tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43817385467855928122024-03-15T12:43:56.067-07:00Good Books For Young SoulsWendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.comBlogger880125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-91398953526840448532022-06-08T12:22:00.001-07:002022-06-08T12:22:11.404-07:00A Little Nook for Books<p><span style="font-size: large;">Project Book Nook is finished! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm_SSd5LxUAuVj0p6F6B9U3VkfnuL-2jFJFfWT0pCIutMprC05IovvUFjRi_a74fMfBmfFye2e4bMctWT1I8Jw-KUvVnxeWNt_fDwwUy3lTH-9wMEXkawSl5YmqREIhvm_FrlZUkbpm-lQAWXgdQbHohsdLquU_z7sAifXzthF8WcwBregWxt0tzNgw/s1914/IMG_4856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1839" data-original-width="1914" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm_SSd5LxUAuVj0p6F6B9U3VkfnuL-2jFJFfWT0pCIutMprC05IovvUFjRi_a74fMfBmfFye2e4bMctWT1I8Jw-KUvVnxeWNt_fDwwUy3lTH-9wMEXkawSl5YmqREIhvm_FrlZUkbpm-lQAWXgdQbHohsdLquU_z7sAifXzthF8WcwBregWxt0tzNgw/w400-h384/IMG_4856.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When my grandchildren come to stay, books are always part of the visit. Always. When we remodeled our home three years ago, we created a beautiful library room downstairs, and lately I've been working on a little reading nook upstairs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaxbY3QXcnwdjuoDz6YC2Eecgjv52oeK9YlG7OidC-VebdbEo3eHCBInvPmVRbjsvy2-lWXwMzVAqdsWGPbZd3IO4aiE3KWiYiu8UPQVFEGMIEFwIOyOo1XC_6cjZ-TZLKIE48EENwVCvnwsjEs8ex-tGXrUVjkg0iS-W28HRIoLT9eze17zuln3pA/s4032/IMG_4861.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEaxbY3QXcnwdjuoDz6YC2Eecgjv52oeK9YlG7OidC-VebdbEo3eHCBInvPmVRbjsvy2-lWXwMzVAqdsWGPbZd3IO4aiE3KWiYiu8UPQVFEGMIEFwIOyOo1XC_6cjZ-TZLKIE48EENwVCvnwsjEs8ex-tGXrUVjkg0iS-W28HRIoLT9eze17zuln3pA/w480-h640/IMG_4861.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because of the dormers in our two-story Cape Cod style home, both of our upstairs guest bedrooms have funny little "dead space" corners. I measured and found a sweet William Morris inspired futon cushion and throw pillow from<a href="https://dockatot.com/collections/pillows" target="_blank"> DocATot.</a> The cushion can lie flat and double as a "floor bed" for any visiting littles at night.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh7m1Uckuo43IYoVPSmxOun9LLxp7TmDLeWMVc2lIHl20dfVW2chOL_g0XZf7rEw32P1rgHD1tvYP9A717GVhjRPfmTdjprLuXCG8R9X2JZSbcvSvVGGMxCTttyfbR-c_T8DCXTrcrMlJuyAKQtgojXJ6Y6RNUYf1d7WxgcbSnYVVUZi9WQrNpTWyjQ/s3517/IMG_4857.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3517" data-original-width="2737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh7m1Uckuo43IYoVPSmxOun9LLxp7TmDLeWMVc2lIHl20dfVW2chOL_g0XZf7rEw32P1rgHD1tvYP9A717GVhjRPfmTdjprLuXCG8R9X2JZSbcvSvVGGMxCTttyfbR-c_T8DCXTrcrMlJuyAKQtgojXJ6Y6RNUYf1d7WxgcbSnYVVUZi9WQrNpTWyjQ/w498-h640/IMG_4857.jpeg" width="498" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">In case there was any question that this can also be a reading nook, I applied this adorable "Once upon a time..." decal that I found on Etsy (from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OldBarnRescueCompany?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=805867866" target="_blank">Old Barn Rescue Company</a>).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think it turned out to be a very cozy space!</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-10746120558481370532022-05-02T05:00:00.001-07:002022-05-02T05:00:00.239-07:00LETTUCE GET IN TROUBLE<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92vEZd_yQwshi0P0AwRwyJfJdvUf-grpZlFqd9bAsQjfRVOTQxFzMGt7wOdIbKkpmYWtf92v32J-FPLYiEDoggJUGZ_Hgg4hzCzu5WUt6HM_hyOBz3Ja9kpc_JOwaqjmp5yhbnwdLfefuOGdD1pZ-HQwSD6qryneXHVLsap0wppFRyxNA3YJuvtkEww/s4032/IMG_4304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92vEZd_yQwshi0P0AwRwyJfJdvUf-grpZlFqd9bAsQjfRVOTQxFzMGt7wOdIbKkpmYWtf92v32J-FPLYiEDoggJUGZ_Hgg4hzCzu5WUt6HM_hyOBz3Ja9kpc_JOwaqjmp5yhbnwdLfefuOGdD1pZ-HQwSD6qryneXHVLsap0wppFRyxNA3YJuvtkEww/w300-h400/IMG_4304.jpg" width="300" /></a></i></div><i><br />Lettuce Get in Trouble</i> is a brand new picture book that gives kids a glimpse into the life of a small lady who had a big love for design, practicality, and problem solving. <p></p><p>Meet Sara Little Turnbull, "a troublemaker of the best sort", whose favorite question was: "WHY?" </p><p>Sara Little was a small dynamo (under five feet tall!) and is a wonderful example for young designers and thinkers. When I started exploring her bio I was immediately reminded of the THE INCREDIBLES diminutive costume designer Edna "E" Mode and her inspiration, Hollywood designer Edith Head.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvP_v61bnWJcIUNSAqfRsiurDvOytbrjll64Q6tJZZ8kCLlHrZMuu3MKcIYNmZDarnlbHkaTqw7SZEQrtM0HBUGtfb_nqR53qHbIawiI1sQZDcPPGtsxL-hs3t1E4HXn_Zk74it_dWGHS0aXsjyF510PzeTbGZUV3dyYDkRaHIwTaqgHKVb9AFKhsXQ/s828/IMG_4305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="828" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvP_v61bnWJcIUNSAqfRsiurDvOytbrjll64Q6tJZZ8kCLlHrZMuu3MKcIYNmZDarnlbHkaTqw7SZEQrtM0HBUGtfb_nqR53qHbIawiI1sQZDcPPGtsxL-hs3t1E4HXn_Zk74it_dWGHS0aXsjyF510PzeTbGZUV3dyYDkRaHIwTaqgHKVb9AFKhsXQ/w400-h357/IMG_4305.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Center for Design Books is launching a children's book series called Sara Little Trouble Maker, which is based on Sara and her design work. This first book,<i> Lettuce Get in Trouble</i>, is available May 17, 2022. Author Linda Kuo and illustrator Mariana Rio have done a fabulous job in making Sara come to life in lively text and fun retro illustrations for children... </p><p></p><p></p><p>Young readers will learn how Sara's wise mother teaches her to look at beauty in the shapes and colors of food as they cook in their modest Brooklyn kitchen. Later, when Sara is grown up and working in New York, we see that her gift for observation helps her answer lots of questions at the start of her career in product development. </p><p>One of the most pressing problems she tackles is from the Ministry of Food asking for help because "children seem to have stopped eating vegetables." Her response is, "Have you talked to the children?"</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYn30ANEnEFLjNx_cZasdzHBipBZIeiygUYg8vvoFP5Y2-R2ni3OQA4PGbPEj5ty7_WWXXg346BO6cWydEXLxV-2Aci6G9jM2KioS4Ht5oaLc0YrvRcFM04yDGEbcDOgc36koyqyo4ZXc0mQjGApiHMZLJ8YFpz8mHDzsuS0rPjAZgjcDRGBMNPjA2w/s4032/IMG_4300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYn30ANEnEFLjNx_cZasdzHBipBZIeiygUYg8vvoFP5Y2-R2ni3OQA4PGbPEj5ty7_WWXXg346BO6cWydEXLxV-2Aci6G9jM2KioS4Ht5oaLc0YrvRcFM04yDGEbcDOgc36koyqyo4ZXc0mQjGApiHMZLJ8YFpz8mHDzsuS0rPjAZgjcDRGBMNPjA2w/w300-h400/IMG_4300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />This is where the story gets fun! Sara brings children from all over the world to her Little Lab in New York City to explore not only the importance of vegetables, but the ingenuity of design in the colors and shapes of food. She discovers that many of the children believe that vegetables only come from cans.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwea_g-B_brKv7MF2jRm7rd7FDZCa9C28wRne67pxi4OMRAb2THnnE9qJml7Sa5VT-yW9SjmuLe_nY4alRIwIk-TLdEvt15oSL2KdbB5V-RpJHvK716Us34N5LSvtLJspa7Qxcc41h77rRYoTtxB_wlG4AXTf1xTm7jF5HN_5i59trH821ziy7qqrUw/s4032/IMG_4298.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwea_g-B_brKv7MF2jRm7rd7FDZCa9C28wRne67pxi4OMRAb2THnnE9qJml7Sa5VT-yW9SjmuLe_nY4alRIwIk-TLdEvt15oSL2KdbB5V-RpJHvK716Us34N5LSvtLJspa7Qxcc41h77rRYoTtxB_wlG4AXTf1xTm7jF5HN_5i59trH821ziy7qqrUw/w300-h400/IMG_4298.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Sara teaches them about design ("To design is to look for connections" and "Good design solves problems and also makes the world more beautiful and fun") and why vegetables are important. Together they design a Grand Event. She encourages them to make fun and tasty creations under big tents in a park.<div><p></p><p><i>Inside one tent are Lotus leaf plates, lettuce cups, wild grass straws... a zero-waste lunch.</i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIodsKKQB52lazfWEDzA_gerN3t6BPofRXhevdTu1I2uQEeUgXXDlt2L-ntd6fswr-nVaCim5iBOceCbwNSK_YR3IarRFOeaZtS6ZHIwDyJI_iC8xc6yjO5Jh8ZdvygYV3YX15mAM18dGmWQbBozCzgtRrsex6ilpbluHUvNG6-qDQsamOCQEQ-HCO1w/s4032/IMG_4297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIodsKKQB52lazfWEDzA_gerN3t6BPofRXhevdTu1I2uQEeUgXXDlt2L-ntd6fswr-nVaCim5iBOceCbwNSK_YR3IarRFOeaZtS6ZHIwDyJI_iC8xc6yjO5Jh8ZdvygYV3YX15mAM18dGmWQbBozCzgtRrsex6ilpbluHUvNG6-qDQsamOCQEQ-HCO1w/w300-h400/IMG_4297.jpg" width="300" /></a></i></div><p></p><p><i>Lin rolls out wraps with the children and shows off her almond butter and strawberry jelly burrito.