Are you ready for what's coming? I'm happy to wrap this decade up and move on to the next one. As #Manifest20 comes to a close, I'm feeling hopeful about the new year. I've slipped behind on my posts over the holidays so this is a quick catch up. I'll reply to the rest of… Continue reading End of Year Reflections
Category: #Manifest20
#MerryImpeachmas, the Hashtag That Keeps Giving This Holiday Season
Flabbergasted is my word for today. In 2019 I discovered that some people- including the President of the USA- will cling to their delusions no matter what. Facts? Who needs them! Corruption? Simply a matter of perspective! Democracy? Elections are rigged! (Unless my candidate wins. We'll just ignore that minor issue of Russian interference). Search… Continue reading #MerryImpeachmas, the Hashtag That Keeps Giving This Holiday Season
A Home Full of Hygge
What does home represent to you? I've lived in my house for 18 years and it's my sanctuary. Two of my children were born peacefully in my three bedroom bungalow. I've mentioned before that we have a view of the bay and the mountains beyond from our conservatory. It's not large, and there are plenty… Continue reading A Home Full of Hygge
The Terror of Public Speaking
At the beginning of last year, one of my intentions was to face fears and thereby increase my comfort zone. On cue, the universe provided me with an opportunity. My response? Absolute panic! I wanted to run for the hills and tried thinking of ways to avoid the situation. Instead I gave myself some time… Continue reading The Terror of Public Speaking
A Lifetime of Letting Go
Today we're going to time travel. This post is a 2-in-1 so please stay with me... Are you good at letting go or do you find it difficult? I'm a goal focused person and take pleasure in achieving whatever I've set out to accomplish. Last January I set my Goodreads Reading Challenge at 25 books,… Continue reading A Lifetime of Letting Go
Hearth Song
This morning my house is filled with music and warmth. Outside it's gloomy and grey but the kitchen is cozy. The wood stove and candles are lit, the fairy lights are glowing. I've been singing my favorite Christmas carols and remembering years past. In high school I sang in the choir and loved the 4… Continue reading Hearth Song
The Challenge of Blogging Consistently
Do you schedule your blog posts? How do you decide how frequently to write? Last September I decided to start blogging again. I wanted to commit to writing daily, even if it was only a short journal entry, a fragment in my dream diary, or a letter to a friend. I'd also like to start… Continue reading The Challenge of Blogging Consistently
Just Another Day- #Manifest20
Welcome to a-day-in-the-life... I wear various hats: Mom, Cook, Calorie Cruncher and Nature Lover all rolled into one! On a typical day my bestie might drop in for a cup of tea and long chat. I try to read, write, or craft in any spare time. My partner and I also like to binge watch… Continue reading Just Another Day- #Manifest20
My Favorite Book of 2019
I have already reviewed Homegoing so I’m reblogging my post about it. It’s my choice for Best Book of the Year (though it was published a few years ago). I read a lot of memorable novels in 2019, but this one blew me away.
Be warned: it’s tough reading! My bonus mom couldn’t finish it because she found it so heartbreaking. I think it’s important to reflect on history and see how wounds are passed down through the generations. If society is to heal, it’s essential that we acknowledge the past and confront institutional racism. This book presents the best case for slavery reparations that I’ve read to date. I think it should be required reading in schools. I look forward to reading future books by Yaa Gyasi. She is a very talented writer!
Prompt Day 10: What was the best book you read in 2019? What did you like about it? #Manifest20
“Weakness is treating someone as though they belong to you. Strength is knowing that everyone belongs to themselves.” – Maame
I finished reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi a few days ago. A character in the novel, Mrs. Pinkston, asks her high school English student, “What do you think of the book? But do you love it? Do you feel it inside you?”
As an avid reader, I understand the importance of this question. Though I read a lot of highly acclaimed books, it’s not often that I’m able to answer in the affirmative. Reading Homegoing was one of the rare occasions when the words resonated on a deeper level; the story was as personal and deeply felt as if I were reading about my own family. At times I felt almost sick with rage. I could easily picture my father’s ancestors stripped of their humanity, forced to suffer the…
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A Moment of Beauty
Walking on the beach at sunset with my dog and three sons (ages 17, 2, & 21) in West Cork. ♥ This post is in response to the prompt for Day 9: Describe a moment of beauty that you witnessed this year. To participate or find out more information about #Manifest20 click here.
