Why My January Is Great

Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #4! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.

The lockdown in Ontario continues until at least February 10. Still, good things do happen. I’m grateful for them all. Here’s 9 reasons why my January is great.

1. Awesome Parties

It’s my pleasure to host the awesome Weekend Coffee Share parties this month: 25 bloggers at party #1, 30 bloggers at party #2, 35 bloggers at party #3, and here we are at party #4. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.

I adjusted the InLinkz setting to display all thumbnails on one page. Plus, as requested, I’m now closing the weekly party on Sunday at midnight Toronto time.

2. Cool Arts

The Sonic Runway and Iceberg art installations are cool to see at night. Their modern designs, lights, and music enrich my senses.

Eastbound entrance to the Sonic Runway light structure.

The Sonic Runway converts audio signals into patterns of light, shooting up and down a corridor of LED-lined arches more than 100-metres long at the speed of sound.

3. Fun Challenges

My 3 square photos of the Sonic Runway and Iceberg arch entrances are my entries to Becky’s Square Up (my first time) and Dan’s Thursday Doors. These photography challenges stretch my creativity.

Westbound entrance to the Sonic Runway light structure.
Westbound entrance to the Sonic Runway arches. Upon leaving the Sonic Runway, turn right to reach the Iceberg light structure.
Iceberg light structure.

The Iceberg is made up of a series of illuminated metallic arches that tell the story of an iceberg. The CN Tower lights up the night sky.

4. The Great Outdoors

In January, I cycle and walk outdoors most days to keep me mentally and physically healthy. It’s my first time cycling in a winter month and I enjoy every outing. I love the Waterfront Trail and Lake Ontario.

5. Self-Care

At home, I meditate every morning for 15 minutes, followed by either body weight workouts (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) or Hatha yoga (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) for an hour. I complete all sessions in January and feel fit.

6. Happy News

This month one of my nieces got a new job. Three family members and a longtime friend had their happy birthdays. Another niece and two friends of my family, who are front-line healthcare professionals, received their COVID-19 vaccines.

7. Global Connections

I changed my blog posting day from Sunday to Friday and wrote five posts. January 8, 2021 was my first time hosting the weekly Weekend Coffee Share blog party using InLinkz.

I enjoy reading all participants’ blogs from five continents and provide comments. I greatly appreciate bloggers who take the time to read my blog and share their comments.

8. New Learning

I continue my French and Spanish lessons on Duolingo daily in January. For my Host role, I did a quick self-study to familiarize myself with InLinkz. I learn new information from blogs and books.

9. Good Reads

I read 7 books this month. It’s the first time I read Barack Obama’s book and finished his first presidential memoirs, 1177 pages in e-book format, in 7 days. Here’s my book list by author’s last name:

  • Long Road to Mercy – David Baldacci.
  • Redemption – David Baldacci.
  • Walk The Wire – David Baldacci.
  • Once and For All – Sarah Dessen.
  • An Abundance of Katherines – John Green.
  • You Had Me At Hello – Mhairi McFarlane.
  • A Promised Land – Barack Obama.

What word(s) would best describe your January? I’d love to hear your comments.

Linking with Life This Week, The Weekly Smile, The Changing Seasons, Sentence A Day.

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125 thoughts on “Why My January Is Great

  1. Dan Antion January 29, 2021 / 8:15 am

    I love the look of that sonic runway. I’m glad they put an effort into something that can be enjoyed, as we lost so much of that during lockdown. It sounds as if your January was full ad busy, even if you were on your own in some pursuits. I haven’t been out much, other than routine shopping, but I’ve kept busy and I count that as a win in January.

    Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 1:50 pm

      Dan, Keeping busy with what you want to do is surely a win. The lockdown has been hard for many, especially the arts, entertainment, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

      I’m glad they had the outdoor light art installations, too. The Sonic Runway is cool to walk through and it makes winter walks more fun.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Beaton January 29, 2021 / 8:17 am

    The Sonic Runways looks awesome I bet running into feels like travelling down a wormhole at FTL faster than light speeds hahaha am in awe
    The Iceberg looks cool too but for me the Sonic runway is mystical

    Its hard its hard to believe January is finally over it has felt a lot like an extension of Decemeber 2020 hahaha

    Love that the Coffeeshare have been growing so many new people to visit
    ~B

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 1:53 pm

      B, The Sonic Runway is quite cool with the light patterns and music on. I’m glad you like it. Hard to believe that the first month of 2021 is almost done. Thanks for linking up. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jill Weatherholt January 29, 2021 / 8:38 am

    The art installations look amazing! Congratulations to your niece on her new job. And a big congrats to you, Natalie! It sounds and looks like January was a great month for you. You’re quite an inspiration. My word for the month is productive. I’ve been keeping my head down, avoiding the “noise” and writing. Oh, and counting the days until spring. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 1:59 pm

      Thank you, Jill. My niece is very excited with her new job as it offers better pay, benefits and opportunities for growth than her previous one. January seems to go by fast for me like the saying “Time flies when having fun”.

      Your focus and work ethics are awesome. I’m glad January has been productive for you and your writing. I’m counting the days until spring, too. I notice we’re getting more daylight time. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Betty January 29, 2021 / 8:42 am

    Beautiful pictures of the lights! Sounds like you had a good January – productive, enjoyable, enriching with people, learning and art as well as taking good care of yourself. I try to make the best of each day; although, I don’t note it – perhaps I will. Enjoy your day – and the coming February!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:02 pm

      Thank you, Betty, for stopping by. Making the best of each day is what’s important. I hope you consider joining in my Weekly Coffee Share link up, any week, it doesn’t have to be every week. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. leannelc January 29, 2021 / 8:49 am

    Hi Natalie – I love both those light installations – so creative and pretty. Great to be a part of your weekend link party – I’ve subscribed now so I’ll be able to jump in and remember! It looks like January’s been a good and varied month for you – always something new and interesting in your world isn’t there?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:07 pm

      Hi Leanne, I’m so glad you join my weekend link party. I hope other participants visit your blog and learn from your insights, and you meet new blogger friends. Even in lockdown, thankfully good things do happen in my world. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  6. Antoinette Truglio Martin January 29, 2021 / 9:24 am

    Wow. Nothing stops you! I am intrigued by the sonic arches and icebergs. How awesome is that! Thanks again for picking up the coffeeshare. Welcome February!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:09 pm

      Thank you, Antoinette, for stopping by. The Sonic Runway and Iceberg are cool art structures. I’m grateful for good and interesting things to experience even in a lockdown. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  7. restlessjo January 29, 2021 / 9:32 am

    Those walkways are stunning, Natalie! I could pretend to strut my stuff on the catwalk- what fun! 🙂 🙂 My word for January would have to be LONG, I think. The noose gets ever tighter here with no real end in sight. Thanks for sharing some good cheer!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:14 pm

      Jo, “Strutting on a catwalk” was one of my thoughts when I saw the Sonic Runway, too 🙂 The changing light patterns, colours and music are cool to experience. The lockdown continues here. Thankfully, I can still go outside to exercise and buy groceries with no limit on the frequency or duration. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  8. msomerville2014 January 29, 2021 / 9:57 am

    Hi Natalie, I am glad you extended the ending time for the coffee party too. My Sunday mornings are all tied up into early afternoon. But that said, as soon as I got home Last Sunday and got lunch and the dog walked, I jumped right back on to finish up some reading and comments. I forget, but I assume you are retired. If that is so, do you ever wonder how you got anything done before retirement? You are one busy role model. But all your busyness is for a purpose. I am glad that you have so many reasons to be thankful t his month. I have listened to the three books you list by David Baldacci. I would be lost without my audio books, I never go anywhere by myself without them. Thanks for hosting, and blessings, Michele

    Liked by 2 people

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:27 pm

      Hi Michele, I’m glad to hear the Sunday extended end time for the blog party helps you. I switched from full-time work to full-time life a while ago. Before the switch, I was dabbling in some of what I’m doing now. After the switch, I have more freedom and flexibility to spend more time on my life interests. I try to be intentional with my time, not rushing or juggling, but purposeful and always grateful. Good to know you listened to the three Baldacci books. I enjoy his writing style and fiction stories. Thank you for joining my blog link-up. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      • msomerville2014 January 29, 2021 / 3:42 pm

