Monday Ponderings โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ

Sautรฉ zucchini with browned and drained sausage! Add s&p and red pepper flakes to taste! So good! ๐Ÿ˜‹

Good Monday morning to you all! Getting a late start! Iโ€™m on a little accidental reading/planning retreat and Iโ€™m not complaining. ๐Ÿ˜…โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ I was thinking about all the unread books I own! ๐Ÿ˜ซ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿคฃ A small project Iโ€™d like to start which works well with my 50×50 list is to start reading my owned books. I get a lot from the public library or Little Free Libraries, but would like to prioritize books I own. I also reread favorites quite a bit. I was shocked that in my bedroom alone, I had over 100 books I havenโ€™t read! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ™ƒ I had even more that I have read and want to reread. ๐Ÿ˜ฑSo in full disclosure, I made myself write out the unread ones in my room. Eeep!

Letโ€™s not even talk about my Kindle. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Those donโ€™t bother me as much, but Iโ€™d like to be conscious about not just getting ebooks because they are cheap or free.

This project is for fun and also a little challenge to myself as Iโ€™ve been thinking a-lot about how I can use my time and energy enjoying what I already have or creating meals or art instead of chasing something โ€˜out thereโ€™. Does this mean I will quit book buying/borrowing? No! I so enjoy browsing and discovering treasures. Iโ€™ve already seen myself naturally start to slow book buying over the years because of our home library being so rich. What a blessing to be able to draw from our shelves life giving words. I want to be able to choose myself how my time is used and be led by the Holy Spirit instead of social media or โ€˜expertsโ€™. This applies to many areas of my life, but this is one small area I can slowly make concrete changes. I can give myself โ€˜things to look forward toโ€™ in nature experiences with my kids, photography, shopping our own home shelves, being creative with meals, rearranging and freshening what we have! Putting those puzzles together, using up those craft supplies, the list goes on and on! Itโ€™s actually kind of exciting.

โ™ฅ๏ธ Any thoughts?

Little Pockets โœจ

Slowly catching my breath โ€ข little pockets of goodness โ€ข catching up with things and people needing attention โ€ข trying to press into the Lordโ€™s peace~ โœจ๐ŸŒฟโ˜•๏ธโ™ฅ๏ธ

Monday Ponderings โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟโœจ Baggins โ€œcoreโ€ (with a Side of Tookishness) Refresh Week

Hello, Friends! ๐Ÿ˜โ™ฅ๏ธโœจ๐ŸŒฟ We are on the other side of my daughterโ€™s wedding! It was a lovely day. ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฒโ™ฅ๏ธ I thought Iโ€™d do a cozy refresh this week before I dive full force into to my autumn planning for all my homeschool and other responsibilities. The house needs some deeper cleaning and organizing, but mostly, my younger children and I need some summer cozy and fun. Iโ€™d like to bring you along and share little bits here and there. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿฅฐโ˜บ๏ธ What are you up to this week?

๐Ÿฅฐ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ˜โœจโ™ฅ๏ธ

The Simple Womanโ€™s Daybook โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟโœจ

I used to participate in this blog link up on my old blog YEARS ago! I donโ€™t think itโ€™s done officially anymore, but loved reading them, so unofficially joining here. My Wednesday Wonders post is inspired by this original one! Thank you to the original creator wherever you are! โ™ฅ๏ธโœจ

FOR TODAY~
~Outside my windowโ€ฆ itโ€™s gorgeous! Less humidity, sunny and smells so summery!


~I am thinkingโ€ฆabout the wedding in a few days! Iโ€™m thinking about time flyingโ€ฆ๐Ÿ˜ญโ™ฅ๏ธ


I am thankful forโ€ฆso many things! Today though, for my hubby who works so hard. He puts up with my crazy moods. ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿคฃโ˜ ๏ธ


From the kitchenโ€ฆnot much! Itโ€™s been so hot and busy, my cooking is uninspired currently. Brats, hotdogs and watermelon a lot these days. My aunt made delicious food during our visit and I helped by adding fruits and veggies. ๐Ÿคฃ


I am creatingโ€ฆjust been working on my reading journal a tiny bit. Looking forward to after the wedding to do some writing and penpal-ing.


