Royal Reads 6.9.21--The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Last night, The Hunger Games Mockingjay 1 and 2 were on tv.  Brian and I stayed up too late watching the whole thing.  BTW--I cry EVERY time at the end when Buttercup appears and when Katniss talks to her baby and tells her she still has bad dreams.  Every.  Stinkin.  Time.

Needless to say, I love the Hunger Game series.  It's one of those that I like to read at least once a year and I can watch it over and over when it's on tv.

So, when I heard there was a prequel coming out, I could hardly contain my excitement.  I was also a bit fearful.  I mean, could it really be as good as the others?  Was I going to wish I had not read it? Would it be like those lame reunion tv shows that just don't connect with the original?

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins did not disappoint! The premise is that the 10th Hunger Games are about to begin (remember, Katniss fought in the 74th and 75th).  It follows the life of Corilolanus Snow as he becomes a mentor.  It addresses details from the future books and gives a solid history and foundation.  It also makes it clear that President Snow had more reasons to dislike Katniss than  the fact that she was a brave girl.  

There was a lot more depth in this book than I thought there would be.  There were times I even found myself rooting for Snow (GASP!) and would have to remind myself how evil he was toward Katniss.

After watching Mockingjay last night, I think I'm gonna have to go back and re-read Songbirds!  If you were a Hunger Games fan and understood how much more it was about than teenagers killing each other, you need to grab this book.  I don't usually buy fiction books--I check out the digital copies from the library or kindle unlimited, but this was one I was glad I bought.  

Let me know what you think if you read it!

Friday Faves...6.5.21 Saturday Edition

I was in a funk yesterday.  No real reason--the sun was out for the 2nd day in a row, Gran was in a decent mood, And I had a fun book I was finishing.  But I just couldn't motivate myself to sit down and write about my favorite things.  Does that ever happen to you?  You are in a "mood" and there is no easy explanation for it?  

Thankfully, I woke up early today in a better mood.  Maybe because I started out by getting up to go feed the chickens and let them out.  We slept with the windows open (shhh--don't tell Granny) and they were letting us know they were awake at 6:30.  Okay, it was really a little earlier, but my eyelids would not open for a few minutes.

Anyway, there were definitely some good things around the farm this week that I'd like to share with you.  Here are a few of my faves:

 

More Chickens

Give me ALL THE ANIMALS!!!!  A few weeks ago, I told Brian about a local facebook page where people basically did a swap meet a couple of times a month with animals like chickens and goats.  Well, unbeknownst to me, he has been on that page.  A lot.  

He made the announcement to me that he was going to look at some Easter Egger chickens, so OF COURSE, I had to go with him!  We drove a few miles to Chicken Heaven--there were SO MANY cute little chickens on the lady's property!!!!  We picked out 6 to take home with us--3 Easter Eggers, 2 Americaunas, and 1 Astralorp.  I am in love with them!  Caroline got mad because I named 5 of the 6 while she was at work, but I just couldn't help myself.  

If all goes well, 5 of them will lay blue and green eggs this fall!  Not sure why an egg color makes me so happy, but it does!  I'll keep you posted when the first one drops!

Amazon Prime First Read Books

Technically, I pay for these books because I pay a fee for Prime, but it makes me SO HAPPY every month to get the email and choose which book I want. For free!  And this month?  I got to select 2!!!  I've also learned that if there is more than one I like on the months I only get to choose 1, I note the name of the others and they usually arrive on Kindle Unlimited in the coming months.  

Sweet Blessings Scripture Writing

I'v posted about this before, but I just love this Scripture writing prompt by Shannon at Sweet Blessings.  Each month, she creates a list of verses based on a theme--one verse/passage for each day.  I have found that this is an easy way to get me in the Bible when I'm not doing a particular study.  I have several notebooks/journals full of just Scripture.  It can be as easy or as deep as I want it to be.  Some days, I spend more time on the verse than just writing it--I pray through it, I look at the verses around it, I create a picture to go along with it.  Others, I simply just write the verse.   Either way, it's good for my soul and a great way to start my day. This month's theme is Friendship--which is timely for me as I have been feeling a bit lonely lately.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

The name is enough to make my mouth water!  I'm kind of a boring cook.  If I like something, I don't change up the recipe.  Not Brian.  He is always looking for ways to try something new.  One night, he took the marinated chicken I was going to grill and cut it into cubes, wrapped it in bacon, and stuck it on skewers.  