        Thank you Natalie, that “purposeful and grateful” attitude of the heart shines through your pictures and your writing. Thnk you for taking on the Weekend Coffee Link. Great job too!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Laurie January 29, 2021 / 10:07 am

    Wow! That Sonic Runway is so cool! Good for you for riding your bike in cold temperatures. I run all winter, but I am strictly a fair-weather bike rider. I have been wondering about getting a David Baldacci book. Will you review any of the books you read on your blog? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. Thank you for hosting, Natalie.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:42 pm

      Laurie, With proper clothing, cycling outdoors has been do-able most of this January. We didn’t have any snow storm until this Tuesday and it was a one-day event.

      I rarely write book reviews because it takes time to do a fair and good review write-up. I can tell you that I only finish books that I like. If I start a book and it doesn’t grab me, I stop reading and move on to another book.

      I enjoy the above three Baldacci books. They are two different series. Long Road to Mercy is the first of his Atlee Pine FBI agent series. The other two books are his Amos Decker detective series. Each can be read on its own although I think it’s better to start from the first book of the series.

      Thank you for joining my blog linkup. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  10. BeckyB January 29, 2021 / 10:15 am

    what fabulous squares. I am so glad you have joined us, and such a great way to look at the month. I think the only way all of us are going to get through these lockdowns is finding the silver linings and upsides – thank you so much for joining us

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:47 pm

      Thank you, Becky, for hosting the Square Up photo challenge. It stretched my creativity. Positive thinking and getting outside for some fresh air have saved my sanity. Hope you’re keeping well. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      • BeckyB January 30, 2021 / 2:45 am

        Thank you so much Natalie for your lovely feedback. So glad you are finding ways to stay optimistic and relatively sane in these times. You have a great weekend too

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Ally Bean January 29, 2021 / 10:22 am

    I love the art installations. They are way cool and a perfect antidote to dreary January nights. Your book reading list amazes me. I’m lucky to read one book a month anymore, but you rock the book reading. Well done.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:54 pm

      Ally, I’m glad you like the light art installations. They certainly make winter nights look better. The lockdown and cold weather are ingredients for my high book consumption 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Erica/Erika January 29, 2021 / 11:09 am

    Hi Natalie, I suspect you make every day great with your positive outlook on life. The Sonic Runway photo is amazing! All of your photos are stunning! You are an inspiration and part of the Beauty in my week, Natalie. Thank you for making a difference.❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 2:57 pm

      Hi Erica/ Erika, Thank you for your kind words as always. I’m glad you like my photos. I wasn’t sure how my night photos would turn out but they looked good enough to be posted on my blog. I hope you’re keeping well. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. trentpmcd January 29, 2021 / 1:39 pm

    It does sound like a very good month! The light sculpture photos are great. I’d really love to see the Sonic Runway one doing its thing. I hope you aren’t having the bitter cold we are – it would be hard to cycle when it is -15 C! I hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 3:03 pm

      Trent, The Sonic Runway is cool to see and walk through. I stay in today due to the cold temperatures. The weather forecast looks good from Sunday on so I should be able to cycle a few times next week. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. rawsonjl January 29, 2021 / 3:37 pm

    That Sonic Runway and the Iceberg are both so neat looking!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 4:10 pm

      They’re cool, especially the Sonic Runway.

      Like

  15. Denyse Whelan Blogs January 29, 2021 / 4:55 pm

    Congratulations on your personal and blogging successes. To have consistent and good numbers as you do for you link up sure shows that people who follow you are looking to link up on a weekend. It’s been hot now cool here in Australia. School is now back and the rhythm of daily life in covid times continues. Vaccines are still to come here but all the borders except one are open, and we are doing OK.

    My post, relates to the changing nature of Australia Day and there is quite a bit I am learning as I go.

