Old Friend

Oma's assignment today:

Homework: Pick one or the other, or be inspired.

~Read something on your book shelf for sheer pleasure.

~Blog about a book you've read over and over. Prompt: "I can rifle the pages of ____and easily find my favorite part about____."

Reading for pleasure is something I do without thinking about it. I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to pick up a book, grab a cup of coffee and snuggle down into another world. Even as a child I loved to get lost in literary worlds. The characters became confidants as I escaped my sometimes turbulent childhood. (Nothing too dramatic. My parents divorced when I was 11, but separated several times before that.)
My father was seldom interested in our day to day childhood experiences. I cannot remember ever playing a game together. However, he enjoys reading and passed this along. For that I will always be grateful. When I was 13 he bought me a set of books based in the pioneer days. He must have been nervous; buying a set of books set in "old times" for a young girl headed into her teen years. But they were wonderful and full of lively characters. I read the series in its entirety about once a year or two. There are favorite books and passages, but once I start them, I have to finish. The "Love Comes Softly" series by Janette Oke sit beside Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet and my John Grisham books.
I love the simplicity of this time period. Oh, they had hardships that we would be hard pressed to face today, but they were tougher in spirit. The simple act of constructing a school for their country children is inspiring and makes you realize that we have so much to be thankful for. What we take for granted now, and often complain about, was hard won back then. Janette Oke did a follow up series starting with "The Tender Years" and I also have this on my shelf. I love her storytelling and style.

If you would like to participate in School Days, look up Travelin Oma for your assignment

Back 2 School - Oma Style

I was sitting here trying to figure out transition sentences for my essay when I came across the most interesting blog post. (I know, I get distracted from my work) Travelin Oma is doing a "School Days" series through her blog. It not only looks fun, but the writing practice is exactly what I need! I hope you decide to join me!

Homework Assignment:

The first time I entered blog land I came across Adventures of a Relunctant Housewife, that sold me then and there. What a phenomenal idea! I am here doing laundry, cleaning house, preparing meals, and feeling underappreciated by society. And I am not alone. I began my blog HappyBaker to share my love of baking, cooking and recipes. Soon I realized I had more to say than comments about food, so I began this blog. Overboard? Maybe.

If I were to write my memoirs, my name would be Sara. It is a pseudonym that I have used even for this blog. The people who know me best could definitely pick me out of the stories I would tell.

A title for my memoir would be tricky. Maybe "Forgotten Joy", "Forgotten Pleasures", or .......

Please see Oma for future assignments.

School's Out

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

School is out for 2 1/2 months for me and the kids :)

I have been neglecting my blogging to focus on intersession classes. comp class in 2 weeks is insane but I am glad it is behind me now!!
In the fall I will take comp II and a history class. Why on earth did I let fear grip me for so long? This has turned out to be so much fun!!

Hope you all have a safe and fun summer!!

Facing Fear

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt

This quote is one I have been looking to for the past several months.
Deciding to take risks is always hard, at least it is for me.
If something seems out of my reach, I tend to back down.
My hubby has been a source of encouragement and for that I love him more each day.
Going back to school is a big deal for me. I am 2 classes down and it feels great!
It no longer feels like it is out of reach! How empowering!

White Wonderland!

That's what it is like her today!
We are covered in a blanket of snow, about 4 inches and counting. Hubby was too excited! hehehe You would have thought it was Christmas morning! The kids got up and went out with him to "catch snowflakes on their tongues". I took pictures and videos, smiling at my snow covered trio. While they played, I made blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs, malt o'meal and sliced up a cantaloupe. I called them in to eat and warmed them up with coffee and cocoa.

What a wonderful day. It feels like we have frozen time for a moment and made a special memory......

New Discovery for me

I have been introduced to Jason Mraz's music and it is fabulous....or at least I think so! Check him out on YouTube and let me know what you think.

Hubby is reading Kite Runner, he likes it so far but he said there are parts that are sad and would be hard for me. He did comment on how well it is written. Have you read it?

Read On!

I have been reading quite a bit lately. Where do I find time to do that you ask?
Waiting at ballet class, soccer practice and for the arrival of hubby's bus in the evening. i realized I had pockets of time that I could fill up with reading.

The last few that I have read are:

SisterChicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn
I have always dreamed of seeing London and this book transported me there! I loved the adventures these two women found themselves in. And they have given me a few places to add to my "must-see" list. I will get there one day.....

The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski
This was an interesting and fun book. There are a few sad parts but the ending leaves you happy.

Sailing To Capri by Elizabeth Adler
I am not usually a fan of mystery type books, but this was an exception. It is a very well written novel full of intrigue and wonderfully descriptive places!

The Appeal by John Grisham
I have read everything by Mr. Grisham. He is in my top 5 of favorite authors. This book did not disappoint as far as his writing and storytelling. I was so frustrated by the ending that I threw the book... But it ended exactly how the scenario would play out in real life. I love how Grisham delivers the unexpected even when you were hoping for the opposite outcome :)

What are reading? I need some new suggestions before I go to the library Saturday. Maybe something that uplifted you, or a cool mystery (I may have to check into those more), or perhaps a moving biography....I enjoy non-fiction as well.

Hope you have a great week! I look forward to your ideas!

Balance

This is what I am searching for. I have been around long enough to know that there is no such thing as "perfect balance". But surely there is a way to achieve a comfortable balance.

Am I missing something? I have all these irons in the fire and I feel like some of them are melting!! We all have several roles to play in life. I am a daughter, wife, mother, PTA member, babysitter, sister and chauffeur.
I feel stretched. The class i take on Tuesdays makes me feel like a I have 3 hours just for me. There are pockets of time that hubby picks up the house reins for me to have break...God bless him!

Is it just me? Am I just not capable to juggle all the things I see other women juggling in a seemingly effortless and graceful manner?