Nirupama P.R.V.'s Blog: Catty Opinions of a Book Loving Couch Potato, page 16

Monday Motivation

Stay indoors, stay safe, stay optimistic!

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Book Review- Motherhood

Hello everyone!

Hope you all are safe and healthy and going strong.

In the midst of the pandemic, we all are in; writing blog posts and posting seems so insignificant and almost wrong… but then I thought, hey, where there’s life , there’s hope!

So, with lots of prayers and hope in my heart, I clambered back into the posting schedule.

And what better to start- than a review of a book that is a perfect antidote to the anxious days we are living in. (Me probably less than most, I suppose! Fingers crossed)

Barbara Johnson’s Motherhood Mini Book was a perfect read. Just look at the title!

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If that did not make you chuckle, I am sending you a virtual hug, my friend! (You’re too stressed and definitely need to read more humorous titles)

The book is short and perfect for parents all over the world. Time is always a precious commodity for parents. And with the added onus of managing kids’ online learning with work and the running of a household that has all members living in all the time, and the moods that come with lack of interaction and outdoor play; time is becoming even more of a scarce resource. So, this length is perfect !

The content is heart warming and witty and a soothing salve amidst the burning crisis of these days. I mean the words below are reproduced directly from her book for effect:

“You can children off your lap,

But you can never get them out of your heart!”

Makes you go ‘Awwww!’, right?

I loved the stories, the phrases and the honesty. I gave it 5 iTunes of 5 stars on Goodreads and can’t wait to read her other stories.

My list of want to read currently has this:

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So, let me know – have you read this book? This author? What were your thoughts?

Also, do you read Humorous books to destress? Who are your favorite authors in the genre?

As I bid adieu, I can only reiterate: stay indoors, stay safe, stay positive!

Monday Motivation

This week’s inspiration is courtesy this month’s edition of Costco Connection : the magazine from the wholesaler Costco!

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Reading Challenge: February

March is National Reading Month and today is International Women’s Day!

Thus, what better way to kick off this week’s post than an update on last month’s reading updates as the two books I completed were both by women. (One is exclusively for women!)

Yes, I read two books in the shortest month of the year and so, am in track on 2020’s Goodreads Reading Challenge.

Onto the details of the books themselves-

The first is by businessperson Tatiana Amico. Short chapters with actionable steps, it’s positive and conversational.

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The second is a re-read of Dorie Clark’s excellent business guide. Now I have read it before but this is a good book that your should revisit from time to time if you consult, freelance or are an entrepreneur. If a traditional role is more your line of work, you can still get some great tips to earn a little extra. In today’s fast changing landscape, it’s imperative. Though if you do fall in the latter category, please read her other book Reinventing You first.

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Have you read these book? What did you think of them?

Are you on a Reading Challenge? If so, where are you at?

Full confession: Even after years of participating, I still start slow and struggle to stay on track. February is my slow month, and re-reading takes the edge off for me.

Monday Motivation

What we see

Mainly depends on

What we look for!

-John Lubbock

Monday Motivation

Fabulous Tip from Goodreads:

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My Favorite Writers are … Fictional Characters!!!

Hello everyone! With today being a Friday, I’m feeling all perked up and inspired.

So, today’s post is about writers I am inspired by.

Unfortunately, as you might have guessed from the title – they are all fictional. Clearly the catty opinionated creature in me has trouble getting inspired by real world role models, at least when it comes to penning thoughts and authoring.

I know I should change.

It will vastly improve me. Of course. But that would make this blog a lot more boring! So, in the interest of the blogosphere, I’ll stay as is.

And before we meander into self improvement, let’s simply head back to the magical realm of our purely imaginary but simply splendid characters.

Here we go!

Judy Abbot

Jean Webster’s principal character in her famous Daddy Long Legs is for me, a writer even before she starts college.

Her writing is, in all those letters to DaddyLongLegs- marvelous, vulnerable and honest. Exactly what one expects from truly memorable writing. And her agony over her rejected novel- ah, all I could think of was don’t burn it!

Writing is about being brave enough to bare your thoughts and Judy did just that.

