Intentional Mondays (On A Tuesday)

Quote: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ee cummings

As I'm raising older kids, I'm seeing this played out in front of my eyes. There are a lot of messages out there for young adults. Messages of what they should do and how to go about doing it. Confusing messages. It's hard to break out of the status quo-- it takes courage. I want to raise kids with no regrets-- kids who grow up to become who they really are, not who someone else (even me-- gulp!) tells them they are.

Write Every Day... I did it! Last week I wrote every single day. What a great feeling of accomplishment that is. I love watching the word count go up, up, up. I may not be writing a perfect book-- but I'm writing a book. And that feels like progress.

My One Word... I found this book as I was searching for a Bible study to do on my own. I'm thinking that it goes quite nicely with my one word for this year, AFFIRM. I'm planning to order it asap.

Listening To... My Pandora "Carolina Beach Music" channel

Sharing Stories... Finished The Winter People this week. Creeeeepppyyyy. Not my usual type of book, but it kept me turning the pages until the bitter, creepy (did I say creepy) end.

This month at She Reads we are featuring Sarah Addison Allen's Lost Lake, a sweet tale about a young widow seeking a fresh start in life-- and finding some surprises along the way. If you haven't checked it out, be sure to stop by She Reads to learn more about the book, and its author.

Randomness... Got to see the new Muppet movie this past weekend, and am taking my daughter to see Divergent tonight. Reviews forthcoming for both!

In The Kitchen... This looks like a quick, easy, and tasty meal. And I've got another recipe from Eat At Home on my "to make" list. I think it'll be a quick dessert to whip up this coming weekend.

Plans... Saving Mr Banks is out on video today. I hope to do a family movie night this weekend and watch it together. We missed it in the theater... and now I'm kind of glad. A low-key night at home with just us sounds like just the ticket.

Loveliness... My new book cover! (Below)

Photo of the week:



My new book! I've been waiting to be able to share this with you guys-- isn't it lovely?

 

The Bridge Tender

 

Emily must realize that her dreams didn't have to die with her first love.

 

When Emily Shaw, a young widow, learns that her late husband's last surprise for her involves returning to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, to realize an old dream of theirs, she reluctantly embarks on a summer of discovery in the midst of grief. There, in the oasis of the beach community, she meets a host of townspeople with their own broken dreams and unexpected situations. As the island citizens divide over the fate of a nostalgic bridge, Emily happens upon a man who just may be the one to restore her faith in dreams, hope, and possibly love.