• Literary Pursuits

    Survivalist Fiction

    With so many unprecedented things happening this past year I find my mind going down all kinds “what if” rabbit holes. Without a doubt recent months have brought many major changes to life as we know it. Oddly enough, the one that has affected me the most–or at least how I think–was the stupid panic-buying of toilet paper last spring.…

  • Camping Books for Kids header
    Literary Pursuits

    Stay-at-Home Camp-Out for Kids

    If you’re still in stay-at-home mode this summer here’s a fun camping “trip” you can plan for the kids in your own backyard. Spending the night outside is optional. Plan it for a clear evening just as it’s starting to get dark. Here’s what you’ll need: Gear Bed Roll for each person (e.g. kid’s sleeping bag, fleece throw, beach towel)…

  • Homeschooling,  Literary Pursuits

    Free E-books & Audiobooks for Kids

    There are lots of free resources available for kids right now, especially in regards to homeschooling and learning. I want to share a few I’m really impressed with but first I’m obliged to say that this post includes Amazon affiliate links which means I might earn from qualifying purchases.  First of all, do you know about stories.audible.com? It’s an Audible…

  • Heritage,  Literary Pursuits

    7th Grade Reading List from 1935

    As I’ve been gathering and archiving family documents I came across this list of books my great-aunt Bonnie read when she was in 7th grade in 1935-1936. Aunt Bonnie was Grandmother’s younger sister. This would have been the school year following Grandmother’s high school graduation. I recognize a number of the titles as books I’ve read–some of them when I…

  • Literary Pursuits

    Fantasy Adventure Book Series

    I love it when friends ask me for book recommendations for their kids! My latest request comes from a local friend whose children are ages 8, 10, and 12. When I asked her what their interests were she said, “They’ve all recently read the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. They’re into reading a lot of the same stuff right…

  • Literary Pursuits

    Books I Read in 2019

    I have been tracking my reading for the past 4 years with Goodreads. For the previous 3 years my average was about 10 books a month with around 120 books total for the year. I didn't set a specific goal to read more this past year, but it turns out I read over 200 books in 2019.

  • Literary Pursuits

    My Christmas Reading List

    It’s uncharacteristic of me, but I’ve actually started my “Christmas reading season” a little earlier than usual this year... For your Yuletide reading pleasure here are some titles I’ve recently read or intend to read before Christmas this year.

  • Literary Pursuits

    10 Cozy Reads for November

    Curling up under a fluffy blanket with a hot beverage and a good book is one of my favorite ways to combat the doldrums that tend to set in during this darkest time of the year. Remembering to be thankful and counting my blessings are also definite mood lifters. Maybe that’s why Thanksgiving comes along in November just before the…