Penélope Featherington aka Lady Whistledown

If you have not heard of her, please go read all the first four Bridgerton books in the series of the same name. Gossip columnist of the ton, she says it as it is. No mincing words. (Yep, my fandom is evident)

But unlike the wicked writers of scintillating news, she simply gives an unvarnished account of all that she sees. Barring her fashion policing, her wrath and scorn is reserved for the bullies and the wicked.

A woman who’s bold enough to speak her mind, stand up to the nasty, with a discerning eye for fashion! What’s not to love?

Colin Bridgerton

The one proper author in this list. (Well, as real as fictional characters can be)

Charming Colin wrote books about his travel and adventures around the world, well, most of Europe anyway.

Clear writing, topics of travel and adventure with a factual narrative– a winning combination for anyone. Needless to say, I loved it. And his dilemma- to publish or not! So relatable.

Eloise Bridgerton

Okay, she was technically not a writer. But she wrote a ton of letters. And her speech is exactly like her personality: to the point, curious, frank, sensible and innately responsible and curious.

And that letter to her first born at the end- such a fitting end!

Jane Harris

Meg Cabot’s cat cartoonist probably qualifies for a being a writer by a long shot. But she’s so hilarious and fun.

Think about it this way: someone who decides to gift her best friend a diary with detailed accounts of her destination elopement wedding- that takes serious confidence in one’s writing skills. If that does not make you a writer at heart if not technically, I don’t know what will.

Besides, this is my blog ; so she’ll totally do!

Reflections on Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

I have to begin with wishing all you encouraging folks who read this blog, who like and comment: a very Happy Valentines! You all are my valentine for your incredibly supportive role in my writing journey. I know I continue to post only because of the amazing community here.

But what about my Valentines Day in real life?

Truth is , for the past seven years, my February 14th has been one of extreme love and laughter. Those who know I have been married for 8+ years might wonder at that!

Well, we brought home our angel, known on this blog as T exactly seven years ago.

The reason why this day is dear to my heart is because our little bundle of joy, (now our firstborn), had then been in the NICU for eight days, before that fateful day. As you can imagine, it was a horrible experience emotionally for brand new parents. (I have learnt now that there are far worse things but when you are in the midst of an unpleasant experience, you rarely realize that! And for the record, Nice as the staff and facilities were, I would still not wish for anyone to through the NICU experience !)

Back to more cheerful thoughts, when we came home on Valentine’s Day, it seemed like the perfect setting to start our brand new journey of parenthood. The weather was gorgeous – considering February in Chicago; it was like a gift from the Gods indeed. Exactly like the wrapped bundle stretching in our car seat and blooming in our hearts.

Over the years I have heard plenty of comments about how Valentines is no longer about the couple once you become parents. That you barely get time.

It’s true!

I myself stayed up late last night to complete the darling daughter’s Valentine favor bags.

However, I have found Valentines to be special simply because of dearest T. (We have another cutie daughter now; Hurrah! But, you get the gist)

What can be more special than watching your love walking around, talking (or gurgling) excitedly nineteen to the dozen, a breathing reminder of love!

And so, every day this year; all I can think of is that life changing day seven years ago! Of how the husband and I sighed with relief and my mum and I burst into tears on finally arriving home with our own perfect little bundle. And then I send a silent prayer of thanks for how blessed I am. And realize my Valentine’s Day is indeed special now and forever!

Happy Valentines Day!

Monday Motivation

Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” – Jim Rohn

Reading Challenge : January 2020

The first month of the year is up. Can you believe it?

It seems like only yesterday, that the Holidays were here, and people were busy debating resolutions. And now, the first 31 days of the New Year are already up. Time flies!

And of course, it is time for my first update on the Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2020.

Here’s how I fared.

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On track! Phew!

As far as books read go:

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The first book is Venture Mom– it’s been on my Reading List for a while. So I feel happy to have crossed that off the list.

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The second one is a re-read: Agatha Christie’s Parker Pyne Investigates. Re-reading is so wonderful because you can really savor the words and incidents and appreciate the nuances now that the ending is known. When the book in question is detective fiction and a thriller and a well written one at that, the joy of reading gets extremely enhanced is my experience. Others may disagree- but hey, my blog, my views!