January- bookish things...

I have no idea how many unread books I own, I don't typically buy books for myself- I usually just get them from the library- right now I have a pretty impressive unread library stack teetering by my bed- and at least 3-4 more I need to pick up tonight...

I haven't even listened to Anne Bogel's podcast yet this week because I don't want to hear more books that I want to read that I don't have time to read.

The thought of going downstairs and rooting around the in cupboards I have stashed my books in- (since I don't have shelves in our new house). Fills me with dread.  I did grab a few that are on my bedroom "floor shelf" when I was unpacking...and I am pretty sure there is another stack of "ooh I want to read these soon-ish" books still in the basement somewhere.

But for now- I have finished 1 off my "unread shelf" (such as it is) and two more I am working through at a steady pace, so progress.

January Reads-
1 One Day in December - Josie Silver
2 Things You Save in a Fire - Katherine Center
3 Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again - Rachel Held Evans
4 The Path Made Clear - Oprah Winfrey
5 The Path Between Us - Suzanne Stabile
6 The Night of Miracles - Elizabeth Berg

my favorite: Things You Save in a Fire

For Today {Wednesday, January 29}

Looking out my window winter =/

I am thinking 

Monday marked 4 years at this job- honestly I have really ambivalent feelings about that... is there something better... I don't know. I guess I'll be here until...

I am thankful for Jazz night this weekend, Hannah played piano in middle school jazz band and Ryan played Sax in the Dixieland Band.  An event where I actually got to sit next to my husband. So many of the kids events are weeknights when he's working.  It was spectacular and I loved it.

One of my favorite things watching people do things they are passionate about.  Seeing the kids band teachers at concerts directing and in this one performing, fills me with Joy.

I am creating I've got two past due nephew quilts in the works.  Hoping to finish them soon. =) Also working on photobooks =)

I am listening to the SSR podcast-  Alli's guest is her husband- listening to couples talk about books is one of my favorite things.  A few weeks back Anne Bogel had her husband on her podcast (Episode 214) as well.  And I first heard about SSR when Curtis from HeReadSheRead (my 2nd favorite bookish podcast) was featured on her Manuary in 2019.  My husband does not read. Like. At. All. Ever. That's ok- that's cool. I like him just the way he is.  But it warms my heart to listen to other reading couples.

In my kitchen Meal planning is helping me so much... except I forgot to get the meat out of the freezer this morning.

 

But anyway- In December I started printing a monthly blank calendar and juts filling in the whole thing. Working on February's now-- although I am kinda waiting until Monday or Tuesday to finish because spring reveal = new recipes to try!

 Last night I made Philly Cheesesteak Bread and it was super good!  I just used deli roast beef instead of steak but otherwise followed her recipe.

I also made Cheddar & Chive Bubble Waffle BLTs on Monday- every time I use my waffle puff pan- I'm like why don't I use this guy more often!?! I moved him over to the cupboard with the regular pots and pans...maybe he'll see more action there ;-) Also I cooked the bacon in the oven on the Stoneware Bar Pan. 400 degrees for like 20 minutes- I think.  Ryan was like- so that's how you got it so flat! :P

Sunday was Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the Quick Cooker.  No picture but it was fantastic! (I did not use rotisserie chicken- I just threw in a couple chicken breasts and chopped them up after the fact with my salad choppers.)

I made some coconut milk in my blender yesterday for smoothies mostly. So easy and no added anything ;-) Also would like to try making some other alternative milk options in the future...

In my garden right now just trying to keep my kitchen parsley and basil alive... it's not going well...

Board room Here is my Feb Eats board... although still incomplete

Feb Eats

Post Script 
So I stumbled across this Murder Mystery Quilt thing on Instagram the other night.... it combines two of my favorite things- murder mysteries and quilting... It's been a long time since I have sewn something for me so I decided to take the plunge. It's $9 a month for a chapter of the murder mystery and that months quilt block pattern.  It started January 8- I need to get my fabric and catch up...will be checking my stash tonight ;-)
 Anyone want to quilt/read along with me ;-)
https://murdermysteryquilt.com/

Shared Quote both from Lin-Manuel Miranda's book Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for You and Me

A moment from my day Almost a whole year in our "new" House and I finally committed to curtains. We are still choosing paint- I want light green everyone else is voting for light yellow- so they'll probably win.

I started reading this book, Exhale, over the summer sometime when I heard Amy Carroll was going to be the speaker at our ladies retreat in September.  Its one of those books I didn't really get into and it returned to the library before I finished it.

I went to retreat and thoroughly enjoyed Amy speaking.  I of course purchased the book.  I started it again.  And again set it aside.  Just too many other things to read....maybe after the New Year I thought.

Well, in the last week or so I picked it up again.  Maybe now is the time because it seems to be resonating with my spirit.

This is a quote from the chapter I read yesterday...

