Book Review: The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

      I only gave this one a 3-star rating. I reserve the use of 4 or 5-star rating for those books which I simply can't put down. Conversely, this book was very easy to put down, and pick up days later...and I never felt compelled to burn the midnight oil while reading this book. That being said, I truly did enjoy this book. And to paraphrase something the author said on pg 31:

I think what I liked most was that this is a book obsessed with books by an author who is clearly in love with books. 

     Mr. Schwalbe does an excellent job of sharing his mom with us, and describing what an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and loving woman she was. By the end of the book, I wished I had known her. True, she lived a life of privilege most of us only dream about, and personally I can't relate to it, but she used her status responsibly to make a positive impact on countless lives around the globe. No one can argue the fact that she has left a legacy of literacy and hope for future generations.
     The other aspect of this book is, well, the books. I was pleased to find that I have read many of the books mentioned. I loved reading what Mr. Schwalbe and his mom thought of those books, even if I didn't fully agree. Equally, I enjoyed learning about new books, and have added a few (17 actually) to my reading list.

I would certainly recommend this book to other book-lovers.


My favorite quotes from the book:

When one sees something especially wonderful, it's always nice to have someone to share it with.

That's one of the things books do.  They help us talk.   But they also give us something to talk about when we don't want to talk about ourselves.  (pg 58)

Really, whenever you read something wonderful, it changes your life, even if you aren't aware of it. (pg 120)

Many people who have my kind of insomnia have various behavioral strategies for dealing with with it.  One technique involves keeping a notepad by the bed.  We write down our worries-to get them out of our...brains and onto paper so we can sleep knowing that they will be there when we wake, and also knowing that we'll likely find those same worries inconsequential or even ridiculous when the morning does come.  (pg 159)

People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain; do not be misled by promises.  (pg 179--from "The Ten Commandments for Voters," an African brochure).

What's odd about commencement is that so many people think of it as the end of something...-but that is not what the word means at all.  It means the beginning, the start of something new.  (pg 180)

...we all know it's wrong to interrupt each other.  And yet we constantly interrupt ourselves.  We do it when we check our email incessantly-or won't simply let a phone go to voice-mail when we're doing something we enjoy-or when we don't think a thought through, but allow our minds to fix on temporary concerns or desires.  (pg 199)

The greatest gift you can give anyone is your undivided attention. (pg 192)

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."  (Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn)

...mindfulness-it isn't a trick or gimmick.  It's being present in the moment.  When I'm with you, I'm with you.  Right now.  That's all.  No more and no less. (pg 192)

That's one of the amazing things great books...do-they don't just get you to see the world differently, they get you to look at people...differently.  (pg 203)

We are all in the end-of-our-life book club, whether we acknowledge it  our not; each book we read may well be the last, each conversation the final one (pg 281).

You should tell your family everyday that you love them.  And make sure they know that you're proud of them too. (pg 282)

My final thoughts:
The trouble with reading a book about books is that I know I'll never have enough time to read all of the books on my ever-growing list of books that I want to read.  And I loved that this book not only added books to my reading list, but also gave fresh perspectives on several that I had already read.

Baskets and Bins

     We are well into 2013, and I was waiting patiently to publicly announce my New Year's resolution this year.  Mostly because I didn't want to set myself up to fail.  How many times have I vowed to do this or that, and by January 5th, that resolution has long been forgotten.  But I am pleased to announce, as we march forward to April, I am still living daily by my 2013 promise for change.
     This year I declared war on the clutter in my life.  This is beginning with the physical clutter that has accumulated in my house in the nearly 9 years we have lived here.  Certainly the problem became much more pronounced when I began my career as a mom.  Something desperately needed to be done!  Yikes!  
     Below I will share a few of the ideas that have helped me get a handle on the clutter that once surrounded and overwhelmed me.  I haven't read any of the self-help books that promise a simpler, less cluttered life.  These ideas are totally my own, and while they certainly won't bring "peace on Earth,"  they give me a little peace of mind in my world.

