2026 Baby Bucket List - May Progress

Photo by Jeff Kingma on Unsplash

At the end of February, I posted about my 2026 Baby Bucket List. My goals are not outlandish. I merely listed 23 restaurants, 3 festivals, 4 places, and 7 movies. Going in, I knew failure was likely. I mean, we haven't done anything special to celebrate the last 4 significant wedding anniversaries (35th, 30th, 25th, 20th). But, I tried to be intentional. At the end of February, we had checked off 3 items (Beef-a-Roo restaurant, The Bread Basket, and Marmalade Sky Bed & Breakfast). 

In some ways, we did better than expected this quarter. It's crazy, but we nailed the goal I thought we'd bomb, movies. It was like I went movie crazy in the last several months. Although I missed seeing H is for Hawk (with Claire Foy) in the theater, I jumped on the opportunity when I saw it available on my library's Kanopy account in April. It was a bit slow, but I enjoyed it by myself (couldn't get John to watch it with me). 

Since I vetoed the modern remake of Wuthering Heights, I sought a different Bronte film. I made up for it by watching the 1996 version of Jane Eyre on Kanopy. I noted a familiar name in the credits, Samuel West. He was very young in this movie, but plays the eminent Siegfreid Farnon on All Creatures Great and Small. Speaking of that series, I managed to secure and watch the library's copy of Season 6 finally.   

In early April, I went to see A Great Awakening twice . I went first by myself and then with John and Trevor. It will be my favorite movie of 2026 because it was just outstanding! Although I read Project Hail Mary in April (review coming), I didn't see it in the theater. Sean (who didn't read it) went twice and pronounced it the best movie of 2026. I'm hoping my library will snag a copy in the coming months or make it available on Kanopy, too.

On May 8th, Remarkably Bright Creatures released on Netflix (thanks to Sean's subscription I was able to watch it that day and consider it my second favorite movie of the year). I've already watched it twice (once alone and once with Sean) and plan to watch it with John some weekend soon. Then, on May 12th, I went to see The Sheep Detectives with Sean. We both enjoyed it so much, we went back the following Tuesday ($6 day) to see it with Claire and her mom.

I only ticked off 2 restaurants from my list since February. Instead of visiting them as a couple, I combined them with trips to pick up Sean. I went to Dog-n-Suds with Sean in April. Then, when I went to move him home from Purdue on May 16th, I went early enough to snag the $6 meal at Long John Silver's. The cashier even gave me the senior discount. Although we went out for Mother's Day, I chose my favorite local Mexican instead of something from the list. I could have crossed off Boulder Creek for my birthday meal, but money is getting tight and I just didn't want to cough up the big bucks (though I've enjoyed their birthday dessert on past occasions).

We have no plans to visit any of the 4 places on my list. We were hoping to get away for a retreat for our anniversary, but our current living situation is ruling that out, for now. So, I've exceeded expectations on movie-viewing, trudged through minimal restaurants, and thoroughly neglected getaways. Perhaps I can make up for it with a few small getaways by myself this summer. I have a friend in the Chicago suburbs who wants me to come help her work on a memoir (that sounds challenging and fulfilling). I don't relish driving alone, but it might be nice to get away, even if it has to be a solo trip. Hopefully, by the next quarterly progress report, I'll have more goals achieved.

Mid-month Mention: Call-a-Boomer

I've cast my net wider, following Christian authors and their newsletters. One author I follow is Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have not yet read one of her books (great intentions, just humongous to-read pile). Her newsletters are fantastic! In a recent newsletter, she highlighted the Call-a-Boomer experiment being run by an organization called Matter Neuroscience (a bio-tech company seeking to improve human happiness). This is fascinating! I'm so glad I learned of it from her. I highly recommend visiting her website and joining her newsletter.

Here is a news article from The Cape Cod Times. Apparently they have established a FREE payphone (oxymoron, sorry) near Boston University. Their idea encourages young people to pick up the phone and have a spontaneous conversation with an older individual at a senior center in Reno, Nevada. Although they aim to connect Gen Zers with Baby Boomers, anyone can pick up the phone and initiate a conversation. Those two generations are grappling with high percentages of loneliness. What a clever and interesting social experiment. I'd love to pick up a phone and chat with a Baby Boomer I don't know.

If you'd rather watch a video about this experiment (running this month), you can click here. I hope this experiment reaps outstanding results. As I mentioned in last month's mid-month mention, on addiction, connection is vitally important!

2026 Baby Bucket List - February Progress

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

I enjoy setting and assessing goals, even when a lack of progress brings discouragement. My husband and I don't have a great track record when it comes to commemorating monumental moments in our marriage (that's a mouthful). For our 25th anniversary, I simply posted our surprise at reaching it and our commitment to fighting for the marriage. I bemoaned our Covid-foiled 30th anniversary celebrations, settling for a list of 30 small things we could do to celebrate. It was, indeed, discouraging that we only completed a handful from the list. While I would have loved to travel to Barcelona, to view the La Sagrada Familia, our 35th wedding anniversary passed unnoticed, as well.

Thus, I don't hold out a lot of hope for this new endeavor, but I'm documenting it (to spur us on to some sort of completion maybe) and tracking our progress, or lack thereof. This year, I made an EASY list. Tempted by advertisements for deals on my Facebook feed, I wrote down ones I'd like to try. These are not typical bucket list locations. Indeed, you won't find any five-star restaurants or places that come to $30-50 per meal. Most of the appeal for me is in the savings angle. Of course, my husband is not a savings nut, so he often negates my savings by selecting whatever strikes his fancy.

For this 2026 Baby Bucket List, I ticked off 23 restaurants, 3 festivals, 4 places, and 7 movies. The restaurants began with a list of specials I had noticed, things like the Beef-a-Roo $5.55 meal, the Red Robin $9.99 Big Yumm Burger deal, the Logan's Roadhouse $11.99 Real Deal meal, and the BJ's Brewhouse $13 Pizookie deal. 

(image from Beef-a-Roo website)

(image from Logan's Roadhouse website)

I also added locations I'd like to try or introduce to my husband, like Ms B's Teas, Brie & Bartlett, and Jagger's. I tried to tally 26 restaurants (an every other week goal), but the last three ended up being events: Amo Fish Fry, Fair-on-the-Square, and the Quaker Days Festival.

For the first place, I selected a new-to-me bed-and-breakfast in Danville, Indiana, called The Marmalade Sky. Next, I'm hoping to book a get-away to the retreat center in Northern Indiana where I used to take November writing retreats, back when I was participating in National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). Third, I'd like to take the Rockin' Thunder river lunch excursion in Madison, Indiana. For the fourth place, I'm hoping we'll head toward Southern Indiana and visit French Lick, Jasper, or Loogootee.

I'm least hopeful for the movies. My husband is neither a traveler nor a movie-goer. He scorns most modern movies because they're full of filth and bad language. But, there are several I hope to see, some way or another. The first I wanted to see was H is for Hawk. We missed it, due to bad weather and dangerous roads. I'm glad I didn't drag him out to see Wuthering Heights, over Valentine's weekend, because I read the movie opens with an explicit execution scene. Why? Why must they trash the classics? I may get my youngest to go see Project Hail Mary with me in March, as he watched Andy Weir's other novel adaptation, The Martian. Then, I'd like to see A Great Awakening (April), and The Sheep Detectives (May). Finally, I hope to watch the adaptation of one of my 2024 favorite reads, Remarkably Bright Creatures, if Sean still has Netflix then (out 5/8/26 and starring Sally Field). Then, perhaps The Magician's Nephew, in November. Don't be surprised if 2026 flies and none of those movies met my eyes (unintentional rhyme).

So, here we are nearing the end of February. We have managed to check off three items. Our first attempted visit to Beef-a-Roo was dashed because some sort of maintenance issue closed the dining area (and I didn't relish eating a gooey Beef-n-Cheddar in the car). Thankfully, we tried again on another visit to our son, and this time the dining area was available. I purchased the $5.55 deal and my husband's meal was possibly 3 times that, ha!

For Valentine's weekend, we booked a room at Marmalade Sky. John has been having further sleep issues (this is becoming a constant and wearing problem), so we requested the Tabatha Room for its king bed. We had lunch at Danville's delightful Bread Basket restaurant and bakery. We've both been there before, but I love their BLTEA sandwich (which adds egg and avocado to the typical BLT). John took the opportunity to buy a small cherry pie and a loaf of honey oat bread. Check out all these bakery items. The food was fantastic!

I will try to re-cap again in May. Hopefully, we will have ticked off more items by then (when the weather is more conducive). I know completing all 37 items is impossible. Still, it's fun to set a goal. 

Have you ever written a one-year bucket list? Do you have a life-long bucket list? Are your items all big-ticket items (like some of the 250 ideas listed in this Cassie Scroggins blog post)? Have you read Brad Fischer's The Sand Bucket List?

Mid-month Mention: Poetry Pharmacy

I'm in LOVE 💖💖💖with this idea and blown away with how cool this is! All photos and information come from a Facebook post I happened upon. Every time I want to abandon ship from Facebook, something like this shows up on my feed. Oh, how I wish I lived in England and could visit this new shop.

A Poetry Pharmacy! What a fabulous idea! If only I could get my prodigal parenting book onto their shelves.

Here's the description from the Facebook post:

At a time when independent bookshops are often framed as vulnerable in the shadow of big chains, the Poetry Pharmacy is attempting to rewrite the script. Opening directly opposite Waterstones on Coney Street in York is a bold move, a statement of confidence in being something entirely different. With its apothecary-style setting, prescriptions of poetry, pill bottles and cabinets of verse, we offer a sense of theatre and ritual that transforms browsing into an experience. Its clear specialism in poetry, words and wellbeing invites readers to engage emotionally as well as intellectually. We hope that, when rooted in care, craft and imagination, this experiment is not a risk but a compelling alternative. We hope you think so too!

Opens March 6th

Here are their accompanying photos:

If you live in England, please visit one of these (the above one is opening in York, but the website indicates there are also shops on Oxford Street in London and in Bishops Castle) and do tell me how wonderful it is. I'd love to hear from someone who experiences this unique shop! Gosh, I'd love to work there... one can dream!

Mid-month Mention #2: Christian Fiction Reading Challenge

I have never read a book by Robin Lee Hatcher, yet I love receiving her newsletters. One of these days (perhaps with this challenge), I will remedy that. Robin is the author of over 45 contemporary and historical novels. Her newsletters always share opportunities to explore other writers beyond her own works. She alerted me to a wonderful opportunity: a 2026 Christian Fiction Reading Challenge.

What great fun! A virtual book club with author visits! Who wouldn't want to read books, discuss with others, and interact with the authors? I'm not a big fan of Zoom, but I'd participate if it had something to do with books and authors. The Zoom calls are on the last Tuesday of each month and will be recorded, so you can watch later if you have to miss. I have signed up for this reading challenge. You only need to give an email address. This is free! Who can beat it? Won't you join me?

Mid-month Mention #2: Bookish Things

I've been enjoying some great interaction with authors recently. I entered a book giveaway through Michelle Griep's newsletter and won a free autographed book, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane. She also sent a small sticker and four bookmarks. I thoroughly enjoyed her Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series (the first three books highlighted in my compilation post of books about Victorian London).

When I learned, in Becca Kinzer's newsletter, that she was Indy bound, I wanted to connect and get an author signature on my copy of her outstanding debut book, Dear Henry, Love Edith. However, the fee for attendance at the Indy bookseller's event was $200. I sent her a quick email and she happily agreed to meet at a Barnes and Noble. Sadly, I forgot to snag a photo together. All the more reason to meet her again at some point, perhaps after her next book, Not What We Pictured. You can pre-order it prior to its April 2026 release.

Also, I wanted to remind people of a book scavenger hunt I only learned of this year (it made my April Mid-month Mention post). The Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt is coming again from October 23rd to 26th. Here's the blurb that provided a heads-up in Robin Lee Hatcher's newsletter:

"If you’ve never participated in one of the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunts, you are in for a treat. If you have participated, then you’ll be eager to join in again. The hunt runs October 23 - 26, from Noon (MDT) on Thursday until Sunday night at 11:59 pm (MDT). Follow the hunt, collect the clues, and enter to win books and prizes from 22 participating authors! "

You enter the hunt by visiting author websites. You can find more information on Robin Lee Hatcher's website. I highly recommend signing up for author newsletters (I never send any out, but I should remedy that - even though my newsletter subscriber list is very small). Opportunities abound. Plus, it is always interesting to learn more about the authors who write the books you love.

Added 10/24:

May 2025 Purging Stasis

My grand hopes for spending a year in devoted activity of purging derailed. March hours declined. April hours diminished. May hours tanked entirely. I may never get the purging mojo back.

In March, I purged 12 out of the 31 days (40%) for a total of 10 hours (average of 1/3 hour a day). I worked through more saved correspondence, this time from a missionary couple whose work we followed for years, from old friends, and from my sister. I unearthed a shell-covered trinket jar, a gift from a friend during my missionary stint in the Philippines:

When I sent this photo to Leah, she was overcome that I still had the gift in my possession. I know it is one of the few I kept. I ended up getting rid, years ago, of a wicker purse, a coin purse, and a handmade plaque made out small matchstick-style wood.

I also stumbled upon Bryce's baby book (probably unopened since he was a toddler). Then, I found these two I had for Trevor and Sean... absolutely empty, apart from the wrist bracelet from my youngest son's birth.

What a treasure trove I found in a huge pile of letters from my friends in England, the Mitchells! I took photos and sent a few to Sarah Mitchell, who was equally thrilled. We reflected together on some of the details mentioned and relished the joy our sustained friendship brings.

In April, I purged 10 out of the 30 days (33%) for a total of 8.5 hours (averaging not quite 20 minutes a day). I tackled the drawers of my downstairs desk. Then, for variety, I began purging clothes from my closet. I got rid of half my jeans. 

I purged items from my bedside table and moved on to old GED teaching files. Although I purged 24 games and puzzles, I still have not decided whether I will offer them to the local elementary school or try to get a small bit of money by taking them to Half Price Books.

In working on the puppets box, I found I could not let go of the beloved puppets John used to animate for Bryce when he was little. So, I kept Ronald and Dopey, Elmo and Piglet, a hamster and an iguana. I will offer the rest (14  characters and animals) to the schools or, perhaps, a church.

On the first day of May, our lives upended in a drastic way and I have not been able to bring myself to work on purging. I spend much time in prayer, much time disassociating, much time worrying, and not enough time doing the things I really should. Hopefully, I will not get to the end of this purging year and find this graphic to be true:

At least I can say that during the past few months, I have cut down on spending for things. I'm trying to only purchase necessities. In light of that, I must coupon-flex, in conclusion. I had a birthday coupon and several others to apply to this $10.49 shampoo at CVS, which brought the price down to a little over a buck. Can you see my fist pump?

Mid-month Mention: Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt

I went back and forth on whether to post this. Only my regular blog visitors will read in time to join in the fun. Yesterday, I learned of a scavenger hunt put together by Christian fiction writers. Their goal is to expose the reader to more Christian authors and expand newsletter participation. I am all for this! What a thrill to discover more authors writing wholesome books. I spent a good chunk of time yesterday morning pursuing a third of the scavenger hunt websites and clues. Now, I've signed on for a handful of author newsletters. I'm eager to explore more today, but the deadline for completing the scavenger hunt is very near. Complete the hunt by tomorrow (4/13/25) at midnight (Mountain time) in order to be entered for a chance at five top grand prizes.

Lisa Tawn Bergren, an author I had never heard of, is the first stop on the scavenger hunt. Once you visit this page on her website, you will find the instructions for participation and the first clue for the scavenger hunt. Making note of it, you follow the link to the second author on the scavenger hunt, Gabrielle Meyer, another new-to-me author. Of the first third of author participants, I had read 3 authors before. What a wonderful idea! You have chances to win prizes. If you sign up for newsletters, you even receive some free reading materials. This is a great introduction to authors (although, I fear I will sign on for too many newsletters and find my inbox inundated)! I had a wonderful time reading each entry (many full of tid-bits of historical details I'd never encountered).

If you participate in the scavenger hunt and find new authors to explore, let me know. I'd love to hear what authors you found enticing in this array of Christian writers. If you miss out on this current opportunity, don't worry. It appears the scavenger hunt is available twice a year. I assume if you visit Lisa Tawn Bergren's website and search for "scavenger hunt" you may be able to figure out approximately when the fall hunt is slated. I intend to keep my eye out anyway.

December 2024 This and That

Somehow I didn't finish a re-cap of events in December in time to post at the end of the year, so bear with me as I look back now.

POEM:

Early in December, my sister (who is an officer in The Salvation Army) requested I write up a poem for her to use for her 3rd Sunday in Advent when she would preach on the wise men and the shepherds seeking. Initially, it was merely a poem. But just before I sent it to her, my devotional mentioned the song, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing." What good fortune! It fit the meter and rhythm perfectly. So, they sang my poem, "Longing for Christmas," to that tune on the 3rd Advent Sunday.

