Welcome to my humble abode for… What would you like? Coffee? Tea? Water? I’m drinking mint tea today. Maybe you’d like some as well. Come on in. Get comfortable on the couch. Don’t mind the dog. She’s very friendly. She also loves rubs and cuddles, and will take any opportunity she can to get them.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you my life has been busy recently. I feel overwhelmed with all that I have to do, which means I’ve been skimping on sleep. I know it’s not good for me, but I have so much I need to get done before the start of summer. I work as a freelance editor and proofreader working on scientific articles intended for publications, and it seems May is the month many people want to get their work sent out, which means I am flooded with work. I’m not complaining, I’ll get my free time in July.
Speaking of summer, I’m super excited about my plans. In June, I will go to Warsaw for three days for the Big Book festival. It’s the third edition, but it’ll be my first time going. It’ll be meetings with authors, discussions, performances, and other happenings. Three days dedicated to books – heaven.
The main reason I’m going: Zadie Smith. I’m not very good around well-known writers. I get more star struck than around other types of celebrities. Do you have any questions you’d like to ask? Any suggestions that make me sound intelligent are greatly appreciated. I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to talk to her, but maybe I’ll be able to throw out a question or two during a Q&A.
I like going to Warsaw because the city is having a vegan restaurant boom, so I have many fun places to visit. I also like returning from Warsaw. Just like many other capitals around the world, it is a busy city. I like returning to the relatively quiet and green Bialystok, where life goes at its own unhurried pace. I can definitely appreciate it after living in such a loud and populated city as Chicago for most of my life. Confession: I miss it sometimes.
Remember I told you about going to Museum Night last Saturday? It was lots of fun and I got to make some art not just look at it. Here’s some pictures.
This week, another #1000Speak event took place. I wrote two posts for this month’s topic of connection; one was flash fiction and the other an article about overcoming depression. I also read many posts and here are some I really enjoyed. You should check them out when you have some time.
A Theory of Connection by Sacha Black
How to Blend Spices and Other Life Lessons from My Mother by Mac and Chutney Mom
A lesson in compassion from a mom bully by Elizabeth Hein
The interconnectedness of all things by Geoff Le Pard
When connectedness hurts by Shelah L. Maul
Connecting with a shelter dog by Indian American Mom
The Red String of Fate by Leah Vidal
How to Stay Connected While Writing Your Trauma by Shawna Ayoub Ainslie
Also, I posted a call for contributors this week. Maybe you’re interested? I’m starting a series called Monday Inspirations, and I’d like contributors to write about the writers or books that had an impact on them. I plan on running it through the summer at least.
Thanks for stopping by. How was your week? Any plans for the weekend? What are your summer plans?
Do you have any suggestions of questions for Zadie Smith?
Did you read any #1000Speak posts that you want to share?
Weekend coffee share is hosted by Part Time Monster. Check out other posts here.
I love my coffee… 🙂
It sounds like you’ve been super busy. At least it’s all been productive and you like doing it. It will make summer all the more better when it comes. 🙂
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I have been pretty busy, but you’re right, liking what I do makes it all the easier to do.
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1. Thanks Ula for the shout out
2. I liked this one by Lisa http://www.themeaningofme.com/1000-speak-reconciliation-of-the-self/ and this one by Yvonne http://yvonnespence.com/all/when-connection-is-hard-to-do/
3. I’m always happy to take part in others blogs if they would like me to so happy to do so for Monday Inspirations.
4. I am not sure what I’d ask Zadie Smith, so you are on your own there!
5. Coffee would be just dandy!
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My pleasure, Geoff. I’d love for you to contribute. I’ll contact you in a few days.
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Wow Ula, you are getting busier every week it seems.
Do enjoy Warsaw, I am ashamed to say that I haven’t been, and I lived in Kraków for 6 months… I’d so love to go back to Poland, maybe we’ll make some last minute plans in September.
Good luck with all your work, you get to work from home I guess?
My summer starts in the 31st of May when we will be leaving for the south of France to see my fiancé’s brother and well his daughter who is 9months older than ours and to spend a lot of time with my in laws and regulations on nature.
Have a great weekend and a lovely week!
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I does seem that way doesn’t it?
Krakow is much prettier than Warsaw in my opinion. If you ever decide to come to Poland, let me know, I’d love to meet up.
Yes, I work at home, which makes me feel very fortunate.
Your summer sounds wonderful. South of France is a dream destination of mine.
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I will let you know about Poland travel plans.
I am now in a medieval house in a cute village. I think that in these parts there might be a lot of inspiration lurking everywhere.
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Sounds wonderful. I’m sure many stories will brew in your head.
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That is one adorable pup! 🙂
Love the art that you made at the museums, too—neat!
Hope you enjoy the trip and get to listen to your writer crushes to you heart’s content. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. My pup is already 8 years old, but she still acts and looks young. I love her.
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🙂 Aww! We’ve got a terrier/border collie mix that is about 4, and he’s just the best dog. Love pups!
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I do too. Dogs are better than people sometimes.
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Your Warsaw trip sounds like it will be wonderful! I like the art you made at Museum Art!
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I think it will be wonderful. I just found out that I signed up early enough to get to see a performance, so I’m excited.
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Cheating ourselves out of sleep never ends well. But I’m glad the Museum night was as much fun as you expected!
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I know, Barbara, that’s why I made sure to get enough sleep this weekend. My plan for this week is to get enough rest each night.
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I love Warsaw and book festivals. I read some excellent #1000Speak posts this week. I would be interested in guest posting on your blog some Monday.
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Warsaw should be fun for the book festival. If you have any #1000Speak posts that you recommend, please let me know. I know I haven’t read them all yet. I’ll email you about guest posting.
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I haven’t yet read Zadie Smith but she’s on the list!
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Thanks for the mention, I enjoyed both your “connection posts” as well! I would love to visit Warsaw with you…or at least someplace with vegan food options! 🙂
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My pleasure, Shelah.
Vegan food options seem to be more and more available, which is a good thing. I love exploring cafes and restaurants. I’d love for you to join me.
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