It was a busy, busy week and I’m ashamed to say I am only just getting my Fall and Halloween decorations out. I usually love to enjoy holiday decorations for a few weeks, but it just wasn’t in the cards this month. So, my weekend will be full of football, decorating and trying a few new Fall recipes without the gluten or dairy.

Wish me luck. =)

What I'm Reading:

It was a beautiful week of reading. I have a few books I read for the podcast that I won’t share here yet, but I am thrilled to share a new favorite middle grade novel with you. In fact, each time this author comes out with a new book, I declare it my favorite. Because they all are. 

Opinions & Opossums by Ann Braden

I loved Ann’s previous two books so much they have a permanent spot on my top bookshelf. And now, this book does too. It is a delightful, yet serious, glimpse into the world of Agness, a middle grade child grappling with how the world works around her. Living with her single mother, she’s been conditioned to follow the rules and stay quiet in hopes of reaching for a better life. Say the right things. Wear the right things. Think the right things…including how to think about God. But interactions with her 70 year old anthropologist neighbor has set her mind on fire. Why are things the way they are? Why do we believe certain things over others? Why does it matter who told our stories and how they were captured? These questions send Agnes on a journey of self-discovery so powerful that she cannot help bring her best friend and mother along for the ride, too. That’s what I love most about this book: the feeling of finding your voice and learning how not to place others’ opinions above your own truth is contagious for readers, too.

What I'm Writing:

My writing took a hit this week as my to-do list grew, but the one kind of writing I ALWAYS make time for is my 5 Year Journal. I never miss a day and truly look forward to my short entry. 

Do you use a 5-Year Journal yet? Read why you should here!

What I'm Learning:

I’m learning that there are many people far more creative than I am. 

And I love that.

Why? Because I am learning so much from the makers around me that breathes new life into my own living. 

Amy Tangerine is one of those people.

I first found Amy’s podcast at a low point. My husband was hospitalized and I was making the trip back and forth to the hospital during the lock-downs of COVID. 

Her episodes kept me company on those rides and I binged them all. 

They reminded me that we all have the permission, the responsibility actually, to lean into our creativity and do what makes us happy. 

This week, she emailed with the reminder to just have fun and play because you never know where it will go. Her fun project of simply lining up washi tape together because it looked pretty ended up being the cover art for her new journal. 

And it gave me inspiration, too. I have a blank journal that needs some creativity and I plan to create my own cover for my new holiday notebook with simple strips of tape.

Look for inspiration. It’s everywhere!

By the way, if you want to join me for a live session to create your own holiday notebook, join me on Patreon here!

What I'm Loving:

The original name of candy corn was chicken feed? I loved learning the backstory on this favorite treat.

I found another stationery shop just in time for the holidays. Take a peek at Callie Danielle!

Have you listened to Mel Robbins’ new podcast yet? You should. I’m listening to her episode on how to let go of what no longer serves you as I type. It’s a good one. 

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?