    Hope you and others here might also join in my Monday Link Up too. #lifethisweek

    Denyse

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 6:23 pm

      Thank you, Denyse, for your kind words. My hosting success is still in early stage and it’s possible thanks to all participants, including you. I know numbers go up and down. I hope our blogging community continues to thrive. I see some of the Coffee Share participants have linked up with your Monday link-up which is great. Have a nice weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Debbie January 29, 2021 / 5:20 pm

    I love the Sonic Runway Natalie, how cool is that?? Your goals and challenges are always inspiring and I applaud you on your commitment. The weekend coffee share is a great way to meet others and I am enjoying linking up with you all, many thanks for the welcome and for the opportunity to share. I am enjoying my blogging too and have had a great month. My #ShoutoutSaturday posts have started again and I like looking for things during the week to share with readers and hope others join in. I’ve linked up to your post in my latest one and am off to check out the others now :). Happy weekend to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 6:26 pm

      Thank you, Debbie, for your encouragement and support. I’m glad to hear you had a great month and you enjoy my Weekend Coffee Share link up. I’ll be off to read your Shout out Saturday shortly. Have a fun weekend!

      Liked by 2 people

  17. csuhpat1 January 29, 2021 / 7:59 pm

    What a great January you had. Nice goals and challenges there. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you had a wonderful week.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 29, 2021 / 8:09 pm

      Thank you, Patrick, for your comment and support. Glad to see you at the link-up. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  18. PurplePumpernickel January 29, 2021 / 9:15 pm

    Natalie: you are such a scream (I love your sense of humour) and an inspiration (you are brimming with positive energy in spite of the circumstances we find ourselves).

    Thank you soooooo much for adjusting the Coffee Share end time. I will endeavour to get my entry in on time!

    I love all those light installations – I particularly am taken with the Iceberg. I love how Toronto incorporates art into its cityscape! and I like how you have captured the Iceberg with the CN Tower behind.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 9:51 am

      Thank you, Ju-Lyn, for your kind words. They make me smile. Toronto’s art scene is vibrant and the CN Tower has a schedule to illuminate different light colours for special occasions. I look forward to reading your post at the link-up. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. dprastka January 29, 2021 / 10:39 pm

    Thank you so much Natalie for all that you do for these weekly coffee shares, including hosting them. ❤️ It’s so cool all the attendees and we are growing!!

    I’ve been thinking of joining the squares Up challenge and will look through my photos and maybe join before the end of the month this weekend. (I know this challenge is almost over but I’d like to see if I have any photos to share!) I love all the challenges available, there’s so many I have trouble finding time to participate. Lol 😀

    I love the positivity you always share, and your Sonic Runway photos this week are really cool. That looks like a fun walk. You are also very inspiring, so thank you for sharing and during these times blogs like yours are heartwarming and fun. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 9:58 am

      Diana, Yes, there are many photography challenges and not enough time to participate 🙂 I started with the Thursday Doors challenge last month, and the Squares challenge this month. I hope you join in for fun.

      I greatly appreciate your kind words about my blog. They made me smile. Thank you for participating in the Coffee Share link-up. I look forward to reading your post. Have a nice weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Yinglan January 30, 2021 / 12:01 am

    Glad you had a great January despite the lockdown. I love the book “An Abundance of Katherines”, I read it a few years ago and it’s such a memorable book.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 10:08 am

      Thank you, YingLan, for your visit and comment. I’ve read all of John Green’s books that he published to date, except one that he co-authored, and enjoyed all of them. He also does podcast with his brother.

      Like

        • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 10:15 am

          Yes, his books capture human emotions, YA and mental health struggles so well.

          Like

  21. Sagittarius Viking January 30, 2021 / 1:41 am

    Gratitude and health would be the two words I choose to describe my January. The art with all the light are quite impressive. My daughter is a big fan of neon lights. She says it makes her extremely happy. Thank you for hosting the weekend coffee share and being so dedicated.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 10:12 am

      Maria, Two excellent words for your January. Your daughter would enjoy walking through the Sonic Runway and Iceberg then. They’re cool to see on a dark winter night. Thank you for being part of the Coffee Share link-up. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Jackie January 30, 2021 / 10:25 am

    I definitely have to check out the Sonic Runways, your shots are fantastic.
    January was a good month, I like when the holidays are over and I get energized. I read a few books as well.
    I have done the Thursday Doors and Squares challenges in the past, but spend too much time on my laptop as it is!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 10:43 am

      Jackie, The Sonic Runway and Iceberg are on display until February 7. I stumbled on them during the day one day and came back at night to see them. Glad to hear January was good to you. Have a nice weekend!

