A long, much-needed catch-up on life, YouTube and reading.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

I get it, I was in college and had two kids and 2 jobs, but thankfully no husband. 😊 I read for my pleasure on work breaks and very late at night. I would treat myself after college papers, assignments, reading. True migraines can be managed with meds, stress headaches by lifestyle change. Things can get overwhelming, but the more you put out in the world, the more you get back. You've got this. 🌌 🤗

[@Shellyish]

Thank you!!!! 🥰🥰

[@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

I love your enthusiasm for the technical process of YouTubing. It's refreshing! Most of us just complain about it 😆 But it's a total privilege to have the time and ability to have a channel and make friends through it.

[@Shellyish]

Absolutely! Thank you, Christy!

[@Bassgod84]

Enjoyed your update. Have hope you’re feeling better!! I hope your levels of joy come back up, maybe more one piece will bring you joy!

[@Shellyish]

One Piece is a bright shining star in my day. I must catch up with the reading and you all soon!

[@yelenashemyakina2342]

You are doing great! Working and parenting and entertaining us is a lot!!!!! Migraines are the worst. Can relate. I have been suffering for many years but refuse to live under migraine control. 😀Over the counter medication will not work. Only prescription. Thank you for reminding us to take care of our bodies and minds.

[@Shellyish]

Awe! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@areadersalmanacwithceleste1366]

I’ve had migraines for most of my life and I totally feel for you. Naratriptan helps as does good sleep which can come with more exercise and lower anxiety. Best to you, Shelly! 😊

[@Shellyish]

Oh! Thank you for this! I appreciate it.

[@davidnovakreadspoetry]

It’s been so long for me, since I was a student. This video brought back to me those closing days of the school year before summer, the excitement, the anticipation, the heightened awareness of change. You probably tend to field more stress or stressful situations than you can immediately be aware of - how wonderful to pinpoint the jaw clench as cause of headaches - and I’m sure the exercise regimen will help. I feel some of these same issues. My stresses are less but my body more dilapidated. Dog incident injuries are the worst! I’m still suffering from one from December 2022, so your fears are not unfounded.

[@Shellyish]

Awe, I see! I watched your video in which you said the most wonderful words about me. THANK YOU! You are simply the best!

[@MyMessyBookshelf]

You are doing great! I think all working mommas can relate to this feeling you are feeling at some point. On a side note, the kimono or wrap or whatever you are wearing is lovely.

[@Shellyish]

Oh! Thank you so much! :)

[@melissamcadle]

I am really injured from a car wreck. I can’t work out. I’m trying to be able to walk, at least. It’s hard. I hate how sedentary I’ve had to be due to pain. I also get headaches from my jaw (and neck) so I’m doing what I can and trying to do a little more. Thanks for sharing.

[@joshuacreboreads]

This was a great video. It’s always refreshing to hear about your reading and your life in general. Thanks Shelly!

[@Shellyish]

Thank you so much!

[@LaurieInTexas]

I hope this video did make you feel better. I can really relate to your statement at the end that you have been busier than you want to be. I have felt that a lot over the past year. When that happens I usually don't enjoy my reading or my workouts or anything as much because I feel pressure from all sides. I am glad your books have pleased you more this month and I am very intrigued to hear about The Last Samurai and Himself since they are both books I want to read.

[@Shellyish]

Well said! And thank you! I do appreciate it! :) I have a feeling life will slow down soon as summer is right around the corner.

[@carleybarnes4365]

I remember for my 9th birthday I wanted to go to Disney, but my mom didn’t have the money for that at the time. I had a princess themed birthday and my mom went all out. We had water balloons, and musical chairs! One of my favorite birthdays! 😊

[@Shellyish]

I love that! Thank you for sharing!

[@socaltoobie8984]

We are here any time you need to unload! 😊 If you can believe it I read The Count of Monte Cristo this month! Enjoyed it very much. Am currently reading House of Leaves. I have buckled in and am down for this wild ride! I work out M-F and it’s amazing how much it can help clear your head. Used to only do gym workouts but during the pandemic found the channel Madfit here on KZbin and haven’t looked back. She has workouts of all durations and is the BEST! I’m in way better shape doing her workouts than when I did the gym. Hang in there. Summer is around the corner!! 🏖️

[@Shellyish]

You are so kind! The Count! What an accomplishment! I love Madfit! She's helped me start my workout journey this year. I own House of Leaves by way of my husband and haven't felt the inclination to pick it up yet.

[@edgarmarroquin4793]

Like number 100 , love watching your videos , I learn so much here

[@Shellyish]

Thanks so much

[@EntertheBook]

Great update and I’m so excited for you for all the end of the year fun! It’s great hearing the tidbits of life and family. I should put a bit more of this into mine as well but I usually overthink it and decide no one wants to know that Kristin 😂

[@Shellyish]

Oh my! I'd love a life-update type of video from you, Kristin! They are some of my very favorite videos to watch. :)

[@EntertheBook]

@@Shellyish ok next video will be updates of books and life- hope it’s not too lengthy!! Ha!

