It is early morning and I start another day. Tilly has an amazing internal alarm clock that insists on no more sleeping past 5:30am. Sometimes, it’s 5:33am. I would love to be one of those people that wakes up pleasantly, stretches and thanks the Lord for a new day. I am not. I would like … More Beautifully Mundane
Vacationing without vacationing seems to be our rallying cry this summer. Keeping things local, daytrips, and ‘cheap entertainment’. Like so many of you, COVID has left its mark on many. We continue to be grateful, however. For health and the health of our extended family as well. And, of course, for Tilly and all of … More Tilly’s First Tide
I miss Castle. I realize this isn’t something I need to hide (anymore.) But you have to understand, I started this secret habit back before it was cool. I was a full-fledged adult with full-fledged middle school and high school children when Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants first came out. I hid in my bedroom and … More GHOST by Jason Reynolds
I remember it clearly. I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Adams’ class at Alton Elementary School and I was up next to give a talk about myself: WHO I AM. I collected the usual data about where I was born and what my birthday was, etc. I don’t remember being overly nervous about standing up … More THE NAME JAR by Yangsook Choi
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
I’m really excited about this book. Honestly, Watergate was *around* when I was a kid, but I was too young to understand it. I just knew adults were talking about it – when it happened and years afterwards. ⠀ Jill Wine-Banks was an assistant prosecutor during the Watergate hearings. Her house was burgled, her phones … More THE WATERGATE GIRL by Jill Wine-Banks
Last year, Scott made us a trashcan box since our kitchen trash has to sit out in the open. We have put it through the workouts since then and it’s held up fabulously. Sooooo (…of course…) I wanted more! I wanted something similar to the trashcan for our laundry hamper. (By the way, I don’t … More Build Me a Valentine (or three!)
I am so very honored to have reviewed Diane Keaton’s new book, Brother and Sister. Thank you, Alfred A. Knopf for this gifted book.⠀ We know her as spunky, eccentric, quirky and free-spirited. We love her fashion sense and decorating expertise and admire her longevity in film.⠀ Her newest book, BROTHER AND SISTER, gives a … More BROTHER AND SISTER by Diane Keaton
UH-OH!! I think I’ve made a terrible mistake. I just finished reading Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison and it might be the best book I read in 2020 – and it’s only January 13! ⠀ This book was storytelling at its lyrical best. WHISKEY was a gripping read – Midwestern true grit with … More WHISKEY WHEN WE’RE DRY by John Larison
Now that Christmas is over and all the gifts have been given, I wanted to share with you some albums I passed out as gifts this year. In May my extended family visited us in California. (Everyone except my daughter who was in the busiest time at work and couldn’t get off.) Scott and I … More Artifact Uprising
I was in a bad temper and talking ill of folk and she turns around to me and says ‘Thou doesn’t like this one and thou doesn’t like that one. How does thou like thyself?’ Next year, I am determined to read more classics. When I find myself thinking, ‘Have I read this already? … More THE SECRET GARDEN by Frances Hodgson Burnett