      Like

  23. Suzanne@PictureRetirement January 30, 2021 / 11:40 am

    Hi Natalie, I love the art installation and the way you photographed both pieces. Too bad they aren’t permanent. Congratulations on the continued growth of your Weekend Coffee Share. I will be back tomorrow to link up.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 12:06 pm

      Hi Suzanne, I’m glad you like the art installations and how I photographed them. Coming from you, an accomplished photographer, it’s a big compliment for me, thank you. The centre that organizes these art displays changes the exhibits several times every year so there’s always something new to see and it’s a good introduction for the artists, too. I look forward to reading your post. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Retirement Reflections January 30, 2021 / 1:40 pm

    Hi, Natalie – Your photography is stunning. It shares your joy, creativity, sense of adventure and positivity. Thank you for sharing your January with us. I look forward to following your February!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 2:43 pm

      Hi Donna, Your kind words made my day. Thank you. I wasn’t sure how my night photos would turn out but they looked good enough for my blog post. Have a great weekend and a wonderful February!

      Like

  25. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com January 30, 2021 / 3:42 pm

    That Sonic Runway is amazing! It sure would encourage me to get out on a cold winter’s night and take a long walk. I am looking forward to reading A Promised Land… although I imagine it will take me longer than 7 days to get through it! I loved Michelle Obama’s memoir and I expect this one will be fabulous too.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 5:00 pm

      Janis, I chose a calm night to go see the Sonic Runway and Iceberg and it was a fantastic winter outing. I enjoyed Michelle Obama’s Becoming book. I liked Barack Obama’s A Promised Land even more. I read his memoir in 7 days as it was a “Skip-a-line” loan and the time limit is 7 days (as opposed to the usual 21 days). Have a great weekend!

      Like

  26. Susanne January 30, 2021 / 5:04 pm

    I’m glad you’ve had a good month and that you’ve had such success with the Coffee share!!! I’m probably an oddball here but I’ll link up until I’m kicked out, LOL. These photos of the light exhibitions (I don’t know what else to call them!) are fantastic!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 30, 2021 / 5:11 pm

      Susanne, I’m glad you join my Weekend Coffee Share link-up. You’re not an oddball here at all. There are about a dozen or so bloggers who have been with the Weekend Coffee Share for many more years than me. I just started participating about a year ago. The Sonic Runway and Iceberg are cool to see IRL. Glad you like my photos.

      Like

  27. Lizl Bennefeld January 30, 2021 / 11:55 pm

    So happy to read the happy news! Those photographs are quite standout. Love colored lights at night!

    I am looking forward to colder, crisper air, here in eastern North Dakota, so I can spend more time outdoors. Your walking path looks inviting.

    Best wishes for your week!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 9:51 am

      Lizl, I’m glad you like my photos. I’ve been to Manitoba and Saskatchewan which share border with North Dakota but haven’t been to North Dakota. The air quality makes a big difference. Sometimes we have smog in the summer here and I don’t go outside on those days. I hope you get the colder and crisper air in the week ahead. Have a nice weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Regina Martins January 31, 2021 / 4:39 am

    The sonic light tunnels are beautiful. I’m still busy with Barak Obama’s new book and I read David Baldacci last year. I’m waiting for the Will Robie series to arrive later in February. The one word I can use to describe my January was ‘blogging’ because I made a lot of time for it, managed 21 posts so far and rekindled my participation in some wonderful challenges 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 9:55 am

      Regina, Congrats on your blogging achievements in January! I’m glad you write and participate in the Weekend Coffee Share link-up. I haven’t been to South Africa. It’s great to have your blogging voice from there. Have a great week ahead!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Sanch @ Sanch Writes January 31, 2021 / 4:42 am

    Sounds like a fab January Natalie! Meditating is great – I need to start doing that but maybe at night. Those light installations are pretty amazing and I love the reading wrap up too. Hope you have a good week ahead!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 10:01 am

      Sanch, Night meditation is great to find calm before sleeping. I’m glad you like the light art installations. Thank you for linking up. Have a great week ahead!

