My Year in Books

bringing back the blog for one of my favourite times of year (which in German is so aptly called "between the years") - these slow, reflective days just before the year turns, which I use to look back on this past year, as well as plan and dream for the one ahead.

After last year's carefully planned out reading list, I decided not to set any reading goals for this past year (beyond the 24 books that I wanted to hit) and just go ahead and reach for what I felt like. The results of this were...interesting. I ended up reading much more fiction than usual, across a fairly wide range of genres and even started a series or two (which was something I'd been missing for the past few years). But honestly? This was probably my most disappointing reading year in awhile. While I certainly read some gems (all of which can be found on the list below) I also read a ton of books that were just okay. 

So in an attempt to change that this coming year, I'm reintroducing a bit of structure. Aside from my standard goal of 24 books that I've had going the past few years, I've also identified a few topics and genres that I'd like to focus on, which I'm hoping will stretch me to find a few new favourites as well as keep me a little more focused when selecting choices this year. In terms of non-fiction, I'd like to read a few books on the Enneagram, as well as some in the direction of "self help" and parenting (I think I may finally be feeling brave enough to tackle Brene Brown again!) For fiction, I'm looking to mystery (a rather new to me genre I discovered late this year) as well as sci-fi (something I always love but for some reason am rarely drawn to). I'd also like to read both more new releases and more books written by women of color. 

best re-read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Schafer & Annie Burrows)

most surprised to love: The Alice Network (Kate Quinn)

hardest to put down: Career of Evil (Robert Galbraith) 

most relevant to my daily life: The Course of Love (Alain de Bottin)

most quotable: In the Company of Women (compiled by Grace Bonney)

most loveable characters: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (Gail Honeyman)

most heartbreaking: The Immortalists (Chole Benjamin)

best memoir/biography: My Berlin Kitchen (Luisa Weis)

best craft related book: Folk Fashion (Amy Twigger Holroyd)

the one that kept me up at night: The Underground Railroad (Colson Whitehead)

the one I'm still telling everyone about: Station Eleven (Emily St. John Mandel) 

Summer Book Report

So I actually don't have quite as long of a list of Summer Reads as I had hoped to. A few abandoned books definitely found their way into rotation and I just ended up reading a little less than I had thought. BUT that being said, I read some real gems this summer- some of the best books I've read all year, and I wanted to share a little round up with you today of what I did manage to read.

So, here goes:


Present Over Perfect // Shauna Niequest
This has been on my TBR list for what feels like ages and ages (it only came out last summer...) When I saw it was a pick for the Solly Baby book club, I was reminded of it and am so glad I was! It was a perfectly timely read for me. I mistakenly thought going in that this topic was one I had already wrestled with and had a handle on- NOPE. Still so much to learn. This book was written with so much wisdom and grace- I cried my way through and will definitely be picking it up for a re-read in the not too distant future.

Murder on the Orient Express // Agatha Christie
Our book club summer read. I breezed through this in 3 days and really enjoyed it. I didn't have much prior experience with Agatha Christie and after reading this, I'd love to pick up a few more titles.

Wonder // RJ Palacio
Another book club pick. Wow you guys- this book. Not only is it a great story well told, but it's also a great conversation starter (and would be an excellent book to read with kids, or to discuss with them...) This is the sort of perspective-giving book that can really make a difference. 

Big Magic // Elizabeth Gilbert
So I basically highlighted and bookmarked and dogeared my way through this entire book. So much good stuff- this is the sort of book that makes me wish I still kept a physical quote book so that I could jot down all the wisdom I gained from it! 

Yes Please // Amy Pohler 
A bit of a bonus pick, I read through this quick, fun read while in Berlin. I wouldn't say it was the greatest book I've ever read (not even my favorite comedian/celebrity memoir) but I did enjoy it and appreciated Pohler's perspective at several points throughout. 

So that's a wrap. I am ALL about Fall reading and closing off this year of books strong. I'm on track with all my reading goals for the year and have a few picks for the next few months that I'm really excited about (I'm currently reading the books in the photo above) How about you, fellow bookworms? How's your reading life these days? 

Springtime Reading List

This year I decided to mix thing up a little and get more intentional about the books that I'm reading. In my pre-baby days I used to average about a book a week, depending on what was going on and what season we were in. Last year I read less than half of that, and honestly, I'm completely okay with it. However I was looking for a way of picking better books- going for quality over quantity I suppose. My hope is, like many a reader I'm sure, to read not only widely & deeply but also interestingly- to choose a variety of things that will help me learn and grow and broaden my horizons. 

