A New Blog Direction Calls for a New Blog

You can find all previous content as well as future posts at my new site:

Molly's Cozy Book Nook

I look forward to seeing you there.

Blog Identity Crisis - Resolved

For those who have followed this blog over the years (and I can't thank you enough for your support) ... you know its identity struggles.

My Cozy Book Nook began in 2009 as a book review blog. As many new bloggers of that era... I knew I wanted to write, but I didn't know what to write. The book blogging community was the perfect place to start: I enjoyed reading - I enjoyed talking about books - I loved adding to my TBR (to be read) lists. It was a win/win. I met many online friends whom I continue to visit today.

Boston: Z is for Zzzzz

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is Z which will showcase relaxing spots in the city (Zzzzz).

Well, we did it - another A-Z challenge in the books! I've had such a great time sharing my love of Boston with you.

Boston: Y is for Yawkey Way

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is Y which will showcase Yawkey Way... or in other words, the site of Fenway Park.

Have you ever had one of those serendipitous moments - when two seemingly unrelated events come together in a beneficial way? This happened to me when brainstorming ideas for today's letter.

Boston: X is for eXercise

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is X which will showcase eXercise. A bit of a stretch, I know but... I really wanted to showcase the crew teams practicing on the Charles River and with a bit of creative imagination, this works.

I booked a Charles River Boat Cruise at 5:30 PM which proved to be the perfect time to see the crew teams, sailboats, and the sunset. 

Boston: W is for Walking Trails

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is W which will showcase Walking Trails.

While I'm sure there are several walking trails around Boston, given the number of green spaces and college campuses within the city limits, I knew I couldn't showcase Boston without talking about the Freedom Trail.

Boston: V is for Venetian Palace

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is V which will showcase a Venetian Palace.

I absolutely fell in love with Isabella Stewart Gardner - the woman and her museum. Someday I plan to research this mighty feminist who was most certainly ahead of her time. But for now, I will simply admire her love of the arts, her attention to detail, and her generosity to the people of Boston.

Boston: U is for Union Oyster House

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is U which will showcase the Union Oyster House.

While the building is over 250 years old, the restaurant has served loyal customers like Daniel Webster since 1826 - making it the oldest restaurant in Boston.

We managed to secure a table midweek during lunch hour, although I'm sure the dreary weather helped our luck. I understand waits of an hour or more can be typical.

Boston: T is for the "T"

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is T which will showcase Boston's subway system, otherwise known as the "T".

Interestingly, Boston was the first city to utilize underground tunnels for public transportation. The Tremont Street station opened in 1897 and is still in use today.

Boston: S is for Swan Boats

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is S which will showcase the Swan Boats.

My second full day in Boston I ventured across Longfellow Bridge, made my down Charles Street through Beacon Hill, and eventually ended up in the Public Garden. 

The lush trees, tranquil lake, and familiar laughter of young children brought back memories of Central Park in New York City. But I soon learned that the Public Garden is a space all its own.

Boston: R is for (Paul) Revere

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is R which will showcase (Paul) Revere.

As is most historical buildings in greater Boston, this famous Revolutionary War hero's home is located in the middle of a very modernized North End.

According to the official website, Paul Revere lived in this humble abode from 1770 to 1800. Throughout the 19th Century, the structure was home to a variety of individuals, commercial shops, and even a bank. In 1902, Revere's great-grandson purchased the home to ensure it would never be demolished. Since 1908 the home has been open to the public. 

Boston: Q is for Quincy Market

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is Q which will showcase Quincy Market.

While I enjoyed visiting this bustling area, I must confess... I still think of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market as one and the same. The buildings are distinctly different, but together they represent a vibrant harbor area filled with shopping boutiques that cater to any and every tourist's need.

Boston: P is for Parks

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is P which will showcase the Parks.

While Boston is most definitely a cosmopolitan urban center, greenspaces abound. From the small neighborhood enclosure of Louisburg Square, to Frog Pond in Boston Commons, to the Duck Family statue in Boston Public Garden, there are luxurious respites for all to sit a spell, relax, and enjoy.

Boston: O is for the Old North Church

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is O which will showcase the Old North Church.

 (caveat: this post first appeared in October 2016 ... but since it perfectly fit with today's challenge, I decided to revise and republish).

My husband was able to join me for the last few days of my Boston visit, and we enjoyed exploring the Harbor, the green spaces, and the North End. His bucket list items, however, were to see Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church.

Boston: N is for North End

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is N which will showcase the North End.