Ever since, this has been a go-to recipe for when we have people over.  I mean, bacon already makes everything better, right?  The other secret to this is the marinade.  I season it randomly with whatever sounds good, but then marinate it in Kraft's Tuscan House Italian dressing.  Not Zesty Italian.  Not Creamy Italian.  Tuscan Italian.  It makes all the difference.  It takes a bit of prep work, but is always worth it.  You gotta try it!

Ellie Holcomb

Several years ago, I discovered Ellie Holcomb's music and fell in love.  Not only was her voice soothing to me, the words to her song struck a chord in me.  Most days, I listen to my Spotify playlists, but this week, I pulled out a playlist I made with Ellie, Lauren Daigle and Susan Ashton.  Most of Ellie's songs are written from Scripture so it's no wonder her music calms my soul.  She's recorded a couple of children's songs and wrote a kids book, that looks amazing, as well.  I can't wait for her new album to hit at the end of this month!

Have you heard of her?  If so, what's your favorite song?  The Broken Beautiful hit me hard 7 years ago at this time and I can't listen to it without being overwhelmed by the line "You'll turn my weeping into dancing."  Such a great reminder that God can redeem EVERYTHING!!!

I'l leave you with a few of my favorite #farmcharm pics from around here:

I found this pic of the girls and our cousins kids taken here on the farm many years ago--they were SO little!

Blue skies smiling at me

More progress on the hydrangea blooms

I walked in on this the other day and had to get a pic!

The view from my swing

Hunter loves to be touched but won't sit still long enough to be a good footrest

Caroline's seeds are all sprouting.  Glad someone inherited Brian and Granny's green thumbs

#mynameiswillow smiles all the time here.  She loves the farm!

Pretty skies over the garden

We visited the cemetery last weekend--is this just something you do with grandmothers?

I love pics where the sun is peeking through the trees--especially at sunset when it's this shade!

And of course, my token windmill pic!

Royal Reads 6.2.21 --Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First

I love a good introspective book.  One that gives me questions to ask myself  and helps uncover a lot of the why behind some of the crazy things I do or beliefs I hold.  

Laura Tremaine's Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. does that.  The extra bonus is that it was written to be shared in a group setting.  The whole title includes the line: 10 questions to take your friendships to the next level.  It came out at the beginning of the pandemic and for me, it was perfect timing.  

There's a paragraph at the end that I especially love:

"I think it's important to share ourselves as a way to be known.  Because even though we are living in a technologically connected world, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and fear are rampant.  We don't trust ourselves and we don't trust each other.  And I believe the key to connection is conversation, and good conversation starts with good questions."

Share Your Stuff is divided into 10 chapters with great questions like "Who was there?" "When did you belong?" "What were your pivotal decisions?"  The author starts by sharing her answers to those questions and then gives prompts in to aid in answering that question for ourselves.  It definitely needs to be done with a journal close by.

It is also designed to be done in a group setting.  I think 5-6 people total would be ideal.  After I started it, I decided to wait until I could find others to do it with me, but to this point, schedules have just not worked out--even doing it via zoom.  So I decided to go ahead and finish it on my own.  I'm not giving up, though, on reading it with others because I think it has HUGE value and could serve as a catalyst to not only help me, but to provide some deep friendships.  It's not a fluff book, but it's also not so deep that it's depressing.  The questions were fun ones to dive into myself and I can imagine loving to learn the answers my friends have as well.  

Another reason I liked this so much is timing.  I'm at a point in my life where I can't be the one doing all the pursuing in my friendships.  And I just don't have time for the shallow.  When I am able to see or chat with a friend uninterrupted, those moments are precious to me and I do not waste them.  Reading this book with friends would NOT be a waste--IMHO.

Let me know if you pick up this book and if you read it in a group setting.  

Friday Faves - 5.28.21

Happy Friday, friends!  Not only is it Friday, it's a holiday weekend, AND the sun is actually shining here today!!!!  After several weeks of rain, rain, and more rain, I am thrilled to see that bright yellow orb in the sky!

It's been a quiet week here at the farm--just trying to stay dry and sane with the yucky weather.  In the midst of the dreary, God always seems to provide some bright spots.  Here are a few of mine from this last full week of May:

More Miniatures

I know I've posted about my fairy garden, but I just couldn't resist telling you about these cute little additions that arrived this week.  I had a birthday coupon from the Enchanted Forest so I used it to buy these sweet little pieces to add to my collection.  I actually had a 3rd, but they emailed me after I ordered to tell me they were out of stock on it.  