      Like

  30. Rowena January 31, 2021 / 8:41 am

    Hi Natalie,
    Just after midnight Sunday here now and I’m trying to wind down to go to bed. I really liked your photos of The Sonic Runway and Iceberg art installations. I just checked out the weather in Toronto atm and it doesn’t seem too bad. I thought it would be colder.
    My kids went back to school on Friday. Well, at least one did. We dropped the other one off and he left to go and visit a friend whose grandfather who brought him up had just died. He’s come home from ice skating tonight with a sprained wrist. Says he’s not going tomorrow. Well, at least we have a photo of him in uniform.
    Hope you have a great week ahead.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 10:19 am

      Hi Rowena, January weather here has been mild until this week. We had a snow storm on this past Tuesday and a few days of cold temperatures. The forecast says it will be warmer in the next few days. I’m sorry to hear your son has a sprained wrist. I wish him a quick recovery and you have a great week ahead.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Julie January 31, 2021 / 10:22 am

    I was trying to borrow “A Promised Land” from the library but I have to wait for about 14 weeks until it is available. For reference, my library currently has 404 copies and I am on position 2,665 for an e-book and there are 728 copies of the audio version but I would be on position 4700 something. When I get my shelf built, I’ll probably buy myself a copy.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 10:33 am

      Julie, I enjoyed reading A Promised Land and look forward to Obama’s next memoir. My library has a “Skip a line” feature that lets me borrow a book earlier, with a much shorter loan time. The normal loan time is 21 days. The Skip-a-line loan time is 7 days. I don’t have to do anything. They just send me notification. I think the feature is there to encourage/ reward readers. I’m glad they gave me the opportunity. Thank you for linking up. Have a great week ahead!

      Like

  32. Sue from Women Living Well After 50 January 31, 2021 / 4:53 pm

    Hi Natalie I just made the cutoff as I was delayed this week linking up. Great numbers for your link up. I love the Sonic runway and you’ve started the year on a high. Have a great week and thanks again for the link up party. #weekendcoffeeshare #lifethisweek

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 5:18 pm

      Hi Sue, I got a request to extend the end time of the link party so I extended it to midnight Sunday night, an extra 7 hours from the previous end time. I’m glad you’re at the link up. I’ll visit your blog shortly. Have a great week ahead and a wonderful February!

      Like

  33. Jennifer Jonez January 31, 2021 / 6:37 pm

    Congratulations Natalie in #weekend offeeshare going so well. I wasn’t able to join over the past weekend as we were away for a few days, but I’ll be back next week. Barack Obama’s book is on my TBR pile.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 6:42 pm

      Jennifer, The link is still open as I extended it to midnight Sunday night Toronto time and my time is behind your time. If not, I’ll see you next week. Thank you for stopping by.

      Like

  34. Liesbet @ Roaming About January 31, 2021 / 7:20 pm

    Unfortunately, I would describe my January as “more of the same,” compared to 2020. Lots of work, not feeling great, lots of running around, and more worries about health, family, and worldly conditions. But, February will be better. I often wonder whether if I were to live in a house, I’d be better at sticking to a healthy exercise regime. I’d like to say “time will tell,” but since I have no plans to settle, time won’t tell for a while. 🙂

    Glad to read you’re on track so far in 20201, Natalie. I really like the lit-up walkway and ice berg. Toronto is not a bad place to be stuck, as long as there are enough blue-sky days. Thank you for hosting again. I decided to share my yearly expense blog this weekend, as I think some people, might be interested in finding out how much it costs to be a nomad.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 8:32 pm

      Liesbet, January sounds like a busy month for you, just by the number of blogs and interviews that I saw to promote your memoir and I’m sure there were many more things that took up your time and energy.

