Beauty in the Ordinary
Ordinary Moments Bring Joy
Thoughts from my reading corner:
Last night, while my husband and I did some yard work, my kids dug holes in the empty lot across the street from our house. With their little shovels and borrowed buckets, the world became an archeological haven. They found triangle-shaped rocks that they were convinced were the nose fossil of a Triceratops. Their imaginations ran wild as ladybugs landed on their fingers and dandelions became wildflowers yet to be discovered. With each new hole came new stories. I enjoyed watching them create and get lost in their adventure. The creativity only increased when they met a couple of neighbors who put on their rainboots and got to work, adding another dump truck and an excavator to the mix.
That’s the magic of childhood, isn’t it? The awe that comes with exciting new games, new friends, and new adventures. The endless opportunities the summer could have in store. The promise of a budding new friendship. If only it could be that simple as an adult…or could it be? That saying hi and telling someone new your name could lead to a “did we just become best friends?” moment. Maybe I’m feeling nostalgic because I’m still best friends with my neighbors from growing up, and the innocence of an across-the-street playdate reminded me of those glorious days. Or, perhaps sentimental because the weather has given glimpses of what our summer months could look like. No matter what you have planned or what the weather might have in store, I hope you allow yourself to enjoy the glimmers of beauty and joy all around us…whether it’s in an empty lot with a shovel and a dump truck, with the tulips in your garden, or possibly reading a book on your front porch. We all have so much to be grateful for, and it is important that we all take little moments here and there to recognize it.
Share joy, spread kindness, and as always, happy reading.
-Katie Marie
THE KIDS’ CORNER |
What We Are Reading
Tuck’s Bookshelf: Stink by Megan McDonald (the author of Judy Moody, “Stink” is her brother). We finished the third book and have just started reading Kwame’s Magic Quest by Bernard Mensah.
Ella Bella’s Bookshelf: She has been extremely excited about coloring lately, so she too has been listening to Tucker’s book picks.
My Bookshelf: A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult. I haven’t had a whole lot of extra personal reading time lately, but I recently watched a clip of Jodi Picoult discussing her books and how she is one of the most-banned authors in the U.S. I was shocked to learn that My Sister's Keeper, one of my favorite books by Jodi Picoult, is one of the most-banned books in the U.S. I read this in high school and it’s one of those books that just sticks with you forever. I’m curious if you have any favorite books from growing up that are also on banned lists?
Tip: Continue reading aloud to your kiddos even as they get older.
THE CRAFT CORNER |
Painting
My mother-in-law gifted me a paint-by-number craft. I had never done one of these, but it has been a fun activity change-up. The other day, Ella painted a craft kit she received for her birthday, and I joined her with my paint-by-number canvas, and it was so much fun. I think it’s good for our kids to see us participate in activities like that sometimes.
Until next week.
