Rockin' the Winter Survival Honor Roll
Gretchen's January 2023 Newsletter
January 2023
I want to say I love winter, but it’s probably more accurate to say I love surviving it. Every December, I decide I need a new coat and a new set of boots and then I set them lovingly by the door with images of snow frolicking in my head.
By January 30th, I’m lucky to be going outside.
This year, though, I’ve been tracking, and I have gone outside 28 of the past 31 days. In academic terms, that’s 90%. As in, I’m getting an A-, betches!
Now, before you get all “yeah, I can walk to the mailbox, too,” let’s clear something up. When I say I go outside, I mean I go outside—walking the dog, snowshoeing, scraping glacial ice chunks off the sidewalk. If I’m going to brave the weather, I’m going to make it count, and medical professionals say we good folks living north of the 37th parallel need at least 10 minutes of mid-day sun several times a week to avoid turning into Gollum threatening the hobbitses. So far, I’m only 10% cave dweller.
Want more good news? I’ve flossed my teeth 63 nights in a row. I know. You may be so impressed by me right now you’re too intimidated to keep reading. But don’t quit. We’ve barely grazed the surface of this month’s news.
What I’ve Been Reading
January has been a good month for cozying up with the pages. I’ve read more than these six titles but haven’t enjoyed those enough for a mention. If a book makes it here, you can trust I enjoyed it.
*Celebrating Minnesota Authors Alert*
Where I’m Going
Franklin University Alumni Book Club
Feb. 28th at 7:00 pm
Further information is available via the link.
On the road again…
My girlfriends and I are taking our Travelling Book Club on the road to Palm Springs at the end of the month. Wish you could join us. We’ll be discussing these two books:
Who I’m Thanking
Thanks to Chapter One Books in Victoria for hosting me and discussing The Book Haters’ Book Club on January 27th. It was great fun and full of great questions. Check out Angie’s store and upcoming events — it’s a great group of readers!
Thanks, too, to Elizabeth S. and her book club, who so graciously hosted me over Zoom while I battled a cold.
Is your book club reading any of my titles? Drop me a line… I may be able to join the fun!
When We’ll Meet Again
I’m still working on my next novel, cleverly titled Book 4. If I stay on track, you can expect to read it spring of 2024.
If you can’t wait that long, I’ll be back with an update about my reads, events, recommendations, and more. Or, read my weekly essays by upgrading your subscription.
Until then, be well and read often!
Gretchen
I've never had a cavity. BAM! I'm trying to get through Lessons in Chemistry and it's just oddly disappointing.... Maybe it's me.