Discouraged. Frustrated. Lost. Broken. How does a middle-class, middle-aged white woman with a janky back who likes to read and mess with plants, make any kind of difference in the world of equality? Days like yesterday – oh so many days… – leave me confused and aimless when considering how to contribute to the … More Start small.
Pardon me while I become a food blogger… -ha! Those cupcakes I blogged about the other day? Those are for when family is over or you want to impress your friends with foo-foo desserts. But after all the guests are gone and your kids are in bed, these are the cupcakes you make just for … More Basically I’m Ina.
I humbly submit to you that I have just made (and this can’t be stated strongly enough) the best cupcakes the world has ever known. …without rival …underrated brilliance … beyond compare These are the phrases that leapt to mind when I bit into these amazing Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes. Overstated? Impossible. Mere adjectives do not … More Lemon Blueberry Cupcake Perfection
Our neighbor had an intrusive tree removed last year that made a lot of sense for her. Cleared up her backyard nicely. But this spring I’m noticing how MUCH more sun we are getting on our back patio (and we got a lot to begin with.) The hardest adjustment to California from the Midwest has … More Patio, Pups and Projects
I look forward to my Book of the Month selections every month – the excitement never fails. I’m glad they have added a non-fiction section to the selections. I have found a few favorites from that section including one this month, THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE by Erik Larson, about Winston Churchill’s time as Prime … More My May Book of the Month selections
I will admit, it makes me a little nervous to review a book that a) has been popular and critically acclaimed, b) promotes gender equality and c) (most importantly) is about a culture with which I have very little to no connection. So I step into my thoughts very cautiously. A WOMAN IS NO MAN … More A WOMAN IS NO MAN by Etaf Rum
Just like my own kids, I have done a lousy job of recording our newest family member’s life. Meet Tilly. Officially: Matilda Corona Sutherland (April 2) Yes, one of the new Quarantine puppies of the world. We picked her up on April 2 and WOW!, what a whirlwind of a month we’ve had. Whew…puppy parenting … More T I L L Y
It was nice to hang out with Melinda Gates for a few afternoons recently. That’s what it felt like. As if sitting across the table from her, asking her questions about her life – which is my favorite kind of memoir. I listened to this book on audio. I have found that memoirs and autobiographies … More THE MOMENT OF LIFT by Melinda Gates
I am not a jigsaw puzzle doer. Oh sure – I’ve paused at the table a few moments to work out a piece or two when someone else was doing one nearby, but I know my patience level and I know it doesn’t have the endurance for a tedious project like puzzle hobbying. But quarantine … More These Are Puzzling Times…
A friend on Instagram mentioned this book recently and it seemed to speak to many of my core beliefs. We were created to live within our natural surroundings but as a result of societal advancements, we have walled ourselves away from our native home. REFORESTING FAITH speaks about the importance of trees within the Christian faith. … More REFORESTING FAITH by Matthew Sleeth, MD
When I first purchased this orchid it had two burgeoning buds on the end. When the biggest one began to unfold, it seemed to happen quickly. It’s amazing how such an intricate flower could start as such a simple bud. So I decided to set up a timelapse with my old iphone and see what … More Orchid Magic
