Thoughts

Changes are a comin’…

reading bookHere I sit at the computer contemplating the rest of my life.  At least my blogging life.  Over the past couple of years, I have fallen out of love with reading.  Oh yes, I still read and review but let me explain.

  1.  I don’t read the trending books.  I don’t like a lot of the subject matter/characters/plot devices that most authors are writing about.  I’m not into MC, fighters, stepbrothers, erotic, menage, and BDSM.
  2. As a blogger, you have to love what you do and over the past year, I haven’t “loved” what I do.  I’ve been screamed at or dropped by tour companies because I have a life and sometimes a post doesn’t get posted or a book not read.  I’m only human and other people forget that.
  3. I love my authors that I review for on a personal level.  I will continue to do so.  You know who you are.
  4. As I have said before, I don’t have a posse of reviewers or any help for that matter.  It’s just me and I don’t get paid to blog.
  5. Lastly…I need to figure out my life again.  Blogging was a way for me to express myself but not anymore.

Figuring out my life will be interesting.  I continue to substitute teach and love it.  It’s my passion now.  I love molding little minds and watching the light bulb come on when they “get” it.  I love the hugs, the high fives and the look on teachers faces when they see me.  It is nice to be appreciated for what I am doing.  I’ve even had parents stop me at the store and thank me for subbing in their child’s classroom.

I also have to think of my health.  As a diabetic and going through “the change”, I don’t need a lot of stress right now.  Blogging/reviewing is stressful at times.  You are searching for emails with post materials, making sure that you have the book to read or staying up late to finish posting.  I stressed myself out over the past two years with this and I don’t need it.  Being on a computer stresses me out.  Making sure that all emails are dealt with properly and professionally on a daily basis…I try, I really do but some days, you just have to ignore the computer.

I don’t do a lot on social media anymore.  I tried to be engaging but since I don’t write, I’m NOT a super blogger or go to cons…I’m boring.  Now my friends will say that I’m NOT boring but yes, on FB…I’m boring.  I don’t share my religious or political views on social media either.  It really is no one’s business what I think.  I agree to disagree with anyone.  That’s what makes this country so awesome.  I’m dropping a lot FB groups as we speak.  It’s not that I don’t like them but I really don’t have the time for them.  Plus, since I don’t watch television much, I’m out of the loop when it comes to that, too. Most of y’all think that this is a pity party but it really isn’t.  It is just my thoughts and feelings on blogging and why I’m stepping away for a bit.  I will continue to post things but not much.  I want to get back to the joy of reading.  Find that passion again in books.

When I do start reviewing again, it will be on Amazon and Goodreads only.  I feel that my reviews will be better served there.

IMPORTANT:  If I have you on the schedule through February or March, nothing will change.  I will still review the books that I have booked.  These changes go into effect starting March 1, 2016, for anything new.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  🙂  harliesbooks@gmail.com

Plus, baseball season is coming.  Yes, I’m a baseball mom and hubs is the coach.

 

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4 thoughts on “Changes are a comin’…

  1. I love subbing too. Each day you are so appreciated and valued for giving of yourself. I’m proud of you for taking care of yourself. 🙂 Enjoy the subbing!!

    1. As a parent, subbing has opened my eyes to the lives of teachers. I had respect for them before but now, I’ve gained so much more. I love my babies in kindergarten and even my high schoolers. In fact for the next two weeks its nothing but my babies. 🙂

  2. I’m really proud of you for taking care of you. Self-care starts with recognizing you have to do what makes you happy and eliminate what is making you unhappy. You go girl.

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