I am goingโ€ฆnowhere really. ๐Ÿ˜† My hubby and I may sneak out for a quick date tomorrow? Maybe get some BBQ and a salad?


I am wearingโ€ฆ blue jeans, black & white patterned button down short sleeve shirt, brown slide sandals, antique-looking cream teardrop stud earrings.


I am readingโ€ฆa million and one things, but primarily, Sense & Sensibility.


I am hopingโ€ฆthat the wrinkles disappear from these wedding outfits Iโ€™m attempting to steam. ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ™ƒ๐Ÿค“


I am hearingโ€ฆA/C gurgling and blowing.


Around the houseโ€ฆitโ€™s quiet! Children are either working, getting nails done, on a picnic, etc! Hubby working. Itโ€™s actually strangely quiet.


One of my favorite thingsโ€ฆTWO fat penpal letters in the post today!!! ๐Ÿ˜โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟโœจ


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Weekโ€ฆsteaming clothing, writing 3 minute speech, decorating, and getting myself plus two boys ready for wedding! ๐Ÿ’’ Cooking in there, too! ๐Ÿ˜


Here is a picture thought I am sharing for youโ€ฆ

Just keep steamingโ€ฆ

Saturday Snaps ๐Ÿ“ธ + a Quote for Reflection {Day 98}

Miss Masonโ€™s definition of an educated child both charms and challenges: โ€œA child who possesses a sound and fairly wide knowledge of a number of subjects, all of which serve to interest him; such a child studies with delight.โ€

~ from Jack Beckman essay in When Children Love to Learn

Soaking up the sun ๐ŸŒž on these cooler days! ONE WEEK UNTIL WEDDING! โ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ˜…๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

First โ€˜26-โ€˜27 Homeschool Year Purchase {Day 97} โœ๏ธโœจโ™ฅ๏ธ

Iโ€™m getting very excited as I begin homeschool planning! ๐Ÿ˜ The past couple of years, Iโ€™ve purchased a School Nest planner/record keeper, but I just never use all the features, even in the Minimalist version. I love the options and beautiful covers, but I just decided to go back to my $10 Walmart Pen & Gear brand! I love the calendar at a glance and the big daily slots. Thatโ€™s really all I need. These are my โ€˜brainโ€™ and my record book.

Iโ€™m rereading this oldie, but goodie and itโ€™s making me excited and refreshed as I pray about our learning!

Iโ€™m also going back through this little gem!

Are you getting excited about autumn ๐Ÿ‚ or are you still in summer mode? What do you do to prepare? Honestly, we are still in summer mode, but I love homeschooling and stationery and books, so it doesnโ€™t take much for me to fall into this rabbit hole around August! ๐Ÿ˜…I felt a bit sad because I saw the Purple Lead Plant coming up and Sumac turning colors ๐Ÿ˜จ and it made me think of summer ending. I just love the seasonal shifts! โ™ฅ๏ธโœจHappy Friday!

Wednesday Wonders {Day 95} ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿฆ‹

~listening to~ โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ I just barely started a new audiobook called Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck. Itโ€™s a perfect listen on my riding lawnmower. I have wedding programs to work on later so I will probably listen to more! I heard about this free choice in the Audible Plus catalog if you have an Audible account from the lovely Booktuber, Emily

Colorful stack amongst my deck flowers! ๐Ÿ’ ๐Ÿ˜โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ Trying a few and continuing others!

