Re-Reading A Classic

I am an absolutely 100% honest person.   Honest to a Fault.  I cannot lie, I cannot fib, I cannot hurt a person - by withholding the truth ... it's just not me.

In my life, I have been dishonest a few times.  And the ones that stick out in my mind are, I have taken some books from the high school, I took Books from Spaulding High.  I graduated almost 11 years ago, and I have stumbled across them recently.

I LOVE to read - LOVE LOVE LOVE it.   I can't express in words, how much I LOVE to read.  And that in itself is a pretty huge feat, because, I LOVE words.  "I am without words, that never happens - Words are my LIFE!"  (Never Been Kissed) I digress.

So in sorting through some boxes, and our spare room, I found some books I haven't read in a while.  Actually, some books I had forgotten I had possession of - some books I had taken.   From High School English Classes.   That's right, not just one class, but a few ... and not just one book either.

Those were "The Crucible", "The Scarlet Letter" and "To Kill A Mockingbird" .. I'm sure I have more, somewhere, I really do love to read, and really do have a HUGE appreciation for literature, and what not - so please don't judge me.  Hahaha.

Recently, I've finished reading all of the books I own, and currently, cannot afford to get a library card (60 dollars a year - which isn't really all that much money, considering how many books a year I devour .. however, as I mentioned in my previous blog, we're buckling our budget belt and that is one thing I have decided to give up, for the good of our family - it's not really that huge of a concession for me, really.  I can read, and re-read a book a thousand times, and love it more with the turning of each page.)  I've decided to re-read "To Kill A Mockingbird" first.   Normally, I can read more than one book at a time, while keeping story lines and characters straight, and what have you - however, with this one, I'm taking my time, and enjoying it a little more.   I'm discovering parts I'd missed when I read it the first time (and each time thereafter till now) I'd read the book.

Next, it will be "The Crucible" and if I can read it without seeing Demi Moore in my head, "The Scarlet Letter".  I love re-reading classics, really, I love re-reading anything - but re-reading classics gives me a new understanding, a new appreciation for literature.  For my English Teachers (well, not Mrs. Long - I don't know how to appreciate that weird woman) ... for my English Classes.

At any rate, that's what I'm up to - I'm re-reading the classics, that I "forgot" to return to English Class, 11 years ago ... or More. 

Little Things ..

 In today's economy, there is a lot to be thankful for.  Every day, it seems, I find something else little to be thankful for.  That's not to say, I don't have a LOT to be thankful for - I do - it's just the little things that jump out at me lately.

Mike and I have had to buckle our budget-belt a little tighter lately, not as much over time for him this past Winter means not as much "cushion" this Spring, and actually, the end of this Winter.  Which makes the "little things" mean that much more.

Waking up, in our own bed, under our own roof, driving to work in our own vehicle, wearing decent (newer even) clothes, being able to donate all our outgrown clothes, and having family, Our Very Own Family, not very far away.

When times of crisis arise, IE Haiti, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the wildfires in California, the ice storm of 08, the Drug Wars in Mexico .. you get the gist .. anyway, when times of crisis arise, it is always beneficial to have your friends, and more importantly, your family close by.   I am lucky enough to have that.  I am thankful that I am lucky enough to have that.

Of course, there are the "big" things too - Mike, Emily, our Dogs - Dexy and Pixie, our Cat - Sera ... I don't think I could ever live without any of those "big" things.  No, scratch that, I know I could never live without those "big" things.

Today, is my favorite day - ever - as are every "today's" that follow.  I Love Today.

And Today, I am thankful, very thankful, for the big things in my life.

(I Mean Come On - Wouldn't You Be?  She's Gorgeous!!)

Chef Girl-r-EmiPants

This weekend was a very busy one for us.  We had dinner with some very great friends Friday night, a play date with some very great friends Saturday afternoon and a birthday party Sunday - right before it started to snow.

To keep Emily from going 'stir crazy' because we didn't have her stuff "at the ready" for outside playing - Daddy decided after dinner to have Emi help him make dessert.   For her, it's not helping unless she can do it all - and do it her way.  I wonder where she gets that from??

