~Sunday Stew - May 29th, 2011~

Sunday Stew is a Weekly Meme hosted Here at Books Devoured

Bookmark of the Week

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As you may all know (or for those who may not), my Uncle Paul passed away earlier this month, on May 8th, 2011. It came as a huge shock to me, even though I have borne the brunt of the death of a loved one, never before had it been family. Unless you count my grandmother who passed away in 2011 when I was still in high school, but she was a grandmother. When your middle-aged Uncle passes away, the experience is beyond surreal. My heart breaks every time I think of him - every time. 

Death provides rest to the sick and weary, but unrest to those they leave behind. It hurts SO much that I took my time with him for granted. That I never told him he was just like a father to me, how much I loved him, or ever really thanked him for being an amazing person and for making my family happy. I never got to tell him how badly I wanted him to dance at my wedding, although I knew it would make him terribly uncomfortable. I never learned how to make that Salmon the way he made it, he could make anything taste heavenly. Or have him help me decorate my first home because he had such fantastic taste in interiors, and really had an eye for beauty. How badly Adeel and I wanted to take care of him and his spouse in their old age.  I feel like a part of my past is gone, but it hurts even more that a part of the future that I planned is now missing.  I would give an arm and a leg, literally, to see him and hold him just one more time...but I'd give my LIFE for his spouse to be able to see him and hold him one more time, if I feel this way, I can only imagine...

But every time I see this, it reminds me that he does continue on in all of us - our thoughts, our fond memories and in all the wonderful things that he's done for us all. Don't be surprised if there aren't very many more bookmark mentions in the coming weeks, guys. I think I'll need to hold onto this one for a little while. 

Around The Web:

The "Splash Into Summer" Giveaway Hop is underway, hosted by the ever generous I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Page Turner's Blog. There are close to 300 blogs participating (another show of generosity from the amazing blogging world!), and there are lots of prizes, so try your hand at luck, you never know the outcome. I had wanted to participate in this blog, but due to being emotionally drained, I wasn't sure I'd be up to handling the responsibility, so I desisted. I have yet to participate in a blog hop, but I really want to. I have decided I am going to learn how to use those Google Forms, and save a bit of money and definitely participate in the next hop. One must always "Pay It Forward". 

Also, I'd been perusing Goodreads the other day, and happened to be stalking chance upon author Sarah Jio's page. She happens to be the fabulous, and extremely sweet author of the new novel "The Violets of March", which is being hailed as quite the read by many. I've been almost obsessed with the book since I read the synopsis so I've been stalking vehemently keeping an eye on Sarah's page. Recently I found out that she is hosting a sort of giveaway for her friend Camille Noe Pagán who is the author of the upcoming release "The Art of Forgetting", which is another novel that looks absolutely fantastic. Sarah was giving away 5 signed copies of "The Violets of March" for whoever pre-ordered Camille's "The Art of Forgetting" and emailed her the receipt. Needless to say, I acquired a copy by way of pre-ordering my copy of TAoF. I mean, it would be silly not too - I was getting two books for the price of one, and both books I would MOST DEFINITELY want to get my hands on! Anyhow, there is only ONE SIGNED COPY of "The Violets of March" left - will you be the lucky one? Even if you don't indulge in this offer, I implore, beseech, no...BEG you to make sure to check out both the books (just click on each book below) because they really are going to make for excellent reading! :)

Around Me: 

Okay, so there is a lot happening currently. I am really excited to announce that I'm going to be doing an interview with an extremely talented, and immensely inspiring, author named Tymothy Longoria. The interview will appear in a few days on the blog, and you'll get to know this amazing aspiring author a little better. He is a source of motivation, inspiration, comfort and faith for me every day - and I am sure that when you come to know him, you will be astounded by him, as well. You can find him on Twitter or Facebook. 

Also, other than the interview, I may be missing in action for the most part of the week. But I assure you that after Friday of this coming week, I will have more time to spend with you guys. However, as my friends (not followers), I feel like I have an obligation to inform you guys that I will probably never be a blogger who creates posts every day, or regularly. I began blogging as a form of self-expression, and for sharing my love of books and everything else with others - but above all, because I wanted it to be a fun outlet. And if there is one thing I am not willing to compromise, it is just that - I will not become an automaton blogger, but I promise that I will continue to bring you pertinent content, and posts that are always going to be well thought out, and infused with my love for books (or other interests) and my love for you guys! :) That being said, I'm currently hosting a giveaway for an ARC copy of Wither , if you're interested, do check it out. Also, I wanted to thank Shannon for continuing to do the "Sunday Stew" post, and for bugging her to continue to do it although there are very few of us who participate - she's been a REAL sport through all this, and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to her! :)

With this, I conclude yet another intensely LONG Sunday Stew post! Thank you for reading, feel free to leave me any comments/feedback you may like. I wish you a blessed rest of the week, and that you'll continue to visit! :)