It’s official, summer is here! We’ve signed up for the summer reading program at our library and swimming lessons are in full swing. Time to share some of the things I’m into this month!
Listening:
I’ve been really enjoying the What Should I Read Next podcast. It’s a must for book lovers. If you are looking for your next summer read, listening to this podcast is definitely for you. Anne Bogel does some literary matchmaking on her podcast. She just doesn’t pick her favorite books, but instead matches up titles to her guest’s preferences and literary tastes. So fun!
Also, in the car we’ve been listening to N. D. Wilson’s 100 Cupboards and we are enjoying it too. It just got spooky!
Watching:
I have a confession to make. I’ve fallen for a Hallmark series. Despite the fact that in the past I’ve made fun of Hallmark’s sappy, predictable, and cheesy shows, I’m actually quite taken with When Calls the Heart. It reminds me of Christie meets Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.
It’s about a city girl who goes to coal mining country to teach at a local school. That part reminds me of Christie. But the interactions between the towns people definitely reminds me of Dr. Quinn. It’s an old-fashioned feel-good type of show that I’m okay with my kids watching with me. Despite the sometimes cheesy lines and oh-so-not period hairstyles I really love this show!
I’m also excited Endeavor is back on Masterpiece Mystery! It’s a classically good British murder mystery series.
Reading:
I finished the fifth Inspector Gamache book, The Brutal Telling. Wow. Louise Penny writes engaging crime with such depth. It probes my own thoughts and actions. Although the plot in this book seemed a bit overly intricate, it kept me in suspense right to the end. My favorite quote:
“But there was no hiding from Conscience.
Not in new homes and new cars. In travel. In meditation or frantic activity. In children,in good works.On tiptoes or bended knee. In a big career. Or a small cabin.
It would find you. The past always did.
Which is why, Gamache knew, it was vital to be aware of actions in the present. Because the present became the past, and the past grew. And got up, and followed you.”
If you want come follow me on Goodreads. I now consistently post everything I’m reading on that site. Drop a link to your account in the comments too so I can follow you!
Eating:
It’s blueberry season! I just made this delicious Blueberry Feta Salad and it was a nice twist to what I usually make. I’m also looking forward to trying out this Antipasto Tortellini Salad this weekend!
Now your turn. What are you into right now?
Briana
This week I’m just into staying awake while driving my kids all over the county for various classes they’re taking.Otherwise, my daughter and I have been enjoying a classic–Raggedy Anne stories, a hard back we picked up at our local library sale. I read a story to her several nights a week before she goes to sleep.
Another thing I’ve started for my kids is a spray of lavender essential oil on their pillows before they go to sleep.
Who knows how long this habit will last but for now, it’s been something they ask for each night.
I’ve been listening to Gretchen Rubin’s podcast, Happier, since a college bud of mine recommended it. I most appreciated her insights behind ppl who are notoriously late—which I am! I really want to break this habit and found her comments about why ppl are late to be spot on and some things I had never heard before. I also found her suggestion as far as motivation to be early or at least on time to be something I can get behind. I’m hopeful this will actually produce lasting change in this area of my life.
Lastly, I’ve jumped onto the natural deodorant train once again. I made a limp effort years ago, giving Tom’s brand a try with no success. This time, I did some research and found this spray that seems to be working well for me. http://wholelifestylenutrition.com/natural-solutions/all-natural-deodorant-recipe/
Danielle
I enjoyed Gretchen Rubin’s interview on some podcast (Tsh’s maybe)and her insights to personality were really interesting!