Five on Friday - June 2, 2023

Happy first weekend of June!  Is anyone else super excited to be entering summer?  There's just something about the longer days and sunshine that lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my face.  Let's see if any of my five things today put a smile on your face ~

1.  National Doughnut Day

Today is National Doughnut Day!  Celebrate by swinging by Krispy Kreme for their buy one dozen, get a second dozen for only $2 deal.  That should make your office buddies happy.  Or kick off the weekend by sharing with your neighbors.  Or eat them all yourself and go into a sugar coma.  Whatever you do, today's the perfect day to enjoy a doughnut!

2.  The Paris Daughter

I'm not going to lie, any book with the word Paris in the title immediately has my attention.  Kristin Harmel's new book titled The Paris Daughter is coming out on Tuesday and I'm so excited to read it!  Now I just need to book a beach trip to read it!  Well, I'll probably be reading it from my house, but it seems like it would be a great beach read.  Here's the summary ~

Paris, 1939: Young mothers Elise and Juliette become fast friends the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. Though there is a shadow of war creeping across Europe, neither woman suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change.

When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life—her young daughter, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl. But nowhere is safe in war, not even a quiet little bookshop like Juliette’s Librairie des Rêves, and, when a bomb falls on their neighborhood, Juliette’s world is destroyed along with it.

More than a year later, with the war finally ending, Elise returns to reunite with her daughter, only to find her friend’s bookstore reduced to rubble—and Juliette nowhere to be found. What happened to her daughter in those last, terrible moments? Juliette has seemingly vanished without a trace, taking all the answers with her. Elise’s desperate search leads her to New York—and to Juliette—one final, fateful time.

An “exquisite and gut-wrenching novel” (Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author) you won’t soon forget, The Paris Daughter is also a sweeping celebration of resilience, motherhood, and love.

3.  A Beautiful Live Movie

I saw a preview for a movie on Netflix that got my attention - A Beautiful Life.  It dropped yesterday and I'm hoping we can sit down sometime soon to watch it. Here's the summary ~

Elliott, a young fisherman with an extraordinary voice, gets the chance of a lifetime when he is discovered by the successful high-profile music manager, Suzanne. Suzanne soon pairs Elliott with her estranged daughter and music producer, Lily. On his way to becoming a star, struggles from the past threaten not only his big breakthrough, but also the budding love with Lily. 

4.  Jack Johnson In Between Dub

If you drop by our house, there's a good chance you'll hear Jack Johnson songs coming through our Echos.  Today Jack is dropping a new CD - In Between Dub.  This CD features a remix collection of some of his most loved recordings but with a dub twist.  Discover Music says, "In Between Dub, a three-year creation, began after Jack reached out to famed reggae pioneer Lee “Scratch” Perry in early 2020 to produce a dub remix album. After a year-long pandemic pause, Lee “Scratch” Perry began working on several tracks, crafting original music and mixes from his studio in Jamaica. Lee “Scratch” Perry sent the sketches over to Jack in Hawaii and together they connected to collaborate on a direction."  I'm sure it will be playing on repeat all weekend over here!

5.  Thought for today...

Have a terrific weekend!  Eric and I will be selling Thelma's ice cream sandwiches all weekend long at the Webster Groves (Missouri) Art Fair.  Looking forward to having a good time!  See you next week.

What I Read in May 2023

Hey there!  Thanks for popping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday today.  It's the first Thursday of the month and that means I share the books I read the previous month.  Then I'll give you a chance to link up and tell us what you're thinking about today.

Our library book club book for the month was I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.  This tale invoked so many emotions in me.  I haven't read much of Maya Angelou's work and found this book to be wonderful.  It also sparked a good conversation at the book club.  Here's the summary from Amazon ~

Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.

I spent way too long reading The Clover Girls.  It was free on Kindle Unlimited and someone, somewhere, said this was a good book.  For me, it was just a strong okay.  My expectation was high and I kept thinking it was going to get better, but in the 392 pages, it was just stayed okay.  Here's the summary ~

Elizabeth, Veronica, Rachel and Emily met at Camp Birchwood as girls in 1985, where over four summers they were the Clover Girls—inseparable for those magical few weeks of freedom—until the last summer that pulled them apart. Now approaching middle age, the women are facing challenges they never imagined as teens, struggles with their marriages, their children, their careers, and wondering who it is they see when they look in the mirror.