~watching~โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ I really want to try the 1995 โ€˜Little Princessโ€™ movie! ๐ŸŽฅ Iโ€™ve only seen the Shirley Temple version. It just came in from the library so hopefully my kids and I can watch it soon. Iโ€™m loosely participating in The Hardest Reading Challenge Youโ€™ll Ever Do 3.0๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜‚, so I enjoyed watching the announcement for that, too. Albeit sheโ€™s very opinionated, just FYI. ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ˜…

โ€ขreadingโ€ขโ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ~ my mood is still somewhat ๐Ÿ˜†nonfiction, and I finished up the YRE of Radium Girls (fantastic) and Do Something Beautiful for God (gorgeous!), but I feel a shift to cozy? stories. I did read one of the Great Mouse Detective stories on my deck the other night. Our weather went from boiling and smokey to gorgeous and cool! ๐Ÿ˜ Iโ€™m most interested in finishing up my reread of Sense & Sensibility and continuing Jane Austenโ€™s Bookshelf. Iโ€™m currently very intrigued by Artifact by Gigi Pandian (so far some language) and starting The Pink Motel by Carol Ryrie Brink! The truth is I have SO many good sounding books on my physical and kindle stacks. ๐Ÿ™ƒ๐Ÿ˜โ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ“š Iโ€™ve been ordering picture books from library because most of ours are packed away. Itโ€™s been fun to curl on my bed and read these with my youngest three. I find this gals recommendations are overall GREAT!

~noticing~โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ the details for my daughterโ€™s wedding are slowly coming together! Itโ€™s getting close! ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ˜ Iโ€™m struggling staying with some of my rhythms and habits that are helpful, so trying to ease back into them for my sanity. However, trying not to guilt trip myself either. Iโ€™m finally feeling the school planning shift. Making some lists and poking around on websites. Love looking at book recommendations! Where do you look most for homeschool inspiration? โ™ฅ๏ธ

Well, thatโ€™s all, folks! ๐Ÿ˜…โ™ฅ๏ธBless you! โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ“šโ˜•๏ธโœจ๐Ÿฅฐ

Top Ten Books That Live in My Head Rent Free {Classic Edition} ๐Ÿ“šโœจ~ {Day 94}

Joining here for TTT!
  1. The Holy Bible ~ this is not always an easy book to read and I donโ€™t understand a lot of it, but my spirit connects with it. Itโ€™s foundational to my life and faith. My favorite books are Psalms and John.โ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐ŸŒฟ
  2. The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry ~ this collection of Berryโ€™s poetry speaks to me deeply. It makes me consider time and future generations in a huge way. It makes me think of now. It makes me consider life outside of self. Our lives have meaning for a greater purpose!
  3. Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery ~ my handle online is Amy of Hearth Ridge directly inspired by this book. Thereโ€™s something to be said for hoping to be useful and a blessing to someone else in your life. How living a selfless life actually is fulfilling. Beautiful story of a daughter and fatherโ€™s restored relationship bringing healing to those around them.That home keeping can be art.
  4. Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell ~ I canโ€™t begin to tell you how much I love the characters and journeys they go through! The father-daughter, mother-daughter, father-son, and marriage relationship studies in this Victorian novel are fantastic. This is a beautiful story!
  5. Persuasion by Jane Austen ~ a lovely story of redemption and finally being able to have a voice. How one can live kindly and generously in the wake of S.S. Selfish People. ๐Ÿšข
  6. Home Education by Charlotte Mason ~ late 1800โ€™s to early 1900โ€™s British revolutionary educational philosophy. This is so very Christ-centric and focused on the personhood of children and mothers. A beautiful life-giving read.
  7. Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher ~ a lovely story of how a child can blossom under loving and listening caregivers.
  8. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury ~ a father and son meeting evil together face on! Underlying themes of temptation, fear, and growing older! Iโ€™m due for a reread!
  9. Christy by Catherine Marshall ~ beautiful story of a young teacherโ€™s growth and learning in a rural Appalachian school. Gorgeous lessons for her as the very people she came to โ€˜helpโ€™ grow her so much in return. Wonderful female friendships embodied!
  10. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder ~ the sheer bravery and strength of the early pioneers is astounding, convicting, and so inspiring! I often reevaluate my complaints after rereading this one. ๐Ÿ˜จโ™ฅ๏ธ

I could have put Elizabeth Goudge on this list, Gladys Taber, Susan Branch, and many more poets! How about you? Which books do you think of over and over? โ™ฅ๏ธโœจ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ“š

