The third birthday of Gudrun’s Tights was actually over two months ago, but I completely let it slip by. I admit that I have been a bad blogger lately, but I’m still here and I’m still reading and I still love the book blogging community. I had a bit of an upset this past week and was feeling really blue. It was the kind of heartache that consumes your existence and makes it hard to see the good things in life. On Friday night I was so, so sad and, in an effort to distract myself, I started reading blogs. And you know what? It worked! I began feeling like myself again. Just being reminded of the things I enjoy in life, the things I am passionate about, made all the difference. And from there I moved on to reading about the new Virginia Woolf exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and fantasizing about finding a way to make it to London before the exhibit closes. Yes, just back to my normal self. Of course, my heart is still bruised and slightly broken, but these things pass. Thank goodness literature (and people who talk and think about it) is here to sustain us during the hard times. Novels are truly better than any self-help book I’ve ever read.
One of my favorite books from last year was The Mountain Lion by Jean Stafford. It is a powerful coming of age novel set in Colorado and has as a character one of my favorite young girl protagonists of all time. I think this novel deserves much more recognition than it gets and I’d love for everyone to read it, but for now I am giving away one copy of this hard edged, compelling story.
The giveaway is open to anyone from anywhere until Friday, July 18, at 11:59 pm, Pacific Time. One entry per person. I’ll announce the winner next weekend and also notify them by email.
To enter, please go to the entry form here.
Thank you all for reading and for being passionate and excited about books. You have enriched my life immensely.
Also – Mary Stewart Reading Week is still on the calendar for September 14-21. A badge will be coming next week sometime.
Have a great Sunday!
A Certain Fondness 
I am so very sorry to hear about your sad week, but I am glad that books & blogs have provided some distraction & comfort. I’m also glad that we get to celebrate your birthday! Here’s to many more years of Gudrun’s Tights!
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Thanks, Lisa! Books really do have healing powers, I think.
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Oh I am sorry you were feeling sad. I hope you are taking good care of yourself and being kind to yourself. And happy happy belated bloggy birthday to you!!
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I’m trying, Jenny, though it can be hard. Does buying books count? 🙂
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I’m sorry to hear you’ve been sad but also so pleased that reading blogs and about books has cheered you up. I always find re-reading an old favourite is a great way to cheer myself up. I hope you are back to feeling yourself fully soon. I am really looking forward to the Mary Stewart Reading Week.
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I did start reading my favorite bits of Little Women and that was cheering – reading old favorites certainly helps. I’m glad you’re looking forward to reading more Mary Stewart!
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I’m so glad that you’re feeling a bit better now, books and reading work every time for me too, I’d rather comfort read than comfort eat – 0 calories!
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Well, unfortunately, I like to comfort eat too! But this time I’ve seemed to have lost my appetite so that’s a good thing.
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I’m sorry that life has brought you such sadness, but thank goodness we have books and bookishness to escape into. My unread Mary Stewart books are lined up and ready to be read in September.
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Yes, my life would be much less fulfilling without books. They are saviors and friends. I look forward to seeing what Mary Stewart books you read in September.
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Sorry to hear about your difficult time, but glad that some blog reading was able to give you a pick-me-up. I can certainly relate to feeling like a “bad” blogger at times, but am always pleased to find that coming back to blogging and blog reading after a dry spell always reminds me of how much pleasure they can provide. I’d love to be entered in the giveaway. The Mountain Lion has been on my To Read list ever since you wrote about it.
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Blogging is a creative outlet that really does provide pleasure though sometimes it can seem like a chore. I need to stop feeling bad about getting out of groove when I’m just not feeling it.
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Happy blogiversary!
Sorry to hear you’ve been through a tough time, but I’m glad revisiting what you love cheered you a little.
I think bloggers are a little too hard on themselves about being regular and always updating, it’s for fun not a chore and you do it when you can. I’ll always enjoy coming here to read your blog whether you post once a week or once a month.
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Thanks, Alice! I know it should be fun so I’m not going to feel bad about not posting as frequently as I would like. I appreciate you reading no matter when or how often I post!
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I hope the week ahead will be better for you. Between that exhibit and the book benches scattered around London now, I’m ready to plan a trip, too.
Happy Blogiversary!
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London would be a dream to visit right now – the ultimate escape!
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I’m so sorry you’ve had such a bad week, but I’m glad you’re getting back to normal now. Novels and book blogs have helped me through some sad times too…definitely better than self-help books! Congratulations on your blog’s third birthday. I can’t wait for the Mary Stewart week.
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Novels hold much more advice about how to deal with difficult situations than any self-help tome will. I do believe in bibliotherapy.
Mary Stewart Reading Week will be so great – I’m glad you’re going to participate!
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I’m sorry to hear about your week, Anbolyn, and happy that you are feeling happier now. You certainly sound like you’ve been through it, so to speak. Happy blog birthday 🙂
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Sometimes the sad times make us appreciate the happy times more. I’m sure you will feel happier soon. Although I only seem to postonce a month on my blog now I really enjoyposting and visiting all the blogs on my sidebar. Just nice to hang out with literary types!
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You’re so right, Nicola. Life can’t always be sunshine. I know from experience living here in Arizona that you can easily take the sun for granted. I am feeling much better now, thank goodness.
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