The Enchanted Forest is a delightful shop in Frankenmouth, Michigan.  When Caroline and I visited a few years ago, we couldn't quit "oohing and aaahing" at every display as well as calling each other to look at something so cute we needed to share it.  It's located in a fun little shopping area that is well worth the trip if you are in the area.  There is also a Christmas store in that same town that's so huge!!!  I've ordered a few things from The Enchanted Forest and am sure I will find more in the future.

Clark Crew BBQ

Brian's cousins have set up Visiting Angels to come sit with Granny once a week.  We've only had them here twice, but it has been SUCH a blessing to get out for several hours at a time without worrying about getting back quickly.  They have a 4 hour minimum which is a perfect amount of time.  

Yesterday, Brian was here so I talked him in to escaping with me.  We decided to eat lunch and just as I was going to an Oklahoma Day Trips fb page to ask for suggestions, I saw a post for best bbq places.  Clark Crew was recommended by several people so we decided to try it.

It did not disappoint!  I had the burnt end sandwich--which came with their homemade chips and Brian had the knuckle sandwich (smoked bologna and pimento cheese) along with a rib.  Mine was fabulous and Brian really liked his, as well.  It's definitely a place we will go back to!

And, funny story...I was in the bathroom and realized after I had done my business that there was no toilet paper in my stall.  The "Can you spare a square" episode of Seinfeld kept playing on repeat in my head, but I finally worked up the courage to ask for someone to give me some toilet paper (there were 2 other women in the bathroom).  One stayed silent, but the other laughed and said, "Yes!"  She proceeded to chat and was just plain funny.  Totally made my day to be able to chat with a stranger--whose face I never saw--through a stall door.  Kindness counts, my friends!

Pie Junkie

After lunch, we had some time to kill while we were waiting to pick up Caroline from work.  Brian decided to explore some of the little areas in OKC and I convinced him to stop at Pie Junkie.  I love this place!  They have several different flavors of pies, but I always get key lime-it's just too yummy to pass up.  Brian got the Birddog Buttermilk--which he has had before.  

They also have savory items like chicken pot pie, but who wants those when there's a piece of key lime staring at you.  I restrained myself from buying another t-shirt, but I have almost filled up my punch card so there's always next time.

Pretty Flowers

I took Granny to Lowe's on Saturday to get a couple more rosebushes and ended up with 3 of them and a gardenia.  I convinced her we didn't have room for the pretty pink hydrangea she liked, but after getting home and planting everything, Brian said we could put a row of them behind the azaleas.  So I went back to Lowe's the next day and grabbed 3 more of them and a pot for my gardenia because I wanted to keep it on the porch where I could smell it.  

We've got to do a bit more work on the flower bed (and by "we" I mean Brian) to even out the soil and place the hydrangeas in the ground, but it is going to be SO pretty!  I can't wait!  The two hydrangeas that were there made it through the freak freeze, but only one has blooms on it yet.  They are both full and green so I'm hoping that means they will be full soon.  

Again, even in the midst of the dreary, cloudy days, God provides beautiful things.  Enjoy a few of my favorite #farmcharm pics from the past week: 

Pretty little cardinal

Beautiful sky

Look at all those colors!

Lavender roses seem to like their new home here on the farm

Blooming roses

Storms rolling in

The new "ponds" in the front yard

Granny's Mother's Day begonias are thriving!

My windmill pic of the week

Flynn jumped up on Granny's lap and she was happy as a lark the rest of the night

 

Royal Reads 5.26.21 - The Switch

I love a fun book that makes me giggle aloud as I read it.  The Switch by Beth O'Leary is one of my new faves.  It was utterly delightful!  My friend Barb recommended it and when Barb gives a book 5 stars, you add it to your "to read" list.  

The Switch takes place in London.  Leena is a workaholic who is ordered to take a break.  Eileen is her grandmother who decides to date at the age of 79.  So they switch places--Leena moves to the quiet Yorkshire village to "rest" and Eileen moves to London to date more than the 5 undesirable prospects in her village. 

