How was your literate life this week? As always, I’m here in your Inbox to celebrate our literate lives with a sneak peek into my own. Here’s what I’ve been reading, writing, learning and exploring this week:
What I’m Reading:
One of my reading goals for 2020 was to read more adult fiction books in addition to my voluminous reading of children’s literature. And by more, I meant at least one. =) I’m happy to report that I’ve done that and more.
This week, I FINALLY read The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett, a book that has been on TBR list for quite some time. Admittedly, it took me a chapter or two to become deeply invested in the characters, but once I did, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Desiree and Stella, Jude and Kennedy….they were in my mind and heart even when I stepped away from the pages. If you’re looking for a story about finding yourself, about family relationships, then read this book. If you’re looking for a story to learn about the world, to question it and to examine your own place in it, then read this book. I know I’ll carry the lessons learned in my heart for a long time.
Next on my adult-reading list? Since I loved this book so much, I’m heading to Britt Bennett’s earlier novel: The Mothers.
What I’m Writing:
This week was all about gratitude, sparked by the time of the year and a podcast episode and I’ve been bringing my gratitude to the page. Here are some gratitude lists I’ve been creating:
- Things I’m grateful for TODAY….
- People I am grateful for…….
- Objects I am grateful for….
- Experiences I am grateful for….
It really is amazing how far a little gratitude will go. It shifts your whole perspective and has the potential to change the entire course of your day. Go grab a pen!
What I’m Learning:
Well, I am attempting to cook for my family. My husband usually does the cooking in our family (don’t worry, I help by cleaning up!) but the reins have been handed over to me for a while. I’ve dug into the family archives, explored Pinterest for far too long and finally just stepped into the kitchen. Here are a few recipes I’ve tried or that are coming up for next week:
Pasta with Chicken, Artichoke and Olives
Traditional Macaroni and Cheese
Gluten Free Brownies (Oh, these are GOOD!)
And if you have any that you’d like to share (and think a newbie could successfully make them!), send them my way!
What I’m Exploring:
Gretchen Rubin posed a question for her podcast listeners this past week: How will you exorcise 2020? How will you signify the end of a challenging year and look forward to the next? I’ve been thinking how I might get my whole family involved in remembering the good and leaving behind the challenging and I’ve found the solution: flying wish paper!
Flying wish paper is just about the neatest thing I have seen in a long time. After thinking about your hopes and wishes for the year ahead, you write the wish on the paper, light a corner on fire and watch it fly into the air, carrying your wishes with it. I absolutely cannot wait.
There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?
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