Then Liz, V and Rachel each receive a letter from Emily with devastating news. She implores the girls who were once her best friends to reunite at Camp Birchwood one last time, to spend a week together revisiting the dreams they’d put aside and repair the relationships they’d allowed to sour. But the women are not the same idealistic, confident girls who once ruled Camp Birchwood, and perhaps some friendships aren’t meant to last forever…

I listened to Go as a River by Shelley Read and absolutely loved it!  It reminded me a lot of Where the Crawdads Sing.  It was a lovely story and I was sad when it ended.  Not because the ending was sad, but because the book was over.  I hope they make this one into a movie.  Here's the summary ~

Seventeen-year-old Victoria Nash runs the household on her family’s peach farm in the small ranch town of Iola, Colorado―the sole surviving female in a family of troubled men. Wilson Moon is a young drifter with a mysterious past, displaced from his tribal land and determined to live as he chooses.

Victoria encounters Wil by chance on a street corner, a meeting that profoundly alters both of their young lives, unknowingly igniting as much passion as danger. When tragedy strikes, Victoria leaves the only life she has ever known. She flees into the surrounding mountains where she struggles to survive in the wilderness with no clear notion of what her future will bring. As the seasons change, she also charts the changes in herself, finding in the beautiful but harsh landscape the meaning and strength to move forward and rebuild all that she has lost, even as the Gunnison River threatens to submerge her homeland―its ranches, farms, and the beloved peach orchard that has been in her family for generations.

Inspired by true events surrounding the destruction of the town of Iola in the 1960s, Go as a River is a story of deeply held love in the face of hardship and loss, but also of finding courage, resilience, friendship, and, finally, home―where least expected. This stunning debut explores what it means to lead your life as if it were a river―gathering and flowing, finding a way forward even when a river is dammed.

My monthly reading was closed out with Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs.  I've read other books by Annie and loved them all.  I had high expectations for this one and it certainly didn't let me down.  Annie F. Downs has a way of saying things that touch my heart.  Her words make me think about how I'm living my life.  Her words are good for my soul!  Highly recommend getting this book and letting it touch your soul too.

“I want you to take every step of your life with excitement for where you are headed. And I want you to feel beautiful and confident as you do.” But how? When the enemy whispers lies that you are not smart enough, pretty enough, or rich enough? Or you are too dumb, too loud, too quiet, too thin, too fat, too much or not enough? What if you don’t have what it takes to be who you really want to be? In Looking for Lovely, Annie F. Downs shares personal stories, biblical truth, and examples of how others have courageously walked the path God paved for their lives by remembering all God had done, loving what was right in front of them, and seeing God in the everyday—whether that be nature, friends, or the face they see in the mirror. Intensely personal, yet incredibly powerful, Looking for Lovely will spark transformative conversations and life changing patterns. No matter who we are and what path God has us on, we all need to look for lovely, fight to finish, and find beautiful in our every day!

Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 31, 2023

 

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you are here.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature!

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

1. Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR | FB | IG | PINTEREST
4. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
5. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
6. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
7. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
8. Denise – THIS IS MYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

French Country Summer Bucket List

VERY POPULAR

Back Yard Potting Bench

Summer Apartment Living Area with Coastal Decor

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Refreshing Melon Ball Punch

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

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Five on Friday - May 26, 2023

Oh my goodness - Friday kind of snuck up on me this week!  But I'm so glad it's here and we have a three-day weekend ahead of us!  Let's get right to my five for today ~

1.  Memorial Day 

Monday is Memorial Day.  Many of us view the day as the beginning of summer, but the true meaning is a day set aside to remember and honor all the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  By remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in service to the nation, Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the gratitude we owe to those who have fought to protect it.

2.  About My Father

There are a couple popular movies coming out this weekend (Little Mermaid, You Hurt My Feelings), but the one I've got my eye on is About My Father.  I mean, can you ever go wrong seeing a movie with Robert De Niro?  We've seen the previews and they made me laugh out loud.  Here's the synopsis ~

The hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar winner, Robert De Niro, in the new comedy ABOUT MY FATHER. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family (Kim Cattrall, Anders Holm, Brett Dier, David Rasche). The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.

3.  Summer Drinks at Starbucks

Starbucks is always keeping us on our toes with their new drinks.  Just about the time I learn how to say my order, they add something to the menu and I have to start the memorization all over again!  On the menu now for summer are the Chocolate Java Mint Frappuccino and the White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew.  I really wished they offered little samples of their new drinks so you could see if you liked them before you had to make the investment of a purchase.  Do either of these sound good to you?