I want my life to be infectious too, don't you?  Here's a simple script I have been using to shift my thinking.  Instead of constantly saying, "I wish I were______________," focusing on the parts of my life I wish were different than I'd wish for, I'd replace that sentence with "I'm thankful I'm ____________".  p 108

Today the chapter talked more about specific personalty traits- embrace the good ones- who God created us to be without dwelling on the negative.  It included a personalty test. Which I love.
Here are a few of the strengths it said I have...

• take time to listen to others, making them feel seen and heard
• exude a sense of calm confidence that helps others relax when they're around you
• try to understand others' perspectives even if they are different from your own
• value a life rhythm that prioritizes enough rest and simple routines

Your strengths are God's gifts to you.  He doesn't force you to accept them.  You must choose to receive them.  Everything changes when you do. p 121

The Path Made Clear *book review*

 I used to be a big Oprah fan- like never missed her show, arranged my day around it kinda fan.  Frequently what I learned on the show that day was fodder for mealtime conversation. I quit watching around 13 or so years ago for a few reasons.

 But anyway- my old love for Oprah is what made me check this book out.  Hearing her voice again transported me back and made me long for those days when my world could stop for an hour in the afternoon.

The book itself is nothing earth shattering.   Its pretty much part her musing and part snippets and quotes from people she no doubt has interviewed in her career.  Yet when viewed through my lens of faith- (in God) it warmed my soul.  Had me once again- hoping in the possibilities...

a few favorite quotes...

"You are not your circumstances. You are your possibilities."

"Your life is not static. Every decision, setback, or triumph is an opportunity to identify the seeds of truth that make you the wondrous human being that you are."

"The true meaning of courage is to be afraid—and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, take the leap anyway. Ready. Set. Go."

just life...

Thought for today...

 I'm getting back in the habit of regular runs. 3 treadmill runs last week at my parents after work- shooting for the same this week....

Added bonus to running on the treadmill- the frigid night air felt kinda refreshing :P

 Monday night I made Tomato Soup in Peggy- this my 2nd attempt- I liked it much better this time.  I processed the basil a little more (last time I had pretty big hunks) plus added 1/2 & 1/2 at the end to make it creamy.  I also read that some other consultants add carrot for sweetness- I might try that next time.  Also I might add another clove of garlic next time ;-)

Did you know- when you become a {Pampered Chef}consultant in January- you can get your very own Peggy {Deluxe Cooking Blender} for only $129! #WhatADeal plus all the other goodies pictured below AND the business materials you need to get started ie catalogs etc...

I'd love to tell you more- shoot me and email or direct message if you're interested.

Be sure to stop by my page -> Amy's Pampered Kitchen <- tonight around 5:45ish-6ish to catch me LIVE! The video will be pinned to the top of my page afterwards until the next Live..in case you miss it ;-)

And just because I love  him...

...and I think the world needs to see this picture of my husband with a giant sloth.     

Inspired *book review*

While I was sewing this weekend I finished listening to this audiobook- Inspired by Rachel Held Evans.

I find this book troubling, but that's one of the reasons I read it.  I want to know about people who are different than me, think different than me, believe different from me, live different from me... I enjoyed listening to Rachel read her book, it is thought provoking and in so many ways I share parts of her story.  Why was I drawn to Rachel's work? I wanted to know what makes someone walk away from church, particularly someone who it seems was somewhat like me...

I was raised in a conservative Christian home. I don't remember a time my family did not attend church.  When I was small my dad pastored a church in Pennsylvania.  I love the Bible and Jesus with all my heart.  As I grew up and began my own family church/God/faith were central.  There was never a time I wandered or strayed from my faith.  The weeks we are not in church are few and far between.

Sometime in her young adult life Rachel (is it ok to call her Rachel, Ms Evans... I don't know.) Anyway- at some point she started questioning things.  I do not think this is a bad thing. Questions are how we learn how we grow.  But her questions tore her faith- after a time it seems she found it again, or at least some form of it.

Last year I listened to and read Searching for Sunday by her as well.  Despite my best intentions it appears I never got around to writing a review on that one. As I struggle with this review- I can see why.  My feelings and thoughts are deep and varied and hard to put into words here.

The books, I would say are quite similar. Searching for Sunday talks more of the church in general.  This book {Inspired}focuses more on the Bible itself than the church in general.

Reading these two books has lead me down rabbit trails- seeking to find out more about her life, sadly she passed away last May. As I listened to her voice read this book I wonder what she thinks now.  When she stood before God were all her questions answered? If she were back on this earth would she stand behind her words- after a heart-to-heart with God and seeing from the perspective of eternity.  Or would her perspective have changed.  I sincerely wish there was a way to know.

My TBR {to-read} list has also grown as I have come across other books through her blog and such that I want to read too. I'll continue learning, seeking, trying to understand.

But bottom line while I enjoy reading about different perspectives, cultures and religions-  I believe the Bible is God-breathed, living and active. It speaks to my heart and spirit. I Believe it is TRUTH.  The ultimate truth. These books also make me thankful for the church family I belong.  A church where I feel like I belong. A church that strives to teach and practice both Grace and Truth.  A church that loves. A church I hope would welcome anyone.

