Listening:
I’ve discovered two new podcasts that have been helping me with Instagram and writing. Hashtag Authentic has been a fascinating look at how to be strategic as a creative on Instagram and is hosted by the delightful Sara Tasker. I’ve enjoyed her guests too, like Philippa Stanton, who I’ve followed for some time. Check out her gorgeous feed!
The second show is the Ann Kroeker Writing Coach podcast. First, I love the format. The podcasts run 5-7 minutes but are jam packed with encouragement and information. It’s a real boost to my writing life.
Watching:
Josh and I are loving Hinterland. First of all, it’s set in beautiful and rugged Wales. Since one side of Josh’s family are originally from the Welsh motherland he has always wanted to visit. The episodes are long–movie length, so it’s nice on a Friday night. The pace is a slow build. Lots of time to develop characters and Richard Harrington (also of Poldark and Lark Rise to Candleford) is excellent.
We’re watching A Series of Unfortunate Events on Netflix as a family. I never read the books, but my youngest sister loved them. It’s a bit scary at times for the kids but so smart, witty, darkly funny, and packed with wonderful actors.
Reading:
I’m slogging my way through The Nightingale. Yes, shoving my way through. All my friends give it a good many stars on Goodreads and it was recommended and loved by so many who have the same taste in literature as I do, but I’m just forcing my way through it. Sorry to those of you who loved it. I hope the payoff is worth it. Once I’m done I’ll post a review on Goodreads.
The kids and I are reading Listening for Lions which we are LOVING. Also listening to Nim’s Island on audio, which is just as fun and delightful as the movie.
Eating:
I’ve been getting lots of menu-planning inspiration from Megan’s blog lately. She does a Menu Monday series I never miss. Our most recent win was Garlic Butter Pasta with Herbed Pork Bolognese. Just go make it. OHMYGOODNESS! It was incredible! The noodles creamy, the meat and sauce flavorful, the kale crispy and salty on top. We will be making it again and again! It felt like I was eating in a restaurant.
What have you been loving?
Amy
Oh, I’m surprised and sorry you aren’t enjoying The Nightingale! I’m finally getting into one of Louise Penny’s Gamache novels. Been hearing everyone talk about them for years and have never gotten around to starting the series. Enjoying it so far – only about a quarter of the way into the first one. Will have to look into Listening for Lions. Our current read-aloud is The Pushcart War, which the boys are loving. It’s an oldie that I remember reading for Language Arts class in 5th grade ๐
TV wise we’re watching This is Us…still catching up on the first season. Steve really doesn’t love it but I am hooked. He is humoring me ๐ We need to find a good series to watch after baby is born. We discovered last time that the middle-of-the-night awake time was much less brutal if we had a good movie to watch while we were up! So we might have to get a Netflix subscription for the first month or two. Seems like we watched a lot of movies during that newborn stage.
Danielle Jones
I’m surprised I’m not enjoying The Nightingale too, but I think I know why. I’ll share when I’m done.
I hope you like Gamache. I think it takes a few books to REALLY get into them. THere’s an overarching story of inside corruption that takes a while to get going.
If you get Netflix let me know and I’ll recommend shows to you. We watch shows more than movies now. They are shorter and easier to get in. Especially when nursing.
I think you’d like Listening for Lions. My boys are loving it!