I posted the lyrics on Facebook. A friend who lives in another country took me to task, saying I only shared part of the story. This person argued the emphasis should not be on the birth, but always upon the death of Christ, because that provides atonement. They said the Bible doesn't emphasize Christ's birth or provide a date. While I agree that atonement only was possible because our Savior died on the cross, I celebrate His birth, because without it, we would still be in darkness (and indeed, it often feels as if we are still in darkness in the current state of this world). I will give this more thought (couldn't during preparations for Bryce and Elizabeth's Christmas visit). Perhaps I will add a fifth verse to emphasize the Light willingly entered darkness and separation from the Father on our behalf to reconcile us to God when we trust Him and accept His gift of salvation from sin (as purchased through His death on the cross).

PURCHASES

Our old navy couch set was becoming unbearable because the pressure of reclining had caused the foundation to sag. In 2023, a friend and her chiropractor husband visited. He couldn't even bear to sit in our loveseat. He jumped up and made an excuse to stand during the visit. Thus, on Black Friday, we snagged a holiday deal. I'm thinking now, the pressure for a snap decision, within the sale window, was detrimental. 

I went in with two options in mind, but neither were available to sit in and try out (no floor models for those less expensive sets, of course). The sales clerk led us to the pricier models and encouraged us to buy a set with power reclining (our previous was a manual recliner). When I sat on the loveseat of the one we settled on, I could not believe the softness of the fabric. It was a lighter color than I'd wanted and more expensive than I wanted. Still, the window was closing, and we needed to decide. Because of the extra expense, my husband vetoed the protection plan. I'm a catastrophizer. The whole drive home, I had images of the dog vomiting on the couch or someone spilling a drink on the loveseat. But what's done is done.

The set was due for delivery on Friday the 13th. Hmm. What a fright we received when only the couch arrived. I again jumped to worry, envisioning our holiday visit with only seating availability for 3 people. Thankfully, my husband called and arranged the loveseat delivery on the Thursday prior to Bryce and Elizabeth's arrival. Once both pieces were in place, we realized the set didn't blend well with our carpet. We ordered an area rug, but it did not arrive until after Bryce and Elizabeth returned to Dallas. I'd love to say I feel no regrets, but I'm not sold on this new arrangement. Since the couch is so tall, my feet cannot touch the ground when I sit on it. The power reclining requires longer to right itself than when you just pull a lever. The color is not what I had hoped for. Again, what's done is done, sadly.

PUZZLES

In December, with extra time out of school, Sean and Claire and I worked on two puzzles. The first was a 1000-piece one with cereal boxes. Claire has wicked puzzling skills! If I couldn't figure out where a piece belonged, I'd hand it to her and within seconds she'd be popping it into place.

Our second puzzle was 3-dimensional and more difficult (I hardly helped at all). Here's the box and the final product of the Harry Potter Knight Bus:

PRESENTS

I received some fun presents this year. My husband gave me 2 purple t-shirts with phrases about reading, a book about C.S. Lewis's brother Warnie, and gift cards to my favorite fast-food restaurants. Bryce and Elizabeth gave me a wedding memento mouse pad, and a beautiful framed family photo (plus some chocolate - yum). Sean gave me a Harry Potter puzzle, so I see more puzzling on the horizon, but maybe not until spring break. Claire gave me a Harry Potter Monopoly game, which we played one day during the break (Sean won, but we all had fun, I think).

PARTIES

After Christmas, I went to a birthday party at a tea shop about a half hour away. They offer a British high tea and other such options. How thrilling to get a scone with clotted cream. We all wore tiaras, which was fun!

PROJECTS

I have gone back and forth about a project for the year. It feels empty, not picking up the prayer project I tackled two years in a row. I decided against printing out the whole Bible. My wrists can barely manage my morning pages (daily free association writing/journaling I do after my devotions each morning). Perhaps I could type a Psalm a day. That idea falls flat for me, too. 

Another goal is to spend time in fasting and prayer for my sons. I am starting slow, with liquid fasting (allowing only liquids). Then, I plan to build into more complete food fasting, until I'm fasting one day a week for the whole day. Again, I'm not sure I have the discipline and fortitude to see it through, but I hold the goal, nonetheless. Nothing is more important than lifting my children to the Lord.

