End of Year Reflections

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…

#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…

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…

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…

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…

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

Creations of a Patchwork Momma

“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.