Happy Birthday! I can't believe another year has rolled around and I'm once again reflecting on the previous year, as is my tradition on your birthday. Usually I prepare my letter to you ahead of time and have it all ready to post on your birthday. However, this year I decided to be spontaneous and compose it all on your birthday.
As always, lots of things happened in 2021, but I want to focus in this letter on the most significant and relevant to you. 2021 was the year I became an avid reader, and it's all because of you.
At the beginning of 2021, I set the intention to read more books. In order to fulfill that intention, I set the goal to read at least one book each month. I had big plans to make bookmarks for each book and to write reviews of them. My specific goals did not pan out, however I most definitely fulfilled my intention to read more.
I started the year reading a book I did not enjoy, and therefore did not finish - "Bridget Jones's Diary". In addition to Bella Grace Magazine, I then read "Pride and Prejudice", which I loved. Next, I started reading books that were recommended by an artist/reader/writer that I follow on social media. I've always enjoyed his books, so I thought I'd enjoy his recommendations for other books. I read them, but I realized I was not enjoying them. So I stopped reading his recommendations. 
Then it came to me. I remembered how much you enjoyed reading. I recalled there was a series of books you really liked. All I could remember was that they had recipes in them. So I went online to look up those types of books that were released around the time I remember you reading them. I was almost certain I stumbled upon the correct series, but I called your mom to confirm. Success! I found the correct series, so I started reading them.
It was then that I discovered the cozy mystery genre - mysteries that aren't too graphic. It was like I struck gold. I could now understand why you enjoyed reading this series. I made it my goal to finish all the ones in the series published in your lifetime by your birthday. I finished with two days to spare! I read the last one, which was a short story, out of order by mistake, but I read all of the other ones in order. Also, for that last one, I read it as an e-book because I wouldn't have had time before your birthday to get my hands on the book itself. I'm glad it happened that way for three reasons - it ended up being my favorite in the series, it was my first ever experience reading an e-book, and there's a line in that story that says, "Remembering friends no longer with us is a way to keep them alive in our hearts." To my surprise, it was actually easier to read on the computer screen. I didn't feel tired nor eye strain at all. However, I still prefer reading and holding actual books.
My promise to you is that I will finish reading the rest of the series, but for now I'm taking a break from it and exploring other themes in the cozy mystery genre. I joined a challenge on Goodreads that is helping me to connect with other cozy mystery readers and will help me discover other books in my favorite genre. I am also planning to write a letter to Joanne Fluke, the author of the series that first inspired me to read so much, just to thank her and to also tell her about you.
I should have known you would be the one who inspired me to read. I wish you were physically here to discuss the books. I can't tell you how much it hurts that we can't talk about it. However, I know that you are enjoying the experience with me in spirit, and for that I am grateful.
Well, I am going to get going for now. Today is International Puzzle Day and I am planning to start AND complete a puzzle all today! I have never done that before all in one day, but I believe I can with this one. It's only 500 pieces, the pieces are large, and the color scheme looks easy to follow. Wish me luck!!
Luv ya lots,
Meezan
P.S. It snowed here last night, on the eve before your birthday. So today I'm waking up to the white stuff. I suspect you had something to do with this, as you know how much I love snow. I'm glad I visited you last weekend instead of today since it's a bit icy today.
By the way, could you arrange for snow to fall on my birthday in April? What a treat that would be!
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