Show Us Your Books - May 2022 Reads

 

Spells for Forgetting
**** / Really Liked It

Quick Summary:  People that live on Saiorse, a magical island, are stunned to see August Salt return after he was blamed for killing Lily Morgan - & Emery Blackwood is even more surprised after seeing him when she was once supposed to run away & escape the island with him.

I saw this on NetGalley & the way it was described as a touch of Practical Magic, I was in. - I love a good little dose of fun magic.

This was not fun though - this took some twisty, dark moments fast in the book.

It has some magic, some darkness, some betrayals, mysteries - but also some love & connections - I just really enjoyed it.

"I'd been in love with August Salt since before I knew what the words meant"

The Bright Side Running Club
**** / Really Liked It

Quick Summary:  When Keira receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she doesnt expect to join a running club, but yet, she meets up with other ladies who form this club as they get to each of their own finish lines.

I wanted to read this book because I was excited about the cover & the book about a running club... I didnt really think of all the emotions of why the running club was going to be formed when I chose this book. 

Its an enjoyable read though... has funny moments, real moments, cheering on moments, & of course, the struggle moments for the people going through the breast cancer journey. Be prepared for all the emotions on this one.  I got totally choked up in some areas.

In the end, I just love the power of relationships - especially when you have running shoes on!

After I Do
***** / It was Amazing

Quick Summary:  When Lauren & Ryan met in college & married & spent so many years together, they find through the years that people change & marriage is hard - so in order to try & save their marriage, they take a year apart from each other - no contact -& see how their hearts feel in the end

I absolutely loved this book.  May be one of my favorite TJR books. I love her older stuff so much.  Maybe in Another Life is tied for my favorite I think.

I think if you've been with your loved one for so many years or you've seen how some periods of marriage have its ups & downs, you'll appreciate this book too.

I was feeling all the pain & all the joys & all the family connections & love.

I just wanted to hug this book in the end.

The sun will always rise. Always. The sun rises the next day after mothers lose their babies, after men lose their wives, after countries lose wars. The sun will rise no matter what pain we encounter. No matter how much we believe the world to be over, the sun will rise.

Darling Girl
**** / Really Liked It

Quick Summary:  Holly Darling is the great granddaughter of Wendy Darling & runs her own skincare line.  Holly has survived tragedy in her life losing a husband, one of her twin sons & while the other twin has survived & is becoming stronger, her daughter Eden who has been in a coma for nearly a decade, all of a sudden is missing & Holly knows Peter Pan is response - Peter who is very real but more dangerous than anyone can imagine.

First off - this has so many triggers - be warned.  But that shows you how dark & twisty this book is.  Peter Pan will leave you feeling EW! & shook to the core.  

I was all intrigued though how the story was told - how we take the childhood story & how the characters have turned into something we never would think once we close a Happily Ever After story. 

I see in the reviews its a lot for some people - whether it be all the triggers - which are many - sexual assault, thoughts of suicide, murder, drug physical abuse, Death of child/spouse ... to say a few....
But people are also turned off by the magic & disbelief in the story - but its Peter Pan. Come on....

Know its very dark & twisty... but to me, it still touches on the original story a lot where it held my interest.  I couldnt put it down.

“Time stopped for Holly the day of the car crash. She's been defying death, defying time, for all these years & she's not going to stop now.”

Joining with Steph & Jana!

The weekend I was Sleepgry... or Slangry?

Its only been a few months since I did a weekend post... & life is still super boring... but trying to remember my blog is for me & keeping memories. & boring memories are still memories.  When I'm 85 & want to remember what I did back in the good ole days of my 50's (cough!!!!) then I'll be glad I blogged.

I keep telling myself that.

Anyways... let's try & get back in the swing of things here.

Friday

I left work a little early to head to another physical therapy appointment.  I can actually get my arm up now!  Now, granted, its only with the help of my other arm forcing it up! But still - that's more than I could do a week ago.  

We worked more on trying to do a sort of jazz hand kind of move - moving the arm, bent from the waist & moving out. Because it aint happening. Small steps.

That outward movement from the body - BIG NOPE for me

 After I left there, I had to run to the store to pick up some things for mom & then headed to her house. My brother was there feeding the horses so it was nice to spent a little bit of time chatting with them both.

My mom's cat is ready for the weekend too it looks like

I also got this fun little bomb from a bird on my way home... just when I got my car clean. Of course.

Right dab in the middle of windshield.

I spent the rest of my evening sitting outside playing with the dogs & enjoying the cooler weather because the heat is rolling in this week. Record breaking heat. I guess its supposed to be expected when we're just a little out from summer - but yuck.

I also got my iced coffee prepped for the weekend. I like getting it ready Friday evening & its just enough for me to drink all weekend long.  

Saturday

I did a little bit of sleeping in & it was just refreshing.  An easy way to step into Saturday.
Except... I jolted away quick when I stepped out in our enclosed room to find a bird with a broken neck laying on the dog's ramp.  I bet he got in the room & couldnt get out ... that, or the dogs caught it first.  I feel like my dogs heard me complain about that poop bomb on my window & took out vengance for me.

I sat outside & read a little bit - did my devotional for the day & then made some breakfast.

I then got on a mission to clean. My kitchen floors havent been this clean in the longest.  I knew we were going on a dry spell with a hold on rain, so I didnt mind steam cleaning the floor.  If I know rain is in the next few days, I'll just Swiffer clean because I know my floor is going to be a mess with the dogs & rain/mud.  On Saturday, I would have eatn off my floor it was so clean.

I decided to go back up to the car wash & I pulled the trigger. I joined the monthly subscription club where now, I can clean my car as many times as I want each month.  I like it mainly for the vacuum more than anything.  Another clean windshield just like that.

Hubby & I decided to go out & enjoy the evening with a little spur of the moment date night.  

We headed up to Culvers & sat outside & ate... it wasn't crowded & the weather was really nice. A cool breeze the entire time.  Cool breezes & sweet tea... that's a good night.

Then we headed over & got in a round of miniature golf. It looked really crowded when we got there, but we were at the end of the pack of a line of people & it had flowed really well so we didnt have to wait on anyways & it just was a nice night to be outside & watch the sun set.

For the record, Hubby would like me to post THIS for memory sake - I lost... by 4. DANG IT!!! On hole #5, I just got all choked up & got it in 5 strokes... he got a hole in one.  The entire rest of the game, I just stayed at 4 under par from him.   Just one hole made all the difference.  At least I can say, I take defeat well. The hubby?  ...let's just say.. he does NOT take defeat well at all. So in the end, it was probably good I lost.

On the drive home, OH BOYYYY - I had a migraine hit me. Whew - it was rough. Ever since my mini stroke - anything headache related, I tend to get a little anxious.  I popped an Excedrin Migraine pill & it helped  But, I didnt think about anything except getting out of pain.  When I was STILL awake at 4am, I remembered that it has a lot of caffeine in it to help headaches.

I was miserable all night long - just wanting to sleep....

Instead, I ended up watching the latest Real World Homecoming episodes that had all the New Orleans cast.  Anyone remember that cast?  Julie coming back in her 40's... whew... what a hot mess.

I did finally fall asleep at 4:40am... only to wake up a little after 8am.

Sunday

I almost went back to sleep but I knew if I slept in most of the day, it would mess me up to sleep again.  So I just got up, started downing some coffee & fought all day to be awake.  To say I probably wasn't the most pleasant to be around all day, would be a HUGE understatement.  I know there's a word HANGRY when you're hungry & it makes you moody... So what if you're sleepy?  Sleepgry?  Slangry?  Either way - me with no sleep is rough.

   

Its a good thing I got up when I did because my brother ended up calling me. He was at work but he got a call that Baby was out of her corral & was in the big area with Cochese.  While they get along, Cochese gets bossy boss & will nip at her & we're always afraid it'll scare her & she'll take off.  So Hubby & I went over to get her back in her corral.  Give a girl some carrots & she'll follow you anywhere.

We got back home & I finished my book I was reading... (the review will be on the next month's reviews)

& then I decided to finally jump into the Fantastic Beast series! I CAN NOT believe I havent seen any of them as much as I love Harry Potter. It just always feel to the wayside.  But seeing the new Dumbledore movie, I wanted to get caught up.  First one down - LOVED IT too! I cant wait to watch the next 2.