About a week ago I showcased the letter I for Boston's Irish Connection. Today we will showcase the city's Italian influence.

While I am the equivalent to the human mutt... my husband is 100% Italian. I have always yearned for an ethnic heritage and am forever grateful for his family's acceptance of me into their rich ancestral culture.

Week in Review: April 15, 2018

To read other Sunday book-ish news... visit
Caffeinated Book Reviewer

I would complain about the weather in the Midwest ... 70s and sunny one day and then a return to cloudy and 40s for several days after ... but I know the rest of the country is suffering as well. So instead I will say... I'm sure Spring is out there somewhere!! And I am not-so-patiently waiting for its arrival.

Blogging:

While I have not written a Sunday Salon post in quite some time, that does not mean I have not posted on the blog.

This is April ... the month dedicated to the A-Z Challenge. This is my third year to participate in the grueling, albeit creative, blogging event. The first year I blogged about Paris A-Z. Last year I blogged about Journaling A-Z.

This year the topic is Boston A-Z and we are officially half-way through the alphabet.

Do you participate in this challenge? If so, please leave a comment as I would love to connect!

Boston: M is for Museums

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is M which will showcase Museums.

While I'm sure there are smaller museums throughout the greater Boston area, I was fortunate to visit two premier art institutions: the Museum of Fine Art (MFA) and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I took advantage of the special pricing, which allowed me to visit the latter museum within 48-hours of the MFA for a $2.00 discount.

Boston: L is for Library

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is L which will showcase the Library.

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is an institution. Even those who don't love books as much as I do will find the history and architecture amazing. But for bibliophiles like myself, the BPL is an oasis.

Boston: K is for King's Chapel Burying Ground

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is K which will showcase the King's Chapel Burying Ground.

Okay, I will admit that I am cheating once again. While there is a King's Chapel Burying Ground, I only visited the Granary Burying Ground - a mere three-minute walk away.

While King's Chapel is the oldest cemetery in Boston (1630), the Granary Burying Ground is the third-oldest (1660) and serves as the final resting spot for such notable Americans as Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock.

Boston: J is for JFK

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is J which could showcase JFK. Afterall, the Kennedy family is synonymous with Massachusettes politics. And the first time I recognized a Boston accent was hearing Edward Kennedy on the local news. But alas, I did not visit Hyannis Port.

Boston: I is for the Irish Connection

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is I which will showcase the Irish Connection.

The Irish Famine Memorial is a lovely tribute to the brave families who left their native country for the hopes of a better life in America. Located in the middle of this bustling city, I stumbled upon this little park while walking to Quincy Market. I probably spent thirty minutes viewing the statues, reading the accompanying plaques, and counting my blessings.

Boston: H is for Harbor

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is H which will showcase the Harbor.

Granted, I did not see all of Boston. I traveled from the North End to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- and I spent most of my time in the Boston Commons area. So I was never far from the water. I crossed the Charles River every day ... and spent many hours in the Italian section just to the west of Boston Harbor (more on that when we review the letter N).

Boston: G is for Greater Boston

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is G which will showcase Greater Boston.

Occasionally this blogging challenge requires the author to fudge a bit. Today is one of those days for me.

When I say "greater Boston" I really mean Cambridge. But since I already had a letter C option ... I had to improvise. I hope you excuse the creative license. It certainly won't be my last...

Boston: F is for Frog Pond

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is F which will showcase Frog Pond.

Located in the heart of Boston within the famous Boston Commons, Frog Pond is a favorite spot for young and old alike. In the summer, Frog Pond becomes a spray pool to help residents cool off. In the winter, the Pond is transformed into an ice skating rink. The spring and fall offer a perfect backdrop for a tranquil reflection pool.

Boston: E is for Education

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is E which will showcase Education.

Boston is home to 35 colleges and universities ... most notably Boston College, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, New England Conservatory of Music and... Harvard University.

Boston: D is for Ducklings

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is D which will showcase the Ducklings.

Make Way for Ducklings (by Robert McCloskey) is a children's classic - although I am ashamed to admit I had not read it until I visited Boston in 2016. HOWEVER... I immediately bought a copy before returning home, and I vow to read the book to my grandchildren to make up for my literary oversight.

Boston: C is for Cheers

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is C which will showcase Cheers, the bar made famous in the 1980s sitcom with notable television characters such as Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Cliff Claven (John Ratzenberger), Norm Peterson (George Wendt), and Coach (Nicholas Colasanto).

Although the series was filmed in Hollywood, the exterior shot is an authentic Boston watering hole: The Bull and Finch Pub.