I guess my primary goal is to purge excess junk throughout the year. I started off the first 3 days well and then fell off the wagon, forgetting to find 10 to 20 items to purge. On day 6, I managed my goal, only because I purged items as I put away the Christmas decorations. This is why a plan with structure is so important. I am trying to note how many items each day, so perhaps that will help me maintain the momentum.

How about you? Favorite presents? Puzzle exploits? Writing accomplishments? Goals or projects for 2025? I'd love to hear them. It might jumpstart my discipline and commitment.

Mid-month Mention: A Passel of Poetry Posts

During National Poetry Month, I wanted to focus on a few former posts on various poets. I would be remiss to neglect mentioning my own poetry out the gate. Travelling all the way back to 2009, I shared a poem I had written for an exercise on another poet's site. It is called "At the Corner of Now and Then," and provides images of the merging of lives when we moved into my husband's grandmother's house (in 2006). The poet who inspired that experiment was L. L. Barkat, author of Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places (reviewed here). I loved finding the old post reviewing her book because it contained a little illustration I had forgotten about. The illustration reminds me to tend the talents I've been given.

In 2022, I tended those talents and self-published a book of poems for parents of prodigals. Titled Watching the Wayward, it puts expression to the many emotions experienced when you discover your teen/adult child has departed from your desired path for them. You can find links in the sidebar or on my author website. If you love podcasts, check out this podcast interview for my testimony and the story behind my book.

Here are 3 books that have inspired my creative life: 

1. Andrew Peterson's Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making, 
2. Annie Dillard's The Writing Life,  
3. Nicole Gulotta's Wild Words: Rituals, Routines, and Rhythms for Braving the Writer's Path (I think I'm in the "liminal" space right now).

In preparation for working on my poetry, I consumed several books by (or about) favorite poets. Here are a few of those: 

• Emily Dickinson's biography, These Fevered Days
• Ruth Bell Graham's Footprints of a Pilgrim and Prodigals and Those Who Love Them
• Beth Moore's Things Pondered and Further Still

And, I wanted to mention my favorite personally known poet:

• Kyle L. White - especially his book Freezing and Thawing: New and Revised Stories from the Midwest - Kyle is also an illustrator and creates prints available on his prints website. Right now he's promoting a set of 6 prints based on the rhythm of the church calendar. Here's the blurb in his advertisement: "Bring a peaceful rhythm to your household's year with this unique series of reflective art prints. The six artworks come with an easel, a background story, and an explanation for each season of the liturgical calendar. All illustrations will be hand printed on the vintage presses of Mordecai book building in Middleton, Wisconsin. And when you preorder the bundle by May 15th, you'll receive a 7th art print. It makes for a good reflective gift for people all around you too."

I recently saw a post on FB about an influential high school teacher who listened to a girl spill her problems and at the end of the year left an inspiring phrase in her yearbook. The post was written by Elaine Jarvis. Her daughter made a bookmark with the teacher's oft-remembered phrase (teacher: Everett Thomas):

(photo credit: Elaine Jarvis)

Mid-month Mention: Spring Author Talks and Upcoming Movies

AUTHOR TALKS:

Shortly after finishing Susan Meissner's Only the Beautiful, I discovered an author talk available with the writer in February (I mentioned it in my book review post).

Laura Beth Vietor (The Lover of Books) is also offering an author talk on May 6th at 8 p.m. with William Kent Kreuger, discussing The River We Remember. I have read and reviewed his books Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land. I have not yet read The River We Remember, so I'm not sure I'll attend this author talk, but he is certainly an author to watch. Again, if interested in participating search up The LBs (Lover of Books) page on Facebook, or her YouTube channel (for repostings - I noticed an author talk with Patti Callahan Henry for Once Upon a Wardrobe, a book I'm reading now, and one with Laura Spence-Ash, for her delightful Beyond That, The Sea).