Both characters are full of life and so stinking fun.  Maybe I found it extra charming because I live with a 102 year old, but I could totally imagine both women and they felt like friends afterward.  Yes, it was predictable, but sometimes, you just need a good book that makes you laugh and takes you on a journey where you know the destination.

Barb said it was an excellent audio book because of the accents, but I can't do those unless I'm in a car driving because I fall asleep.  

After "The Switch" I picked up "The Flatshare" by the same author and it was also a ton of fun.  She's written a 3rd book--"The Road Trip" but my library doesn't have that so it went on my to-read list--without me even knowing the premise of it.

With all the depressing rain we've had lately, I needed a couple of cheerful books and these delivered.

Have you read them?  I'd love to gush over the characters with you if you have!

Friday Faves - 5.21.21

I'm back!  Last week, I was in the midst of cleaning and packing in a house without internet.  I think I'm still recovering from it--both physically and emotionally.  I finally unpacked my suitcase yesterday, so I'm counting that as a win--it took less than a week.  

Here are a few of my favorite things from the past couple of weeks:

Plants

I am ashamed to admit I live on a farm, but have a black thumb.  I'm trying to turn over a new leaf, but the jury is still out to see if it will stick.  I got several plants for mothers day/birthday/anniversary (when you celebrate all 3 in the same week, you never know what gift was for which occasion).  They have all been successfully planted into the flowerbeds and pots.  Granny "bossed" me on the ones in the ground so hopefully I'll get just a little of her gardening ability.  The lady can grow anything!  

Anyway, I have a new lime tree (yay for margaritas and key lime pie), a couple of dahlias, and 2 pretty lavender plants.  I'm taking Granny out today to find 2 more rose bushes for her and am hoping to get a gardenia for me to put on our front porch.  

Cross your fingers that I can keep everything alive--if they come back next year, you might even catch me dancing!

Wiseman House Chocolates

I love a good chocolate, but I'm not a conneseuier.  I settle for Dove and Godiva and think that's pretty good. When Brian's cousin sends Granny some Kilwins, I feel like I hit the jackpot. Y'ALL!  Have you ever had Wiseman House chocolates?  We visited a little town called Hico last week on our anniversary and picked up some to bring back to the girls.  I, of course, grabbed a couple of truffles for myself and a caramel.  YUM is an understatement.  The town itself wasn't that exciting, but it is worth the drive just for the chocolate!

Cricut Maker

I'm adding my Maker to my list of faves because I have wanted one for several years.  But, as you can see from the pic, I'm a little overwhelmed.  I've tried to watch the beginning video a couple of times, but have been interrupted.  And now that I finally have this machine, I don't know what to make.  I feel like I'm in over my head.  I never hooked my old Cricut to my computer.

Do you have a Cricut?  What's your favorite thing you've made with yours?  Do you sell anything you make?  If so, drop your link in the comments.

Depression/Anxiety Meds

You may have heard me joke about this one, but I really am thankful for the difference these have made for me.  Growing up, I attended 6 different elementary schools and I vividly remember the question, "Is there anything else we need to know about your child?"  My mom's answer was always "overly-emotional."  UGH!  

I've cried a lot in my life, but I just thought I was an emotional person (my mom said so, right?).   I've been on medication a few times over the years, but always went off them after I started feeling better.  I've been taking Lexapro for a couple of years now and it has made a huge difference.  I still cry, but it's not every day anymore.  I still feel things deeply.  I still overthink.  But I'm also able to process a little more clearly than I was 2 years ago.  I'm thankful for my friends who openly talked--without shame--about their mental illnesses.  

May is mental health awareness month and you may be tired of hearing about it if you don't suffer from any misfiring neurons.  Or maybe you're trying to avoid the fact that you DO and everywhere you turn this month someone is talking about it.  But, I am thankful to live in a time when we can be honest about what's going on inside our head and get the help we need.  

Until next week, here are some of my favorite #farmcharm pics:

Caroline had a box turtle for a day...until it escaped

Granny has finally gotten into watching the chickens with us

Cauliflower from the garden--did you know it can get sunburned???

Flynn was enamored with my birthday cupcake

How now brown cow

Gotta take at least one windmill pic every week

I'm trying to admire how pretty this little snake is, but EWWWW!!!

Just a few of the geese

Pretty in pink

This bird had me laughing as he kept bugging the cow

Cantaloupe is a chicken favorite (also a natural de-wormer)

One of the hydrangeas is starting to bloom and I couldn't be happier!