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I clench my jaw too, especially when I'm experiencing negative and stressful feelings, and when I'm sleeping. I have to keep my mouth open if I don't want to wake up with a sore jaw or have a cracked mouth guard. I try not to depend on taking something for the pain and moving my jaw can help, but there's only so much I can do. I try to relax my mind hoping it will stop feeling sore.

[@Shellyish]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Wiredbishop]

Right there with you on the returning to the exercise routine. Just started going to the gym again finally and it's nice to just be more active. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi is such a fun book hope you keep enjoying it!

[@Shellyish]

The Adventures of Amina was super fun! :)

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m a huge fan of taking down the wall to allow for forward movement. Hope you will be feeling calm and pain-free soon.

[@Shellyish]

I JUST realized that you do the same thing on your channel about your own life. I love that. I'm definitely feeling better lately.

[@HannahsBooks]

@@Shellyish Yep. Part of the reason it always makes me feel better is that people are so compassionate-but part of it is that I am being honest and open-as I would be with my “real” friends. So voila! I now have real friends here, too!

[@spreadbookjoy]

🤍 I’ve also been busy with life as well, so feeling a little run down and migraines recently returned to my life, so I sympathise! Take care Shelly 🤍

[@Shellyish]

Thank you! Migraines are the utter worst. Just saying. :)

[@janethansen9612]

I am a jaw clencher, it gives me neck pain as well as headaches. Migraines also. It's all about stress management.

[@Shellyish]

Yes! Absolutely!

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

This disconnect can be a strange feeling... as someone with AdHD and a preschool educator , I'm hyper-focused with my work, and at the end of the day I decompress with books, or adult coloring... but filming and editing often take a back seat because sometimes, depending on what's happening, I've got nothing left in my social gas tank... puttputtpift...lol also gotta balance in some husband time. Decompressing can also be spending time watching something we like together after a nice meal togther. Btw! Happy Teacher's Appreciation Week!

[@Shellyish]

Yes! Balance is key for me as well. I've loved keeping a reading journal this year. That's been fun!

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

@Shellyish I love making my little calendar before each month starts. And filling in each day of reading and highlighting my finished books.

[@MsPixieD]

Paused on your book haul pic: I just finished The Glutton a couple of days ago -- a perfect pick for Misery May. The writing is so good, and beautiful, that I gave it 5 stars, while also having such gross subject matter I kept being afraid to read on 😅 Was tempted to dnf for that reason, but glad I didn't because it's rare to get that quality of writing. I think you'll like Kavalier and Clay. Year of Wonders is on my tbr, and Orient Express should be, since I really liked the movie! Grady Hendrix, so great! Have you read Horrorstör? 👍 We Sold Our Souls was intense but good. If you like literary, super funny goth horror fantasy, Christopher Moore is da bomb (I started with Bite Me). Why haven't all his books been made into movies or TV shows, can anyone explain that? Hubby and I are perplexed! Also, darker than Moore but still very funny, the John Dies at the End series by David Wong (a.k.a. Jason Pargin) is excellent. All might be the type of book you have to be in the mood for. My Antonía, a classic! I forgot the narrator was a boy (I think Willa Cather was gay, and her voice was so authentic). Shelly, since you like cooking, were you struck by the mushroom scene? A family carefully brings their treasured ingredient from the Old Country, shares it with the boy, then was it his mother who didn't know what to do with them and disdainfully threw them out? After all these decades, that is the scene that has stuck with me the most. It breaks my foodie heart, and also the inability to feel love and connection was heartbreaking. I've never seen that cover with the green "dress," lol, she needs to put a top on! Reminded me of the guy at the beginning of The Seven Year Itch approving pulp-looking cover art for Little Women and telling them to make the gowns more low-cut 😂 Totally unrelated! Re. your robe/kimono, is that sashiko stitching? I have some similar pieces that are two recycled cotton saris stitched together by machine, called kantha cloth. They are cozy, almost like wearing a soft, light quilt 😃

[@Shellyish]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback on "The Glutton". I haven't read Horrorstor, but I own it on my kindle. I really loved My Best Friend's Exorcism. While I love mushrooms, my husband hates them. I think it is sashiko stitching! It's so lovely, light, and cozy.

[@XDevotedxProtectorX]

What eyeshadow products did you use? Love this makeup look 😊

[@Shellyish]

Thank you! I wear Pat Mcgrath eyeshadow - the 2023 holiday collection.

[@northoftheequator2094]

A youtuber I watch had something simillar - clenched jaw and really bad migraines that lasted for days - and I remember she had botox injected into her jawline and it helped. Not recommending it, but wondered if you'd heard of this remedy.

[@Shellyish]

I’ve heard Botox can help. And I’ve considered it. Just a bit timid to actually do it.

[@alejandroesquivel1524]

Hello! =)

[@Shellyish]

Hello!