The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

20.1 - Most Improved - Louise's Task: Picking Up The Pieces

During this Summer challenge it will be a year since I lost my partner to cancer following a very brief illness. Not only was he my partner but also my best friend and soul mate. Learning to live alone after spending 18 years has been, and continues to be difficult. Being able to work from home has been a help to get through this last year.
Apart from reading to escape into a different world I have found other ways to pick up the pieces.

This is a one-book task. Select one option.
No books with MPG children or kids may be used.
Required: Identify the option.

Option 1: Friends and Family
The biggest help I’ve had is a surprisingly strong support network of friends and family. I am fiercely independent, but know that if I need any help or emotional support I can always to turn to my support system.

* Read a book with the word FRIENDS or FAMILY found intact in the title/subtitle.
ex. The Family Upstairs, When Girlfriends Step Up, The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship

Option 2: Grow Your Own
At the beginning of lockdown we begun a project of converting some of our garden to grow vegetables. This led to a bountiful crop of home grown vegetables. I have continued with this project and am looking forward to more fresh vegetables this Summer.

* Read a book with all the letters in one of the words GROW, YOUR, or OWN in the title only. Subtitles are excluded.
ex. OWN:How I Live Now

Option 3: A Sweet Tooth

As a way of thanking the support friends and family have given, I gave rediscovered my love of baking. I have a sweet tooth and give away three-quarters of what I make, although lately I’ve had birthday cake requests, having made 5 in the last 6 months.

* Read a book set in a bakery. The bakery setting must be evident on the book's main page.
ex. Little Beach Street Bakery, Sprinkle with Murder


Option 4: A Girl’s Best Friend
The biggest help has been my soon to be 5 year old Springer Daschund cross. She ensures that I keep a routine of morning and evening walks and is quite happy to curl up and watch TV or playing fetch.

* Read a book with a domestic dog on the cover. No silhouettes. The dog must be clearly visible.
Required: Post the cover.

Res

Res

This help thread is open!

I just want to express how sorry I am for your loss. Your partner is smiling down on you for this great challenge

My heart goes out to you. It is great that you have such good support.

Would Chocolat work for option 3? The description says "When the exotic stranger Vianne Rocher arrives in the old French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique called “La Celeste Praline” directly across the square from the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock."? It is not described as a bakery but as a chocolate boutique.

Nevermind...I found one that fits better as it is set in a bakery.

Bea wrote: "My heart goes out to you. It is great that you have such good support."

Joanne wrote: "I just want to express how sorry I am for your loss. Your partner is smiling down on you for this great challenge"

Thank you both for your kind words.

I am sorry you lost your partner. Kudos for your creative task which will help us all to remember healthy ways to cope with loss.

Could you please verify that you can see the dog on the cover

-thanks

Joanne wrote: "Could you please verify that you can see the dog on the cover

-thanks"

Yep I see a dog,