Lives of Sun and Shadow
Spring. One name for so many seasons: magnolia season, daffodil season, tulip season, and, now, dogwood season. Each day, something is lost and some new beauty is born. I could never pick a favorite spring season (and I haven't even mentioned the lilacs), but I do know what it is I love about the dogwoods: they light up the...
These Farmhouse Bookshelves
The very best writers are also readers. No wonder there are so many good books about books (and bookstores and libraries). Here are three: a novel for grownups, a picture book for the littles, and a read-aloud for both. I finished the new novel Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel by Robin Sloan just last week, and I could...
The Surprise of Coming Home
I recently discovered that my house is surrounded by azaleas. I came to this brilliant conclusion because spring arrived (our first in this new home), and the bushes I’d never really noticed turned brilliant pink and flowery almost overnight. Next to the extravagance of these azaleas the flower beds in the front of our house suddenly...
These Farmhouse Bookshelves
Another Saturday, another peak at my bookshelves. This one is for the mothers. I know what you're thinking. Who has time for reading once they have children? Admittedly, this is how I feel about exercise, but I do know a few moms who make the time. Me, I make time for reading. Every Single Day. The secret? Lower Your Standards. It is not...
These Farmhouse Bookshelves (Birthday Boy Edition)
Today, he turns four. My beautiful boy. These are the books we read together. These are the books that will one day bring me to tears when I pack them up in boxes. This Saturday's book recommendations are all Beau-approved. And he is one discerning little guy. I can no longer remember if I bought this book with Beau in mind. I think I did. All...
Joy Does Come in the Morning
Here is one thing I know: the world will keep on falling apart. Sometimes it’s terrible, and you think you can’t go on. Bombs explode and guns are aimed at children, and the unimagined thing becomes our new reality. Sometimes it’s a pebble in your shoe, a child apparently born without an indoor voice, and the discovery that you can, in fact,...