Public Library Stack ๐Ÿ“š{Day 92}

Ummmmโ€ฆ. ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜† I didnโ€™t realize that I had so many books checked out from library! Some are for me to preview for our upcoming school year. What should I try first? Iโ€™ve started a few. Iโ€™m liking the Yellow Rose Bride and very intrigued by Turn Right at Machu Pichu. If itโ€™s good, I may have my 17 yo read it this coming school year. I have an Elizabeth Mann picture book about Machu Pichu, too! ๐Ÿ˜

What are you reading today? ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

Non~fiction Mood {Day 88}

Hi friends ~ Iโ€™ve been reading a lot of fluff (and enjoying it!) this year, probably due to our life circumstances ๐Ÿคช, but a nonfiction switch has been flipped in my mood-reader brain, and so I hope to share about my favorites slowly. Iโ€™m still reading fiction, of course ๐Ÿ˜†, but I finally picked up this one which has been on my radar for long time!

The Radium Girls – I decided to read the Young Readers Edition to preview it for our homeschool. So far, itโ€™s been super engaging and disturbing! ๐Ÿ˜ณ Did you know about this part of history?

Another super disturbing and eye-opening book that my friend recommended is this one!

The Opt-Out Family ~ I canโ€™t stop thinking about this one and Iโ€™m currently deeply evaluating ๐Ÿค” how I live with and my example to my children in using technology, specifically social media and video games. ๐Ÿ™ƒ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฉ๐Ÿ˜– Still not sure on everything, but prayerfully considering it all. I keep using Covid as an excuse for the level of media we use and I recently realized that, duh, we are going on that being like 6 1/2 years ago. ๐Ÿ˜จโ˜ ๏ธ

Do Something Beautiful for God ~ Iโ€™m a Protestant, but I value and appreciate so many of the great Catholic writers. Iโ€™ve been so pleasantly surprised by this book of daily quotes from Mother Teresa. I started it in the middle of the year last year and it has blessed and spoken to me time and time again.

How about you? Any nonfiction hitting you hard? Whatโ€™s on your stack? โ™ฅ๏ธโœจ

This Old World of Ours {Day 86} ๐ŸŒฟโ™ฅ๏ธ

The Holy Spirit has descended on this old world of ours, and thereโ€™s a Psalm 29 powwow in Elmo (Montana) every day of the year: a grace-revealing gesture, a fresh snowfall, a friendโ€™s forgiveness, the first migrating yellow warbler, a miracle conversion, a truth-telling poem, a pasqueflower in bloom, the good death of a parent, resurrection – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-all the endless permutations of life. The beauty of holiness. And we have ringside seats. Henry James once said that a writer is a person on whom nothing is ever lost. That sounds like a focused Christian identity to me: the men and women on whom nothing, at least nothing that has to do with life-and virtually everything does-is lost. โ€œWorship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.โ€

Amen.

~Eugene H. Peterson, As Kingfishers Catch Fire , note mine in parenthesis

Quote for Refection {Day 84}

I am not going to write this month of the influence others have over us. What I wish to prove is, that if even indifferent people can influence us so much, you must have equal influence over the people you are with. We had better face the fact that we must needs influence other peopleโ€™s tempers, feelings, opinions, actions. Let us consider how. Let us go through the world in a happy making temperโ€”there is nothing so infectious as a smile, unless it be a frown. Our children are dull and tired, our friends are cross, and our work is tryingโ€”donโ€™t let us take these things as grievances, overwork and overworry is the cause. We begin to be sorry instead of cross, and one cordial kindly glance or word dispels the cloud.

โ€œA merry heart goes all the way,
A sad one goes a mile, O.โ€

And the merry heart never goes alone, but carries a cheerful company along with it. May God keep our hearts sweet and merry for othersโ€™ sake as much as of our own.

~Emeline Steinthal

โ€˜Influenceโ€™ Essay from PNEU ~ I invite you to read this whole essay and discuss here! Do you agree or disagree? โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŒพ Thinking and praying a lot about my heart attitude going into this next coming school year. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป