A Corner and a Book: Friday's Fave Five

Friday October 7, 2011

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Here are my favorites for this week:

1. National Book Month. Did you know October is National Book Month? Over at Kindred Heart Writers, we’re celebrating! Here’s the introductory post that will tell you all about the party. Jump on over to celebrate books with us, and find out what one of my favorite books this summer was.

2. Teenagers! Yes, I said teenagers. I teach them everyday, and there are ups and downs. We had auditions for our spring musical this week, and being cooped up in a room with a bunch of crazy, fun, creative, talented teens was SO much fun. They’re just awesome.

3. The learning process. I’ve been dragging my students through King Lear, with some showing enthusiasm (while others begged for No Fear Shakespeare—all the plot without any of the beauty of his language). We just finished the play, and there are signs that I’ve won more than a few over. I heard more than once today, “I love that line!” and even “I’m going to use that one.” Love it!

4. Coast-to-coast brothers. My third son (the high school math teacher from Kentucky) is attending a conference in California, where one of his big brothers lives. Son #2 drove a couple of hours to meet his bro for dinner and a movie. I love the fact that they’re hanging out—it’ll be good for both of them. (And does my heart good!)

5. This quote:

“Everywhere I have sought rest and not found it, except sitting in a corner by myself with a little book.” (Thomas a Kempis)

Not only is that my homage to National Book Week, it’s my heart’s desire right now. This has been such a full week—in fact, too full. I crave some quiet time with a book. I do need a little rest of that sort.

Here’s hoping you find a quiet corner and a good book this week.

A Fall Friday: Friday's Fave Five

Friday September 30, 2011

Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Here are my favorites from this week:

1. Wearing fall colors. You know the rules—no white after Labor Day, etc. Well, here in South Florida, we pretty much ignore all of those. But I’m a Midwestern girl through and through, and when the calendar says September, I’m reaching for the deep greens, the russets, the rich browns (even if it’s ninety degrees outside, which is is…). I love wearing my fall colors. Maybe it’s the redhead in me.

2. A coming cold front…or should I say, cool front. You probably wouldn’t consider it cold, but it’ll feel that way to us. Can’t wait for a little cooldown this weekend.

3. October anticipation. Some fun things coming up in October. This is my birth month, and my hubby has some secret plans. And I’m going to a conference late in the month that I’m so excited about!

4. Kind, patient people. My mom is a spry eighty-six years old—still living in her own house and driving short distances. I hate being so far away from her and we talk twice a week. I love it when she tells me about the nurse, the physician’s assistant, the friend, the neighbor who sits and talks. Doesn’t rush, is in no hurry, and really listens. Thanks, kind and patient ones, for being there for my mom and others like her.

5. An autumn quote.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” (Albert Camus)

Those piles of leaves, the barren trees—do they look depressing to you? Well, think of it this way. Each pile is potential. Those leaves enrich, nourish the future. What we see as the end of a cycle, He uses to begin again.

Happy Friday, Happy Fall!

Florida Autumn

Saturday September 17, 2011


I'm linking up with Jenny Matlock today for Saturday Centus. You'll see Jenny's button at the bottom of the post if you'd like to link up anytime this week.

Today's prompt is "In the Autumn." Jenny says if we do it right, our poetic offering should fit the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." The prescribed word count this week is 32 words. As you read or sing mine, as the case may be, remember the poet grew up in beautiful Kentucky and southern Indiana, but now hails from South Florida.

: : :


In the Autumn, how I long
For a cool breeze, oh so strong.
Down below the other states,
Florida, for fall must wait.

No crisp air, no leaves that turn
Just sunshine and waves that churn.

: : :

Had I just two more lines, I would have reminded you that it will be heavenly here in late November through March and that perhaps that will atone for our autumn heat.

Happy Fall, ya'll!

Fall Favorites: Friday's Fave Five

Friday September 16, 2011


Can you name five blessings from your week? Susanne from Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five each week. Click on over and see her if you’d like to join in!

Here are my favorites from this week:

1. Learning. I start my week in class, every Monday evening. And I’m really enjoying it! I think I’m a lifelong student…

2. Little potatoes. I found these little potatoes and a new recipe, Parmesan Potatoes. My husband loves them, and so do I.

3. A new (to me) author. I’m reading The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, and I love Morton’s writing. The story is fascinating, too.

4. Cooler (?) temperature (?). There’s a reason for those double question marks—I’m not sure it’s really cooler. They say the lower humidity makes it feel cooler. All I can say is, it’s nice. It feels much better, and I sure hope it lasts. Those temperatures, plus my apple cinnamon candle in the classroom, make me anticipate fall!

5. A quote. “Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.” (Phillips Brooks)

Little things mean a lot. They add up to a lifetime of character. What we moms do and encourage and reinforce makes a difference.

Hope this finds you enjoying cooler temperatures, too. Have a great week ahead!

Family Fun for the School Year

Wednesday August 31, 2011

Want to make each month special?

Join in on Meaningful Family Fun for the School Year.

Near the end of each month, I’ll be posting ideas you can use to make the next month special. Celebrate all year long! September is coming, so get ready for some family fun.

The concept: Celebrate each month on the first Saturday or the first of the month – or pick the day that works best for your family.

What to do? Well, take your pick!
* Make (using contact paper) or buy fall-colored placemats.

* Talk about Labor Day and how we can honor God in the work we do. Take a trip to the library for books or videos about different professions. (Or you can do this ahead of time and have them ready for your September celebration.) Use the opportunity to discuss what your kids want to do and be and accomplish in life.

* Let each child make a September poster, using fall colors or maybe illustrating what they want to be.

* As you choose a September verse for the family, emphasize God’s care and guidance for us and the assurance of His presence in new situations (like a new school year).

Happy September!

What about you? Can you share some fun fall family traditions or do you have an idea for a new one?

Fall, Friends, and Other Finds: Friday's Fave Five

Friday October 8, 2010

It’s time to recount the week’s blessings. Thanks to Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for hosting this blessing-fest each week. If you’d like to join in, visit Susanne.

Here are my faves this week:

1. A hint of Fall in the air! I know a lot of you have been talking about Fall for weeks, but we have finally gotten a taste of it in S. Florida. It may just be a taste, mind you, but I’m relishing it while I can! Cool morning and evening air, a little breeze…it’s great!

2. Friends to talk to. I’ve had occasion to “vent” a little this week, and thank goodness for friends I can vent to! Sometimes you just have to get it out, and having a friend who sifts through it all and listens is golden.

3. Anticipation. I just sense times are a-changin’ a bit for us. Nothing sure yet, but I think change is on the horizon. And that’s good. We all love routine, but I don’t ever want life to become “same old, same old.” You know? The thought of change can be scary, but a bit exciting, too.

4. Book stuff. Once again, a sweet bloggy friend has featured my book. Susan DiMickele is the greatest, and I love her book, Chasing Superwoman. We’ve formed something of a mutual admiration society, and she has a nice post about my book on her blog. Go see her! Also, my publisher has arranged a blog tour for my book starting next week, so that should be fun.

5. This quote: “I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess.” - Martin Luther

My writer friend, Jean Wise, posted this on her blog last week. When I read it, my mother’s heart went immediately to my children. I was reminded of a conversation my husband and I had not long ago about how our sons have never been really ours – how our children are gifted to us for a short time, but they really belong to the Father. Another one of life’s beautiful paradoxes – whatever I give up to Him, still rests lightly in my open hand.

Sweet grandson Aiden is always a fave, but I probably overdid it on pictures last week…so I’ll spare you this time!

Hope you have a great week ahead. Happy Friday, Happy Fall!