Remembering my Dad through books.

   Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day. In addition to celebrating Dr Daddy I of course was thinking and remembering my Dad. One of the ways I continue to feel connected to him and his memory is through books. My Dad loved to read and shared that love with my brother, sisters and me (as did my mom).  He would reread his favorites over and over; and some of them have become favorites of mine too.

I wrote about Look to the Mountain earlier this year when I reread it for the 'I don't know which time'.  A wonderful book in and of itself about the settling of the White Mountains region of New Hampshire during the 1770's, made more so by memories it invokes of my dad and the mountain he loved to climb.

God is An Englishmen by R.F. Delderfield is a story of the Industrial Revolution in England told from the perspective of Adam Swann who saw the opportunities the railroad could bring to moving goods around and set about making his fortune while at the same time he and his wife built and raised a family.  This is the first of three books; I don't remember if my dad read the whole series, (I've read and enjoyed the first two) but his copy of the first which I now have shows the signs of many reads.

To Serve Them All My Days also by R.F. Delderfield is the story of David Powlett-Jones a young man in his first teaching job at a private school still recovering from service during the First World War.  The story told over nearly two decades as he and the country heals and redefines itself is very moving in a quiet way.

I also remember my dad reading a lot of James Mitchner of whom I've yet to read any; but when I get there I will likely start with Chesapeake as that is a part of the East Coast that holds memories for us and that I wish to know more about its history.

What books hold a special place in your family history and remembrance of those you've loved?

First Day ~ Last Day 2017-18

Another school year has come and gone and while I try and gather my thoughts ~ here is some photographic evidence of how things how changed.

June 15,2018

June 15,2018

June 8, 2018

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.