</i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aglG5ajvAsjVeROqy6PA1kCOxUWyXdNCtu2UsLUuQ0D_cv5J-hj6NcxtWIWVYhjnV_Hr0SvTRu5kZ2b-II6nHtcHYNx8oXw5JJJyBWw73x2VDnWo7smGVKkccWtYdIm4I02r364dm9R-Q64RsjIW-GGOPCpmKKoqPHyb5KGnWi9dI2gd2MZ7AcnVBw/s4032/IMG_4296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aglG5ajvAsjVeROqy6PA1kCOxUWyXdNCtu2UsLUuQ0D_cv5J-hj6NcxtWIWVYhjnV_Hr0SvTRu5kZ2b-II6nHtcHYNx8oXw5JJJyBWw73x2VDnWo7smGVKkccWtYdIm4I02r364dm9R-Q64RsjIW-GGOPCpmKKoqPHyb5KGnWi9dI2gd2MZ7AcnVBw/w300-h400/IMG_4296.jpg" width="300" /></a></i></div><p></p><p><i>One child sprinkles mint leaves on tacos filled with bright orange carrots and red peppers.</i></p><p>I think any child who reads this book will be inspired about design and try some imaginative food combinations of their own after seeing all the fun and colorful geometric illustrations! I certainly was!</p><p>The first person to leave a comment below is welcome to my beautiful review copy of <i>Lettuce Get in Trouble</i>. After you leave a comment, please email me at [spam]wendyb1963@[spam]sbcglobal.net to send me your mailing address.</p><p>You can read more about the real Sara Little Turnbull at <a href="https://www.saralittleturnbull.com/about">https://www.saralittleturnbull.com/about</a> and here in the Fortune article: <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/03/08/women-history-never-heard-of-design-careers-pioneers-work-success-sara-little-paula-rees/">https://fortune.com/2022/03/08/women-history-never-heard-of-design-careers-pioneers-work-success-sara-little-paula-rees/</a></p></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-77068612743127592682022-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:002022-04-25T14:52:20.717-07:00A TASTE OF PARADISE ON BRIGHT MONDAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2uuZpU_mJMp8i4Gg5q-Dk3QNwn-QY8--ZaQdUn8QdwW0r5rwhwtQpWXo7ACQckdGrHTgYJy6G1FSGZ7P6xoS2SokUtCHeQcLUlzq7xKYUr5JevewVBFENKsCn3MERJePA9acIxKmIku4VKPVw9Z9noyomB28No24AJspa-eTgBPlN56zRymSiPlT4w/s4032/IMG_4415.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2uuZpU_mJMp8i4Gg5q-Dk3QNwn-QY8--ZaQdUn8QdwW0r5rwhwtQpWXo7ACQckdGrHTgYJy6G1FSGZ7P6xoS2SokUtCHeQcLUlzq7xKYUr5JevewVBFENKsCn3MERJePA9acIxKmIku4VKPVw9Z9noyomB28No24AJspa-eTgBPlN56zRymSiPlT4w/w480-h640/IMG_4415.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Happy Bright Week! <i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Christ is Risen! </span></i><div><br /></div><div>On the heels of Pascha (for all my Orthodox readers), and Easter for those of you who celebrated earlier in the West, I hope you're enjoying after-Pascha-treats from your basket. We certainly are! Especially my yummy <a href="https://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/search?q=PASCHA+CHEESE" target="_blank">Russian Pascha cheese</a>, which kind of tastes like paradise. <div><br /></div><div>But that's not the taste I'm here to tell you about today...
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9F5R19hPQSXJ9MFX2Epf641KFsbuyp-_hMUkM2MyIiwOvM8VLDUwJk5HVu8e_lZLfEkotl6ARnVTBJfAsfxxTY94vwgh_CGgLe5_Uw11f4AomvZ35U_aFjYKUu7fIfPcLIHxGo5X_MHTOoFo7DWjEXma84DwdUOaO57UpDtCLPAhu4Xbf00zzgAlcA/s1668/IMG_4366.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="1251" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9F5R19hPQSXJ9MFX2Epf641KFsbuyp-_hMUkM2MyIiwOvM8VLDUwJk5HVu8e_lZLfEkotl6ARnVTBJfAsfxxTY94vwgh_CGgLe5_Uw11f4AomvZ35U_aFjYKUu7fIfPcLIHxGo5X_MHTOoFo7DWjEXma84DwdUOaO57UpDtCLPAhu4Xbf00zzgAlcA/w480-h640/IMG_4366.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have a soon-to-be-released children's book to share with you: <i>A Taste of Paradise, Stories of Saints and Animals.</i> <div><br /></div><div>This delightful picture book is by Katherine Bolger Hyde, illustrated by Anastasiya Sokolova. It's exquisite, and I love it! And I think your kids will too. <div><p>It seems safe to say that most children love animals and animal stories, and this book is a wonderful way to introduce them to some extraordinary saint stories...</p><p><i>Long ago in Paradise animals and men walked side by side. When we return to Paradise, the wolf will lie down with the lamb, and a little child shall lead them. In the time in between, many holy men and women have befriended even the fiercest beasts through the power of God's love. Come and meet a few of these saints and their animal friends in this beautifully illustrated collection of inspiring stories!</i></p><p>Starting with Modestos, the patron saint of animals, we are introduced to saints from around the world (St. Herman of Alaska, Elijah the Prophet and the ravens, St. Kieran of Ireland and a wild boar, and St. Melangell of Wales and her rabbits, to name a few). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX86473qbwfYLcSen-LQxyepEf1iJRqmSWUVP9_Deo_c4xCx2nrKLztU_GWn7nJ2qyXPe4TGxcdeh5mq8G-eqFI7cIdMPRQEZOnptOSBjriZIB3zHRW9gnkB9r-2xhrZU-fatLp3BFIy2U0GF8LR3J-0QoPh5KKIqsdLS4Yfx62uGcKQlSgYOqHxwnpA/s2392/IMG_4368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="1794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX86473qbwfYLcSen-LQxyepEf1iJRqmSWUVP9_Deo_c4xCx2nrKLztU_GWn7nJ2qyXPe4TGxcdeh5mq8G-eqFI7cIdMPRQEZOnptOSBjriZIB3zHRW9gnkB9r-2xhrZU-fatLp3BFIy2U0GF8LR3J-0QoPh5KKIqsdLS4Yfx62uGcKQlSgYOqHxwnpA/w480-h640/IMG_4368.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Anastasiya Sokolova's luminous illustrations will draw you into each of Katherine Bolger Hyde's beautifully descriptive accounts of the saints and animals - perfect for children ages 4-8!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjQaxugMJ99BnqGw-cNlZI_fIZ8huGhc5lRBOPnHerHKrSYluaG0ZXzFD5Q_qtLIOCSgXkTbj8jOd8Y32uDqqxTKmMCP7DSY0GH3YG_KCXU4OJcrhsYpIMzHYX84PaofsUEUeDt3BAW204lucZgHhv1Y29UlvfOhyHT3QiOWch3nVnMhSeFN138O8mA/s2500/IMG_4369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtjQaxugMJ99BnqGw-cNlZI_fIZ8huGhc5lRBOPnHerHKrSYluaG0ZXzFD5Q_qtLIOCSgXkTbj8jOd8Y32uDqqxTKmMCP7DSY0GH3YG_KCXU4OJcrhsYpIMzHYX84PaofsUEUeDt3BAW204lucZgHhv1Y29UlvfOhyHT3QiOWch3nVnMhSeFN138O8mA/w400-h300/IMG_4369.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div>Be on the lookout! This book can be ordered soon from Ancient Faith Publishing.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-64493182279325911802022-02-14T14:50:00.001-08:002022-02-14T14:50:33.595-08:00LOVE COMES DOWN<p><span style="font-size: medium;">HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8QT6KoTvrv_rfv4kfsgBNGfzV3om68l23wLQsGC9DJrOgZLY76dz-paaPaIWRH3_grsy4uRe9_yJkQsP1xmiZKcMmipeRLa1w1BLWU2OaBQQMH0v8OMV0WJLypzbIpOA3HpfmI0QkhnJFp-luezd9WsftUj9M-bpYcK0agSghrYvGaQUCrO5NuJGmRg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8QT6KoTvrv_rfv4kfsgBNGfzV3om68l23wLQsGC9DJrOgZLY76dz-paaPaIWRH3_grsy4uRe9_yJkQsP1xmiZKcMmipeRLa1w1BLWU2OaBQQMH0v8OMV0WJLypzbIpOA3HpfmI0QkhnJFp-luezd9WsftUj9M-bpYcK0agSghrYvGaQUCrO5NuJGmRg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A bouquet of flowers I received for Valentine's Day from my young goddaughters are serving as the perfect backdrop for my highlighted picture book today. It's new from Ancient Faith Publishing...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Love Comes Down, </i>is a song by Natasha Frasch, which she put into a sturdy board book form for little hands. The sweet illustrations are by Avery Mefford. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It's about the humble nature of God's love through the Incarnation of Christ. I'll start with a stanza from the end of the book:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>For love always comes down, down, down</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>and cares for the very small!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And we can care for the least of these...</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>because Love came down and cares for us all.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0GMHivqZ2mEoyY7lY_jWEU_3biyokTthDkDGHTDGJ7upRHtPEKwwQ0E4_R4a6acFwUzmDMtB7SX1l1O16m6q5XgZOK5_407s9jQEzRme8lk5oyV6R77IBHvGTG-zHjKhVGvpPPGSXG_SjnecCjboPUXsyRq2VqxJvrOp3YFh-zziqz55fAZzFW4pUPg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0GMHivqZ2mEoyY7lY_jWEU_3biyokTthDkDGHTDGJ7upRHtPEKwwQ0E4_R4a6acFwUzmDMtB7SX1l1O16m6q5XgZOK5_407s9jQEzRme8lk5oyV6R77IBHvGTG-zHjKhVGvpPPGSXG_SjnecCjboPUXsyRq2VqxJvrOp3YFh-zziqz55fAZzFW4pUPg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even young children will understand through the text and illustrations of the book how God cares for them everyday, and how He sent His Son to care for us that we may care for others in our world. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8lLfHvPxJm4fLadCfxg9Nea2EIeOFFDF1Qc_Zp_1pMTmM_9BleDmjGJg-AVmcApns3APSGZwCSTn6ZWsj1SygHyzPt90kgaQLtRXYx5e4qZDZfuu0-paU0pBUswHn7hs30hxS9U3sHfXpkKXVZzDNghvuzskRwEG9ESigsR7VWD7bDFQa7Rk2Nc6_jQ=s4012" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4012" data-original-width="2783" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8lLfHvPxJm4fLadCfxg9Nea2EIeOFFDF1Qc_Zp_1pMTmM_9BleDmjGJg-AVmcApns3APSGZwCSTn6ZWsj1SygHyzPt90kgaQLtRXYx5e4qZDZfuu0-paU0pBUswHn7hs30hxS9U3sHfXpkKXVZzDNghvuzskRwEG9ESigsR7VWD7bDFQa7Rk2Nc6_jQ=w278-h400" width="278" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>There is even a QR code on the opening page of the book so you can listen to the song, beautifully sung by the author/composer!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-10915748232842903562021-12-13T10:06:00.000-08:002021-12-13T10:06:04.738-08:00Happy Saint Lucia Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGQWz1bI7TqNGGkY6u_KF_noerI-XHHwSUXQTIJrda1lYZghexdyjmSVYtJ2POUHrjbDR3E7jZ-yw9faHAyUCnxNnjqAbCSAP5k28LaMS7R4kSlcguqSt4ioi8nabhbIRHuTdRmPZLueX1Dj1joc77shPQIMSkcLy0HUNTuYqHsbKnc1iaw0KhhMWZHQ=s3793" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3793" data-original-width="2844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGQWz1bI7TqNGGkY6u_KF_noerI-XHHwSUXQTIJrda1lYZghexdyjmSVYtJ2POUHrjbDR3E7jZ-yw9faHAyUCnxNnjqAbCSAP5k28LaMS7R4kSlcguqSt4ioi8nabhbIRHuTdRmPZLueX1Dj1joc77shPQIMSkcLy0HUNTuYqHsbKnc1iaw0KhhMWZHQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>Click<a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/12/st-lucia-day-remembrances.html" target="_blank"> here</a> for my Saint Lucia Day Remembrances post (we started having a St. Lucia Procession at our church when my daughter was only two and a half years old. Now she's a Mama who bakes Lusseketter and shares in the tradition with her own children!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGA3O-RgXKRLZ0JIbOixRjXLAZMbt8OVrVZq7M5hXWtHE9hp99ia7HJwoP8xzdPRHjU33l6g8t2Ktz3rN0yxwr4r7v9-fVEuC1OcKYvBZ1HXws9WvERKRpsI9SAXlGdg2drBY9CMF1bQJEeo7DyfrzE_Y-PgxdFW0Em8iToxl3je8-h7m0Ey4EGKgxVw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGA3O-RgXKRLZ0JIbOixRjXLAZMbt8OVrVZq7M5hXWtHE9hp99ia7HJwoP8xzdPRHjU33l6g8t2Ktz3rN0yxwr4r7v9-fVEuC1OcKYvBZ1HXws9WvERKRpsI9SAXlGdg2drBY9CMF1bQJEeo7DyfrzE_Y-PgxdFW0Em8iToxl3je8-h7m0Ey4EGKgxVw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-85952529145651874402021-11-19T09:22:00.002-08:002021-11-19T09:22:38.584-08:00A Day at the Seashore<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This might seem like an odd title for a November post, but here in sunny Southern California, we get some of our best beach days in the fall. Take for instance last week, when our temperatures hit the low 90's!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c4F9qRaJjM/YZfYn6gidFI/AAAAAAAARkM/olkZwUaliGcQKWukDEkY3E3TeEeS6wxggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_2195.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1c4F9qRaJjM/YZfYn6gidFI/AAAAAAAARkM/olkZwUaliGcQKWukDEkY3E3TeEeS6wxggCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_2195.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My daughter and granddaughters were visiting from Michigan to meet their new baby cousin, and we took full advantage of the hot day to go to the beach, equipped with sand toys, towels, and a little Golden Book about two siblings - Nancy and Timmy - who go with their parents to the beach: <i>A Day at the Seashore.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRGfMBCF5BA/YZfbA6czkoI/AAAAAAAARkU/rGT45uapncYw9tvexavYDgUFF77DDBPkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s998/IMG_2208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRGfMBCF5BA/YZfbA6czkoI/AAAAAAAARkU/rGT45uapncYw9tvexavYDgUFF77DDBPkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2208.jpeg" width="265" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Nancy and Timmy hop out of their beds one summer morning and help pack their swimsuits and lunch. And then it's off to the seashore! In a charming rhyme, this Little Golden Book from 1951 (then titled <i>A Day at the Beach</i>) describes what preschoolers will find there: "You can catch little crabs—if you're quick! You can draw great big pictures right on the beach with a piece of a shell or a stick."</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw65A6rpIHQ/YZfb-gvZu0I/AAAAAAAARkc/gb7rE_jMJpwst8XO1Zyot0k1APnI4VMeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1935.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zw65A6rpIHQ/YZfb-gvZu0I/AAAAAAAARkc/gb7rE_jMJpwst8XO1Zyot0k1APnI4VMeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_1935.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Ah, the glorious days of childhood...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-84455353560176980842021-10-06T17:08:00.002-07:002022-04-25T15:11:48.163-07:00Time Traveling with the Saints, Beyond the White Fence<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1G_qW4ANQ/YV4qx8eDDXI/AAAAAAAARjc/fC9tiPwhL4AKhLlynbFjuKgFmTkoJtrCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1G_qW4ANQ/YV4qx8eDDXI/AAAAAAAARjc/fC9tiPwhL4AKhLlynbFjuKgFmTkoJtrCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1490.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />A bunch of curious (and sometimes feisty) cousins, a garden gate leading to time travel adventures, and a peacock to guide them - who could ask for a better juvenile fantasy chapter book?? Especially one where kids will learn about saints' stories - and actually feel like they are there!<p></p><p>If your child likes C.S. Lewis' <i>Chronicles of Narnia</i>, he or she will enjoy <i>Beyond the White Fence</i>. It all starts with a grandmother's backyard and a girl named Katie... </p><p><i>Katie discovers that the valley behind her grandmother's garden is more mysterious than it seems. After tumbling into tenth-century England and encountering Saint Edith of Wilton along with her wild animal menagerie, she is helped home, wondering whether her adventure was truly real. </i></p><p><i>But after Katie, her cousins, and a neighborhood friend are drawn back in time once again, she realizes her grandmother's garden gate is a portal into faraway worlds, where patron saints are real people making real-life decisions.</i></p><p><i>Join Katie and her cousins as they mingle with Rachel and Jacob, meet Saint Mary Magdalene up close, trek across the sand with the matriarchs Naomi and Ruth, and have a nail biting adventure with the heroic Saint Katherine of Alexandria. In seeing the richness of the family of God, they glimpse how very much they are a part of it all.</i></p><p>Author Edith M. Humphrey, a grandmother herself (of twenty!) does a great job of storytelling in this new chapter book for 9 -13 year olds (and precocious 8 year olds) from Ancient Faith Publishing. A former teacher and lecturer of theology (at Pittsburg Theological Seminary), she does an excellent job of bringing Orthodox theological truths and historic saints' stories alive for kids - with excitement, humor, and even some movie references - in a non-preachy or didactic way. She tackles the topics of marriage and sexuality with the same amount of matter-of-factness as sibling rivalry.</p><p>Written in five parts, the last one makes for an especially suspenseful ending - Humphrey's handling of the bravery and martyrdom of Saint Katherine is wonderfully told. The reader will feel Katie's dread in anticipation of her patron saint's death, but it is reckoned with the power and glory of God in His Saints. It brought me to tears.</p><p><i>Beyond the White Fence</i> is available now from Ancient Faith Publishing.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNIqkhwOCOc/YV401noaLoI/AAAAAAAARjk/WUHb_ApseqQwn2F7zLuK6PROQkvi3FyogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1489.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNIqkhwOCOc/YV401noaLoI/AAAAAAAARjk/WUHb_ApseqQwn2F7zLuK6PROQkvi3FyogCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1489.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-83467636211564770542021-04-02T07:00:00.001-07:002021-04-02T07:00:00.256-07:00Sisters, Sisters...<span style="font-size: medium;">There were never such devoted sisters!
