Do I really have to get up today?? So early? Yup…
Better get my green tea, then!
- If we were having chai, I would say that we had a hectic, but lovely last week of holidays. I even baked bread! And made a lovely Vegetable and bean soup to go with it. I feel like a domestic goddess!
- If we were having chai, I’d say that it was Rakhri on Wednesday, so the brother and sister in my household had their little ceremony. I spoke to my brother and then went to my brother-in-law to tie his Rakhi, as I do every year.
- If we were having chai, I’d tell you that I have read up a storm this month, especially since I haven’t been able to write. I finally reached the end of my ARC pile (for now) and began reading books on my Kindle or my physical TBR pile. I started with two books that have been hyped up so much. Have you read them? They weren’t bad, but worthy of all the hype? I am not so sure…
- If we were having chai, I’d sigh and say I was back in school on Friday. It was an Inset day, so we had things to get ready in classrooms, as well as an afternoon meeting with the rest of the Academy staff. A long-ish day. I was exhausted by the end! And that is without kids! Lil Princess was also in school. It felt funny not having Lil Man with me, too. He is no longer a school-going lad…
- If we were having chai, I’d have to mention a fantastic podcast I started to listen to, by three of my favourite writerly humans; Lucy Mitchell, Lucy Keeling and Bettina Hunt. It was a great first episode, and I cannot wait to hear more!
- If we were having chai, I’d say that it was my birthday, yesterday. We kept it quiet as I have a hectic week this coming week, but after a leisurely walk with Hubby Dearesgt in the local woods, we all went shopping, and for a meal. Simple, but perfect. All I need is my loved ones around me. It was extra special because Lil Princess bought me a present with her own money for the first time, and went out to buy it with no help from anyone else, either! That’s a pretty big thing for her. I am so proud and will cherish that bracelet forever.
- If we were having chai, I would bring it back to Sonu Singh. He seems to sense that. I need a little extra attention, especially when I am so tired, so he’s been my little shadow for a lot of the time. I guess it is a good thing that Lil Man is at home a little longer, yet, to wean him off having everyone around all day, every day. I will miss my plant-eating, early morning miaowing, little ginger ball of fluff every day!
This week will predominantly be me getting home visits done at school for my new classes, as well as an Early Years conference which my whole team has to attend. The end of the week is capped with a cricket tournament that Lil Man is playing in, which ends the cricket season for his club, too.
And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Sep 07, 2023 @ 21:30:49
What a gorgeous birthday photo of you, and such lovely gifts from your daughter. I haven’t tried Colleen Hoover, I can’t decide whether to read one and see what all the fuss is about. The summer holidays did indeed fly by, no doubt even more so for teachers 🙂 A big year ahead in this house with A-levels, a uni application and GCSEs for my younger two. I am bracing myself. I love the rakhi tradition. I’m reading Marriage Unarranged at the moment (and loving it) and I liked seeing it explained, such a sweet idea. Hope you have a lovely weekend, CJ xx
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Sep 07, 2023 @ 21:51:21
It’s a big year in your household, too!
Lil Princess sits her GCSEs this year… And her MH and anxiety is huge, but we are working with her to help her.
And I hope you enjoy Marriage Unarranged!can’t wait to hear what you think! 😊 xx
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 22:11:08
💜💜😊😊
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 22:14:59
💛💛💛
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 03:59:25
Busy lady as always ..Happy Birthday, Ritu 🙂
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 06:03:49
Thank you 😍
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 03:03:50
Belated birthday wishes, Ritu. I just finished Straight As A Jalebi and left you a review. How sad to think that anyone should have to keep their love for another person secret as Sunny and Milan felt they had to do.
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Sep 05, 2023 @ 06:04:26
Thank you Pete 🤗
And thank you for reading, too 😍 it us a sad truth, unfortunately…
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 17:09:02
It’s good to catch up, girlfriend. My brother is visiting. He drove 1,500 miles in his truck through the remnants of a tropical storm (lots of wind and rain “coming down sideways”) to help me with the bookstore. He is a good brother. There’s nothing like family.
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 19:02:35
Oh Wow! There really is nothing like family!
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Sep 10, 2023 @ 22:05:13
Amen!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:59:38
Happy Birthday dear Ritu, Thank you, Love, nia
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 19:02:17
Thank you!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:06:54
Happy birthday and a good start after the long break 💖
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:44:57
Thanks, Sis!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 14:58:10
Happy birthday, Ritu. I hope you have a wonderful week! 🤍🌺
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:44:37
Thank you!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 14:17:12
Best to you in the school year ahead, Ritu. Teachers were in last week, and tomorrow children begin!!! Glad you had a great birthday! 🎈
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:44:28
Thanks, Jennie!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 13:51:34
Happy happy day to your Ritu!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:44:11
Thank you!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 13:18:22
Love your t shirt. Have a great week my friend
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:43:32
Thank you 🤗
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:48:02
You’re welcome
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 11:51:37
Here’s to a beautiful week for you, Sis! ❤
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:42:09
Yes, Sis!
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 10:08:46
Pleased to hear you had a good birthday, busy lady! Hope you have a good year to follow… xx
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:41:44
Thank you 🤗
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 08:13:57
happy birthday, Rita! sounds like a really nice week
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 15:41:36
Thank you 🤗
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 07:40:00
Belated happy birthday, Ritu 🙂 ❤
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 07:46:05
Thank you 🤗
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 05:37:47
I knew it was back to school today. The start of a new year. I always find a new year fun and exciting. I’m glad you had a lovely birthday 🥳 today
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Sep 04, 2023 @ 06:12:19
Thank you 😊
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