So. All that being said, I decided this year to read one fiction and one non-fiction book a month. These past few months, I've found that my picks have been complimenting each other nicely and I'm really enjoying what I've been reading. Here's a little list of what I'm hoping to get to over the next few months: 


Anne of Green Gables // Lucy Maude Montgomery 
I'm a little embarassed to admit that I've never actually read this one. I've seen the movies and even read an abridged young readers edition when I was learning to read BUT I've never actually read the actual novel. When I saw it on my mom's bookshelf while in Canada last month I decided it was time to pick it up. I'm so enjoying it- such a good Canadian classic.

As Always Julia // Julia Child & Avis DeVoto
This book is the collected letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto. I'm enjoying this and would recommend it to anyone who likes Julia Child or who enjoyed My Life in France. It's pretty long though- and I find myself skipping over a few of the sections when they're referring to mutual acquaintances of their's. 

Lab Girl // Hope Jahren
A little out of my wheelhouse but I'm excited to give this a try.

Flight Behavior // Barbara Kingsolver
The newest novel from Kingsolver (though already several years old) that I found in a second hand bookstore on Commercial Drive in Vancouver last month. I've not read anything by her in ages and I'm excited to start this one.

The Magic of Motherhood // Ashlee Gadd (Coffee & Crumbs)
So SO excited for this. Seriously.

Wonder // AJ Palacio
Heard about this on a podcast recently. It's a middle grade novel (of which I read few to none) so I thought I'd give it a try.

Everyone Brave is Forgiven // Chris Cleave
Been hearing lots about this one. I've read a few of Cleave's earlier books and found them well written, entertaining and sensitive in dealing with not all too easy subject matter. So I'm exited to give this a go.

Four Seasons in Rome // Anthony Doer 
Have been wanting to read this one ever since I finished All the Light last spring. It's a memoir of the year Doer spent living in Rome, working on that book, with his wife and newborn twins. Fascinating! 


To see all the books I've been reading this year, you can check out the hashtag I've created on my Instagram: #whatruthisreading2017 

Fall & Winter Book Report

Somehow I thought I was really killing it with my reading list, but in looking back over the past 6 or so months, I've really not read all that many books. But still 8 is better than none and so here they are today, all lined up for you in a nice neat list! 

I've been really enjoying doing these little book reports seasonally (well, twice a year) and this year I've set a reading goal for one fiction and one non-fiction book per month. Hopefully those books will start showing up in these lists but if you'd like to see more you can follow along on Instagram (where I set up a handy hastag for the project of course!). 

let's start with the books from that list:

Talking as Fast As I Can // Lauren Grahame
Okay, so this was a fun read. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes Gilmore Girls stuff (both on the original series and the new Netflix episodes), and hearing more about Lauren's story and early days. One thing I did not like however was how she knocked knitting not once but TWICE. I mean... come on Lauren! More Americans knit that golf... get with it! 

Death on the Nile // Agatha Christie
Waldi and I listened to this audio book while in Scotland and it was a lot of fun. The story was engaging and I didn't figure out whodunit until the very end, which is always fun. Such a good memory from our trip. We're hoping to get a few more of her stories in audiobook form to listen to as well.

Longbourn // Jo Baker
I borrowed this from my mom over Christmas, who received it from my dad, who purchased it from Chatsworth house in England this summer (where the BBC Pride and Prejudice was filmed...) which is kind of fun. I'd heard mixed things about this one but I actually quite enjoyed most of it and thought it was a really interesting perspective on a beloved classic.

I Capture the Castle // Dodie Smith
Heard about this on the WSIRN podcast and ADORED it. Seriously. It was lovable and quirky and well written and perfectly British. Also, it's by the same woman who wrote 101 Dalmatians so that's pretty fun. (and it's listed as JK Rowling's favorite book so, you know, there's that...) Very glad I picked this up.



and here are a few other titles I managed to work my way through:

Knitlandia // Clara Parks
Loved this. I thought Clara's stories were a perfect tribute to this community and the fact that it did so well is also further proof that we knitters are presence out there not to be overlooked- this is where I first heard that stat about the golfers that I mentioned above. If you're going to read this, I would recommend listening to this interview after. It compliments the reading experience nicely.