Problem:  Coats and backpacks strewn all over the foyer and on the banister.
Challenge:  Solving this problem was really 2-fold.  First, the mess and chaos needed to go.  Second, the bags and coats needed to be easily accesible for little hands to reach on hectic mornings as we're struggling to get out the door on time.
Solution:  A series of hooks in the laundry-room at "kid level" got the bags and coats in easy reach and out of the foyer (a bonus I hadn't anticipated when I tackled this mess).  I added a cork-board above the hooks to post important reminders.   My kids love being able to get their own things, and they've been great about putting everything away as soon as they come in the door.  






Problem:  Legos all over the floor in D's room.  Toys and books all over the floor in A's room.

Solution:  A cubicle strorage unit and baskets and bins for toy storage.  

Storage in D's room

Storage in A's room

Problem:  Piles of papers and reminders all over the dining room table, and frankly, I was tired of trying to eat around them!
Solution:  Add a pretty table cover and centerpiece to the table.  Post reminders on the cork board in the laundry-room.

Problem: Bottles of lotion and potions taking over the bathroom counter space.
Solution: a pretty basket to keep all of those bottles that I "need" everyday.  Added (and unforeseen) bonus: On cleaning day I only have 1 item to move off the counter, instead of lots of little bottle of lotions and potions!

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 Problem:  Yarn, yarn, and yarn!   YIKES.  (It's really really hard to find the color you're looking for when it's just piled up in dark cardboard boxes.)
Solution:  One of those sweater organizers that hangs from the bar in a closet, and one large 31 tote.   This solution would work nicely for whatever your hobby or craft might be.

Baby Jesus, What do you see?

Alivia, my 2yr old was being super cute the other day while I was sorting thru Christmas cards.  She picked one up with a manger scene and started telling a story that resembled her favorite books.  It inspired me to use the cards to make her a book telling the story she's been reciting.  Hope you enjoy it.  What stories can you use your Christmas cards to tell?

For more of my ideas for up-cycling Chrismas cards, click here.

Oh, Christmas Cards!

A small part of my card collection!

     If you are like me, you've got piles of Christmas cards that you've been collecting over the years.  I love getting Christmas cards; I love hearing from friends and family far and near, and looking at all the beautiful artwork on the fronts of those cards.  My favorites are the cards that include personal notes or pictures of the senders and their families.  I have boxes of these cards stacked in my basement, and now I've got a plan for them!   I'm going to share my 3 favorite ideas for using those cards---up-cycling, I think they call it!

1: Magnets and Ornaments
Here's what you need:
various cards cut into shapes (I used circles, but I think stars, hearts and triangles would work too).    
Ribbon or yarn
glue

glitter (optional)
magnets

Start by cutting shapes from the cards.  

Glue the ribbon onto the back of your shapes as hangers.  Use glitter to decorate around the edges.   For magnets, just glue the magnet to the back of your shapes.   You'll have beautiful ornaments for your home and tree in no time!

Magnets

My homemade Christmas-card ornaments

2:  Frame them
What you'll need:
Cards
Frames in sizes of choice

In larger frames, make an eye catching collage of interesting cards, or frame individual cards and group the frames together.  You'll have your home looking Christmas-y in no time!

A collage of framed Christmas cards

3:  Tell a Story
     What you'll need:
      Cards to tell your story
      Contruction paper
      yarn and tapestry  needle

Cut out the pictures to fit your pages and glue.  Write the words for your story, Use the yarn to hold your page together,  and Presto!, your toddler will love telling the Story over and over and over.  (For the younger set, try just gluing interesting cards into a book, without the story.  Your little one will love looking at all those cards over and over and over).  To read the whole story, click here.

A story inspired by my 2 yr old
yarn/tapestry needle

How do you upcycle your Christmas cards?  I'd love to hear about it!

