one of my favorite audiobooks
- Relisten to all the time
- Hilarious and fascinating
- Seriously, just read this book its fantastic
- Crazy excited to read Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir's new book

The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard
- I love this book
- for nerdy tea lovers
- reread this book multiple times a year
- love the photos
- tea traditions around the world are fascinating

Fiance of the Wizard by Keiko Sakano
- My little sister recommended
- light, entertaining
- nice artwork
- definitely YA
- waiting for rest of series, first 3 very fun

Aaaaannnnnddddd that's literally it. Sorry books that deserved more from me.

Chronic Pain Humor. If you can't laugh at your situation in life, what can you laugh at?

I'm in a very strange mood today if it wasn't obvious. I'm in this weird limbo where I never know what day it is, what my body is going to do, what I'm even saying, or how much I'm going to be capable of doing during the day. On a bright note, CRPS has made me deeply thankful for many things I took for granted before, I feel blessed when I can walk up and down the stairs without a struggle, when I have a restful nights sleep, or when I can cut up my own food. The smallest things make the biggest difference and have me smiling with delight every time I'm able to do one of them.

Currently Reading:

A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Born in Ice by Nora Roberts
Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts

The things I fill my day with lately:

Animal Crossing Island Designing - I have become completely obsessed with crafting the perfect Island for my little animal villagers. Anyone else play Animal crossing?

Pokemon Playing - My siblings and I always eventually come back to gaming Pokemon, and once one of us starts replaying games, the others quickly follow. It's a life long love affair. Like Zelda, or Coffee.

Watching Art Vlogs on Youtube - Thanksxu especially. There is something about starting my morning with Coffee and an art vlog that sets the perfect mood for the day.

Letter Writing - I love handwritten letters, and lately I've been writing several. It's on and off work as my hand allows, but I think it's important that letter writing not be forgotten. They are beautiful keepsakes full of time, thoughts, poetry, and feelings.

Abby!!

It's always *so* good to see you here.

I think your pithy reviews are perfect, by the way.

And also, Woot! for Rebecca! One of my favorite books *and* movies.

I second Amber's "Abby!!"

I like those bulleted reviews. I might try that when I really don't feel like writing up comments.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with so much right now, but I love your ability to appreciate the small, good things in life. I should do that more :)

>48 scaifea: - You better be referring to the original film not the terrible recent remake!

>49 katiekrug: But of course.

*sigh of relief*

>45 Coffee.Cat: & >46 Coffee.Cat: & >47 Coffee.Cat: Wonderful to see you back posting, Abby, but how I wish your return was a pain free time for you. Chin up xxx!

Love the original movie of Rebecca and Du Maurier's book. Watch the Hitchcock movie.....it is great.

>47 Coffee.Cat: Empty bookstores are lovable if it is empty of people (except us of course) but not books!

I wish you many more of those small daily victories, Abby! It's good to see you posting again.

>48 scaifea: haha, hi Amber! Rebecca is good so far, although I've set it (& all other books) down for a brief moment. My Mom recommended it, and we are planning on watching the movie when I finish it.

>49 katiekrug: Hey Katie! Those reviews were literally all I had in me. It was nice to just barebones some thoughts down roughly and move on, I recommend it, especially when not feeling up to full reviews.

uh oh, the remake was the one my Mom and I were going to watch...is it really that bad? I haven't finished the book yet, but so far it's interesting.

>50 scaifea: >51 katiekrug: hahaha

>52 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul. Rebecca is certainly well liked here, I had no idea. I trust my Mom's judgment when she hands me a book and just add it to the pile. She knows me better than I know myself anyway *grins*.

It seems the original movie is the one to watch.

I'll steal Amber's line in response to the bookstore comment: 'But of course.'

>53 mstrust: Thank you so much! Daily victories are blessings and I have been having more of them lately, so I'm supremely happy.

>54 Coffee.Cat: - Yes, it really is that bad. Don't bother. Go straight for the Hitchcock version.

Nice to see you posting!

>55 Coffee.Cat: I saw the movie first many many years ago and really liked it - Joan Fontaine was a fine looking woman and the whole thing has a tremendous gothic creepiness. The book is done full justice by the movie which obviously makes it worth reading.

Definitely the Hitchcock version!

Quick Update to let ya'll know where my mom and I have been. Dan & KP got a puppy! His name is Griffin, he's a golden retriever, and we babysit him during the day while his parents are both at work. He loves cuddles, naps anywhere, and is dying to play with the cats - who are warming up to him quickly but are not ready to play.

>56 katiekrug: >57 PaulCranswick: >58 drneutron: I hope ya'll don't mind me replying in one go - forgive me, I had a ligament get dislocated and then relocated in my hand the other day which has been fun(heavy sarcasm) I am taking note to watch the Hitchcock version, thank you!

>59 Coffee.Cat: Aw look at him!! GR puppies are a special kind of cuteness.

>59 Coffee.Cat: Awww, thanks for sharing Griffin pictures!
Enjoy :-)

Hi, Abby. Great to see you back posting again. I wish the pain would let up on you, but I applaud you for soldiering on. Keeping yourself as active as possible can only help.

You’re reading two books I loved - A Room of One’s Own (so smart and well-written) and Rebecca ( so creepy and spellbinding). Besides the new Bride’s Story, which I think you’ve already read, the standout GN for me lately is Patience & Esther, a”downstairs” same sex Edwardian romance.

I hope your clan has a fun holiday weekend!