4.  Identity

Add another book to your summer reading list.  Nora Roberts' new terrifying thriller came out on Tuesday.  Here's the summary from Amazon ~

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan's job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party―attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who'd been chatting her up at the bar―her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. "Luke" is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn't his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan's nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother's home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn't flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn't forgotten the one who got away.

5.  In honor of summer...

Have a great weekend!  We're headed to Kansas City for the annual washer's tournament with friends.  It's always a great time and a wonderful way to kick off the summer season.  Be safe and I'll see you back here next week!

In case you missed it this week ~

Weekending - May 19,  2023

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Summer is Coming

Summer is Coming!

Summer is coming and coming fast!  Today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday I'm sharing a few items that could make your summer even better.

Mosquito Patches

I am hearing wonderful things about these mosquito patches and I'm giving them a try this year!  The spray is just too icky and I don't like using it.  Then, because I don't use it, I get covered in mosquito bites.  The patches would be great to use on the kids too.  Just stick a patch on their clothes and you're set.  No more trying to make the kiddos stand still while you spray them down.  

Mini Hand Held Air Conditioner

We have had a couple of these hand-held air conditioners for years and we love them!  You can wet the sponge inside and the air that blows out is nice and cool.  I use these a lot at the summer weddings I help with.  Keeping the bride cool for pictures when it's a million degrees outside is not easy.  I've been known for holding this fan up her skirt to help with the heat.  They also are miracle items to have while watching those little league baseball games in the heat of the day.  

Marshmallow Sticks

S'more season is upon us!  Are you ready with the marshmallow sticks?  This pack of 5 is color coded to help cut down the arguing over who's stick it is.  Also, they are 32" long so you'll be able to roast your treat while standing a safe distance from the fire.  These would also make a great hostess gift when you're going to those cookouts at your friends house.

Hammock with Space Saving Stand

What screams summer more than relaxing in a hammock!  This would also be a fabulous Father's Day gift.  And right now it's on sale at Amazon for 50% off.  Not sure how long that deal is going to be around, so get it while you can.

Outdoor Freestyle Portable Rocking Chair

Some of our friends have these portable rocking chairs and every time we are with them, I'm always waiting for them to get up so I can have a turn in their chairs.  They come with a cup holder and a mesh back.  If you've ever had to sit in a bag chair without a mesh back, you know how hot they are!  You can relax in style when you tote this bad boy to the kiddos sporting events or your neighbor's back yard party.

                                                                BBQ Grill Accessories

Make grilling a lot easier with some new tools.  These come in a nifty case and also have an apron so you'll look like a true pro.  The 21-piece set is made of high-quality stainless steel for years of use.

Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 24, 2023

 

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more. A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature!

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

1. Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
3. Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR | FB | IG | PINTEREST
4. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
5. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
6. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
7. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
8. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

Take a Trip to the Mermaid’s Chandelier Upscale Resale and Consignment Shop

VERY POPULAR

Summer Front Door Basket

Weekend DIY Projects for the Porch

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Weekending - May 19, 2023

We had a great weekend celebrating our niece's graduation from high school!  Here's the rewind ~

One of my new job's many benefits is passing a Trader Joe's on my way to and from work.  So Friday on my way home, I popped in to grab a couple boxes of the Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Snack Crackers I mentioned in my Five on Friday post.  They are as good as the description sounds!  We were driving to Memphis when I got home and they made great travel snacks.

We loaded the car and headed south to Memphis Friday evening.  On the way, we stopped in Perryville for dinner at a diner called Mary Jane Burgers and Brew.  It was a few miles off the highway, but so worth it!  Stopping for something different than fast food got us out of the car and broke the trip up a bit.  

Eric and I both got burgers and loved them!  This might become a regular stop when we're on our way to visit Eric's sister in Memphis.

Saturday we slept in a bit then got ready to celebrate our niece on her high school graduation.  We are so proud of her accomplishments and look forward to see what amazing things she accomplishes at college.

The day was spent enjoying family and catching up.  They catered Interstate BBQ and it was SOOO good!  

We had our Roll for It game with us and busted it out in the afternoon.  Several players hadn't played it before, but caught on quickly.  If you're looking for a fun game, check this one out.  It's perfect to have in your suitcase when traveling.  

Sunday we drove home and got ready for the week ahead.  Can you believe next weekend is Memorial Day already!  Summer is coming fast friends!