back to books

Reading time takes a hit during the holidays.  While I still read each night before falling asleep, the busy month of December means I don't last long before passing out.

But this book kept my attention-I adored it!  What first drew me to it was the cover, but the story of a young boy with no hand is what kept me eagerly awaiting the end of the day, so I could snuggle under the covers and continue the tale.

I have since passed it on to Charlie, I think he will enjoy it.  It seems like a book that was written ages ago, and has timeless themes.

Check out the authors website for more about this absorbing read!

http://hannahtinti.com/category/the-good-thief/

how to survive winter with your family

Do you spend more time with your family in the winter?



Do the things they do (or don't do) ever bug you? (and do you secretly think that perhaps you may bug them, too?)

I was already on the path to the winter crazies, and so I came up with a plan.  At first, the list was going to be called TEN THINGS YOU DO THAT MAKE ME CRAZY.

After a shower (when I do my best thinking) I thought I needed to temper it.  So in addition to the things that make me crazy, I decided to let them know about the things they do that I LOVE.  It's important to balance things.

Each member of the family is going to fill out the following form, for each member of the family:
crazy love printable form

The rules?  No holding back, no repercussions.  State your feelings honestly.

Once you have filled out your sheet, sit down with the family member and go through it.

Acknowledge what you can change, and delight in the things you do that make others happy, when you don't even realize it.  And be honest.  If something you do makes them nuts, and you don't get it, let them know how you feel.

I know that there are things I do that make Mike and Charlie crazy.  And I can't wait to find out the things that make them very happy.

I will let you know how this little family concept works out!

Feel free to copy and share and try it with your own family.  Together, we may just make cabin fever a lot more tolerable this winter.

recipe box Wednesday

One of my gentle reminders for 2012 was to FINALLY got a printable recipe version set up for my blog-and I did it!  Whew.  Please let me know if it works (or doesn't) for you.

On Monday, Charlie was back at school and it was time for me to get back to work.  I needed an easy dinner, but something hearty and healthy.  I had picked up a little cookbook when I was in Bemidji at Dunn Bros.  It's called The Coffee Cookbook, and every recipe in it has, of course, coffee.  While I have several favorite chili recipes, what appealed to me is that this one didn't make enough for 3 meals, and it looked relatively quick.

Here you go!  printable recipe

As with any chili recipe, feel free to adjust to your family's prefernces-more or less chili powder, different or no beans, etc.  I upped the chili powder (original recipe was 1 tsp.) as we like a zing to the chili at our house!

gentle reminders

While everyone is busy making RESOLUTIONS for the new year, I prefer to call them reminders.  RESOLUTIONS seem so daunting, while it is easier to remind myself about something.  And I am more forgiving of myself when I forget something, rather than BREAKING A RESOLUTION.

* I will remind myself to take more walks, in all weather, to enjoy the beauty of each season.

* I will remind myself to floss more, as I want to keep my teeth.

* I will remind myself to grab a piece of fruit rather than a salty snack.

* I will remind myself to exercise my brain, as well as my body.  I am a fan of Sudoku, but need to come up with another brain exercise.

* I will remind myself to find more time for creativity, and less time for house cleaning.

* I will remind myself to cherish my family and friends, as each day is precious.

What are you going to remind yourself to do this year?

Welcome to a New Year!

Charlie was a big fan of Calvin and Hobbes back in the day.

Unlike Calvin, I feel the need for some change in my life.  The big 50 approaches this year, a good time to figure out how to make the second half of my life better and more rewarding.

This year I plan to focus on Gratitude.  I plan to use my blog to share what I am grateful for, and perhaps remind others to find those things in their lives which make them happy.

They don't have to be big things, I find that the smallest things can make my day feel complete.

Today:  Sunday, January 1st.  I am grateful that I have a cold so that I am taking it slow, cuddling my cat, drinking tea, and planning a nap after reading a book.  A healthy me would feel compelled to start putting away holiday decorations, cleaning my house, filling in new calendars, and starting the year on a shiny note.

May your new year be filled with kindness, gratitude, and the occasional nap.