My children were on February break this week and we tried to make the most of it: we went out for lunch, tried candle-making, joined a virtual chocolate tasting, took walks in the sun before the snowstorm came and watched a few movies, too. I’ve got two books to share, some fun chocolate facts and an update on my 5-year journal. 

What I'm Reading:

You’d think that I would have read more over the break, but that was not the case. My typical routines were shifted, which meant my reading routines were shifted, too. So, I have two books to share: one new middle grade novel and a lovely picture book. 

Anybody Here Since Frenchie? By Leslie Connor

This book truly embodies the power of reading to experience life in someone else’s shoes and gain a new perspective impossible to find without it. Connor introduces us to unlikely best friends: Aurora and Frenchie. Aurora is energetic, loud and full of life while Frenchie is quiet, contemplative and non-verbal. Bound together by their love of nature, but newly separated into different sixth grade classrooms, Aurora and Frenchie learn to find new rhythms and routines. But when Frenchie goes missing, Aurora’s life is turned upside down as she works to find Frenchie and use her big personality to find her friend. Told in alternating chapters, Connors not only introduces us to Aurora and Frenchie, but shows us how connected we all really are to those around us, connections that should be celebrated and appreciated.

Thankful by Elaine Vickers

This beautifully illustrated book is a visual treasure. A little girl and her family celebrate all the good in their world and list what they are thankful for on colorful paper chains. The pages are illustrated through 3-dimensional diorama-like images, literally bringing the book to life in a child-like way. Readers are immersed in the pages and cannot help but celebrate the good in their lives, too. This must be on a bookshelf in every home.

What I'm Writing:

This week, I’ve focused attention on my fairly-new 5-year journal. I shared a blog post on what a 5-year journal is, how they work and why it’s never too late to start one. I’ve got my journal sitting on my kitchen counter with my box of fine-tip colorful markers as a reminder to write in it. I’ve been at it for more than a month now and I’m really excited to see the mindset shift it sparks. I’m now looking for small moments throughout my day to capture in the notebook, celebrating the little things. 

Now, I’m pondering a new 5-year journal idea, too. Amy, a fellow Get Lit(erate) community member, shared how she uses her 5-year journal: She started a journal to write down one memory or highlight of her day with her husband and plans on giving it to him as a gift at the end of the year. I was only thinking of the personal satisfaction I’d get scrolling through my eventual years of memories, but what a gift this would be for someone you love!

What I'm Learning:

Did you know that there’s such a thing as bird-friendly chocolate? Or that some of the big name chocolate companies source their chocolate in countries where child labor and slavery still exist? Two very different facts, but both new to me. And how do I know this? Well, I hosted a virtual chocolate tasting for my Get Lit(erate) community with Sharol Embry of Cocoa Case. IT WAS FANTASTIC. Not only did we taste some pretty amazing chocolate, but we learned so much about the chocolate making process, from where and how it’s sourced to what makes the chocolate smooth, rich and even fruity. 

I was so intrigued by what I learned and I spent some time digging deeper. If you don’t know about bird-friendly chocolate or the child labor happening RIGHT NOW that fuels some of our nation’s best-known chocolate companies, you might click the links below:

I’ve completely shifted my chocolate mindset and will only be buying from a few select single-origin companies now. When we know better, we can do better. 

What I'm Loving:

This probably would have been me. My father is a die-hard Rams fan, so it’s pretty fitting, too!  

I found a new YouTube channel to support my journaling addiction: My Abiding Journal

I love finding books off the beaten trail. Book Riot offered a collection of the best books you’ve never heard of and they are right. Every single one of these books is new to my. Now, to decide which one to add to my TBR.

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?