Library

 Li·brar·y

n. pl. li·brar·ies A place in which literary and artistic materials, such as  books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, records,  and tapes, are kept for reading, reference, or lending. A collection of such materials, systematically arranged. A room in a private home for such a collection. d. An institution or foundation maintaining such a collection. I remember when I was a very little girl the first time my mother took me to the Library. We were living in a very big city at the time but what I remember most about that library is that it was upstairs. We climbed the stairs and entered into a place that was magic to me. I remember there was a low shelf next to the window with lots of children's books. I must have been about 4 years old, because I was not yet in school. I sat by the window and looked through many books. When we left, I am sure we took a few books home with us. We went back to that library many times, as I still remember checking out books from that library for elementary school. Books have always held a fascination to me. They are your friends when you are lonely, sick, or when you just want to travel to a different place or time. The Library is also a great resource for Quilting books. I have a very healthy collections of quilting books in my own library, but sometimes, I just enjoy looking at other books for ideas. I've checked out Harriet Hargrove and Sue Nickels machine quilting books in the past. Also books by Camille Roskelly. What fun to browse through these books and enjoy the amazing resource the Library affords. Have you ever checked what your local Library has available? You might be pleasantly surprised.

Make Their Day

 

Make Their Day by Karen Ehman is 101 different ways to love others well. And this book surely follows through.

Inspirational, I loved how Karen took every day ways to bless others. It was amazing how little simple ideas generated creativity. Some at low or no cost. Yet they significantly show love to your family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. 

Although it is not a big book, it was a quick read, and a handy reference to check back for reinforcement. My favorite one was "Notice the necessary people". Karen shares about Mr. Brown Day, when her family honored their post man. It was touching how she looked beyond herself and into the face of others who serve us faithfully.

I think Make Their Day would be a great book to give to friends and relatives. After all we could all use 101 ways to bring joy to someone's day.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Net Galley and the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Blueberry Lemon Loaf

 

This is the time of year for delicious blueberries and tangy lemons.  Somewhere, I found this recipe online, and I'm sorry that I did not note the author.  But blueberries were in my fridge and lemons were hanging on our tree.  Time to try this recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

2 tsp lemon rind

1 cup full fat plain yogurt OR sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1.  Stir together first 4 dry ingredients.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, bet together eggs, vanilla, lemon rind, sour cream and oil.

3.  Add dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are well incorporated.  Don't over mix.

4.  Gently stir in blueberries.  (I coated mine with a little bit of flour so they would bake evenly in the loaf.

5.  Pour batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes (test doneness with toothpick)

6.  Once baked allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

Lemon syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat together until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Poke warm Lemon Blueberry loaf with small fork and brush lemon syrup over loaf.  Allow to cool completely.

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Stir together and drizzle over cooled loaf.  Allow to set.

This is a great combination. Enjoy!

Minnehaha woman sews for Vets

 Meet Nina Borroz. A 98 year old quilter spends her days making quilts for Veterans. 150 to 200 a year!

Check it out! Read more HERE.

Pretty in pink

 

Everything goes better with pink :-)

Hope Between the Pages

 

What a beautiful love story. Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham is the most beautiful love story that I've read.

This enchanting story set in the early 1900's between Sadie, a housemaid at the Biltmore House, and Oliver, a young English gentleman. Sadie is the library maid, and they both discover they have a love of books, as she recommends new books to Oliver. Because of the differences in their stations, it is mostly forbidden, but they form a friendship. But as they know one another, they are drawn together.

In dual time-slip, Clara Blackwell, searches for the deed to the bookshop she has inherited from her late father. It begins an adventure, finding out what happened to her great-grandmother Sadie Blackwell. 

Sadie and Clara's story was so well crafted that several times I had to put the book down to gather my thoughts. It's emotionally touching, beautifully descriptive, with well rounded characters. 

Pepper Basham has done a wonderful job of inviting us into the lives of these people. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Bread for the Journey

 

Commit thy works unto the Lord, 

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Proverbs 16:3