Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

What I Read In February

March 6, 2019

Well, that was a long day wasn’t it? :-P The end of February went out on a very cold note so I forgot about my reading list. But at the mention of my last blog post by my son, I was reminded that I needed to do my reading in February post. So, here it is.

Last month turned out to be something of a big read month, but, then again, it was cold and snowy/icy so reading is a good diversion. I also made a reading log/journal so I can keep track of what I read and my thoughts as well. I had a printable log but there was just no room to write much down. So, I found an old composition book and voila – book journal.

My first read of the month was “Maria” by Maria Von Trapp. This follows her first book, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” and is more her story than her family’s. I’ve read the first book so it was a joy to read this one. I actually found “Maria” in our library’s bookstore which was great because it’s out of print. But if you can find them I heartily recommend reading both books to get the full story.

I also started on “Abandonment to Divine Providence” by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy of a read this is – no thoughts so lofty the average Catholic can’t get their head around them. No, just plain language as to how to live for God alone and trust Him with all your heart. A lot to unpack in this little volume!

I dug out my “Home Management Plain and Simple” book by Kim Brenneman because I really needed a home spruce up refresher. I didn’t read all of it, just what I needed to get me through the month. One of the reasons for that is a lot of it doesn’t apply to me anymore – no littles and not homeschooling anymore, but nevertheless it has good ideas. For instance, if you are having a crappy day do a re-boot. Start over by taking a shower, getting dressed, eating something and then getting started on what needs to get done now. I’ve remembered that all last month (and even today – hehe) and it’s really helped keep me going.

Believe it or not, I read a novel! I finally read “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. I wanted to read it because it was written by Ms. Hinton when she was just 15 (yes, a girl wrote this), and because it takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma which is about where I live. I have to say it was compelling and has a lot to say about cliques in school and also about the tougher sides of town. I won’t give anything away, but if you have not read it I highly recommend it. It’s not just for teens.

I also read a book for children – “In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson” by Bette Bao Lord. This is somewhat autobiographical of the author’s emigration to America in the early 1940’s. It takes a good look at what life is like for someone who goes to another country and cannot speak the language or understand the customs. I have a Chinese daughter-in-law so I wanted to try to get some understanding of her struggles. I don’t shy away from children’s books because there are a lot of good ones (even picture books) that can teach us old folks a thing or two. On a side note, Bette Lord has several books about China and life there for adults if kid books are not your thing.

I am still in the Gospels and am now finishing up Luke. I will begin John soon which is nice because Lent begins today. I am also reading Fr. Michael Gaitley’s book “You Did it To Me: A Practical Guide to Mercy in Action”. As the name implies, this is a book on how to put into action the spiritual and corporal works of mercy in your life. Because God is Mercy and if we love him we love others and extend His mercy to others. And it’s hard especially if your life has not been easy, but praticing mercy and kindness bring us closer to each other and to God. And also because I don’t want to be a bitter old lady – time for a change.

So, that’s what I read and am starting to read. Hope you are reading some good books too. :-)

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What I Read In February

March 6, 2019

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