Didn’t I just write a month in review post? This month went by so quickly. Anyway, I’m closing out the month feeling a bit more refreshed and excited. Must be the week off I had from work. Ha.

I spent my time working on crafty projects, visited Austin Creative Reuse (such a fun place) and spent time reading and napping. Oh and a visit to the library to renew my library card. Must always have an active library card, right? Believe it or not, no books were borrowed this time.

For May I finished four books: Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane, A Line in the Sand by Kevin Powers, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave and The 6:41 to Paris by Jean-Phillippe Blondel; translated by Allison Anderson. My favorites were Small Mercies and The 6:41 to Paris.

Now to think about June and some of the things I have in mind. There’s Cathy’s 20 Books of Summer challenge which I am joining but still putting together my list of potential reads so stay tuned for that. I’m also looking forward to a bookbinding class I’m taking at the Austin Book Arts Center. I’ve been doing a lot of crafting this year but not as much bookbinding (yet!). Along with this class, I’ve also signed up for a monthly online bookbinding workshop and my best friend gave me a book on bookbinding projects. I think all signs point to more book making in my future and I’m ready for it! I’ll tell you more about all of that in another post.

Anyway, here’s to lots of great reads next month! Let me know what you are looking forward to this summer.

Saturday my husband took me out for brunch and then we went to the bookstore for a fun date. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to go to the bookstore as my husband has been busy with some weekend projects, but this was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday and to kick off my week off from work.

I also had a Barnes & Noble gift card so I got I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman; translated by Ron Schwartz and Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav. But that’s not all because of course my husband got me some crafty items for my studio, like a new craft mat. I have at least 4 other craft mats (I really do use all!) but this one will be great when working with paints.

The other thing that is exciting is that this week that I am off from work and my plans involve dedicated reading time, craft time and probably some outings to do some thrifting and finding inspiration.

I know I haven’t updated you on my craft projects but I plan to tell you more about that. Oh and I also have more books coming my way as I started my birthday book shopping earlier this month. haha… Anyway, I hope you’ve all been doing well and wishing you all a wonderful week!