In light of all the heartache and anguish around the world, and that of late ... I took some pictures of their fun time, and reflected on just how lucky I am.  I know I'm lucky, and I know I'm blessed ... I also know, I take it for granted every day that I wake up.

There is no love like that of a father and daughter .. and you can tell, just by browsing these few pictures.

Here she goes mixing it up with her very own whisk.
(she got a little cooking set from one of her friends in daycare for Christmas)

Like This Daddy?

I love this face .. it's like she's saying "yeah, and?"

There it is, that smile of accomplishment

Mmmm The Best Part

My Life, summed up in a few silly pictures <3

I have my doubts ...

I like to think I'm a good person.
I like to think I'm a great person.

I like to think I'm a good friend.
I like to think I'm a great friend.

I like to think I'm a good mom.
I like to think I'm a great mom.

I like to think I'm a good wife.
I like to think I'm a great wife.

I like to think I'm a good daughter.
I like to think I'm a great daughter.

I like to think ... a lot of things ... and for some reason, today - I have my doubts.  I have doubts a lot actually.  It's a curse and a blessing.  To be able to see my faults, and to know when to lay blame at my own feet when there is blame to be laid.

I know I'm a good person, friend, mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt .. I know I am .. every one has their bad days, every one has their off moods.  I just wish I didn't have mine so often.

Other People's Love Letters.

I've been reading a ton lately, huh, what's new -- and I came across a few reading suggestions.

Among them was "Other People's Love Letters" ... I have to tell you -- it is one of the best books I've ever read.  Ever.  And I've read a lot - like A LOT - of books.   It's not a "story" like most books are, but there is definitely a story encompassed in the pages.

One of my favorites, is from 1969, during the Vietnam War.  A man sends a letter to his wife, celebrating the birth of their first baby.  A son.  It is so intimate, and revealing, to get a glimpse into the mindset of a man who is serving in what was one of the defining wars of our country's history - with regards to the birth of his first born child.  My heart breaks for those lost moments, that were captured on paper.  That someone had the foresight to save.

And the bravery, honor and love to share.

Some of them are typical high school type letters, some of them are shy, and broaching subjects that seem taboo, or scary.  Some of them are searching for acceptance, and understanding.  But mostly, they're all brave.  Every one of them, brave.   Honest.  Heart wrenching.  Brave.

The letters that were published show a side of people they usually reserve for their loved ones, best friends, significant others ... it's incredibly revealing to read the innermost, intimate, thoughts of a person you've never met.  Sort of like some one reading a blog written by some one you've never met, or even, someone you know, someone who inspires you with their words.

Reading that book, inspired me.  It's been a long time since I've been this inspired by a book.  Of course, inspiration hits in different ways.  This particular inspiration is going to take me a small while to work out, when it's finished?  I hope it inspires you, my faithful blog readers, in any way possible.

If you haven't read this book, I recommend it.  Highly.  Repeatedly.  Inspired-ly (Is that a word? LOL)

New Year, New Obsession

For Christmas -- Santa Mikey was so good to me.  I've been cooking more, and baking, and all together being more "homey" ... so For Christmas, I recieved the following:

One of these "dough kneader" things :)

A stand up mixer!!!!

A "dough mat", rolling pin and Flour Sifter.

HOW COOL IS THAT?!

I have been getting recipes from my great friend Jo, and stealing some from my great friend Jessi.  I can't wait to make some of these (as a matter of fact ladies, chili and spaghetti are on the menu for the weekend) fantastic recipes, and I hope to chronicle my progress through here.

See, cuz the thing is ... really funny, we haven't had the internet at our house for almost 3 years now.  I've been fine with it, you know, since I can access it here at work - but Mike's been begging me for months to look into getting it back at the house.   Well someone finally has it in our area, and it looks like - after 3 years, we'll be back online!!

That way, I get to update you, my faithful readers, from the comforts of my own home.

Look out world, I'm back!!

Enjoy your peace while you can!!  Blogging is going to double I think!