      I don’t think living in a house would make anyone better at sticking to a healthy exercise regime. It’s more about making time in the day to do health-related exercise consistently. No need for gym or special equipment. Our body weight is a natural tool to work with to keep fit.

      I’m glad you like the Sonic Runway and Iceberg light structures. I feel great to be in Toronto atm. It’s my home and what better place to be in a pandemic than home with the familiar comforts and emotional support from family and friends.

      Your yearly expense blog is informative. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Deborah January 31, 2021 / 7:29 pm

    I love the sonic runway lighting! And the David Baldacci books. I’m a great fan of his and always looking forward to anything new he releases.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 8:34 pm

      Deborah, I find Baldacci books easy to read and the plots are engaging. I finished his Amos Decker series up to 2020 releases, and started on his Atlee Pine series.

      Like

  36. OnceUponaTimeHappilyEverAfter.com January 31, 2021 / 7:34 pm

    Your photos always make me want to jump on a plane for Toronto. Our little city has tried to sprinkle art about but the pieces they’ve created are not very attractive. The art you share is always so modern and crisp and colorful. El Paso needs to take a lesson from Toronto!!

    So happy for you that your Coffee Chats have been so well received. Well done, my friend!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 8:37 pm

      Leslie, I think you’ll love the arts and culture scenes in Toronto. Even in a pandemic, there are new things to experience like the Sonic Runway and Iceberg that I shared.

      Please feel free to join me at any Weekend Coffee Share. Look forward to seeing you at my blog party soon. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  37. Jo January 31, 2021 / 8:47 pm

    SO many reasons it was great. I love that light show &, miracle of all miracles, remembered to link up this week! I have Obama to keep me company on my walks this month – 30 something hours of listening! – and loved You Had Me At Hello.

    Like

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 9:38 pm

      Jo, Welcome to Weekend Coffee Share! I extended the end time of the link up to midnight Sunday night Toronto time which gives bloggers 7 extra hours to join. I enjoyed reading Obama’s memoir and look forward to his next book. It was my first time reading Mhairi McFarlane.

      Like

  38. Lydia C. Lee January 31, 2021 / 9:07 pm

    Love those lights! I guess Baldacci was the man of the month for you! #Lifethisweek

    Like

    • Natalie January 31, 2021 / 9:41 pm

      Baldacci books are available to borrow from my library while my other requests are on wait list. I enjoyed reading them.

      Like

  39. Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid January 31, 2021 / 10:18 pm

    It sounds like you have had a very busy and productive month! Did you enjoy You Had Me at Hello? And how was Barack Obama’s book? I’d love to read that and Michelle’s book too! Those light installations are so cool!

    Like

    • Natalie February 1, 2021 / 8:47 am

      Sammie, I’d give You Had Me At Hello 3.5 stars out of 5. I enjoyed Michelle Obama’s Becoming book. I liked Barack Obama’s A Promised Land even more. I look forward to reading his next memoir.

      Like

  40. Min Write of the Middle January 31, 2021 / 10:34 pm

    The Sonic Runway looks amazing Natalie! I have linked up with your Weekend Coffee Share party for the first time just now. Wonderful to read you’re getting great participation with it. That’s so rewarding and makes it all worthwhile doesn’t it!

    Like

    • Natalie February 1, 2021 / 8:53 am

      Welcome, Min, to my Weekend Coffee Share blog party! The participation in January was awesome. Your blog is informative and is a great addition to the blog link-up. Have a wonderful week ahead!

      Like

  41. Molly Totoro February 2, 2021 / 12:16 pm

    I love this idea of taking stock of each month in a variety of ways. I tend to focus solely on “productivity” which is far too vague and therefore, I never seem to measure up.

    If I were to choose a word (or phrase) for January it would be “getting into a groove” I finally feel as though I have a routine that allows for flexibility while giving enough structure to accomplish projects I want to complete.