Or you can participate in upcoming author talks with Jane Healey for her Historical Happy Hour: 

2/22/24 - Kristin Hannah, discussing The Women

3/5/24 - Allison Pataki, discussing Finding Margaret Fuller

3/28 - Kate Quinn and Janie Chang, discussing The Phoenix Crown

You can register to attend any of these live interviews at janehealey.com

I also stumbled upon an author talk for writers who wish to explore the therapeutic benefits of journaling. Though the free talk on February 7th has already passed, you may wish to join Dr. Hilton Koppe, author of One Curious Doctor, for his 2-part talk on Tending Heart: Reflective Writing for Well-being:

SPRING MOVIES:

ONE LIFE

A Bleecker Street post on Facebook has me excited about a movie coming in March:

"Embark on a journey of courage and compassion with Sir Anthony Hopkins in ONE LIFE. Based on the incredible true story of Nicholas Winton, a man who risked everything to rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from Nazi Germany on the eve of WWII. Also starring Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Flynn, and Jonathan Pryce, coming only to theaters March 15."

You can view the trailer here.

I'm not a big movie-goer, but I would love to see this one in the theater. Indeed, I was so intrigued, I watched a 60 Minutes news story about Nicholas Winton and then an older documentary, called Nicky's Family, available from my library on Kanopy.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

I'm also interested in another movie due out on April 2nd, Someone Like You. Based on a Karen Kingsbury novel (brief review here) and produced by Karen Kingsbury Productions, the movie looks sweet and emotionally stirring.

You can view the trailer here.

UNSUNG HERO

The final movie I want to mention is one I will probably forego seeing in theaters and hope the library secures a copy at a later date. It is the story of the Christian musical group For King and Country. I had the rare opportunity to see them in concert at our 2015 annual Bible camp, CBLI. It is called Unsung Hero and opens on April 26th.

You can view the trailer here.

Mid-month Mention #2: Lew Wallace Author Fair

If you live in the West Indianapolis area and love to give books as Christmas gifts, have I got a deal for you! This coming Saturday, you can attend the Lew Wallace Hoosier Author Fair in celebration of Crawfordsville's Small Business Saturday. Here's a brief introduction from the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum:

"When Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ was published in 1880, Indiana wasn't known for its literary culture. In the following forty years, however, Hoosier authors became popular. During this Golden Age of Indiana Literature, more best-selling books came from Indiana than from any other state except New York. Writers like Meredith Nicholson, James Whitcomb Riley, Lew and Susan Wallace, Maurice Thompson, and others put Indiana on the literary map. The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum is proud of that literary legacy Lew helped create. We host the Lew Wallace Hoosier Author Fair to honor that legacy."

This author fair takes place Saturday, November 25th, 2023, from 5-8 p.m., on the 3rd floor of the Fusion 54 Coworking Space (101 W. Main Street, Crawfordsville). It is free and open to the public. I attended for the first time last year, selling and signing my book, Watching the Wayward: Psalms for Parents of Prodigals. (Also available from Amazon) Two authors seated to my right, Josh Brewer and Tony Brewer, offered a fascinating, unique opportunity called Poetry on Demand. For a small fee, they composed a poem for you, on the spot. How cool is that! You'll find a variety of genres available from nearly twenty local Indiana authors. Since I'm still in the stages of getting word out about my book, I'll be raffling off a free copy that night.

While in Crawfordsville, why not visit a historic home decorated for a Victorian Christmas?

Maybe you're more into fashion. Attend the Lew Wallace Holiday Tea & Fashion Show:

This December 1st fundraiser event is hosted at the Elston Homestead at 400 East Pike Street, Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Enjoy any of these three opportunities to jump-start the holiday spirit! If you cannot attend any of these, I direct you to a video or two of the lights in London. It always boosts my holiday mood! I often hook my laptop up to fully immerse myself by watching on my television screen. Welcome to the holiday season!

Mid-Month Mention: Book Giveaways

 

What better way to celebrate National Book Month than to link to book giveaways?

Book Riot is offering a few giveaways I intend to enter. From an e-reader, to a Kindle Scribe, to gift cards for booksellers, to a box of banged up books, they have so many to choose from in October.

I almost hate to mention this next book giveaway because I want to win for myself (wink, wink) and every extra entry lessens my chances - Ha! I discovered a website called Deeper Christian. I hope to explore it more intensely at a later date, but for now, I've entered his monthly book giveaway because October's prize is a copy of P.T. Forsythe's The Soul of Prayer (a book mentioned in several of the prayer books I have read this year). I know I'm close to wrapping up my 2023 Facebook Prayer Project, but still think it would make a beneficial read.

