Monday Reading...

It's that day again, Monday... I feel like singing the song by The Mamas & The Papas, "Monday, Monday..." Don't ask me why, it just feels like that kind of day. The sky outside is grey and rather foreboding, as though winter has suddenly thrust herself upon us like an unannounced guest who comes and stays for altogether too long. And seeing as it is not yet winter, I'd like her to hold off her visit for a little while longer, at least. Let me prepare, Mother Winter! We're not ready for you, yet!

Does anyone else envision winter as an old woman in long, patchy skirts with silver hair done up in a bun and a careworn face? Not the plump, slightly-mischievous visage of Mrs. Claus, but instead one with work-weathered hands, an old grey shawl, and piercing blue eyes, whose persona is a mystery and whose laughter unforgettable - who can forget those crystalline winter days of snow and dazzling blue?

Anyway, that's how I see her.  But I am not quite ready for her... Give us a few more weeks of autumn's ripe days, please!

But today is a grey, winter-esque day, one perfect for filling with good reading and cozy blankets and hot tea.

I've had my tea, but I'm missing my cozy blanket (and it is rather cold in here, too!)... I should get one before I pass on my reading list, but I won't... So here 'tis! Enjoy, dear ones.

Books

I'm more than halfway through The Time Travelers, and it still has not disappointed. I am thoroughly engaged by the storyline and characters, enough, in fact, I would continue to read it simply for pleasure, rather than as a "pre-screening" for KayKay. I will certainly be purchasing the other two books in the series, as well. I look forward to seeing how it continues to unfold!

As for other reading, it's been mostly children's books of late. As if that's any surprise... But I'm rather glad of it, as I think my brain has been too overwhelmed by everything else going on to really appreciate anything that's supposed to be "adult." However, I am up for a good theological, political, or the current state of affairs discussion at anytime, so let me know! I need to keep my few functioning brain cells cognizant in some form or fashion. :O) 

Anyway... Other books I've read or been reading: 

Autumnblings, by Douglas Florian. A delightful collection of poems about fall. What's there NOT to like here??? AND... I've just discovered that there's one book for every season. They are Winter Eyes, Summersaults, and Handsprings. Love!!

Esther's Story, by Diane Wolkstein... Love, love, love the illustrations in this book. Love the way the story of Esther is retold. It is so down-to-earth... So real. Just plain good!

Mozart Finds A Melody, by Stephen Costanza. Found this book at a dear friend's house, the lovely Miss Christy of The Abundant Life. Love her, love this book! :O)

Lasagna Gardening, by Patricia Lanza... Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, fabulous Miss Olivia for lending this to me, what a great book! (As ALL the books you've lent me are! I so love sharing good books with good friends... Ah!) Anyway, I have my "lasagna stew" going in some containers already, preparing for spring. Here's to composting and layering and gardening! I hope my brown thumb turns green over the winter.

Articles

I Didn't Do It: Getting Through Today - My sweet friend Sabrina's blog about her babies and being a parent to a darling, gorgeous, amazing special needs child.

Boost Your Immune System For The Coming Cold Season: Keeper of the Home

Gifting And Giving: Gathering Spriggs - My wonderful friend Heather brings such great perspective to the upcoming season of giving...

In doing some research for a project, I ran across this poem by Richard Chess in a post titled Chocolate Labs For The Lord on The Arty Semite. Goodness, I love this poem. It is so funny and provocative and haunting. Beautiful. 

In Honer Our Hero's: Cake Wrecks - Just because it's always good for a laugh.

De-stress Your Thanksgiving Prep: LifeHacker

Don't Follow Your Dream: National Post - I was clued into this article by a Facebook friend, and WOW. It really makes you think! 

Introducing Warm Soft Money: Covet Chicago

Mystery Mondegreens And So Much More: San Francisco Chronicle

And lastly, this is a video, which is unusual for me, because I don't often watch videos online, and NEVER post them, but my friend Miss Julie (of yesterday's Pow-Wow chronicles) posted this earlier today, and it was so powerful I had to share. Changing Education Paradigms by RSA Animate. Ah. Maz. Ing. Seriously. This is one of the most provocative and enlightening videos I've seen on the educational system, and I'm still thinking about it, several hours later. I'm certain I'll be thinking about it in several days. As Miss Julie said, "This is one of the reasons why we're homeschooling." Yes. What is highlighted in this video as being wrong with our educational system today is one of the many reasons why we are homeschooling... Watch, and tell me it doesn't make you think!