Quick Lit; June '18

Having missed my chance to link up with Open Book this month due to scheduling craziness I thought I would join the fun over at Modern Mrs Darcy and share some of what I've been reading

Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer; as you friends well know I've been a Heyer fan for many years which made it all the more fun to find an undiscovered gem. Sir Gareth Ludlow joins the ranks of  favorite heroes created by Heyer and the book is a delight of white lies and misdirections until it all comes out right in the end.

Underfoot in Show Business by Helene Hanff is a memoir of her trying to make it in New York as a playwright during the 1950's. Full of amazing and hilarious stories; and as a big fan of 84 Charing Cross Road such fun to read more details of her life while she was keeping that correspondence.

One Beautiful Dream by Jennifer Fulwiler is a fun behind the scenes look at the writing of her first book.  As with Fulwiler's first book; this book shares stories of her marriage and family life as she and her husband seek to live a life which allows them to pursue professional dreams while raising the large family they also feel called to.

Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith is not a sequel to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but does pick up where the first leaves off.  Annie is a young woman from Brooklyn who has come out to Minnesota to marry her fiancé Carl a law student.  The book is a lovely portrayal of young marriage as these newlyweds navigate the first years of marriage.

And just finished Traveling Mercies by Ann Lamott; part autobiography - part reflections on faith.
The beginning of the book is Lamott's conversion story with the rest of the book reflections on aspects of life and faith. Her style is very approachable; sincere and authentic without being pushy or preachy.

What's in your book pile this summer?

Quick Takes #262: As June Begins

1. One week in and June has been crazy but good. Keeping track of three end-of-school year schedules is no joke but it is so much fun to celebrate with the kids and their classmates a school year well done.
2. While wrapping down the school year we are also getting summer plans in order.  The kids will again be going to the local playground camp; in addition Liam is doing a week of soccer camp and Elisabeth a local art camp. 
3. The other great addition to our summer plans is joining the community pool. We have already been a couple of times and Lisbeth has already passed her deep water test. Unfortunately as soon as she did thunder boomed ~ but we came back the next day for inaugural swim in the deep end.
4. Today is Caitlin's last day of Pre-K and while I'm in disbelief on how fast the school year went; the adage held true about time, it flew. She loved Pre-K; learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I believe that she is ready for Kindergarten, and it is nice to have that verified by her teachers.
5. Final exams for the older two finish today,  leaving just cleaning up and wrapping up for next week.   The grades are not yet all in but overall the kids report feeling good about how they did; and I feel like we are making a good start in teaching good study habits.
6. Am planning a separate post on summer reading and challenge updates but watching Elisabeth and Liam exited to read after earlier struggles does this Mama's heart good.
7. Happy Weekend!!

Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's!

Quick Takes #261: Summer Stuff Begins

1. Happy Friday! Have a full house this morning as the kids have the day off. When did Memorial Day Weekend become a 4 day weekend?
2. After a week of rain we enjoyed consistent sunny weather this week and I got a chance to cut the grass which is growing almost as well as the weeds. Also growing in our yard are two tomato plants, a basil plant and a strawberry plant.
3. While I didn't set an alarm I was up early to watch the wedding in Windsor. I thought the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did a wonderful job of planning a ceremony which felt authentic and traditional; blending the best of their different cultures.  
4. Am so enjoying the return of porch reading season. I recently finished Underfoot in Show Business; Helene Hanff of 84 Charing Cross Rd fame first book.  Currently rereading Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn fame.
5. For my birthday last week I received a DVD of many Mad about You seasons. Yay! This also reminds me that I'm in search of a good comedy.  There are several dramas we follow; but it has been awhile since there was a comedy that was 'must see' or that I DVR'd. Suggestions?
6. End of school activities are coming far and furious; and Lisbeth and Liam have both received their study guides for finals ~ so summer is clearly on its way!!
7. Happy Memorial Day and Remembrance and Thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country!

Quick Takes #260: Pretty flowers and fun books

1. Posting late ~ but still Friday! Crazy busy week with a Mother's Day Tea, observing the Ascension and preparing for an out-of-town guest.
2. Trees are blossoming and happily turning our front lawn pink. This is our third spring in this house and the first time I remember the tree dropping its blossoms in such a quick and pretty way.
3. Several book shout-outs to share; if you haven't read Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day and are looking for a fun fast read ~ this is a great option.  Currently reading and loving Jennifer Fulwiler's latest One Beautiful Dream.
4. As Lisbeth becomes a tween it has become harder to encourage her without her discounting the compliment so I got her this shirt in the hope she would better understand how I see her. She Loves It!! #small victories 
5. So excited to start Ponder this weekend. Praying the Rosary is something I've wanted to make a more frequent occurrence. Am hoping this is the just the encouragement I need.  Anyone else starting the study this weekend?
6. I opted not to get the Ponder for Kids as it seemed aimed at an older age than Caitlin and Lisbeth has a couple of big school projects she is in the middle of. That being said the school had a lovely Mary Crowning earlier this week and lot of good discussions about Our Holy Mother happening.  
7. Happy Mother's Day!! 

 Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's!

Open Book: May'18

Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer  Tells the story of Serena who knows that her father's estate is going to her cousin (closest male heir), what she does not know is that her father left her former fiancee in charge of her inheritance.  Both she and her dowager decide that a vacation in Bath is called for. What follows is a fun comedy of manners where everyone initially falls in love with the wrong person. This proved to be a fun return to fiction after my Lenten Fast!

Spiritual Canticle of the Soul by St John of the Cross was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The book starts with a Canticle written by St John of the Cross inspired by the Song of Songs telling the story of the soul's (the bride) search for God (the bridegroom); the rest of the book is his explanation of the Canticle stanza by stanza. I found the Canticle of the Soul lovely and an interesting New Testament take on Solomon's Song of Songs; however the explanations were a bit ponderous. The language is very accessible for having been written in 16th century but also very repetitive.

Please head over to Carolyn's for more Open Book.

Quick Takes #259: Spring flowers and toothaches

1. Locally we had a good week; trees are starting to blossom and the kids were out after dinner last night skateboarding and roller skating. And the first lawn mowing of the year is in the books.
2. Am recovering today from getting a filling. According to my dentist it is a good news ~ bad news situation; the good news is that the nerve looks healthy; bad news she knows this because she could see the nerve. Prayers appreciated that the nerve stays healthy and I can avoid a root canal.
3. Looks like my Boy prediction for the Duchess of Cambridge held; and I think the name is a nice mix of traditional and non-traditional.
4. I find the Duchess to be such a wonderful example of truth in pregnancy; when she is sick she doesn't hide it and therefore shining an important light on Hyperemesis Gravidarum.  Conversely she shows how very normal and straightforward birth can be. For many years I worked at a Birth Center where barring complications mom & baby were discharged at 12 hours post-delivery and most left at 6-8 hours postpartum.  Though full disclosure most were not wearing heels; full props to her for that!
5. Lost another touchpoint from my youth, though before this week I would not have known his name. Like many in my generation I grew up singing the songs of Schoolhouse Rock and am now introducing my kids to them.  Thank you Bob Dorough! 
6. Lucky find of the week; Snowdrift! Georgette Heyer is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I have some long books coming up in my TBR which I am excited about, but am also thinking an occasional short story may be just what is needed.
7. Have a good weekend and please head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's.

Daybook Late April '18

    
Excited For: Spring to settle in; for open windows and being outside.  It stayed cold throughout March and into April so everything is blooming a bit late. Daffodils are about done but the lily of the valley are still small green sprouts and neither the plum or dogwood in my yard have bloomed yet.
   
Wearing: Windbreakers and on occasion short sleeves.  Rain boots and on occasion flip-flops.  Winter coats are not yet put away but I'm thinking soon.  
   
Planting:
   Heather and phlox! Recently bought a forsythia and have to decide where to plant as my first idea is not going to work.  Have in the past planted tomatoes and basil; and am thinking about
 what else we might plant this summer.

Reading: The Canticle of the Soul by St John of the Cross which I am finding edifying if a bit ponderous. Next up in the queue Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

Watching:  Timeless, Blindspot, Good Bones, Call the Midwife and for a bit of late night fun Hogan's Heros.

Elisabeth is meeting the challenges of the increase workload 4th grade brings with her usual intensity but actually is doing really well. She continues to have an amazing imagination and a real knack at making things come to life through legos or in Minecraft.  Art and Math are her favorite school subjects. 

Liam after a few minor bumps has settled well into the 1st grade; consonant blends are bit of a struggle with his hearing loss but with the help of a reading specialist Liam is becoming more and more of an independent reader; favorite series being Elephant and Piggie.  Pokemon and all things ninja are still tops in his world.  Always a great eater; he is currently with the help of his sisters eating through a big box of Lucky Charms every week!


Caitlin is loving Pre-K and doing really well; making friends and writing her letters.  She loves being read to; and I'm so excited to watch over the next year as she begins to learn to read herself.  Wonderful imagination; she loves role playing games like restaurant, school, and farm.  She still loves to watch Max & Ruby and Shimmer & Shine.