Yikes! My weeks are getting away from me again. I am working really hard to finish my next book and the days are spinning past me. I look up and it’s Saturday and I’ve forgotten everything else. But this week I made sure to get it into my schedule: Five Things.

And here they are:

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As the weather warms here in Seattle (we actually had a very dry and warm April) it is time to fill pots with annuals and I am all in. I have more pots than a woman should be allowed and I fill them every … Read more »

Okay, technically you are getting Seven Things for the price of Five. Which still means: Free. But consider this week a bargain.

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This past week I devoured Code Name: Helene by Ariel Lawhon. Clearly I am on a huge WWII reading streak, but I just keep finding them and am loving them.

This book is unique in that it is based on a real life heroine who risked everything helping to fight the Nazis.

Nancy Wake was a sassy

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, brave and outspoken woman who saved countless lives. Her story is inspiring and heart wrenching. I loved … Read more »

Just in time for the weekend–Five Things. Enjoy!

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First of all

, thank you to each and every one of you who email me with your ideas and kind words–I so appreciate hearing from you. And last week, Robin B. emailed me about one of her favorite Etsy vendors, Mashalaurence.

Thank you so much for sharing this link, Robin, because I was entranced by these gorgeous literary prints, such as this one of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. Isn’t it amazing? Go check out the other wonderful Bronte and Jane Austen inspired art.

Print by MashLaurence… Read more »

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Do you like rooting for the little guy? Here is the video for you. In Penguin v. the Orcas, our hero is a plunky little penguin who finds itself being chased all over by a band of orcas, and finds a way to escape that is a delight. Enjoy.

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When new shows arrive, I always get excited because I love good mystery shows but not police dramas. Shows like, Person of Interest, or The Pretender. The Equalizer, with Queen Latifah in the starring role checks all the boxes. Cool, savvy heroine? Check. Nerdy tech? Check. People … Read more »

So, I’ve been absent for a bit. From my heart, I’ve missed all of you.

First it was the holidays, and then it was January. And then I had foot surgery. And now, I am finally walking again–hurrah!!–and ready to get back to sending out newsletters once more.

And thank you to everyone who has written in the meantime to politely ask me to get going again. And a special thanks to those who nagged. You know who you are and you are loved. 😉

Coming back here is also out of a sense that we are all struggling as … Read more »

A week to Christmas? Egads! I’d be really panicked if it was a usual year–big dinner to plan. Family arriving from around the country. And getting those last minute gifts done. But this year? Just trying to finish two knitting projects. That’s it.

We all have people we miss seeing

, and at Christmastime, no less, it is harder. But I take a deep breath–one of any number I’ve taken over the last 10 months and remind myself, this shall pass. And on the other side is next year. With high hopes for the blessings of family and friends … Read more »

It’s Friday. No preamble. Let’s just get one with it.

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Are you writing along with me? As we move into Week 3 of journaling the Season, the word this week is Light. I think this is the word for the entire season. Nothing is more valuable right now than light. It brightens the darkness inside and out. What brings light into your heart and home right now?

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While these Christmas cookies aren’t some old family recipe, these Chocolate Crinkles are ones that I love and were always found on the infamous family cookie tree. I can’t find Grandma’s … Read more »

Opening one eye after a day of baking, roasting, rolling, snapping, mashing and stirring to offer a better-late-than-never wish of a happy Friday wherever you are. Goodness, I love Thanksgiving. Even pared down pandemic Thanksgiving. Throw together a turkey sandwich and enjoy the following:

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I love picking a word for a week or a month or the year, and trying to find ways to express it in my bullet journal. So I thought for the next four weeks of Advent, I would share with you what I am writing about.

This week I chose Joy, because while it … Read more »

Welcome to Friday. Hope your week has been a calm spot in all the currents of our world. My mother is in lockdown at her assisted living (again) and Thanksgiving is off the table. Well, it will be on the table, just not the table with all the leaves and the card tables tucked around the living room.

Things will not be easy in the weeks to come, but if we are all careful, all masked, all taking precautions, (not hoarding toilet paper!) we’ll ensure full tables for all next Thanksgiving.

Also, when I recommend books, if they are just … Read more »

Don’t we all need some wonderful things to curl into right now?

Call it distractions, call it self-care, call it soothing, but I am all about finding the things that make me feel contentedly at home.

Books, baking, and a few shows to binge while knitting. Join me where it’s cozy.

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Yes, I am breaking my own rules and wading into Christmas prior to Thanksgiving. (I so envy Canada that they celebrate Thanksgiving in October and then can dive into Christmas!) But I was thinking, who’s up for a Cookie Recipe Exchange? I’m going to look into how we … Read more »