Some quotes I liked from this book-

“While Christians tend to turn to Scripture to end a conversation, Jews turn to Scripture to start a conversation.” <- I think scripture should be the start.  I know a lot of people out there can give Christians a bad rap- but I don't think we should be beating people over the head with the Bible.  I think it can be used as a start, to open doors and hearts.

 “I’ve often said that those who say having a childlike faith means not asking questions haven’t met too many children.”

“The truth is, you can bend Scripture to say just about anything you want it to say. You can bend it until it breaks. For those who count the Bible as sacred, interpretation is not a matter of whether to pick and choose, but how to pick and choose. We’re all selective. We all wrestle with how to interpret and apply the Bible to our lives. We all go to the text looking for something, and we all have a tendency to find it. So the question we have to ask ourselves is this: are we reading with the prejudice of love, with Christ as our model, or are we reading with the prejudices of judgment and power, self-interest and greed? Are we seeking to enslave or liberate, burden or set free?”

“So in considering the writings of Paul, the question is not, Are head coverings good or bad? The question is, in that context, Did head coverings help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? The question is not, Should Christians eat meat? but rather, in that context, Did eating meat help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? And as we consider the application of Paul’s teachings in our various contexts today, the question is not, Should women be allowed to preach? but Do women preachers help or hurt the advancement of the gospel and the preservation of unity? Paul was smart enough to know the answers to these questions would vary from church to church and person to person, so surely he was smart enough to also know they would vary from culture to culture and century to century. Was Paul a man of his time? Of course. But that’s exactly the point. God meets us where we are, as we are. The Spirit shows up in the thick of it.” (emphasis added).

“This is what God's kingdom is like: a bunch of outcasts and oddballs gathered at a table, not because they are rich or worthy or good, but because they are hungry, because they said yes. And there's always room for more.” ― Rachel Held Evans, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church

Things You Save in a Fire *Book Review*

I don't know what I was expecting when I picked up this book.  But the story that unfolded surprised me. I don't even know why I had it on hold other than it kept popping up in my feeds. I knew it was new last summer and rather trendy...it took awhile for the kindle hold to come through from my library.

It is the story of Cassie Hanwell, a firefighter. She moves from Texas to the Boston area to live with and assist her somewhat estranged mother.  Of course the new firehouse she transfers to, is all male and "old fashioned". She starts the same day as another newbie- the Rookie, who she is drawn to from day 1. I very much enjoyed her personal journey through the book. She has some deep wounds inflicted when her mother left on her 16th birthday.  Wounds she had nursed into bitterness for 10 years- that affected every part of her life.  Forgiveness becomes a resounding theme in this book.

I pretty much loved it- I am sad to have read it on my kindle instead of an actual book.  I don't know why, I just long to feel the cover and heft of it in my hands, smell the pages.  I feel like it's one of those books that would feel good in my hands.

I think if you read it...in any format- you will not be disappointed. It's one I could start again right this minute and love again.  My favorite read of the year so far! :P  It's a story that will stick with me. A reminder to let go of the past, forgive and move on into the future.

midweek

This week I am running a New Year, Better You party on facebook.  It's been pretty fun, have made some yummy, healthy eats. Here is the video I made Tuesday night in the group.  I made baked fajitas. You could also omit the chicken, and add more veggies to make a vegetarian dish. ;-)

I used the leftovers to make a southwestern salad  in my new Salad Cutting Bowl! =D

Our new comforter came and I LOVE it.

enneagram and otters

For Today January 13 almost two weeks into the new year already...

Looking out my window grey, gloomy, cold.

I am thinking about the Enneagram- I am a type 9 and I find it fascinating.


I am thankful for God's Truth. 

Also for some quality time with the Mister this weekend. <3 We went out to breakfast on Saturday.  I watched the Packers game with him last night after I got back from Houghton.

One of my favorite things ^^^^

I am wearing not warm enough clothes :-/

I am creating I finally finished this project on Thursday night...literally YEARS in the making! It made me so happy to finally give it to my friend. <3 It made her pretty happy too.

 As you can see Bruno was super helpful as I was trying to finish up too.

I am reading 

I read the Secret Life of Squirrels to my nephew yesterday. I highly recommend ;-)

I am hoping

I am learning 

In my kitchen This morning I started a New Year, Better You group through my facebook page- Amy's Pampered Kitchen.  Today I made a smoothie in my awesome Blender. You can still join my group ;-) if you're on FB.We'll be making lots of yummy things this week <3

Board room 

Pinned yup.Source instagram

Post Script It's Cookie Season again! You can order cookies online from Hannah- or just let us know what you'd like and we'll hook you up! 

Shared Quote 

"Even so- it is far better for relationships when 9s establish some consistency in verbalizing what they think, want & need." ~ p35 The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile

A moment from my day Saturday night we got to spend some time with three otters.  It was pretty fun! It was one of our Christmas presents this year. =)