    Like

    • Natalie February 2, 2021 / 12:22 pm

      Molly, Thank you for your visit and comment. I think it’s fun and healthier to take stock of each month in a variety of ways. “Getting into a groove” is an excellent start given that January was the beginning of a new year. I host the Weekend Coffee Share blog link-up every week, from Friday to Sunday. Everyone is welcome to join in any week. I hope you consider participating.

      Like

  42. Denyse Whelan Blogs February 3, 2021 / 12:52 am

    Thank you for joining us this week for #lifethisweek. Next time, the optional prompt is 6/51 Decision. 8 Feb. and I hope to see your next blog post there too. Cheers, Denyse.

    Like

    • Natalie February 3, 2021 / 9:23 am

      Thank you, Denyse, for hosting. I look forward to the next link-up. Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

  43. dinah February 3, 2021 / 8:41 am

    Hello!
    I’m finally getting some blog reading time. Love your photography!
    Thanks for continuing to host the coffee share 💜

    Like

    • Natalie February 3, 2021 / 9:25 am

      Thank you, Dinah, for stopping by. I’m glad you liked my photos. I hope to see you at the upcoming Weekend Coffee Share.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Suzanne February 4, 2021 / 10:33 pm

    Bean a coffee addict for many a year I will have to join up very soon. Good to read you had a great January.

    Like

    • Natalie February 5, 2021 / 7:45 am

      That’s great, Suzanne. My coffee station is well stocked and ready every Friday through Sunday. I look forward to seeing you at the blog party.

      Like

  45. myjourneyinapost February 6, 2021 / 5:18 pm

    I really love how positive this post is regardless of the strange situation we are all living in right now. Thank you for that little bit of hope 🙂 I hope I can bring the same vibes to my blog. Thank you for your words 🥰

    Like

    • Natalie February 6, 2021 / 6:01 pm

      Thank you, Charlotte, for your visit and comment. I’m glad you found my post positive. We may not be able to change the situation but we can change how we look at things and look for the positive. I wonder how you found my blog.

      Liked by 1 person

      • myjourneyinapost February 6, 2021 / 6:43 pm

        Exactly I really love that message. It has been a hard pill for me to swallow but I am learning and posts like this just make it feel that little bit easier. I found you through the WordPress reader I saw the title and really liked what I saw 🙂 thank you again

        Like

        • Natalie February 6, 2021 / 7:28 pm

          Thank you, Charlotte, for letting me know how you found my blog. You’re welcome to join my Weekend Coffee Share any week or if you choose to read and not to join, that’s cool, too. Have a great weekend!

          Liked by 1 person

  46. Corina February 8, 2021 / 1:50 pm

    I really enjoy books by Baldacci. I’ve read all of his books from Absolute Power in the 90s to about 2015. Then last year I read the three Atlee Pine novels. Can’t wait for the 4th.

    Like

    • Natalie February 8, 2021 / 2:31 pm

      Thank you, Corina, for your visit and comment. I read Daylight (the latest Atlee Pines novel) last week and enjoyed it. I finished the Amos Decker novels that were published up to this year. Baldacci is such a prolific and good writer.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Karen February 10, 2021 / 4:22 pm

    The lights are amazing & intriguing. I read some of the Weekend Coffee Share posts & look forward to reading those over the weekend.

    Like

    • Natalie February 10, 2021 / 5:10 pm

      Thank you, Karen, for stopping by. Yes, those light art structures were very cool. You’re welcome to join my Weekend Coffee Share any week. Enjoy reading the Coffee Share posts!

      Like

  48. OnceUponaTimeHappilyEverAfter.com February 21, 2021 / 8:50 pm

    I always enjoy your photographs and the art that fills Toronto. I can’t imagine the engineering or technology that takes sound and turns it into light!! Glad they didn’t have to wait on me to figure that out.

    Will check out the books you read. Just finished The Midnight Library. It was an interesting ‘listen’. And my book club discussed it more than we have talked about most of our books. Thought provoking.

    Like

    • Natalie February 22, 2021 / 12:22 pm

      Leslie, The light art installations were cool. I’m glad I got to see them. I’ll look up “The Midnight Library”. Thank you for mentioning it.

      Like

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