Good morning, lovely readers! It’s not a normal Monday at The Gilmore Guide to Books because I don’t have a review or a post about what I’m reading or anything to do with books at all. Instead, I’m here to tell you I’m taking a break for a bit. One week, possibly two. I’ve never done this before (even when I went to Italy for 10 days) so it’s scary, but necessary.
You all know we’re moving to Michigan, but what I haven’t shared as much is that the process has been going on since January and it’s been just the kind of situation that is difficult for me—lots of variables, changes, decisions made and unmade, shifting goal lines. When I was younger, this would not have been a problem, but, to be blunt, my brain ain’t what it used to be. My multiple sclerosis means I have finite mental energy and stress makes it even worse.
Admitting this is hard. It makes me feel weak and vulnerable. Reading and writing about books is my identity, my job, even though I don’t get paid. I work really hard at it, but right now I find I can’t come up with the words I need to write the reviews I want. I know that at the end of this I’ll have a new adventure in a new home and it will all be good, but I need to step back. I’m worn out.
I am so appreciative for all of your support and, at the same time, terrified that without content you’ll float away to other blogs. I promise this is just a brief break so I can reset my brain. I’ll be back in time to share the big books of fall I’m ready to read!
The words are in there, I just need the joy back to get them out.
Take the time you need! We aren’t going anywhere and will be here when you’re back.
Thank you for the kind words and for being such a long-time supporter! I really appreciate it.
Moving to a new home is a ton of work. I think we’ve all been there and can understand what you’re going through! Hang in there and when you’re settled in a new space I hope that more energy and enthusiasm will open up for you. A break is what we all need at times.
Thank you for understanding! My writing is so important to me- even if it is just reviewing other people’s writing- that not following through is hard. But I’m hoping I’ll be back after Labor Day!
Come back refreshed and recharged – I’ll wait 🙂
Hope the move goes smoothly.
Thank you! I just need to get a bunch of things wrapped up and give my brain a rest. The move isn’t until October, but the next two weeks are loaded.
Wishing you well on your break. I don’t post but I will certainly come back to read. I hope you continue to guest with Sarah’s Book Shelves Live – I love when you’re both on!
Good luck with the move!!
I just recorded with Sarah! It’s our fall preview episode. It goes live on the 21st so you will get a ton of recommendations!
You are such a good source for my reading lists , and you will be missed. BUT , take a break , we’ll be here when you get back !
Thank you! I’m also going to use the time to get caught up on other blogs so will be stopping by to see what you’re reading!
Please don’t worry about taking a short break. We all need those from time to time! I think it is a great way to reset and refresh.
Everyone needs to take a rest occasionally. Enjoy your respite, rest your brain, read for the simple pleasure of reading and be assured that your readers will be here for you when you return.
Thank you! I know you’ve been subscribing for a long time so the your support is appreciated.
I’ll be here when you get back. No other blogs for me. : Do what you need for you! And hbd.
Thank you! You are one of my earliest readers so that means a lot.
Take your well deserved rest and recharge
Thank you, dear! Right now rest means dealing with a broken built-in microwave, wasps under the eaves, and a deck that needs to be refinished. All while Jed is already living in Michigan! Grrrrrrrr.
Good for you for practicing self care and stepping back. No worries, I will still be here reading your blog when you return.
I empathize. I also have an autoimmune disorder and recently built a home and moved to another state. It’s hard and I’m still adjusting and dealing with stress flares.
Wishing you all the best!
Oh my gosh, Jan, we are going through the same things! Where did you move to?
Autoimmune issues are the worst. You can look just fine on the outside, but inside everything is haywire. I can still do everything I normally do, but it takes my brain twice as long to do it. And now, I just need to step back and try and regain some resilience.
No floating away to other blogs here – your blog posts show up in my WordPress feed so I always see them (when I finally get around to reading blogs, that is!) I wish you good luck and it’s totally understandable that you would need a break right now!
Thank you and thank you for always being supportive!
Absolutely take your rest! For as long as you need!
I don’t do well with too many voices and perspectives, it overwhelmes me, so
I read only a few blogs, and find yours informative and enjoyable. (I actually saved one of yours in my email, the Love and Ruin one, because you get so fussy and it makes me laugh), so I will be here when you pick it back up. No worries.