Hi, Abby, somehow I missed you posting a new thread this year, but I'm all caught up now! Griffin is adorable. I'm sorry to hear about your chronic pain, and hope your pain management specialist continues to give you good advice for dealing with it. And hooray for good books! I love that you love letter writing - I have a couple of friends that I correspond with regularly. Feel free to PM me if you're ever looking for someone to write to!

Hope you'll update us on the progress of Griffin when you are able to Abby. He really is a gorgeous pup.

>61 scaifea: Griffin was very cute and now he is very big. His tail hitting things sounds like someone thumping a fist on the front door, haha.

>62 FAMeulstee: I really need to post new photos here, since I've been gone so long, but I'm glad you enjoyed them.

>63 jnwelch: thank you Joe, that really means a lot to me. My good book kick is all thanks to my Mom, who almost always recommends winners for me. I finished I, Robot not long ago, and LOVED it.

>64 bell7: HI! I'm so sorry I dropped off right when you found me. I hope letter writing comes back into style, it's such an intimate way to correspond. Thank you! So far my first pen pal has been a failure (all my fault) as I finished the letter and fun little added things (I included some recipes, some favorite quotes, and some tiny origami butterflies) months ago...and it's all still sitting in my room unsent. Forgive me penpals of the world!!!

>65 PaulCranswick: I will endeavor to do just that Paul. Along with a book and life update. Goodness I haven't been on here in forever. I'll explain the absence later, though, and only say now that things have been a rollercoaster ride of great and rough equally.

Yaoyao ma van as

October has gone as quietly as it came; now November has come, the year is nearly done. How has it passed so quickly by, the days blur together in my mind, I feel as though the calendar is playing tricks on my eyes.

I've been absent here for so long...it's been a supreme struggle these past several months, but they've been filled with a happiness that wipes away most of the pain. I'm drawing again, for the first time in almost 2 years, and it's as if a part of myself that was lost and broken has been found and healed. I set everything else aside in order to fill my time, almost every moment that was possible, with art as much as my hands and body would allow. I was equal parts scared and joyous to pick up a pencil again, but I needn't have been so afraid. My pencils welcomed me back with open arms, and I have drawn things I didn't think I was capable of even before CRPS. It's been a magnificent blessing.

Quick Reviews in an attempt to catch up:

1. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
LOVED, intensely clever, thought provoking, amusing, excellent audiobook

2. The Alchemist Who Survived Now Dreams of a Quiet City Life 1&2 By Usata Nonohara & Guru Mizoguchi
interesting world building, casual reading, nice art, fresh take on alchemy

3. Fiancee of the Wizard 1,2,&3 by Masaki Kazuka
have already read multiple times, magic world building, truly kind heroine, very nice artwork, intriguing storyline, waiting for next volume

4. The Bride & the Exorcist Knight 1,2,&3 by Keiko Ishihara
Funny, complex characters, definitely casual reading

5. Wotakoi 1,2,3,4,&5 by Fujita
Must read for any otaku, seriously funny (esp. if reader is also a gamer), multitude of different personalities and characters all of which are likable, cute quirky romance

Waiting to be Read:

Mary's Monster by Lita Judge
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Passing by Nella Larsen

My Vanilla Almond tea from TheRepublicofTea, with some peach blossoms floating on top. I like this tea almost as much as my cat Mercy does - she goes crazy for tea, who knew? The succulent's name is George... ... he is fake, and a gift from my father as a joke ... ... Fred, my now deceased real succulent, has joined all the other plants I've attempted to grow in my plant murderer graveyard.

Today I'm working on some art, playing Pokemon and Animal Crossing (Does anyone here play Animal Crossing?), and plan to start The Orient Express with my Mom and sister Birdy. They've been reading Agatha Christie this year (I have never read any of her books), and last night I read aloud the last few chapters of Halloween Party to them. It was so much fun reading to them that I'm now joining them in order to read to them while they make dinner! If I can't help, I shall entertain. I'm really looking forward to it.

Yay for drawing again! That must be a wonderful feeling. And I love the idea of reading to your mom and sister while they prep dinner! Very cool.

>69 scaifea: Hi Amber! It IS a wonderful feeling. I might post some art here if people are interested. I am very much looking forward to reading to them, I hate that I can't help anymore and this gives me a way to feel like I'm contributing. Plus, I just truly love hanging out with them, so it's sure to be fun.

>70 Coffee.Cat: I was hoping you'd post your work here, but didn't want to ask (because I didn't want to be pushy)!

It's wonderful that you have been able to get back to drawing, Abby. Like Amber, I'd love to see some of your work.

Lovely to see you back posting Abby.

Wonderful that despite the pain you are able to draw again - you are very talented. x

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Abby, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving

>71 scaifea: You aren't pushy at all, I'm happy to share the few drawings and doodles I've done since being able to wield a pencil again. My camera phone sucks, so I'll borrow my sisters and get some pics up here soon.

>72 katiekrug: Thanks Katie! I can't tell you what a huge blessing it has been to be able to draw again. Ya'll are so sweet to support me.

>73 PaulCranswick: >74 PaulCranswick: Hey Paul, thank you, I know I have only been here in short little bursts, but I appreciate all ya'll coming to say hi when I'm here. & a Happy ThanksGiving to you as well.

I've been having issues trying to get the photos to come through here - still figuring out what's going wrong, but once I do, I'll post some art pics.

Howdy howdy, Abby. Just a joy to see a few posts from you. Reading your mom's messages about how well you're doing the last two or three days. I sure hope this trend continues. Happy Christmas to you.

You'll get those photo issues resolved. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your artwork.

  

Have a lovely holiday, Abby.

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Abby.