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:

Sweet Potato Nachos

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?