Books, Books, Books

For the first time, oh probably since we left Boston, life is beginning to feel FULL again. A pleasant sort of full – playdates and classes, gamenights and coffee dates, weekends spent in town and leisurely walks through the local bookshop. And though Troy isn’t home – or I should say, available – much, at least he’s here almost every night of the week these days. Since I quit my job in January 2013 (and found out I was pregnant two weeks later…that’s always a big one…), I have struggled to find my new “normal,” but I think it has finally arrived. And I’m loving it.

Along with coming out of this overwhelming and constantly changing stage of life that has consumed our existence for the last two years and into this new normal and welcome busyness, I’ve also finally found myself with the capacity and energy to be more thoughtful about my time again. Typically, the busier life gets (this time I’m referring to that manageable kind of busy that I actually like, not the banging your head into a wall, don’t-even-bother-dreaming-that-you-can-keep-up kind of busy), the more I yearn for the sacred time to do things I love.  And the more intent I am on making it happen.

One of those things is READING! It’s been a looong time since I’ve picked up a book for pure pleasure, but 2015 is off to a great start. Curious about what is sitting on my nightstand right now? Well, I’m excited to share.

MY “TAKE ME AWAY” READ:

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-Mi Hwang

I love book recommendations. It’s about the only way I decide on books anymore, and this one was a wonderful birthday gift from my friend, Kinga. It’s a great little story about a Hen whose only wish in the world is to see one of her own eggs hatch and the unique path she follows to fulfill that dream. This story is such an easy read with an amazing potential for depth and study. And, for all of my mom friends, you just might find yourself identifying deeply with the tenderness and trials of Sprout’s journey through motherhood.

MY “I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE NOW” BOOK:

Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne, M.ED. with Lisa M. Ross

Since E was born, I have strived to keep the toys and baby items to a minimum (I couldn’t tell you precisely why – small living spaces? the fact that my own inner peace and happiness increase when I’m surrounded by less “stuff?” maybe simply that I don’t think she needs that many toys?), so when I stumbled across the title of this book in my google search of “top parenting books” (clever, I know, right?), it naturally peaked my interest. You mean I’m not just a mean mom? There could actually be proven facts behind giving your kids the gift of less? I had to read it.

The author’s own career story and drive to learn more about the unprecedented discoveries he was making is interesting enough on its own – our happy-safe-anything-you-want-darling kids are growing up with the same symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as Cambodian refugee kids who have been hurled into adulthood and face more burdens in a day than any one person should experience in a lifetime. How can that be?! Kim John Payne offers ways to combat this problem by simplifying five aspects of our kids’ lives: Soul Fever, Environment, Rhythm, Schedules and Filtering Out the Adult World. I’m going to be testing out a few of his recommendations – so watch for updates on our progress towards raising a calmer, happier and more secure daughter (or just our attempt to simplify our lives in a few unexpected ways.)!

UP NEXT:

A Moveable Marriage by Robin Pascoe, Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Have you read any good books lately? If so, pass them along! I’d love to hear all about what has been offering you a space to escape the every day or continue enriching your life!

Also – GET READY! March is Challenge Month again.  We’ll be playing the Minimalist Game with a few new twists starting March 1^st!