Announcements...

First of all, I'd like to send up some prayers for all the people, families, and communities affected by the storms and tornadoes over the weekend. Having spent many years living in Tornado Alley, I know that fear and devastation that can change your world in an instant. My thoughts and prayers are with you if you live in any of the areas that were affected.

Second, Chari-Dee has decided not to continue to be a part of this site. I am sure that she did not come to this decision lightly. However, she feels the need to go in different directions and concentrate her time in other areas. While she will be greatly missed, most especially by me, I understand her need to take an indefinite leave from this blog.

While we both love reading and bringing you our opinions of the books that we read, it can be exhausting and very overwhelming. Over the past few years, we have both felt the need to take breaks and let the other carry the load for a while. This is one of those times, though it's doubtful that she will return any time in the near future. I have been assured, however, that she will continue to do occasional reviews on her own personal site. That site will be linked here in the sidebar so that we can all keep up with what she has to say.

To say that she will be missed here is the utmost in understatement.

With that in mind, I'm asking for just a few days to get my thoughts and plans together here. I still have a FABPick to bring you later this month. That will begin on 2/22, with a contest included. I've also got some DoubleDishes coming up this month, with Pearl and t.c. helping me out. (On a side note, Pearl and t.c., could you please send your addresses along to me at deesbookdish@gmail.com so that I can get your books in the mail this week?) Pearl and t.c. are going to be dishing 'gods behaving badly' and "The Crazy School" with me. I still need someone to dish "Beginner's Greek". If you're interested, send me an e-mail to the above gmail address.

There will be a few cosmetic changes around here as well. I might hang some new pictures, or even paint the walls. If you have any decorating ideas, send them along. And your patience during this time will be greatly appreciated.

Please take the time to wish Chari-Dee all the best in the comments section. She has put quite a bit of herself into this site, and I know that she's going to miss being around here. Let's let her know that she will be missed very much, and that we wish her the very best in the new direction she's taking.

Keep Turning Those Pages!!