</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpvlpzZ5sr0/YGaWjUyPCaI/AAAAAAAARWg/hbCQd8Y5T6Y0LRbJ7Mqf-NtBLJ9pJLKvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpvlpzZ5sr0/YGaWjUyPCaI/AAAAAAAARWg/hbCQd8Y5T6Y0LRbJ7Mqf-NtBLJ9pJLKvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7537.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My granddaughters are the cutest.</span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z55e-pyN3Tg/YGaY8oI4VlI/AAAAAAAARW4/YvQp-AyE0T0w5ENyGrcioFGIrky8d2VYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-01%2Bat%2B9.05.44%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="2048" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z55e-pyN3Tg/YGaY8oI4VlI/AAAAAAAARW4/YvQp-AyE0T0w5ENyGrcioFGIrky8d2VYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h236/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-01%2Bat%2B9.05.44%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We love singing them the "Sisters Song" from <i>White Christmas </i>- especially in light of the fact that Maria (the youngest of my daughter's four children) was born in December<i> - on Christmas Eve!</i></span><div><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R41r17MtX9A/YGaSSMkureI/AAAAAAAARWI/mxvmR93l4vEB1QW7Fs4r9XFwYWHhoNQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1926" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R41r17MtX9A/YGaSSMkureI/AAAAAAAARWI/mxvmR93l4vEB1QW7Fs4r9XFwYWHhoNQRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2924.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My husband recently found a long lost box high up on a shelf in our garage. It was full of some of our kids' favorite childhood picture books! I separated them out according to each (now adult) child so they can pass them along to their own kiddos.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3vgtwyRWeU/YGaT6FXdMDI/AAAAAAAARWQ/DyOreMjej60i-oR-GGAiNvBJ01YVtbyNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63675677051__16EA3D4A-D98D-4E22-A5FA-0646CEB409D3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3vgtwyRWeU/YGaT6FXdMDI/AAAAAAAARWQ/DyOreMjej60i-oR-GGAiNvBJ01YVtbyNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/63675677051__16EA3D4A-D98D-4E22-A5FA-0646CEB409D3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When I came to the pile of my daughter's books I smiled as I thought of her little girls enjoying their mommy's old books...because they already <i>love </i>books!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk89GeC2eVA/YGaW7SSx_QI/AAAAAAAARWw/EaC8Uz53a8Utg1NtL53UWPrK3NW4-v9bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk89GeC2eVA/YGaW7SSx_QI/AAAAAAAARWw/EaC8Uz53a8Utg1NtL53UWPrK3NW4-v9bwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_5814.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_erbIxyObY/YGaaqoUFDbI/AAAAAAAARXA/QhSDyd7YdukJINjQRAhziHOokSfiCu31wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_erbIxyObY/YGaaqoUFDbI/AAAAAAAARXA/QhSDyd7YdukJINjQRAhziHOokSfiCu31wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_9354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today I'd like to highlight a story about two sisters, Snow White and Rose Red, heroines of one of Grimm's fairytales. I remember it being a favorite of my childhood fairytales. Growing up, we had a recorded version with a follow-along Little Golden book.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>There was once a poor widow who lived in a lonely cottage. In front of the cottage was a garden wherein stood two rose-trees, one of which bore white and the other red roses. She had two children who were like the two rose-trees, and one was called Snow-white, and the other Rose-red...</i> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlfrUgHfo4s/YGafQNlY8-I/AAAAAAAARXQ/v48AOQJ9zykH0-MzPVSlUTXrsPTCjvKSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1249/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-01%2Bat%2B9.34.10%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1089" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlfrUgHfo4s/YGafQNlY8-I/AAAAAAAARXQ/v48AOQJ9zykH0-MzPVSlUTXrsPTCjvKSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w349-h400/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-01%2Bat%2B9.34.10%2BPM.png" width="349" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I loved Gustav Tenggren's illustrations of the blonde and brunette sisters, as different in their personalities as their red and white rose bushes - and I could never decide which girl I'd rather be. The story also features a bear, and an ungrateful dwarf (who always reminded me of Rumplestiltskin).</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This beautiful version, <i>Snow & Rose</i> written and illustrated by <a href="https://www.emilywinfieldmartin.com/" target="_blank">Emily Winfield Martin,</a> was gifted to me by my daughter! It's a nice chapter book version for kids 8-12, with beautiful illustrations throughout.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rohDS0B4R10/YGaby8EhpFI/AAAAAAAARXI/1bk50DDVFwMwQ0ELEseOdKiuqGBy_kRTACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rohDS0B4R10/YGaby8EhpFI/AAAAAAAARXI/1bk50DDVFwMwQ0ELEseOdKiuqGBy_kRTACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8012.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">From Publisher's Weekly:</span></p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Sisters Snow and Rose once lived a charmed life in a grand house with a beautiful garden. After their father disappears into the woods, the girls and their mother are forced to move into a small cottage in the same forest. There, they befriend a boy named Ivo, discover a mysterious library filled not with books but objects, are tricked by a strange little man, and bond with a protective bear. </span></i><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfolding over episodic chapters that build to a well-deserved happy ending, this moody fairy tale emphasizes family, friendship, and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Martin’s characterization of the two contrary sisters is especially moving: Rose is the type of person who “holds on to a thing she loved as tightly as she could,” while Snow wants “to see or hear or taste something she loved over and over again, to remind herself that it was real.” </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The sisters’ contradictions make their relationship all the stronger, and Martin’s prim full-color paintings and spot illustrations tenderly highlight key characters and moments. Ages 8–12.</span></i></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, when Maria was born, I gifted her with one of Emily Winfield Martin's picture books, <i>The Wonderful Things You Will Be.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbuhMNus59I/YGajfJ_ezsI/AAAAAAAARXY/OlYwe0fTvqUHnBOqru-3NQFWxVPsoq-JACLcBGAsYHQ/s382/Image%2B4-1-21%2Bat%2B9.49%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="374" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbuhMNus59I/YGajfJ_ezsI/AAAAAAAARXY/OlYwe0fTvqUHnBOqru-3NQFWxVPsoq-JACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Image%2B4-1-21%2Bat%2B9.49%2BPM.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">And this past Christmas, we gave her a cute little stuffed doll of the protagonist baby (her doppelganger), who, along with sister Lexi, keeps Maria company day and night.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ5h_La0uNo/YGakO35X7TI/AAAAAAAARXg/Snqs2eRDtJ4vpvqn_nJ4dD_MfjmZrdlbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZ5h_La0uNo/YGakO35X7TI/AAAAAAAARXg/Snqs2eRDtJ4vpvqn_nJ4dD_MfjmZrdlbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9490.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, how I miss our little Snow (Lexi) and Rose (Maria)! <i>Such</i> devoted sisters.