I Am Malala // Malala Yousafzai
This was a book club pick and I thought it was moving and well told and inspiring. Malala is a force to be reckoned with and it was a very valuable experience to me to read a bit more of her story. I also learned a lot more about the recent history of this specific region in the world from hearing it told from her perspective. 

All the Bright Places // Jenifer Niven
I picked this up on a total whim and though I don't normally read much YA I must say I really enjoyed this. I thought it was a sensitive and nuanced handling of a difficult subject and it was honestly the type of story that made me want to write. It just felt like a book with weight and meaning to me- but I should definitely give a tear-jerker warning with this one!

Lady Crawford // Julie Cameron Grey
I'm almost finished with this lovely little book (pictured above) and I'm really enjoying jumping back into poetry again. I'm finding the poems to be unique and layered with meaning and often find that I have to pause after reading one and let it marinade for a few days before coming back to it again. If you're a fan of poetry I'd definitely recommend giving it a try! 

I'll be back at the end of the month to share a list of books I'm planning to get to over the next few months, but for now I wanna know- what have you been reading lately? 

best books of 2016

can hardly believe it's that time again, but here goes:

best re-read: The Paris Wife (Paula McLain)

most surprised to love: The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (Jonas Jonasson) 

hardest to put down: The Rosie Project (Graeme Simsion- not exactly suspenseful but I do remember reading it in two days..)

most likely to change my daily life: Daring Greatly (Brené Brown) 

best non-fiction: I Am Malala (Malala Yousef) 

highest recommended: I Capture the Castle (Dodie Smith)

best memoir/biography: When Breath Becomes Air (Paul Kalanithi) 

best crafty related book: Knitlandia (Clara Parks)

best foodie book: A Homemade Life (Molly Wizenberg)

what's up to be read next: Talking as Fast as I Can (Lauren Graham) 

This year I managed 14 novels, 7 memoir, 2 other non-fiction books, one play and one audio book. That's a whole lot less than most years but a whole lot more memoir than I usually read and I really enjoyed adding it into the mix. I hope to continue that this year, as well as read a whole stack more poetry.

you can see previous book lists here: 2013 | 2014 | 2015
also to follow along with what's on my bookshelves (and night stand and coffee table...and recently, e-reader!) see past posts here. 

Winter Reading List

I'm really pleased with how my Summer Reading list really kept me on track with what I was reading the past few months. I chose books with intention, made some adjustments and additions and all in all managed to get to quite a few books that I'd been meaning to read for ages. 

So I thought I would compile a similar list for the Winter months as well. Since I tend to do much more reading during the cold winter months (something about curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and warm drink that just isn't the same in the summer...) this list is a little longer than the last one. As always, this is just a starting point, but I'd be thrilled if I managed to get to some of these books this winter:

The Goldfinch // Donna Tartt
As can be seen in the above photo, I've started this already. I'm just a few chapters in and am really enjoying it so far. I bought this for Waldi last Christmas and he really enjoyed it, and I've been meaning to read it since then. Glad I finally picked it up!

Little Women // Lousia May Alcott
This is a reread, and one of my favorite books from my childhood. To me, it's the perfect book to reread around Christmas time (and the movie is good to watch around the holidays too!)

Great Expectations // Charles Dickens
Several weeks ago, I was thinking about how I've only ever read one Dicken's book (and it's A Christmas Carol). It's past time to change this, and I thought I'd start with this one because, well... I already have it. But also, I've heard great things. 

Career of Evil // Robert Galbraith
I'm excitedly awaiting the day when my local library will get this lastest book from Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling). I've read and enjoyed both previous books and am sure this one won't disappoint. 

As Always, Julia // Julia Child
About a year and a half ago, I read Julia Child's memoir My Life in France. It really is such a lovely book and I enjoyed it so much. This one is a collection of her letters and I've been dying to get my hands on it for the past several months. 

All the Light We Cannot See // Anthony Doerr
I have heard only good things about this book. Waldi wants to read it as well, so I'm thinking maybe early Christmas present for us? We'll see...

The Night Circus // Erin Morgenstern
This is a bit of a whim, but I stumbled across a copy of it in a large (English section of a) bookstore in Frankfurt several weeks ago, and was intrigued. Hopefully I can find a copy soon!