Christmas Scents

I love citrus season!  I mean, what's not to love about Clementines from Spain, or Californian Mandarins, or those giant sized Indian River Grapefruit from Florida?  I got to thinking...seems like such a waste to throw away those deliciously fragrant peels.  Surely there has to be a way to recycle them into something.  Those of you who know me well, know that my sense of smell is both my best friend and worst enemy.  I love the sweet smell of vanilla or the minty-ness of peppermint or the spicy scent of cinnamon.  Any of those than put my brain in a happy place.     So I decided to use those orange peels (and apple peels) with some fragrant spices and make a lovely simmering  potpourri that will make my home smell yummy and inviting.   

To try this for yourself, here's what you need:

Peel of 1 orange

1/2 tsp cinnamon

dash nutmeg

6 whole cloves

(if you've got a peel from and apple...throw that in too)

Throw the above in a saucepan filled half-full of water.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer to make your house smell wonderful!  (You might want to set a timer to remind yourself to check on the simmering pot so you don't boil all the water out).  

What other Holiday recycling ideas do you have?  Have you tried making a potpourri from any other common items in your kitchen?   

Making Sense of the Chaos and Clutter

Damon proudly displays his art folder

     I love being a mom!  I have the two most wonderful children in the world!  However, there are plenty of challenges to keep me guessing.  Before I had kids, I was very regimented about keeping a clean and orderly home.  Everything had a place, and everything in its place.  Then my first child came along.  During my pregnancy, a rough one, I slacked off a bit with the cleaning and organization, promising myself that after the baby was born, I'd get back on schedule.  Ha!
     Now that I've had my second child, who is now 2 1/2, I've come to appreciate the chaos and clutter that now so beautifully graces my home.  But as much as I love having my children's artwork around decorating the doors, walls and refrigerator...at some point we needed to find a way of organizing it, and keeping the mess under control.

     This is our solution:  We buy a standard sheet of poster board...which are usually 2/$1 at the dollar store.  Then the kids decorate them, I add a label including their name, the year, and grade.  We fold it in half (decorations on the outside), and staple it together, making a HUGE folder to store all of the papers and crafts they make.  It keeps everything together and in its place.  The folder is artwork itself, and makes a great keepsake and place to store all the papers that we just can't bear to throw away.

I'm not a moron. Really.

"Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and sisters of God's family, respect God, honor the king." 1 Peter2:17 

I am blessed to live in the greatest country in the world.  I am thankful to be an American, or should I say a citizen of the United States of America.  I am thankful for the men and women who have fought for my freedom, and continue to fight for it's sake today.    Recently, I have been saddened.....no, sickened...by the disrespectful posts I've read on a certain "social media site."  The Anti-Obama statements are just plain distasteful...whether you agree with the man or not.  As a citizen of God's family, I am required to respect the people He has placed in authority over me...and this includes Mr. Obama.  I believe that God is sovereign, and yes, He placed our current president in office for a reason.  You and I may not ever understand His reasons for many things, but I have faith.  So while the purpose of this blog is not to stand on my polital "soapbox," I do have a few things to say:

1) Please stop telling me that "the right to bear arms" means it is my responsibility to carry a gun.  I grew up in a home with guns.  My dad was a hunter.  Thankfully there is not a tragedy written into our story because of a curious child.  My dad was careful.  So I am not against you owning a gun, nor do I think your choice to carry a gun makes you pro-crime, pro-guns.  Just as my choice to NOT own a gun does not make me anti-guns.  It is a personal choice that I am thankful to have the freedom to make because I live in the USA.

2) Please stop implying that I am a moron because I do not think exactly like you.  I do not think you are a moron because you have your own opinions.   Yes, you have the right to have your own opinion and you can express it.  But those who disagree with you also have that right, and they are not morons.

3) Please stop discriminating against Mr. Obama because you believe he is Muslim.  Maybe he is.  Maybe he isn't.  Does it matter?  One of the most amazing things about this country is freedom of religion...for me, for you, and for the President.  I am thankful to live in a country where I am permitted to worship God anyway I want.   And if the President is Muslim, or Mormon, or Christian, I am sure he is happy to be able to practice his religion without discrimination.

And if being a free thinker makes me a moron...then I wear the label proudly.