Happy Monday, friends. Thought I would do a late-ish mid-year check in of sorts. It’s always helpful for me to reflect on a few areas in my life periodically. This is a part 1, probably…stay tuned for more. 🍄
Reading…💜
Best book(s), so far:
-Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (our perspective in life/living a life of gratitude)
– So Big by Edna Ferber (day of small things/ our perspective in life)
– Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell (gorgeous & lush/disturbing & sobering)
– A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz (sweet & atmospheric/ Persuasion-like)
– Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (convicting character under microscope- reread)
Fanny spoke her feelings. ‘Here’s harmony! said she, ‘Here’s repose! Here’s what may leave all painting and all music behind, and what poetry only can attempt to describe. Here’s what may tranquilllise every care, and lift every heart to rapture! When I look out on such a night as this, I feel as if there could be neither wickedness nor sorrow in the world; and there certainly would be less of both if the sublimity of Nature were more attended to, and people were carried more out of themselves by contemplating such a scene.’
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Best Sequel(s), so far:
– Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder (family survival at its finest- Pa Ingalls shines)
–Henrietta’s House by Elizabeth Goudge (not quite finished, but completely charming story featuring characters from A City of Bells)
– Books 4-9 in White House Chef Mysteries (very unique setting and amateur sleuth)
– reread of The Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audiobook was fantastic- I love young Harry, Ron, and Hermione)
Anticipated New Release I’m Excited About:
Laura Frantz – A Fierce Devotion (Historical Fiction)
Joanna Ruth Meyer – While Darkness Remains (Fantasy)
Emily Hayse – The Dogs of War (Science Fiction)
New-to-Me Authors I want to Read More From:
Edna Ferber (Modern American classics), Brittany Fichter (Fantasy, Fairy-Tale retellings) and Chris Wooding (Fantasy)
A few reading goals beginning in August will be reading from my shelves/piles/Kindle hoard here. Less public library! I want to focus on finishing my mother schooling choices that I’ve been reading this summer.
How about you? How has your reading been so far…I’ll chat more soon on reading. My favorite hobby!
Beauty Chasing…
-walks down our nearby gravel lane
– collaging & writing for small, independent letter/zine
– keeping up regularly on my journals
– planning a state park visit/picnic, late family cherry 🍒 picking trip, bonfires, and thinking on thoughtful Christmas gift plans
-container gardening
What have you loved reading and chasing so far this year? 🩷🌸🪴
A.M. Pine - Hearth Ridge Reflections 
Tell me more about “Mother Schooling”. I’ve been doing a “DIY summer homeschool conference”. Instead of attending local conferences or traveling to conferences I’ve decided to read books instead. So far, “Holly Hygge” by Jaime Erickson, “Teaching from Rest” by Sarah Mackenzie, and “The Brave Learner” by Julie Bogart.
I’ve got a dahlia plant on my front porch that’s survived since May! I don’t have much of a green thumb so small wins are pretty exciting! 😁
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Yep. It’s exactly the same (reading a few books), plus I’m doing a few other things too like listening to classical music, “trying” to memorize Matthew 5 & 6, and looking at the art of Erin Hanson!
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How do you print your book covers for your scrapbook/notebook? So cute!Shann
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Just copy image onto a word document and print with color printer! 😄♥️I make out of paper the ones that open so I can write more for favs!
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Beauty chasing has been a fight for me as we are in our “winter” (rainy season). Though my mind has gotten used to most of the weather differences from my native Michigan, having it be dark and dreary through July and August is still really hard for me! I’m working at it though, tiny step by tiny step. I’ve picked up Anne again. It’s been quite a while since I’ve read through the series, but now I’m reading it with the eyes of an older mother — trying to pay close attention to Marilla, Miss Stacy, older Anne. My mother-learning right now looks like rereading lots of books I love that have the best mothers and mother-figures. I’m reading Little Women with my 3rd born right now. Gleaning from Marmee. We also just restarted the Little House on the Prairie series together at lunch, and I’m paying much attention to Ma Ingalls. I’m also reading You Are a Tree by Joy Clarkson for the first time. It took me several tries to get past the intro, but I’m glad I finally dove in. Lots of food for thought!
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What a great idea to chase down mothers in good literature! I may tuck that away for a future project! We’ve been going through Little House, too, so inspiring! ♥️I’m sorry the darkness/gloom is hovering, Patty! I get that in my own way. Lord Jesus, send out your light and truth to encourage Patty! Inspire her and fill her with a fresh sense of your love for her! ♥️ Thanks for chatting with me!
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Also good to know about persevering in You Are a Tree! I’ve struggled getting into it!! ♥️
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As I recently reread Mansfield Park, I wished Fanny had gotten more opportunities to express her thoughts! She was too often forced to just listen to others, overlooked and unappreciated. Nice that you gave space to her here at least. 🙂
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