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Thursday, December 24, 2015

first Christmas without mom

Honestly, during the last few years of my mom's life, there were times I didn't even see her on Christmas.  Mostly we were together, thankfully.  Usually on Christmas Eve.  That's when we celebrated.  Christmas Day was always more laid back.  Eat leftovers, and play with your toys, or veg out in front of the tv.
This is my first Christmas Eve without my mom.  How strange not to see her in her apartment, her little tree decorated and placed on the tv.  Her Christmas cards tucked between the wood and glass on the china cabinet.  A wreath on the outside of the door.  Other little items tucked here and there.
She would do most of the decorating herself, moving around in the wheelchair.
She would think this weather is strange.  "It's a little spooky." I can almost hear her saying.  Today it was 70 degrees.
Me and her, we always had a thing about the snow.  More than often the first snow would come when we were together.  My mom would say, in a singing voice, "It's snooowing!"  If we weren't together, we'd call each other, and say the same.
She is sure in my heart this Christmas Eve.  As is my dad.
I had such cherished moments with them.

Book Review: Whatever is Lovely

Whatever is Lovely is an adult coloring book for reflection and worship.

I am not a particularly religious person, but I do appreciate the sentiments contained within this book.

Several artists contributed to this book, so the drawings are nicely varied.  They are very pretty, and inviting.  I know I will enjoy playing with this coloring book.

The drawings are on the right side of book.  On the left side are passages from the bible, and spirited poetry.  You can choose to pick up the book and start coloring, or just sit and read the inspiring passages.

I look forward to getting new coloring pencils and pens so I can fully enjoy this book.  I'm sure it will be rewarding for many days to come.

update: here are a couple of colorings so far  (click on any pic to enlarge)





For further information, visit these links:

 I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Book review: Life-Changing Magic, a journal


Well, the author of this book chose an intriguing title, but failed to follow up with intriguing content.

This is a small book, designed not like a journal, but like a diary, as it goes from January 1st to December 31st.  There is "space" in which to write, for 3 years.  It allows you a measly five lines of writing space... all three years squeezed into one page.   Diaries utilize daily, dated entries.  Journals should be more free-wheeling.

There are mostly uninspiring quotes every two weeks or so.  Cliched at best.  Some examples:
Only you can know what kind of environment makes you feel happy.

Things that are cherished shine.

Being surrounded by things that spark joy makes you happy.

Apparently, the author, Marie Kondo, has also written a best-selling book, called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.  If this journal is supposed to be a companion book of some sort, I fail to see the relation. 

 If you enjoy journaling, do yourself a favor and go buy a nice blank book in which to write.  Not only will you save some money, but you'll also have some room to write.

Nothing life-changing here!

If you want more information, see:
 I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

book review: every little thing




Every Little Thing, by Payton Cosell Turner, is a "flat vernacular coloring book", whatever that means!
The cover comes off to reveal a page that you can also color.  This is good, because the cover doesn't even fit the book properly, but sort of buckles it.
It's filled with all sorts of drawing, birds, animals, butterflies, bears, leaves, squirrels, etc.  Each page is just a repetitive drawing... over and over again.  If you're going to color one butterfly, you're going to have to color 20 of them on the same page.
It's pretty boring, and not at all inviting.  These are definitely not any of my favorite little things!

For further info, see:
 I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Happy Birthday, Logan!

Logan will be 6 on December 9th.  He is growing up to be quite a guy!  He's so sweet and caring in all he does.  He's excelling in all his subjects at school, and he does well athletically.
Last night we had his party at Bounce U.