Tender Hooks // Beth Ann Fennelly
I've been wanting to get back into reading poetry for a little while now. It can be such a great way to start the morning- a quiet moment with a cuppa and a poem or two. I've enjoyed Beth Ann Fennelly's other writing so I thought I may give this collection a try. 


What are you guys reading recently, or hoping to read over the coming Winter months? If you've read any of the books on this list I'd love to hear your thoughts about them!

book report: Summer Reading List

several months ago, I shared a list of books I was hoping to read over the summer. While I didn't manage to get to them all, I did get to some, as well as a few that weren't on the list. Today I wanted to give a little book report about the books I did read during the past several months as there were some real gems amongst them. 

Let's start with the ones from that list:


Wild // Cheryl Strayed
It took me awhile to get into this, but in the end I'm glad I stuck it out. Cheryl tells her story with an honesty that is refreshing, and details her solitary journey on the Pacific Crest Trail in a way that makes it seem relatable, even though I've never experienced anything of the sort. I'm always intrigued by the different paths we as individuals take to find our passions in life- be it hiking, cooking or even knitting. There are threads of common experience through them all.

The Girl on The Train // Paula Hawkins
I have to admit, I was disappointed by this one. Though it was an entertaining enough read, I found I wasn't really all that interested in any of the characters and was even slightly disappointed with how things wrapped up in the end.

An Everlasting Meal // Tamar Adler
This is a delightful little book, and one I would recommend to anyone who isn't a fan of typical cookbooks. While there are recipes included, the author is mostly sharing a mindset, or approach to food and life in the kitchen. It's poetic, practical and deliciously written.

Agnes Grey // Anne Brontë
I'm glad I finally got around to crossing this last major Brontë sister novel off my list, as it's one of my favorites. Typically Anne, the youngest Brontë novelist, gets swept aside in the wake of her sister's beloved books but I happen to think her books are brilliant- well crafted stories that don't shy away from hot topics of the day. (plus her overuse of commas mirrors my own...) I would recommend this and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall to any English Lit fan out there. 

Home and Away // Hannah Fettig
(Insert all the heart-eyed emojis here) I'm so glad I picked up a copy of this book. Not only are all the patterns beautiful and well written, but the extra articles on different knitting techniques are so helpful. This is the perfect companion to that first sweater project (or that first seamed sweater project or really any number of sweater project) and I learned so much just by reading it through. I've only knit one sweater so far, but there will be more. 


And here are a few I wasn't planning on reading but picked up anyways:


A Tree Grows in Brooklyn // Betty Smith
Oh, gosh. This was one of those books that made me want to write. While the story is interesting, it was the writing that I fell in love with. I swear at times I could taste the burnt coffee and see the sun filtering through the tree onto the fire escape. This book is a real gem and an absolute must read.

We Should all Be Feminists // Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is a very quick and worthwhile read. I've read a novel or two by Adichie and watched her first Ted Talk on a Single Story so it's safe to say I am a fan. This is a written version of a second Ted talk she gave, and it really is worth picking up. She shares some beautiful insights and interesting stories.

Savor // Shauna Niequest
I've read Shauna's Bread and Wine before and really enjoyed her writing style and what she had to say. So when I saw this while in Canada, I just had to pick it up. It's a book of small thoughts for each day of the year, and I'm really enjoying reading through it with my morning coffee, or in the evenings before I go to bed. As usual with these sorts of things, some days I don't connect with the writing at all, but others have been like reading a small part of my own soul spilled out on the page. Delightful. 

The All Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion // Fannie Flagg
You guys, this book. What a pleasure to read! It's a beautiful story about women pilots during WW2 and searching for your roots, about strong family ties and brave women and I could not put it down. I picked it up on a total whim at the library (though I'm pretty sure I did see it somewhere or other on Instagram, which must have been why I was drawn to it) and I'm so glad I did. A very charming and entertaining read.


So what's next? Well, I'm still hoping to get my hands on a copy of Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I've got A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolfe and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt waiting for me on my night stand and I'm really dying to order a copy of As Always, Julia which is a collection of Julia Child's letters. 

What have you been reading lately? If you've got any book recommendations for me I'd love to hear them!

on my bookshelf: recent current fiction

Living in Germany has me a few months behind on all the new releases. Usually, I hear about a new book coming out (or one that isn't so new, but is having it's time in the spotlight...) and then wait several months (or more) until it shows up in English in our public library.

I'm not complaining- I'm so grateful that we have English books here in the library and really don't mind waiting. It just means that when I hear about a new and exciting book that I'd like to check out I can't always rush out and get it. Instead it goes into my queue on Good Reads (so I don't forget about it) and I check with anticipation every time I visit our local library. Sometimes it takes a few months, and sometimes it doesn't ever come- we get a lot of novels by British authors here, and not so many out of North America. All this basically means that I read a lot of classics, or books that are already several years old and not exactly "hot right now".

That being said, I've read some new releases recently that I thought were worth sharing, in case any of you are looking for a good, engrossing fiction read! Here's what's been on my nightstand recently:

The Opposite of Loneliness Marina Keegan

Waldi bought me this beautiful collection of short stories and essays for Christmas. Written by a Yale student who tragically passed away in a car crash just days after her graduation, it's honest, bold and well written. 

Someday Someday Maybe Lauren Graham

I read this months ago now, but it's still pretty new and noteworthy. Plus re-watching Gilmore Girls while Waldi was away had me thinking about it again. A fun and entertaining read, I couldn't help but wonder while reading it, how much (if any) of the story was inspired by Graham's own experiences.  

Gone Girl Gillian Flynn

Again, not all that new, but I read this just as the movie came out in the Fall and everyone was talking about it. This book was insane. I could not put it down, and even though I KNEW there was some sort of major twist coming, I never in a million years could have predicted it. 

The Cuckoo's Calling and The Silkworm Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)

I picked up the first book in this series at the library out of sheer curiosity. I don't normally read much crime (though you wouldn't know it from this list, I realize) but my goodness, this woman can sure tell a story. I'm intrigued enough that I'll probably read the next one too!

The Book with No Pictures BJ Novak

This is not fiction, but still worth mentioning. It's a really unique children's book that I paged through in a bookshop one afternoon. I love BJ Novak (I mean, who doesn't love The Office) and was excited to hear he'd started writing books. Also, I hear there's a collection of short stories, which I'm hoping to be able to find soon.

Me Before You Jojo Moyes

Oh gosh. This book. I actually read this in German, finding it at the library and recognizing the name of the author from recommendations on various blogs and instagram. I had no idea at all what the story was about and it swept me up almost instantly. I could not stop thinking about this story for days after finishing. (Warning: best to read at home, unless you don't mind being seen crying your eyes out in cafes...)


So what new(ish) releases or popular reads am I hoping to get my hands on next? Well, in terms of fiction I'm excited to read both The Goldfinch (Donna Tartt) and Us (David Nicholls). Aside from that, I'm also hoping to soon get ahold of a copy of both Wild (Cheryl Strayed) and Yes Please (Amy Poehler).

And, of course, I wanna know! What are you guys reading recently? Do you read new releases or pop fiction? And do you have any recommendations...in this or other genres? I read a pretty wide range of books and love to hear your suggestions!

Best Books of 2014

I read waaaay less this year than I normally do (something to do with all the knitting I believe...)  I did, however, manage to get to a few books that have been on my list for ages AND I discovered some incredible gems. Here's the best of the best from this past year:

best non-fiction: The Happiness Project (Gretchen Rubin)

best re-read: Letters to a Young Poet (Rilke)

most surprised to love: Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë)

hardest to put down: Gone Girl (Gillian Flynn)

most likely to change my daily life: Bread & Wine (Shauna Niequest)

favorite classic: A Room with a View (EM Forster)

highest recommended: The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)

best memoir/biography: My Life in France (Julia Child)

best crafty-related book: Extra Yarn (Mac Barnett) 

most loveable characters: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbozky)

most likely to be re-read: Animal Dreams (Barbara Kingsolver)

see last year's list here. Also, to follow along with what's on my bookshelves (and coffee table, and night stand...) join me on Goodreads. 

November's Quote

"I won't desecrate beauty with cynicism anymore. I won't confuse critical thinking with a critical spirit and I will practice, painfully, over and over, patience and peace until my gentle answers turn away even my own wrath."
Sarah Bessey (from Jesus Feminist)

I tore my way through this book (bawling of course.) So beautifully and courageously written. 

on my bookshelf: reading Jane Eyre

Sometimes, re-reading an old favorite book is the best possible thing. I often recall all the original memories that I associate with that book's previous reading- places, seasons, foods, music...

But perhaps even better is re-reading a book that you didn't quite enjoy the first time around and finding it to be a treasure overlooked. That is how reading Jane Eyre is going for me.