I headed over to see mom & then Hubby & I went out to set some dinner.  Usual Sunday night routines.... 

Except this Sunday, it was the Tony's!!! Whoo hoo!!! Give me all the Broadway love. It's basically the only award show I'll sit through the entire thing.  Also... Hugh Jackman was there singing & dancing!

& here we are. Dancing into Monday... a heat wave ahead.  Another week of arm pain.  

Let's do this!

What did you do this weekend?

Did you watch the Tony's?

Is your spouse competitive? ... who handles losing the best?

Friday Favorites

 

Click Pic for Link

Favorite Pool

If I knew my dogs wouldnt pop this in 0.18 seconds, I would get it for summer.
What a fun way to stay cool & not have to invest in a lot of chemicals & all the pool stuff.

Favorite Solar Lights

We all know I love some solar lights but how fun are these for summer.
Give me all those firework feels

Favorite Relaxing Spot

Hubby has been wanting to put a pavillion back in our back property & with the price of wood right now, WHEW - the price quotes have been severe. I'm like, let's just get this. I like it has mosquito nets on it too.  So much cheaper too!

Favorite Hair Scrunchie

I bought a scrunchie a long time ago at Bed, Bath & Beyond that is for night time/sleeping use - where it isnt hard on your hair to use.  Since all the stores around us closed - I've been looking for more of them - BINGO!

Favorite Hair Ties

Speaking of hair stuff... how cute are these ponytail holders!!!!

Favorite Tick Preventer

We live in Tick Central USA
Honestly, I can sit outside, near our home, not in a wooded area - & have a tick on me.
We pull at least a half dozen ticks off Hubby every weekend.
I am going to need stock in this.

Favorite Kitchen Sponges

Favorite Funnies

Have a great weekend!!!

Thankful Thursday #361

 

This week I am Thankful for:

Sun Hat
I found this at Sam's Club & just thought it was so cute. Perfect to try & keep some of that sun off my face during the summer while I'm out reading. I turn into Pippi Longstocking with all the freckles in summer!

Morning Devotional outside
I have started doing this 100 day devotional with P31 & am loving it so far.  I've been finding time in my day Monday - Friday - but on the weekend, I have enjoyed making my cup of coffee & taking it outside & starting my day with it.  My mornings always just seems to spring off Mon-Fri for some reason, but I get it in some time during the day - even if its right before I go to bed.  On the weekend, I enjoy being able to go slow with my morning & enjoy it.

Zoe
She's just acting like a puppy lately.  So full of pep & life. Wanting to be around the boys & watch them - enjoying us holding her.  It was raining the other day & I picked her up & let her look out the front window. Normally, she just didnt want to be bothered - this time, she just watched with perk ears & sat up so straight in my arms. I'm so glad she's doing well.  She's 2 months away from turning 17.  Finding her 2nd breath in life.  Keep it up Zoe!

Clean car
My car... whew - it was so gross inside.  So much hay & barn dirt.  I made it a mission over the weekend to get it clean. Ahhhh... doesnt it feel so amazing to have a clean car?  I cleaned the dashboard, got my carpets & seats all vacuumed out - it looks brand new!  We have a new car wash near by that just opened too & they offer a monthly deal where you pay a fee & can do as many washes you want!  Because they offer a free vacuum too - I may take advantage of it.  Its on my way home so I can ride through every day if I wanted to & keep my car clean.  I think I'm going to sign up!

Prime Wardrobe

I know a lot of people use Stitch Fix & I used to - I really need to give it a go again.  But I use Amazon Wardrobe every now & then & love it. I've been looking for some tank tops & shorts - just stuff to be comfortable in during summer, & I've loved that I can have things shipped, try it on & return anything I dont want to keep.  The best way to shop.

Little Library Finds
Yes, I talked a little bit about the little library where I have been dropping off books.. well, I found these when I made a stop & I had to take advantage. Grabbed them to see if there are any good receipes in them. I'll probably return to share so someone else can enjoy them.

Tell me something good about your week!

