Welcome Back to the Pond, Friends! A Tour of Pond 2.0

A warm welcome back to The Quiet Pond, friends!

The Quiet Pond has been on quite a hiatus for some weeks now and I am so happy to be back. Although I really did enjoy the break (book blogging is tough, friends!), I was itching to return to book blogging, creating content, and talking about the awesome books that I’ve read recently.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of new changes! This change has been a long time coming – I’ve been wanting to do this since the first quarter of this year! – and it’s a big relief that I’ve finally rolled them out. So here’s an update on what has changed, what’s new, what you can expect from the Pond moving forward.

Xiaolong and Friends are Going To Take a Break! [Hiatus]

Today, Xiaolong is sitting by the water, her head stuck in a big book. She seems to be so engrossed in whatever she’s reading that she doesn’t notice you approach – which is so unlike her!

You sit down at a comfortable distance away from her – you know that some people don’t like to be interrupted when they are reading! – and decide to take in the sights and smells and sounds of The Quiet Pond.

Finally, Xiaolong takes the leaf by her side and inserts it in between the book’s pages. “Hello friend,” she says, closing the book gently. “I got really into my book and didn’t notice that you had arrived! Sorry, friend.”

You smile and ask how she is. To be honest, Xiaolong doesn’t quite look like her perky self – her gills are a little droopy, she doesn’t have that bouncy energy that you usually notice right away, and her eyes don’t have their usual mischievous glimmer.

“I’m okay, friend!” says Xiaolong, who gives you a big grin. “Well, actually.” Her smile falters a little bit. “I’m a little behind on everything. The Quiet Pond may be quiet but it’s also a lot of work, and sometimes I get a little stretched thin.” She gives you a small smile. “I suppose I am burning out.”

You listen, nodding along to what she’s saying. What about a break? you ask.

Xiaolong tilts her head. “But… I can’t take breaks! I have so much to do at the Pond and everyone is depending on me!”

You smile. You understand how that feels. You tell Xiaolong that she isn’t alone in feeling this way, but even super-axolotls and Keepers of the Ponds need a rest too, especially if they are burned out.

Xiaolong considers this for a moment. “I think I needed to hear that,” says Xiaolong. She gets a little teary, realising how tired she is. “I think I need to take a break.”

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, friends! Welcome back to the Pond.

As you may have guessed from your talk with Xiaolong, The Quiet Pond is going to be taking a little bit of a break. Running The Quiet Pond has been such a pleasure – but it’s also been a big task that can get pretty draining sometimes!

The Quiet Pond is Looking for Another Co-Blogger! We Want You and Your Magic!

It’s the day after the last book news, and you see Xiaolong setting up ‘The Pond Book News’ stall again.

“Hi friend!” she greets, giving you a big energetic wave with her small arms. “The newest issue of The Pond Book News isn’t quite ready yet. You have to come tomorrow!”

You shake your head, and tell her that you aren’t here for the news. Rather, you’re visiting today to check up on Xiaolong and how she’s going.

“Oh.” Your question gives her pause. “Well, to be honest friend, I’m hoping you can help me.” She comes around from the book news stall, and leads you by the Pond to your favourite spot. “Friend, I know I asked you before, but do you know any other magical beings who might want to call the Pond a home? I’m happy for Stella now that she’s off on her new adventures, but I’m hoping we could find another friend to fill her in.”

You think for a moment. You’re not quite sure. But, like last time, you feel determined to help Xiaolong out again. It’s time to find the Pond’s newest friend!

Hello, dear friends! Welcome back to the Pond!

Have you ever felt like you wanted to be part of The Quiet Pond? Do you want to contribute to the Pond to make it a magical, warm, and inclusive space? If you thought ‘yes!’ and ‘yes!’ to both questions, then we want you!

As Xiaolong said, The Quiet Pond is looking for another co-blogger! If you’re interested in joining The Quiet Pond, read on! ✨

A Farewell and Thank You To One of My Amazing Co-Bloggers

The moment you receive Xiaolong’s message, you drop the book you were reading and run as fast as you can to the Pond.

When you finally reach the Pond, you see your little pond friends crowded around Stella the Dragonfly. You join in the little circle they have formed around her, glad that you made it just in time.

Because, as Xiaolong’s note said, Stella is leaving the Pond to go on another adventure.

Meet the Pond’s Favourite Aunty [Introducing The Pond’s Newest Character!]

You heard that there was some commotion in the Pond recently. Maybe today’s a good day to check up on your friends and see how they are doing.

When you enter the Pond, you notice Xiaolong kneeling by the water and peering into it. You can’t quite hear what she’s saying in the distance, but you can hear that she sounds a little worried, perhaps a little scared. When you approach, you realise that Xiaolong is talking to… a large piece of driftwood? How odd!

“Xiaolong!” you call out, waving to her.

Xiaolong turns to the sound of your voice, and gives you her big goofy smile. “Hi friend!”

But before you can take another step, a sudden explosion from the Pond shatters the quiet.