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0UNMNV80qE/YGaV4LVIIKI/AAAAAAAARWY/OCkqTaVdX0QN1uXombsEYMWz7SghNEXwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1870" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0UNMNV80qE/YGaV4LVIIKI/AAAAAAAARWY/OCkqTaVdX0QN1uXombsEYMWz7SghNEXwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9030.jpg" /></a></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-79151290773039566342021-03-25T13:17:00.012-07:002021-03-25T13:23:30.474-07:00Love at Lent - Family Activity Pack Giveaway<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5_c-tiHL3Q/YFzk4HDCX0I/AAAAAAAARUE/rWsyL9aPDEcMzNuia-mpfjkSvtV1M7haQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5_c-tiHL3Q/YFzk4HDCX0I/AAAAAAAARUE/rWsyL9aPDEcMzNuia-mpfjkSvtV1M7haQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_9433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Blessed Feast of the Annunciation! Today, I'd like to highlight <i style="font-weight: bold;">Love at Lent</i>, a new offering from Ancient Faith Publishing. Orthodox Lent and Pascha are a bit late on the calendar this year, and so am I in getting this post out, but nonetheless, here you go...<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmdOJ8naIgc/YFzgyuOyMFI/AAAAAAAARTk/GBUgzg2HsGoe8wt8lY-7Us6Xm1-CDBaiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1721/IMG_9430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="1291" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmdOJ8naIgc/YFzgyuOyMFI/AAAAAAAARTk/GBUgzg2HsGoe8wt8lY-7Us6Xm1-CDBaiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9430.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Michelle Bonanno Triant, along with illustrator Maria Constantinescu, has curated a sweet boxed set of 50 Lenten activity cards for the whole family that will encourage forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, prayer, and love. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yteCQmwJjw8/YFzqeEjKj8I/AAAAAAAARUc/zc5ftWgAQnA2seHOEFm6Zdybp5-mx_a8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9432.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yteCQmwJjw8/YFzqeEjKj8I/AAAAAAAARUc/zc5ftWgAQnA2seHOEFm6Zdybp5-mx_a8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9432.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">These daily tasks and prayer cards will get your family involved in the Spirit and work of Lent. You can choose one each day of Great Lent and Holy Week to discover a new simple task to complete. The cards can also be utilized in other settings, such as Sunday school, church ministry groups, and homeschool cooperatives.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I just LOVE Maria Constantinescu's illustrations on the front of each card. So bright and perfect for spring!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxNIcJClvf8/YFzlkad9BGI/AAAAAAAARUM/bzi6rjUDX4gMzUqkW09nouNcjqrTjtHgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxNIcJClvf8/YFzlkad9BGI/AAAAAAAARUM/bzi6rjUDX4gMzUqkW09nouNcjqrTjtHgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9439.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I think parents will appreciate that the tasks on the back of the cards are simple and straightforward, and not overwhelming at all. They don't even need to be done in a specific order (although there are a few that go especially with Holy Week and Pascha.) Along with the activities, all the cards include "Tips" and "Bonus Fun".</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuOvC4Z_NSY/YFzl5HxQ5mI/AAAAAAAARUU/Qw3CwPJbtyAFgvoQMBHGTCNTvW5Q0njhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9440.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuOvC4Z_NSY/YFzl5HxQ5mI/AAAAAAAARUU/Qw3CwPJbtyAFgvoQMBHGTCNTvW5Q0njhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_9440.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are a few examples of specific tasks:</span></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Read a Bible Story</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Say "I Love You" in Another Language</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Give Away a Toy</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take a Family Walk</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dance</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Decorate a Pascha Card</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">GIVEAWAY: I know this fun pack of sturdy activity cards will be anticipated by kids and used year after year! I'd love to send it to someone. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Be the first parent, grandparent, godparent, or Sunday school teacher to leave a comment and the pack is yours.</i> Then send me an email {wendyb[spam]1963@sbclgobal.net} with your mailing address. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Of course anyone is welcome to leave a random comment and not enter in the giveaway, but please specify that. Giveaway is only open to my readers with children in their lives that could benefit. Not to be re-sold under any circumstance! The cards are available <a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/love-at-lent/" target="_blank">here</a> from <a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/love-at-lent/" target="_blank">Ancient Faith Publishing.</a></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-76052382744958146792021-02-01T14:51:00.000-08:002021-02-01T14:51:00.020-08:00A Hymn for Saint Brigid's Day<p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Troparion</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbwWjyvX5yo/YBh8WQeinSI/AAAAAAAARSc/fnsuCTqrhNAVXsrvyuFGtUIiwic5ZcEUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s740/IMG_8713%2B%25284%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="740" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbwWjyvX5yo/YBh8WQeinSI/AAAAAAAARSc/fnsuCTqrhNAVXsrvyuFGtUIiwic5ZcEUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h544/IMG_8713%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"St. Bride", John Duncan 1913</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>O holy Brigid, you became sublime through your humility,</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>and flew on the wings of your longing for God.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>When you arrived in the eternal City and appeared before your Divine Spouse wearing the crown of virginity,</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>You kept your promise to remember those who have recourse to you.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>You shower grace upon the world, and multiply miracles.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.</i></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
The well-known founder and abbess of the Monastery of Kildare has been revered and loved throughout Europe for almost fifteen hundred years. While she was still a young woman, her unbounded compassion for the poor, the sick and the suffering grew to such proportions as to shelter all of Ireland. St. Brigid’s tonsure at the hands of St. Mael of Ardagh inaugurated the beginning of women’s coenobitic monasticism in Ireland. St. Brigid soon expanded it by founding many other convents throughout Ireland. The gifts of the Holy Spirit shine brightly upon all through her—both men and beasts—to this day. After receiving Holy Communion at Kildare from St. Ninnidh of Inismacsaint she gave her soul into the hands of her Lord in 523. [Source: http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/irishorthodoxchurch.aspx#brigid]</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy first day of February - St Brigid's Day! You can read my past post, <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2014/02/first-feasts-of-february-st-brigids-day.html" target="_blank">here,</a> with a book recommendation for today <i>The Life of Saint Brigid, Abess of Kildare</i>, by Jane Meyer.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Tonight, on the eve of The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, we will have our candles blessed at church. </span>This February 2 feast day (called Candlemas in the West) commemorates a prophecy and blessing given by St. Simeon in Luke chapter 2: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To be a <b>Light</b> to enlighten the nations </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">and to be the glory of Thy people Israel." </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Tomorrow is also Groundhog Day - he'll be looking for light too! Will he see his shadow? Traditionally, if the sun shone on "Candlemas Day", Europeans believed the hedgehog (groundhog) would cast a shadow and another six weeks of winter was inevitable.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"If Candlemas be fair and bright,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Come winter, have another flight.