Join in with me & Jen & Leslie

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Hodgepodge time

 

Joining in with Joyce for her fun Hodgepodge

1. "A daughter's a daughter all her life, but a son's a son til he takes a wife." What say you? Elaborate.

I mean, do I think women are more of the glue of a family - usually.  Not always - but its that maternal instinct, right?  I've seen families fall apart with the matriarch's pass away.  Women are glue.

But I dont think a son isnt a son after he is married.  I think its all your family dynamics.  I know plenty of families where the son's wife is now their daughter - its more to the family - not a loss.

Family dynamics is everything.

2. Something you've seen recently that was 'cuter than a June bug'? 

I mean, I live with 4 dogs... everything they do is cute. Well, MOST things they do is cute.  I have a picture of Ozzie falling asleep with his head on Hubby's shoulder - who was sitting on the floor - & who also was asleep.  Hubby would most definitely kill me if I posted a picture of him sleeping - but its precious.

I'll just post this latest pic of our old aussie for now as a verified pic that cuteness rules my world.

This big boy totally considers himself to be an itty bitty lap dog... at all 85 lbs of his cute self

3. 'You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that's pretty much the same thing.' Agree or disagree? Last time you had a serving of happiness ice cream?  Dish-cone-milkshake-sundae...which one do you choose? 

....meeehhhh... ice cream doesnt really do it for me.  I'll MAYBE do a soft serve, but I still want it covered in some sort of syrup.  It usually upsets my stomach... & it kills my uber-sensitive teeth.

Now, yarn or planners/stickers as happiness... let's talk about THAT!

4. What is one way/area in which you're currently 'swimming against the tide'? 

WhoooOOOooOOO Girl - want to sit down for a few hours & have this conversation?  Being a Christian & having most of my friends have Christian views - the past few years, I feel like I have swam against the tide big time. More like swimming against the Monsoon!

You do realize, you can love God & believe in Jesus & STILL feel like guns need stronger regulations (what 18 year old NEEDS an automatic weapon???) -  believe in science, & believe choice is a necessity for anyone, especially woman - & even more, NOT be a Republican.   When did a political stance represent your Christian beliefs? ... I dont get it. I always like to remind people, Billy Graham was a Democrat. 

5. Three things you're looking forward to this summer?

1. Reading outside
2. All the light evenings (though the time starts going backwards in 2 weeks - WAAAHHHH!!!!)
3. Less traffic with school being out. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm gonna need people to go to more of these little libraries that are around town/in neighborhoods.  I have been dropping some of my books into them & they are always so full. I dont know if people know to take advantage of these.

& if you have a young child or grandchild - I mean, ALL THE BOOKS!!!! All the ones I've been to - they are crammed full of kids books.  Take advantage!

Sincerely, your friendly PSA of the day

One of my local ones I dropped some books off
Look at how crammed that thing is!

Friday Favorites

 

Click PIC for link

Favorite Mug

After the Depp/Heard trial... I need this mug.
I will forever hear Camille Vasquez voice in my head. 

Favorite Exfoliators

Who doesnt love getting that dead skin off!!!!

Favorite Dump Bin

I love this now that I'm a certified Chef...
& by certified Chef - I mean, using Hello Fresh for 10 months.

Favorite Earbuds

I have these in black & love them.
Tried them out because they were so cheap.
But now, because I do like them, I want the pretty colors - love this rose gold!
I'm sure there's some with better controls out there - but for me, the quality is good & at that price, I dont freak out if I lose them.

Favorite Ice Pop Molds

Tell me every kid wouldnt love these.

& the inside looking like bones????

Favorite Wedges

These Crocs have been slamming my Instagram
Popping up everywhere
They're almost making me break & going ahead & buying them.
So many colors too!

Favorite Blender on the go

I love me some smoothies during the warmer days & have been looking at these to bring to work for a lunch smoothie.
I'm intrigued. I see you have to make the pieces small - Look at the little ice tray you're supposed to use- itty bitty ice.
Anyone have a portable blender they use?

Favorite Spoon Rest

A big ole Ravioli! 

Favorite Funnies

Happy Weekend Y'all!!!