I first read (most of) this novel right out of my high school English Lit class, when I was trying to add to the list of literary classics I've read. I'm not sure exactly what the problem was the first time around. It could have been the time and season of my life, or the head space I was in. But whatever the cause, I didn't enjoy it and never finished it. 

But recently, I've been seeing and hearing about this book everywhere. (well...on podcasts and instagram at least). And then I found an English copy at the local library here and decided to give it another chance. So glad I did! I've been carting it around with me for the last week, reading in parks and cafes, and of course every night before bed. So lovely. And I can't put it down!

Are there any books that you've given a second chance to, or that you would like to try reading again? I'd love to hear!  

slow down

last weekend we went on vacation in the Eifel- a forest about 2 hours SW of Marburg. It was a really lovely time of hiking in the woods, enjoying delicious food and spending time at the lake. Being together, and taking time out of our schedules and routine to slow down a bit. 

Earlier this week (once we arrived home again and our routines had picked back up in full swing...) I read Notes from a Blue Bike, a new book by Tsh Oxenreider. This book had so much to say to me in my current stage of life and I felt like I learned something on every page. But perhaps the thought that has stuck with me the most in the past few days is the idea of slowing down. 

I fully believe in movements such as slow food, or slow fashion (as evidenced on this blog). But if I'm honest with myself, I will often go through the motions (cooking meals from scratch, making my own salad dressing, knitting myself a garment, or mending clothing by hand) without actually slowing my mind down long enough to fully benefit from these actions. Though I've taken time in my schedule to "slow down", for me these tasks are often tacked onto the end of my to-do list. I check them off so that I can feel productive. So that I don't have to worry about not accomplishing anything in those moments. 

But I am tired of feeling guilty because I have free time to spend with my husband, to read a book, or create something with my hands. I am tired of constantly running through the to-do list in my head- sometimes at the expense of the very real needs of others. I am tired of getting into bed at night and asking myself as I reflect on the day that's just passed, how productive it was. 

So. 

I am trying to approach the time I have each day with gratitude and to savor each moment as it is given to me. To hold my routine, my goals and lists a little more loosely, so that I have time and space to notice and respond to the needs of those around me. To ride my bike without any particular destination, simply noticing the day as it unfolds around me. 

I am trying to change the questions I ask myself as I fall asleep. Rather than how productive was I today? I'd like to ask things like: 

Where did I find beauty in my routine? 
How well did I love? 
Did I enjoy this day as it was given to me? 

on my bookshelf: his and her's

Last week, I started reading one of Waldi's favorite books, East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I am blown away by what an amazing story it is. I've read bits and pieces of things Steinbeck has written before, and heard from so many people that this book is a must read, and I'm so glad I finally got around to picking it up. 

Anyways, this experience got me thinking...maybe I should trust Waldi's book recommendations a little more. Every book he ever tells me to read I end up enjoying. (previous examples include Life of Pi, The Glass Castle, and The Hunger Games) Next up: The Hobbit and Into the Wild.

cozy things bookmark DIY

 late last Friday afternoon, I decided I needed a bookmark. I'm always finding scraps of paper in my pockets or receipts or business cards to use to mark my place in a book, and while these work, they're just not quite as fun as having an actual bookmark. 

So I decided to make one. And since I like how it turned out, I thought I would share it with all of you. This literally took me 10 mins, and it's so easy that I'm not sure it even counts as a tutorial! But anyways, here's how I made mine:

you will need:

a piece of pretty paper (I used brown card stock)
alphabet stamp set & ink pad
single hole punch
scissors & ruler & pencil
yarn or twine
pretty colored washi tape (optional)

Step one: use your ruler to draw out the shape of your bookmark on your paper and cut it out. Make sure it will be large enough for whatever words you want to stamp on it! (mine is 2x6 inches)

Step two: Think of three cozy things (or just things you love) and stamp your words in the bottom right hand corner using your stamp set. If you don't have a alphabet stamp set, you could just write them on.

Step three: punch a hole in the top and tie your yarn or twine through it, leaving two tails to hang out the top of your book. If you want, add a little piece of washi tape to the top left corner. You don't have to, but I like the little pop of color it adds. Of course, you could add colored ribbon or yarn for the same effect.

Step four: make yourself a cup of coffee and curl up on the couch with your book on a rainy Sunday afternoon. 