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If Candlemas brings cold and rain, </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Go winter, and come not again."</span></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-66770441363552369552021-01-26T06:00:00.025-08:002021-01-26T06:00:00.130-08:00Need a Hug?<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Around this time of year (and especially <i>this</i> year), we all could use a warm, cuddly hug. With Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day approaching, I thought I'd share a heartwarming book with you that features a hedgehog (hey, it's pretty close to a groundhog!)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idn5-O9H1tY/YAC892Ys7LI/AAAAAAAARLI/Bzd8I4x-wYs6FogdETv1lFlDmgzss8XoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1737" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idn5-O9H1tY/YAC892Ys7LI/AAAAAAAARLI/Bzd8I4x-wYs6FogdETv1lFlDmgzss8XoACLcBGAsYHQ/w339-h400/IMG_8581.jpg" width="339" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"Why will no one hug me?" Hedgehog sniffed.</i> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>"You're just a little bit tricky to hug," replied Owl, "with all your prickly prickles. But don't worry, there's someone for everyone."</i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Hug</i>, written by Eoin McLaughlin, and illustrated by Polly Dunbar, is a unique format picture book that flips over, providing two narratives - and two characters - to love.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Book description: Both a hedgehog and a tortoise are feeling sad and looking for a hug. They ask all the animals they come across, but for some reason, no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxgVGO2EEJE/YAC9KHqijyI/AAAAAAAARLM/qRy5Dff2GREs9EPXKwT20DDZzC2V-tRkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxgVGO2EEJE/YAC9KHqijyI/AAAAAAAARLM/qRy5Dff2GREs9EPXKwT20DDZzC2V-tRkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8582.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What your child will like about this book: The story read from the front cover to the middle is Hedgehog's story; you turn the book upside down and read from back to middle for Tortoise's story. Both creatures have the same problem: no one wants to hug them and everyone has an excuse. Both their stories collide - with a big hug - in the middle of the book. These two just had to wait until they found their match. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One more from this writer/illustrator duo: <i>While We Can't Hug</i>, a new picture book for kids in response to social distancing. Hedgehog and Tortoise find other things friends can do besides hugging - they can wave at each other, write letters, make funny faces, and sing songs...all in a show of their friendship.</span></p><p><br /></p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-75719611321553208382021-01-22T07:00:00.009-08:002021-01-22T07:00:00.305-08:00Good-by Amazon, hello bookshop!<p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't know about you, but I'm doing all I can for local businesses. Yesterday I visited a new independently-owned little bookstore in quaint Old Town Tustin, here in Orange County, CA. It's the <b>Arvida Book Co. </b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsTWRCoBvQA/YAoY9_V4keI/AAAAAAAARNo/vyWQMTrA8S036z5CMZLqZw_LjPYE7turgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsTWRCoBvQA/YAoY9_V4keI/AAAAAAAARNo/vyWQMTrA8S036z5CMZLqZw_LjPYE7turgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8684.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've often dreamed of opening a little bookshop like this on Main Street, USA, complete with used and new books, a great children's area, cozy reading spaces, bookish merchandise, local art, and <i>good coffee</i>! </span><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6BEKfTLXqM/YAoZXnCMc2I/AAAAAAAARNw/qmdMIk_mVV49no6g6G7ziZ_zSW53t6hNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6BEKfTLXqM/YAoZXnCMc2I/AAAAAAAARNw/qmdMIk_mVV49no6g6G7ziZ_zSW53t6hNACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8685.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our local newspaper had carried a story about the bookshop, and I finally made it for a visit. The owner, Sam Roberston (who chose the name "Arvida" in homage to her South American grandfather) has really gotten this book space right - with tons of help from her friends and family. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">She and her husband Mike opened the shop in October of 2020 - right in the middle of a pandemic situation that has had everyone shopping online! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Brave Mama (she has two young children) - good for her!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a second interview (<a href="https://www.newuniversity.org/2020/10/28/a-real-bookstore-independently-owned-arvida-book-co-opens-in-old-town-tustin/" target="_blank">here</a>), Sam said, "The pandemic has given Amazon this crazy leverage over everything. We're not going down without a fight. We're not going to play their game." </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't you love her?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Shopping here is waaaay more fun than Amazon anyway! And everything at Arvida is very Covid-conscious, in a non in-your-face way. They've got cute little book pages and pillows on all the chairs and couches, as a gentle reminder not too stay and read (until this is all past us). Masks required, of course.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Did I mention there's coffee? From White Sparrow Coffee. (The Robertsons' landlord introduced them to the local vendor.) I didn't get a cup, since it was too late in the day for me, but I can hardly wait to go back for a morning visit! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3E0d-sSCsQ/YAoZz6xak3I/AAAAAAAARN4/8l-YlP4g-NUvU7GM03hGWNOp4S0Ds8TeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1582" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3E0d-sSCsQ/YAoZz6xak3I/AAAAAAAARN4/8l-YlP4g-NUvU7GM03hGWNOp4S0Ds8TeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w309-h400/IMG_8676.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With hanging plants and succulents, the whole space is light, bright, and open, but still cozy.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95xheL9HYtY/YAocQBI377I/AAAAAAAAROc/FROK5H_qw9IryhvmzRBb28_3DazwGe7-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95xheL9HYtY/YAocQBI377I/AAAAAAAAROc/FROK5H_qw9IryhvmzRBb28_3DazwGe7-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h400/IMG_8674.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">There's a hip, creative funkiness...</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qH9c1B9vwRs/YAoc_frjiWI/AAAAAAAAROk/N_R9-TvaPXY-IA-LW8N5cCUQE7CAGA0UgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qH9c1B9vwRs/YAoc_frjiWI/AAAAAAAAROk/N_R9-TvaPXY-IA-LW8N5cCUQE7CAGA0UgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8675.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">...but all the books and antiques make it timeless as well.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcnPKovldkM/YAobgGlKnSI/AAAAAAAAROM/ZxhgCSILVdA4SDifKNacGVuseVVnhUT0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcnPKovldkM/YAobgGlKnSI/AAAAAAAAROM/ZxhgCSILVdA4SDifKNacGVuseVVnhUT0gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And, saving the best for last, there is an awesome children's corner! Take a closer look...</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-2rSr6l1ao/YAoeOw1NcQI/AAAAAAAARO0/UPW1JCV1Kqc9DHPzY_er4wvFenET5jppACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-2rSr6l1ao/YAoeOw1NcQI/AAAAAAAARO0/UPW1JCV1Kqc9DHPzY_er4wvFenET5jppACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8677.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sweetly curated, but not too precious. Lots of rustic cubbies for used and new books, </span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5B__uAfLwg/YAofKoxd9WI/AAAAAAAARPM/MfuP9vcjzgop0mSbWSFAC64_8wcj85MwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5B__uAfLwg/YAofKoxd9WI/AAAAAAAARPM/MfuP9vcjzgop0mSbWSFAC64_8wcj85MwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8682.