The Joyce of Living

I finished another three books this week.  Enjoy the reviews below! # 7. The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston      This book introduces Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, a 384 year old witch.  Throughout the centuries, she has been terrorized by a man that she was once infatuated with.  Elizabeth, firstly known as Bess, once lived in a quaint little home with her mother, father, and two younger siblings.  When the plague hits their small village, the family is ripped apart with the sickness taking the lives of Bess' two siblings and father.  When she becomes ill herself, Bess' mother takes it upon herself to sell her soul to the devil so her only remaining child might be spared.  She becomes a witch who is caught and tried for her affiliation.  At her mother's demise, Bess is instructed to go to Gideon, for he will know what to do in order for her to survive. Brackston tells the story of Bess and how she had to change her name and her ...

This is the second post I've blogged in regards to the books I have read thus far in 2018.  This edition includes: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman    #4.   A Wrinkle in Time is a wonderful book that intertwines modern science with good moral values when encountered by dark disturbing forces.  Appropriate for all ages, I found this tale to be utterly fascinating!  From the get-go, I was drawn into the message that L'Engle was stating.  The position a brother and sister is in will break your heart.  Their father, who works for the government, (top secret stuff) has gone missing.  Their mother is positive he will come back and be completely unscathed.  However, her children can read the worried expression on her face.  Sometimes in a fit of helplessness, children have to take matters into their own hands.  They do just that with the h...

The simple ways of life - getting your hands dirty - growing your own food - feeding the animals that will sustain you in return - a simple sunset - loving and hugging those family members that mean so much to you.... Over the past several months, I have been able to take a step back and evaluate what is truly important. My life once consisted of filling up an agenda and being at every social function imaginable.  I had this assumption that to live was to go, go, go.  However, in twelve months my life has completely changed, for the better. Nowadays, I have slowed down, and am enjoying taking care of myself and those that mean the most to me.  I have learned that living a life where there is something to live for is so much more important than trying to be seen by others, just to be seen.  I want to be as independent as possible.  And Andrew is helping me get there.  We have agreed that simple living is the best living.  Growing food and doin...

     I have always found great comfort in a blanket. If you see me at my house I am usually cuddled up under a throw. I am the person that grabs the afghan off the couch when visiting friends and family. I have crocheted several afghans over the years and I love the heaviness that they bring over my sometimes cold and tired body.      I also love a blanket of snow. I prepared for the winter storm that we were threatened so I wouldn’t have to go far from my home. I have so enjoyed the past few days of enjoying the sweet comforts of life - a wonderful boyfriend, good food, and sweet nothingness. Our world was covered in a blanket of white. I believe sometimes we need these coverings because our bodies are tired and they need rest. If you’re like me, rest comes easy when you’re in a warm home while everything on the outside is bitter cold. I have been able to catch up on some much needed sleep.     Blankets . They wrap you up and give the...

So far in 2018 I have finished two books and am quickly approaching the end to a third.  I have decided to revisit some classics as well as reading some new releases. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne Who doesn't love this cuddly, curious bear?  I enjoyed listening to the audio version of an original classic.  The love that Christopher Robin has for his silly little bear melts my heart.  Sure, it's a complete fabrication - a boy and his stuffed toys - but I think we can all agree that there is a nostalgia in reading books such as these to take us back to our childhood.        2.  Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg I read this book years ago, but had forgotten nearly everything about the story.  This classic story takes place in the early 1900's in the deep south of the United States.  For it's time, it hit on many civil rights issues that we are still fighting for today in 2018....

2017 ended beautifully!  I collected a dozen eggs the last week of December, and cooked them all in a matter of a few days.  My girls, Gimpy Gertie & Mama Myrtle, make some delicious eggs.  That makes my heart & my tummy happy.  I reflected over the past year, as most everyone did.  There were many bumps in the road.  Getting robbed was no fun.  Going through the big D was terrible.  Family circumstance has torn my heart into pieces.  On the flip side, I met a guy who is absolutely amazing.  And his little boy melts my heart into a big soupy puddle.  I sold my house and bought the cutest little home.  I have so enjoyed making it my own and will continue to do so throughout the year.  A brand new life has been given to me and I am soaking up every bit of it.  I am now a Muck boot wearing gal who finds comfort in pulling on her overalls and Carhartt jacket to help out Andrew.  I love taking car...