April's Quote

have patience with everything unresolved in your heart, and try to love the questions themselves. Don't search for the answers which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. Live the questions now. And perhaps someday in the future you will gradually, without noticing, live your way into the answer" (Rainer Maria Rilke)

Last week I re-read Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet and really, I could have picked any number of great passages to share here for April. If you've not read it, I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy!

on my bookshelf: recent non-fiction reads

this weekend was so beautiful and sunny and spring-like, I just couldn't resist spending some time reading in the park. As I've mentioned before, every year I try and read 50 books, which works out to about one per week. Generally speaking, I am a devoted fiction reader, but this year, as part of my one word I've decided to try and make half of my books non-fiction. Memoir, biography, poetry, philosophy, sociology, spirituality... the possibilities are endless! I thought it was time to share a bit about the non-fiction I've been reading lately

A House in the Sky: This is the memoir of Amanda Lindhout, a Canadian journalist who was taken hostage in Somalia and held there for over a year. Though in no way easy to read, this is an incredibly powerful story- at times haunting and tragic, but also full of hope and the strength of the human spirit. I picked this book up in Canada, after meeting someone who is friends with Amanda and I know that particular scenes will stay with me for ages.  

The Happiness Project: I'm sure I've mentioned before how much I love year-in-the-life books. I have no idea what exactly appeals to me about them but I just can't get enough! This book is no exception. Gretchen Rubin spends a year pursuing happiness in her daily life. I learned SO much from her experience, and really appreciated how most of her action steps were simple things she fit into her everyday life. She didn't really change all THAT much, yet at the same time, everything changed. Also, now I'm dying to start my own children's literature book club! 

The Glass Castle: This memoir by Jeanette Walls has been on my to-read list for ages. It's the story of the Walls family's nomadic wanderings and struggle with poverty, but also the story of their loyalty and love for one another. I thought this book was honest and moving. It challenged some assumptions I had made, and inspired me.

My Life in France: I really enjoyed reading Julia Child's memories of her time spent living abroad (mostly in France), learning to cook, and writing her first cook book. I think it's so inspiring that she didn't even learn to cook until her late 30's, and then it became her life's work and passion. This thought encourages me to calm down a little bit. To stop worrying that I'm going to run out of time and instead, just do what I love. 

best books of 2013

best non-fiction: A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Great Writers on Why We Read Jane Austen (Susannah Carson)

best re-read: Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott)

most surprised to love: The Last Runaway (Tracey Chevallier)

hardest to put down: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (JK Rowling) really this could have been any of the HP books, but this one specifically I remember attempting to read while making dinner...

most likely to change my daily life: Animal Vegetable Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver)

best classic: The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald)

highest recommended: Bel Canto (Ann Patchett)

best memoir/biography: Bringing Up Bebe (Pamela Druckerman)

best crafty related read: The Handmade Marketplace (Kari Chapin)

most lovable characters: One Day (David Nichols)

most likely to be re-read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrow)

each year I try and read 52 books, one per week. To follow along with what's currently on my bookshelves (and coffee table, and night stand...) join me on goodreads 

yarn along

This week, I am joining Yarn Along, hosted by Ginny of Small Things. An opportunity to share my love of knitting AND reading? Yes please!

knitting: I FINALLY made it to the DPN point on this Hermione Hat. I know I've been talking about this hat for almost a month...it's taken me awhile to finish but it's been a really fun project and I cannot WAIT to wear it! Hopefully it will be finished by the weekend.

reading: This week I've been reading Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. This is one of those books that's been on my list for ages so when I finally found it at the library last week I knew I had to pick it up. And it does not disappoint.

bookish

These long, cold, dark November evenings are perfect to cozy up at home with a good book. Here are a few of my recent Etsy finds to get you in the reading mood! (view the treasury on Etsy here)

yarn along

This week, I am joining Yarn Along, hosted by Ginny of Small Things. An opportunity to share my love of knitting AND reading? Yes please!

knitting: Sadly, not a lot of time for personal knitting lately. It's been all orders, orders, orders! Not that I am complaining, of course! I have however, finally got the chance to cast on this hat. SO EXCITED! I hope I'll have it ready to wear by the time it snows! 

reading: This past week, I've been reading One Thousand Gifts (Ann Voskamp). The book in itself is a true gift. I am trying to practice gratitude amidst the messes and imperfections of every day.