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">...and billowing cloth for a tent-like ceiling that hangs over a little table and tree stump stools. What child wouldn't want to plop down here with a book?</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPVJ1r3ccUA/YAoeSk5kddI/AAAAAAAARO4/5HLnI-9hIKkuJB4pp3ZPmy7bzEKmwGH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPVJ1r3ccUA/YAoeSk5kddI/AAAAAAAARO4/5HLnI-9hIKkuJB4pp3ZPmy7bzEKmwGH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8678.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">There's a campy feeling of the outdoors, with lots of greenery around (even lining the backs of the bookshelves!) It reminded me a little of Neverland.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z3cQ1EIZBQ/YAofw5awOcI/AAAAAAAARPU/_h-0-M4kQwoEYL46abHbMi3W8of2vueIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z3cQ1EIZBQ/YAofw5awOcI/AAAAAAAARPU/_h-0-M4kQwoEYL46abHbMi3W8of2vueIACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This place is so fun and inviting. Truly a little "Shop Around the Corner". Lots of other unique shops and restaurants surround it, all ready and waiting for customers. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJu0aoLW5FM/YAopUHqP60I/AAAAAAAARPg/3UAMFUSZqtwjEYCoVtbHv2D0ZIVtGSU5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s608/IMG_8687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJu0aoLW5FM/YAopUHqP60I/AAAAAAAARPg/3UAMFUSZqtwjEYCoVtbHv2D0ZIVtGSU5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here was my take-away: a gorgeous new <a href="https://beautifulbooks.info/chiltern-classics/" target="_blank">Chiltern's Classic</a> edition of Jane Austen's <i>Sense and Sensibility</i> and a $2 used hardcover 1952 copy of <i>Charlotte's Web</i>. A good day. Even with a mask.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHkNGc1Bd5Y/YAophJ1RbxI/AAAAAAAARPk/x-XwUa_ikH4uKF52FYuZNjHPitneRMUOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHkNGc1Bd5Y/YAophJ1RbxI/AAAAAAAARPk/x-XwUa_ikH4uKF52FYuZNjHPitneRMUOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_8686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />You might also like my past post, <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2018/05/word-lovers-unite-with-eb-white-and.html" target="_blank">"Word Lovers UNITE! (With E.B. White and Others...)</a>, <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2018/05/word-lovers-unite-with-eb-white-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-82753105060721093732021-01-21T12:19:00.004-08:002021-01-21T13:19:53.227-08:00Thumbelina? No, Saint Ia on a Leaf!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYb7QpLt8uc/YAeBEL9jYeI/AAAAAAAARMg/s9KD40Bq8FIMp0jmdXRz50DP_aU3icxxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_8647%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYb7QpLt8uc/YAeBEL9jYeI/AAAAAAAARMg/s9KD40Bq8FIMp0jmdXRz50DP_aU3icxxACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8647%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Melinda Johnson has a new picture book about St. Ia. Her hagiography (which we'll get to in a minute) is fairytale-like and her mode of transportation reminded me of Hans Christian Andersen's <i>Thumbelina</i>! <p>Children love fairytales, which, much like stories of the saints, have a lot to teach us. When I was a little girl, <i>Thumbelina</i> was one of my favorite fairytales. We had the Little Golden Book version, with illustrations by the Swedish artist, <a href="https://chetvergvecher.livejournal.com/805657.html" target="_blank">Gustaf Tenggren</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs-Ky-OW0W0/YAd93-A0srI/AAAAAAAARMM/7xuLl_xPb4gPXMFhAiyhWRXzZJrqlfwkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_8645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cs-Ky-OW0W0/YAd93-A0srI/AAAAAAAARMM/7xuLl_xPb4gPXMFhAiyhWRXzZJrqlfwkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h263/IMG_8645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWjcwfPamJg/YAd939atYEI/AAAAAAAARMI/5-BTr8O6eSklmaHW-Ymrl8NDZj8O4YNiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_8646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWjcwfPamJg/YAd939atYEI/AAAAAAAARMI/5-BTr8O6eSklmaHW-Ymrl8NDZj8O4YNiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h260/IMG_8646.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thumbelina was as small as your thumb. As fairytales (and some saints' stories) go, the beautiful girl had several mishaps involving unsuitable and unwanted suitors. But luckily, several creatures took pity on her and came to her rescue.<div><br /><div>Thumbelina may have been defenseless, but she was not helpless. She made do with what nature could give her to survive (a leaf for a boat, blades of grass for a bed, honey for food...). One day she found a swallow, numb with cold and near death. She wove him a blanket from hay and took care of him all winter long.</div><div><br /></div><div>To repay her kindness, in the spring the swallow let her fly away with him on his back to avoid her unwanted marriage to a mole. The swallow took her far away to a lovely lake and put her down on a flower petal right next to a little man just her size. He was the King of the flower spirits. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can guess the ending: they got married and lived happily ever after. Is it irresponsible to read children fairy tales, or can they point us to our King? Go <a href="https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2015/10/28/about-fairy-tales/" target="_blank">here</a> for thoughts from Fr. Stephen Freeman: https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/glory2godforallthings/2015/10/28/about-fairy-tales/</div><div><br /></div><div>So now to Saint Ia of Cornwall, an Irish Virgin-martyr, remembered on February 3. <br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyvAvCskcCc/YAd92V1tV-I/AAAAAAAARME/UyweW0OdpwgfuUCpXmEm7tlMGzp3nSrKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8643.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyvAvCskcCc/YAd92V1tV-I/AAAAAAAARME/UyweW0OdpwgfuUCpXmEm7tlMGzp3nSrKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8643.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heavyangloorthodox.blogspot.com/2020/02/holy-virgin-martyr-ia-of-st-ives.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I first came across Saint Ia's story in a lovely new book, <i><a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/seven-holy-women-conversations-with-saints-and-friends/" target="_blank">Seven Holy Women</a>,</i> just put out by Ancient Faith Publishing. This not-to-be-missed collaborative book was Melinda Johnson's brain child. I could hardly wait to gift <i>Seven Holy Women</i> to several close friends, my daughter, and our new daughters-in-law for Christmas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCcJUNSgHc/YAnBgsT61TI/AAAAAAAARNQ/GXN-DxrgehECfds2LxsfsXO9y5FYTvnwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_8653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="827" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDCcJUNSgHc/YAnBgsT61TI/AAAAAAAARNQ/GXN-DxrgehECfds2LxsfsXO9y5FYTvnwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w259-h400/IMG_8653.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p></p><p>The lives of the saints are important for us to read, especially now during our Covid-enforced isolation - many of the saints certainly lived in isolation. We can definitely learn from their example of time spent with God. </p><p>The science and news of Covid has become for many a distraction during the boredom that can come from isolation. We want connection with life outside our small space. We want answers. So we turn to the news/internet, and as we are inundated with daily (even hourly) updates, science and politics become THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. Suddenly everyone has an opinion to share on their facebook and instagram feeds because we also want people to pay attention TO US. And the more urgent, the more of a possibility that we'll get people to pay attention to us, <i>but unfortunately away</i> from THE ONE THING NEEDFUL. We all need to try our best to use this extra time found in isolation for meditative and fervent prayer and inspiration from our Saints. The <i>last</i> thing we need is more distraction from this.