Oh, what a week! It was FILLED with work, work, work and an unexpected hike in New York’s Adirondacks to help my daughter’s friend who had broken her ankle on a fall. And now, I’m looking forward to some rest and relaxation for as much of the weekend as I can. I hope you are, too!

What I'm Reading:

Thank goodness I listen to bookish podcasts because if I didn’t listen to Karyn Parsons booktalk her middle grade novel, How High the Moon, on The Yarn, then I might have missed this beautiful book of historical fiction. Set in Alcolu, South Carolina in the 1040’s we meet Ella, Henry and Myrna, cousins (and honorary cousins) who live with their grandparents, each with their own story to tell. Through their connected chapters, we learn about Ella’s quest to connect with her mother and learn more about her father, Henry’s hopes to see his father again and gain the confidence he so deserves and Myrna’s heartbreaking grief for George, her almost-boyfriend unjustly arrested and sentenced to death. While dealing with such large and complex issues, Parsons carefully portrays them in ways that young readers will appropriately feel and understand, yet does not attempt to gloss over the horrific injustices of the past that still exist today. This is such an important read. 

Next up? The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. I’ve already started this and am completely hooked, but am trying to pace myself to really find all the hidden treasures and clues rather than race to the finish. Stay tuned for my review next week!

What I'm Writing:

I’m gearing up for a new semester of college teaching, just like I know many of you are, so my writing this week was all work-related: welcome emails, course syllabi, opening documents and more. I felt pretty productive getting things done, but definitely itched for the writing that fuels my more personal and creative side. And since I’m a morning person, here are the prompts I’m mulling over that are perfect for early morning reflection:

  • Write a morning motto that you can use to help get yourself in the right mindset to face a new day head-on.
  • Describe any interesting dreams you had last night. What do you think those dreams might mean?
  • What about the coming day are you most looking forward to?
  • What did you learn yesterday that can help you have an even better day today?
  • Did something happen yesterday that you wish hadn’t occurred? What can you do to keep it from happening again today?

Choose one, wake up ten minutes early tomorrow and head to your notebook, too!

What I'm Learning:

If you’ve been with me for a few weeks, you know I’m diving into anti-inflammatory eating habits….which means I cut out most caffeine. But guess what? It turns out that caffeine (in small doses) does have a positive impact on our health AND our skin! Did you know that caffeine exfoliation is a thing? Neither did I. But now, this eye cream kit is heading my way. And if you need something else, look at all these products to choose from!

What I'm Loving:

Here are the links that warmed my literate heart this week:

There you have it! I hope this inspires you to make space for more reading and writing in your own life. What are the highlights from your literate life this week?