I believe in reading a book, appreciating it, moving on. I rarely indulge in more than one book at a time, and yet as of this moment I find myself actively reading 4 good books. How did this happen? After finishing Aria’s curtains, I just didn’t feel like starting a new sewing project…
Of all them, I am most enjoying an oddly titled volume “Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry.” The book is reflective, and it is for mothers, but it’s certainly not about God. I can’t imagine why her publisher agreed to that title! And, if you’re “in a hurry’ you’re not likely to enjoy this “lovely meditation on family life and the importance of slowing down long enough to savor it.” But, lovely it is. I allow myself just 1 or 2 short chapters at a time. It’s real soul-food for the mindful mama. Some of my favorite chapters so far are “Morning”, “Dailiness”, “One-on-One Time”, and “Listening.” This weekend Aria and I had a “date” at the local duck pond. She roller-skating and I walking, relishing the fresh air, pretty sights and special time together. Thank-you, Katrina Kenison, for writing such a wise book and sharing your homelife with us all.
I am also reading “Go Green, Save Green: A Simple Guide to Saving Time, Money, and God’s Green Earth” by Nancy Sleeth. This is a pick from a local mother’s book club and I’ve only just finished the first chapter. Reading ahead does no good with a book club, of course. But that’s no problem since this a book that you DO more than read. The first chapter on “Home” already helped me create a list of new habits and home-improvement projects that will allow us to save money and reduce our environmental impact. While Nancy does write as a Christian, her book would be as useful to someone of another faith. If you’re new to “going green” the book is likely to be overwhelming. Nancy and her husband have a monthly electric bill ranging from $15-$18, so that gives you a sense for how bright GREEN they are. I did notice there was no mention of “family cloth” in lieu of toilet paper. I wonder if that change is in the Sleeth’s future?!? (No, our family does not use “family cloth”, but I do hope to switch us to cloth tissues soon).
And then, last night, I finished the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. I think there are like 9 books? I know, I know! Yes, I read this when I was little. Yes, it is such an old classic. Yes, I am a bit crazy. But, really, it is goooooood! Here’s what I emailed to my friend Laura (whom I’ve convinced to read along with me): “I just had to tell you what a good time I had last night starting the book. I read about 100 pages in a few hours (the pages are small and the reading is easy). The amazing thing is that I had cried and laughed several times only 3-4 chapters in! Ohmigoodness, the book is so good! The writing is so alive, the characters are so real, I can’t believe I’ve had it sitting on my shelf all this time. I think I must have been like 8 when I read the series originally, and I just couldn’t have possibly appreciated it this much! “ There’s another “Anne” book awaiting me on my bookshelf. But, I’m trying to resist…
And among things entirely irresistable is “Cupcakes: Luscious Bakeshop Favorites from Your Home Kitchen” by Shelly Kaldunski. I have decided, you see, that my cupcake-making skills have much to be desired. My birthday cakes inspire “oohs” and “ahhs”, but last time I made cupcakes, I actually threw some away. I checked out 4 cupcake books from my library and this was the easy winner: both usual and exotic recipes, oodles of pictures, and good directions for basic baking and decorating skills. I am making strawberry cupcakes this very night for our Valentines playgroup party tomorrow. Can’t wait to try out some frosting techniques from this book! And, little Liam absolutely can not stop turning the pages, declaring a cupcake for everyone.
And now these 2 books have just arrived from the library – long on request. I’ve been tantalized by the cover of “A Homemade Life” even though I have my doubts that I’ll find a personal account woven with recipes to be very satisfying (I do NOT love to cook. I do love to bake!). And the other “Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs & Parenting” has quite an enticing title… whatever does that look like? Yet the cover does not make me ache to crack it open. I just don’t aspire to live that rustically. But, I bet it’ll be quite good after all.
Do you feel the squeeze? Please wish me sanity in all this reading. I just starting cutting into my next sewing project last night, so now it’s quite the toss up as to what will get done!
.
Our Harvest Party was wonderful – Halloween on our own terms and fun for all! The highlight for the kids was the Halloween Hunt, I’m sure. Nine costumed littles from 2 to 5 criss-crossed throughout our property as they followed picture clues. It started like this:
About half-way through, our youngests were lagging behind from all the running. It was amazing, truly unbelievable, to actually see our two-year-olds tired out! When does that happen? As the kids headed to the last location – the climbing tree – I encouraged my little one to run along for the treasure. Little paper treasure bags were nestled in the tree limbs. Up they went or down they fell, as it were (one little guy figured out he could shake the tree!). So fun!
Inside the bags: an organic lollipop, fruit leather, 2 mini playdoughs, a fruit drink box and a spider ring. Of course, they dived right into the candy. My favorite part was when I told Aria she could go ahead and open her second piece of candy and she shouted “We can eat all of the candy, tonight!” to the other children in absolute joy. Haha, how’s that for conquering the Halloween candy beast!?! How nice as parents to get to say “yes”!
Our Harvest Party concluded with pumpkin carving, followed by apple cider and baked treats around the campfire. What a perfect night! As Aria announced before bed, “I had a great Halloween, Mama!”
