It’s been a while…
Hello, friends.
It’s been a while since my last update, and I want to start by thanking all of you who’ve stuck around, even during my quieter moments. The past year has been one of the most challenging seasons of my life, filled with heartbreak, reflection, and, ultimately, resilience. I’m here today to share a bit about what’s been going on and where I see this blog going in the future.
Reflecting on the Journey
2024 was hard. It was a year of letting go, grieving dreams, and finding ways to move forward. After three IUI cycles at Shady Grove Fertility, we came to terms with the fact that we wouldn’t be growing our family in the way we had hoped. That realization cut deeply, and I’ve spent months navigating the emotions that come with it. Grief, for me, was about more than just loss—it was also about rewriting the story I had imagined for our family.
Our son, though, has been a light through it all. While he’s still nonverbal, his progress in communicating has been incredible to witness. He’s trying new foods, using more intricate babbling, and showing intentionality in ways that fill my heart with cautious hope. His milestones might look different than others, but they’re no less remarkable.
On Reading and Creativity
Somehow, despite everything, I managed to read 100 books last year. Reading was my sanctuary, allowing me to escape into worlds far from my own. It’s a gift I’ve always cherished, but this year it became more than a hobby—it was survival.
Writing, on the other hand, has been harder to sustain. Between full-time work, my son’s therapy schedule, and the weight of everything else, creativity often felt out of reach. Earlier in the year, I made good progress on one of my writing projects, but life intervened, and I lost my rhythm. I haven’t given up, though. The spark is still there, even if it’s dimmer than I’d like.
What’s Next for the Blog?
I’ve been asking myself, “What now?” This blog has been such an important part of my life, but I feel uncertain about how to move forward. I’ve worked hard to build this platform and community, yet interaction has been sparse—except during giveaways on my Bookstagram page. Meanwhile, my "What to Read If..." posts continue to bring traffic, thanks to solid SEO.
So, where does that leave me? For now, I’m giving myself permission to experiment. Maybe I’ll focus more on curated lists or dive deeper into personal essays about the intersection of life and reading. Perhaps I’ll share snippets of my own writing journey or highlight books that have helped me through difficult times.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know one thing: I don’t want to stop. This blog has been my creative outlet, my connection to others, and a source of joy. It’s worth reimagining.
A Fresh Start
As we step into a new year, I’m embracing the idea of new beginnings. 2025 is a blank page, and while I don’t know exactly what will fill it, I’m hopeful. Maybe I’ll even pick up where I left off with my Agatha Christie reading goal or rediscover the joy of writing fiction.
Thank you for being here with me. Whether you’ve been a longtime reader or just stumbled upon this post, your support means more than I can express. Let’s see where this next chapter takes us—together.
With love and hope,
Jessica Jones
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I reflect on the challenges of secondary infertility, balancing motherhood with full-time work, and struggling to find time for creative writing. Despite setbacks, I’m learning to persevere with love, determination, and a little Taylor Swift.