Sunday, October 26, 2014

Sunday Salon: Killing Time

 Good morning all of you who are left out there!  Lately I've been pondering the state of blogging.  I love the friends I've made here, lifelong friends that I confide in and have laughs with.  But I can't really call myself a blogger I don't think, if I'm only on here once a week.  I guess that's OK.  I'm not totally sure how many people are left out there who are reading this but I'll take the few I have.  However we are now in a world where rock solid book bloggers with a history are being turned down for review copies, when newbies who gush over everything like crazed 16 year olds are getting the marketing dollars of the publishers.  I don't get it.  But I think my decision to take a back seat was probably well-timed.

Last week I mentioned that my daughter had done something to her back.  That continued this week.  She missed three more days of school before the chiropractor got her back up and moving.  My son did not have school Thursday or Friday, so what that means is that I had a kid home with me all week.  The three of us had a total of four doctors appointments, so bottom line?  NOTHING GOT DONE!  Ack!  I have got to figure out how to get these doctors out of my life!  It is a circle of hell, this sitting in waiting rooms.

My son and I went to see "Dear White People" at the movies, which won some awards at the Sundance Film Festival.  It was a satire of race relations taking place on a college campus...very smart, hilarious but with some good messages.

My daughter convinced me to start watching one of her (many) favorite TV shows "The Killing" which is a Netflix original.  My mom was obsessed with it this past summer, but I tuned it out because I don't need another TV obsession!  But I guess I should have listened because it is amazing.  Thus, nothing is going to get done until I finish it.  I hate it when this happens.

So again, no print reading.  None!  It is crazy!  I finally chucked "Purge", figured that was my problem.  I picked up "House of Leaves" and started picking my way through it but this is a PROJECT people.  It's going to take some time.  For a short bit of entertainment, I then picked up the graphic novel "Watchmen", my son assuring me it was genius.  I'm sure it is.  I just need to walk away from these TV shows.

On audio, I finished "World of Trouble" by Ben Winters.  And WOW.  I cannot remember the last time I finished a trilogy/series that rocked my world this way (maybe Harry Potter?).  I'm still thinking about it.  You know how a scene just sticks in there, and you keep returning to it.  I enjoyed all three books, but the final one is a doozy.  I'm now about halfway through "The Girl With All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey.  Good stuff.  Kinda reminds me of "The Passage" by Justin Cronin.  Apocalyptic, spooky, touching.

My son had another detail with the Orlando Police Department this morning, but he is on his way home from that.  The weather is gorgeous, so I predict we will head outside to do something today.  Maybe a long walk, or a round of golf.  And we've got The Walking Dead tonight, which is something that makes Sundays the best day of the week.  What is everyone up to?  Any fall festivals?  Happy Sunday!

  
 


16 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Yeah, I'm beginning to ponder the state of blogging too. I have so much going on and a husband who will be retiring soon so I wonder how much longer I can hang on.

I quite The Last Policeman books after the first one and now I'm kicking myself.

Jenny said...

I'm still reading! I did not know that about the review copies and all... I haven't taken part in that area in a while. That's interesting. As for The Killing, I forgot about that but yeah the first two seasons are really good! It seems they didn't know what to do with the third season, but the last one was alright.

JoAnn said...

Lots of discussion on the state of book blogging, for sure. I'm enjoying it a lot more without review copies, book tours, or deadlines. Now if I can just manage those self-imposed pressures and expectations.

I'm glad you're still posting on Sundays... whatever works is great!

rhapsodyinbooks said...

Wait, wait, don't your kids know now is the time in their lives for you to be free? LOLOL

Anonymous said...

I'm with you on blogging. Lately I'm lucky if I can get one review typed up ... I just don't have the brainpower lately. Or desire. But I've been reading! So that's something.

Anonymous said...

I've been going through the same thing lately. I have 2 adult kids in this state, the youngest (early 20s) at home until the summer. My son in law school nearby. My husband and I are early retirees but that doesn't mean we have tons of time all day. We have kid issues, pet issues, home maintenance issues, doctors, Social Security problems, more and more doctors for us, and kids, and pets.... life is never quiet. I've been watching more Netflix, and reading a bit less, and reviewing even less...

I have been on the fence about continuing my blog but I love to chat with you all, so I've downsized, will be trying to schedule more often, and gave up review books, book tours, and the like. Now I run on my own speed, and if that means one post a week, so be it.

Enjoy your week. I do enjoy reading your posts and subscribed a few months ago after lurking here for quite a while. :)

Unknown said...

I enjoy your Sunday posts, and while I miss your book reviews I check out what you've got to say on goodreads. I'm a bit more selective in arcs I receive, I stopped doing tours. I have more than enough to read,and I have yet to be turned down for an e galley if requested. Book blogging has been a hot topic between authors and publishers. I don't get into all the hoopla too much, just keep quietly doing my thing.

Melody said...

I still read your Sunday posts, Sandy, and I know you're posting your reviews on Goodreads. Even if we post lesser on blog, as long as we are still reading I think it's all good. Hope you've a great week!

Marybeth Whalen said...

Love love love The Killing. The best. My current obsession is The Blacklist. Riveting tv as well.

Nise' said...

I am still reading and blogging despite drastically reducing the review copies I accept. I enjoy reading your weekly update posts. Listening to The Girl With All The Gifts and really enjoying it. Have a great week.

ds said...

Oh, Sandy! asJohn Lennon said " life is what happens when we're making other plans"...sigh...you know I gave up book blogging a while ago (why?it just happened) Do what you love, write when you can. I'll follow you on GR of course. Just keep your kids away from those doctors! ;-)
Have a good week.

Beth F said...

Loved the Killing! Great characters and acting.

Blogging ... I don't care if I get accepted or turned down for review copies. It's not like I'm at loss for things to read. LOL

Anonymous said...

I suppose it's a good thing that I've never requested a review copy ;) Whenever I signed up for book tours I usually regretted it so I've stopped those. The only committment I have is to She Reads and I usually love the books they choose so I'm happy. I read what I want when I want and will never be a big name blogger and I'm okay with that.
I'm glad that you've kept up your Sunday posts :)

Literary Feline said...

Your poor daughter! I hope she finds relief soon. How is your son doing?

I want to see Dear White People--I should check and see if it will be playing anywhere near me.

I really enjoyed Watchmen and hope you do too!

World of Trouble was really good, wasn't it? And that ending. I'm glad you liked it!

I haven't heard anything about the state of review copies and who they are going to--or not going to. I still review books, mostly through tours or NetGalley though. I don't know that I'm a rock solid book blogger though. A veteran, yes, but my blogging ebbs and flows. I'm definitely not as active as I once was. I'm quite content with the way things are now.

I have been following the whole Katherine Hale story though.

I hope you have a great week, Sandy.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

The Killing reminded us so much of Twin Peaks. Make sure you watch the whole second season. Watchmen was my first graphic novel!

Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) said...

I think lots of bloggers are pulling back a bit from the whole review copies thing. I know I've been accepting fewer of them and I'm happy about it. The way the culture of blogging has changed is interesting to watch.