Boston: B is for Beacon Hill

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is B which will showcase Boston's famous Beacon Hill district.

Beacon Hill is synonymous with the city's upper class. Located between the Charles River and the Boston Commons, many notable personalities have resided in the well-kept brownstone houses: Louisa May Alcott, Robert Frost, John Kerry and Oliver Wendell Holmes. This exclusive neighborhood remains one of the most expensive and desirable areas in the city.

Boston: A is for Athenaeum

Welcome to my third year participating in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. This year's theme is BOSTON.

Today's letter is A which will showcase Boston's Athenaeum.

Athenaeum, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an institution for the promotion of literary or scientific learning. My personal definition of this iconic landmark is paradise.

According to its website, the Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest and most distinguished libraries and cultural institutions in the United States. It started at the turn of the nineteenth century and continues to grow and flourish. The Athenaeum's current residence is at 10 1/2 Beacon Avenue, overlooking the historic Granary Burial Ground. It houses five floors of paintings. sculptures, and literature.

Random Journal Day (Reunion) and Celebration

Apparently, Random Journal Day began several years ago when a group of avid journal keepers decided to share snippets from their scrivenings in a monthly meme post. Due to the busyness of life, however, the regular posts became semi-regular and then ultimately disappeared altogether.

While I've regularly journaled since 2013, I was unaware of this like-minded tribe ... until recently.

Enter my new online friend, Enthusiastically, Dawn.

Week in Review 03.25.18

Those who know me well won't be surprised as I proclaim today is nine months til Christmas. I always use the 25th of the month as the official countdown to my favorite holiday. I receive mixed reactions when I post the announcement on FaceBook, so I'm curious... Are you as excited about this festive celebration as I am ... or do you tend to proclaim bah-humbug?

Today is also Palm Sunday, and while I wish the temperatures were warmer here in the Midwest, I am grateful the snow of the Northeast by-passed us this year.

The picture to the left is a throwback to 1999 when our local church performed the passion play: The Victor. Our entire family participated in this meaningful portrayal of Jesus' final week before the crucifixion. We have fond memories of this collective experience.

2018 A-Z Blogging Challenge: Theme Reveal

I'm excited to participate in my third Blogging A-Z Challenge!

Previous themes for this challenge included Paris (2016) and Journaling (2017). Both these themes coordinated with book topics I was writing at the time (and ultimately self-published). Since this writing strategy worked well in the past, I plan to implement it again this year.

So without further ado, my theme for 2018 is: BOSTON

Week in Review: Spring Break Plans

This year our school break coincides with Daylight Savings Time ... which in my mind is the non-official start to Spring. While I missed the one hour of sleep last night, I will relish the extra hour of afternoon daylight for the next several months.

Reading Progress:

I'm currently reading The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. One of the challenges for #MarchMysteryMadness is to read a historical mystery/thriller, and this book fits the category.

The story focuses on two survivors of World War II: a Jewish woman who witnessed the atrocities of the Halocaust, and a German SS soldier. As is typical of Picoult, the story unfolds with alternative viewpoints as well as alternative time periods, with flashbacks to the 1940s.

Week in Review: March Mystery Madness

March came in like a lion in the Northeast. I hope my friends in that part of the country are safe and warm. Here in the Midwest, we experienced spring-like temperature and sunny skies. I am grateful for this little tease of better weather to come.

Thursday was the official start of March Mystery Madness - a  BookTube and GoodReads reading challenge that coordinates perfectly with my recent obsession with psychological thrillers.

While I don't plan to pressure myself to complete the full challenge or to read solely books in the genre during the month of March, I do have a running list of possible books and even managed to read (almost) two this week.

Sunday Salon: Snow Day Reading

FINALLY... the sun is out and the temperature is nearly 50 degrees. After a week of cloudy, icy, dreary weather, I am more than ready for Spring!

Public schools in our area were open one day this week. Monday was President's Day and Tuesday through Thursday were snow days due to freezing rain. One good thing about such nasty weather is it provides perfect reading conditions. I perched myself on the couch next to the fireplace, cozied up with my fleece blanket and a hot cup of tea, and finished two books!

Sunday Salon: Returning to My Roots

I began My Cozy Book Nook in 2009. I joined the book blogging community with gusto - thrilled to find others as excited about literature as I am.

While a bibliophile at heart, my interests expanded over time. I wanted to blog (connect) about writing and journaling and photography. But this created a blog-identity crisis. Am I book review blog - a lifestyle blog - do I even have a niche?! Consequently, my blog posts were sporadic at best.