I also only subscribe to 3 or 4 book related podcasts, for the same reason. I look forward to hearing you with Sarah soon!
Too funny- now I have to go look at Love and Ruin. I do get agitated, especially these days, with gender issues. So a man getting the lion’s share of a book about women is going to make me nuts.
I’m the same way about voices and outside noise and right now in this country it is out-of-control. I have already found that without blogging I’m spending much less time on social media and it helps tremendously. There is almost nothing but negativity, toxicity and chaos coming out of our government right now. we ALL need a break!
I’ve haven’t been following you too long but have a lot of respect for your reviews (even when we have differing opinions!). You’re still book marked on my browser and that’s not going to change. Be well and take care.
Thank you for that. Differing opinions are one of the best things about books! I appreciate your respect- it’s as much as I hope for from anyone who reads my reviews.
Oh no! Take care- we’ll be here! Best of luck on your move-I love Michigan.
Thank you so much. I feel like I’m disappointing new readers like you, so please don’t give up- I’ll be back and I’m still on IG!
Your words will be missed in this space, but we will all be here when you repost. Whether it’s full force or in bits and pieces. Do what’s best for YOU. xx
We will not float away!! Take the time you need…2 weeks is NOTHING in the grand scheme of things!
You’re sweet to say so, but I know how you get about having to reduce your schedule. It is easier said than done. Having said that, I am already appreciating not planning what and when to write.
We’ll be back 🙂 I hope the break is good for you and you can recharge! I know how stressful moving is–even two months after mine, I still feel out of sorts. It’s a process, and you can’t always go at full speed.
I’m glad to hear you’re in your place. Are you in a new location as well? I think the limbo is what’s getting me. Every day that passes brings more tedious stuff that has to be faced- like discovering wasps in the eaves of our house. I have to say, it is nice not to have to worry about what to post.
No, my move was in town, but it was very fast and involves some family upheaval. We’re all adjusting. I get how you feel, though–every time I’ve bought or sold a house, I basically felt sick through the whole process. It’s so stressful!
I’m a new follower – I love your visits with Sarah on her podcast! We all need to take care of ourselves once in a while! Try to rest and enjoy reading just for the fun of it! Take care and good luck with your move.
Oh no, you’re exactly the kind of new reader I don’t want to disappoint! I’m sorry I’m checking out just as you’re checking in. But I’m, thrilled you enjoy Sarah and me on her podcast. She is awesome andwe both love getting book ideas out to book lovers. Now, let’s just hope I picked more great books than blah!
No worries Catherine! This is my first visit to your blog after listening to the latest episode of Sarah’s Book Shelves Live. I decided to check out your blog after adding yet another book to my TBR list per your recommendation. I have enjoyed all the episodes you have done with Sarah. So rest, recuperate and recharge yourself and take your time… you will have another new follower when you return!
Welcome! Thanks for listening to Sarah and I chatter about books! They’re fun episodes to record- even though this last time I completely goofed on a couple of book details. That’s kind of when I realized I needed a break.
Thankfully, I’m feeling more grounded and have even done some writing so hope to be back after Labor Day.
With your big move — I don’t see how you did it all in the first place. You were doing way too much. You deserve a break! Don’t feel bad about it, everyone needs one. Life calls, you know? You need to take care of yourself too. I once had a moving company move all my stuff from a storage locker in Seattle (1993) across the country to Wash, D.C. but I never went back; just someone opened the locker for me. Crazy days. I wish you well. Take plenty of time. We will be here whenever get back.
Thanks for understanding! It is definitely life taking over, but in some ways it’s nice. Without the blog I’m amazed at how little time I spend online.
I’m embarrassed how ignorant I am of Canadian geography, but will we be close enough to possibly have a book bloggers’ get together once I’m settled in Michigan?
Ha! I wish. I’m actually in Western Canada — right above Montana in Alberta so I’m far from Michigan but maybe someday they’ll have the BookExpo in Chicago again and I might go. Meanwhile enjoy your time off line. It’s nice to have a break.
Oh, too bad. It would have been fun to meet!