And in the spirit of October, I thought I'd mention an author page that runs an annual Halloween story contest. Susanna Leonard Hill (no relation) is a children's author running the 13th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest. Try your hand (pen) at it - the prizes include several different writing critiques and free books.

September 2023 This and That

Want a good chuckle? Stayed tuned to the end of this post for my "September Silly."

Sean loves football. Me, not so much. Ever since Trevor's leg injury at the outset of his 8th grade season, my heart shudders with fear for safety in this violent sport. Still, it is fun to watch them win! Here are photos of Sean (#55) exuberantly rejoicing in touchdowns by his team:

Protecting the quarterback and ball from the opponent:

They were thrilled to win against long-time rival, Danville, the first shut-out (21-0) against this team in twenty years. Here they are with the coveted winning helmet trophy:

Sean is to the left of the bear (hard to make out his 55).

Here's a better shot of the twenty-year rivalry helmet trophy:

And a shot of Sean with some football buddies:

As more and more people move onto property near us, our once isolated and private area is changed. We've lived here, on my husband's family land, for 17 years. For the first whole decade, I hated living here. In the past, I've considered myself a city girl. I loved walking the streets of Chicago, popping into all the antiquarian bookshops. I loved having access to culture, variety, and people. This rural town did not welcome or embrace me. I was stuck at home with two infants and no connections to support or assist.

Indeed, I ached to move back to Illinois, where I was fully plugged in, had an identity tied to education, and access to the city of Chicago without being right in the city. Yet, in the past 17 years, I've morphed into a different person. I would no longer consider myself a city girl. If and when we move from this location (possible as soon as our youngest graduates from high school), I'm more likely to desire another isolated location. The pandemic didn't help things. Moreover, the future looks threatening.

Of course, Facebook is onto my idle dreams of new housing. My feed is flooded with videos of tiny homes (while I fantasize about living tiny, I'm all too aware that my hoarding tendencies make such dreams futile). I also receive alerts about adorable, old houses. Now that we've faced multiple problems in this old house (air-conditioning/heating system had to be completely replaced in June at great personal cost and well pump replaced in mid-September), I'm trying to swipe past those old house advertisement.

This one, however, caught my eye and I'm smitten. It says it has been well-maintained. The external and internal photos are appealing. But, the real draw? This house is only an hour and a half away from my favorite cousin, Karin. I'm pretty sure my husband won't go for it. It is in Pennsylvania and he has his heart set on moving to an isolated, artsy community in Southern Indiana. But, I can dream, can't I?

I love this little alcove area between the garage and house. Can't you just imagine hours of outdoor reading?

I love this roomy kitchen. Even the wood paneling on the wall appeals to me, although with the flooring seems a bit too busy.

Some setbacks to this idea: 1) We don't have that kind of money at this point. 2) We are not in the market yet. 3) Talk about isolated - this is like our current rural town on steroids - not even a Walmart nearby - wow! 4) WINTER - snow, ugh! 5) SUMMER - Did it really say window a/c? Okay, dream bubble effectively burst! Sorry, Karin.

If I could sell 5 million copies of my book (HA), we could move into this over-the-top house in nearby Carmel, Indiana:

The twenty-some photos at that link are awe-inspiring, but no, no, no - the Meadowview estate is not my dream house! Future grandkids might love the indoor wooden slide, the elaborate movie theater room, the Titanic-esque staircase in the billiards room, and the inground pool. 

I would loathe the responsibility of decorating, outfitting, and especially CLEANING 14 bathrooms (yikes) and over 20 thousand square feet of house! Nice to visit; not so nice to maintain.

Finally, I leave you with a hilarious story. John and I went out for lunch. Where he parked in the lot, we were surrounded by various work trucks. After exiting the restaurant, we approached our car. John noticed something odd dangling from below the car, near the back tire. We both squatted down to inspect this damage we had never noticed before on my car. Suddenly, the passenger window rolled down and the driver in the front seat looked at us dubiously. Doh! It wasn't our car! Our black car was parked just beyond her black car (almost identical, but for the unrecognized damage - ha!). Thankfully, she was good-natured about it. I couldn't stop laughing about it for the rest of the day. When I texted my friend, Beth, about it, she said, "Double win! A good hearted laugh and the good news that the repair belongs to someone else. 😂" She also sent this hilarious gif that captured my response:

Kitty Forman Debra Jo Rupp GIFfrom Kitty Forman GIFs