</p><p>Some in the world may tell us our saints' stories aren't important, that only truly historically accurate and scientifically explainable stories are to be taken seriously. For more thoughts on this, please refer to Orthodoxartsjournal.corg for excellent articles, especially several from Nicholas Kotar regarding the truth of the <a href="https://orthodoxartsjournal.org/lives-of-the-saints-part-two/" target="_blank">Lives of the Saints</a>, <a href="https://orthodoxartsjournal.org/lives-of-the-saints-part-two/">here</a>.</p><p>Nicholas Kotar says: <i>Seen from the prism of today's mundane reality, which has been rendered practically black and white by the precision of the scientific method, these events </i>[he is referring to a historical mythical event he previously recounted]<i> are simply impossible. But every wise man from time immemorial has warned about judging the past through the lens of the present. Who's to say dragons</i> <i><u>didn't </u>threaten the monks of the Egyptian desert...that's a question one would be foolish to try to answer until one has tried to understand what these dragons really are, and not in the sense of trying to find a specimen to dissect.</i></p><p><i>The poet, then, instead of assessing the truthfulness of a certain aspect of a Life or of the Life itself, has a much more important calling - as an apologist of the mythical and improbable in the lives <u>in general</u>.</i></p><p>Back to today's picture book...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoKqzcomQnk/YAnDj6IM27I/AAAAAAAARNc/ehLFT5mDNjk5CYTLyhqqGCMr4nxAg6WSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/IMG_8666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoKqzcomQnk/YAnDj6IM27I/AAAAAAAARNc/ehLFT5mDNjk5CYTLyhqqGCMr4nxAg6WSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8666.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>As mentioned at the top of my post, <a href="https://melindajohnsonwriting.com/2020/02/26/our-board-book-st-ia-rides-a-leaf/">Melinda Johnson</a> is also the author of this new little board book, <i>Saint Ia Rides a Leaf</i>. I think it will help parents to know a few details of the <a href="https://melindajohnsonwriting.com/2020/02/26/our-board-book-st-ia-rides-a-leaf/">life of St. Ia</a> before reading the picture book to their children. </p><p>Saint Ia was an Irish virgin-martyr saint born around 480. She was baptized into the Christian faith around the tender age of thirteen and wanted to go to Cornwall with missionaries Sts. Fingar and Piala to help teach the Gospel of Christ. </p><p>However, when she arrived at the shore the morning of their planned trip, the ship had already set sail (they probably thought the undertaking too dangerous for her and left early). Distraught, Ia prayed to God for help. And He brought it - in the form of a miraculous leaf.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIwQukWWX9w/YAeQK7i6RII/AAAAAAAARMw/ZngTKhEmdvkFJSfG-J1nPIZK-Dcl7IxSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1702/IMG_8650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1702" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIwQukWWX9w/YAeQK7i6RII/AAAAAAAARMw/ZngTKhEmdvkFJSfG-J1nPIZK-Dcl7IxSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9c2hDKguUE/YAeQKVy506I/AAAAAAAARMs/KaD_nw0U16soP-vzhDRHpIykrO3pmduHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1780/IMG_8651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1780" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9c2hDKguUE/YAeQKVy506I/AAAAAAAARMs/KaD_nw0U16soP-vzhDRHpIykrO3pmduHACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The leaf grew when St. Ia's staff touched it, and she stepped in and was transported across the Irish Sea to England. This is where the simply-told picture book story ends in its telling. </p><p>Saint Ia ultimately ended up landing in St. Ives in Cornwall. She actively evangelized across the countryside. There was a chapel erected by her in Troon, fourteen miles inland to the east. You can read about it <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1441204" target="_blank">here</a>, on historicengland.org. Ia was eventually martyred under the persecutions of the wicked Breton Prince Tewdwr in the middle of the sixth century.</p><p>Author Melinda Johnson is an excellent story-teller, and you will love her fun, energetic portrayal of sweet Ia. Young children will enjoy Kristina Tartara's cute, colorful illustrations as well as Ia's three companions - a fish, a crab and a sea bird. </p><p>Did Ia really sail to England on a leaf? She certainly <i>did get there</i>, as history shows. As much as we can learn from a fairytale Thumbelina, we can learn much more from a historical young girl named Ia who loved God with all her heart. Saint Ia, pray for us! </p><p><i>Saint Ia Rides a Leaf</i> is available <a href="https://svspress.com/saint-ia-rides-a-leaf-board-book/" target="_blank">here</a>, from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. It can also be found from the <a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/melinda-johnson-books/" target="_blank">Ancient Faith Publishing Store</a>, along with Melinda Johnson's other books <i>Letters to St. Lydia</i>, and the Sam and Saucer chapter books. </p><p>Go <a href="https://raisingorthodoxchristians.com/2020/12/16/saint-ia-rides-a-leaf-activities/">here</a>, to <a href="https://raisingorthodoxchristians.com/2020/12/16/saint-ia-rides-a-leaf-activities/" target="_blank">Raisingorthodoxchristians.com</a>, for some fun activities as well as a cute coloring page to go with this book!</p></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-11546719962336407692021-01-18T13:40:00.004-08:002021-01-18T13:40:29.012-08:00The People Could Fly: Remembering Those Gone As We Continue To Move Forward<p style="text-align: center;"><i>If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">-Martin Luther King, Jr.<span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. The will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">-Isaiah 4:21-31</p><p>In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I offer two beautiful books written by <a href="http://www.virginiahamilton.com/" target="_blank">Virginia Hamilton</a> and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon:</p><p><i>The People Could Fly.</i> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5PhET9CXHk/YAXsvOE1-PI/AAAAAAAARLs/d4xPZUcsNoE94s7wQX2h4Eg2_vPpyNDEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1551" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5PhET9CXHk/YAXsvOE1-PI/AAAAAAAARLs/d4xPZUcsNoE94s7wQX2h4Eg2_vPpyNDEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w303-h400/IMG_8636.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p>William Kilpatrick (from <i>Books That Build Character</i>) writes, "Myths and folktales reflect man's attempt to understand both his greatness and his ability to inflict and to endure suffering". The 24 folktales in this book were mostly shaped by the "given" of slavery in America and are offered in a wide range of imaginative telling...the title story is a hauntingly beautiful tale of slaves on a plantation who recall the ancient African incantations that allow them to fly. There are also riddle stories and the comic tales of Brer Rabbit - which represent the slaves' need to find ways to maintain dignity while evading their masters' cruelty.</p><p><i>Many Thousand Gone. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl5hCb8_UWo/YAXvKhqmGwI/AAAAAAAARL4/rW0QFdJrJhcbTjBxnyKp5vnHF6upNBStgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1565" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dl5hCb8_UWo/YAXvKhqmGwI/AAAAAAAARL4/rW0QFdJrJhcbTjBxnyKp5vnHF6upNBStgCLcBGAsYHQ/w306-h400/IMG_8638.jpg" width="306" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p>From Publisher's Weekly: "The inspired pairing of this Newbery winner and these two-time Caldecott recipients has yielded a heartfelt and ultimately heartening chronicle of African Americans from the earliest days of slavery to the 1865 ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery in this country. Made up of succinct yet compelling profiles of celebrated and lesser-known individuals, Hamilton's narrative deftly peels back time's layers and lends an unusual immediacy to this critical chapter in American history."</p><p>The stories are heroic and the illustrations are beautiful. <i>Many Thousand Gone</i> is a must-read in helping our children understand the horrors and honor the bravery shown by so many during the time of slavery in our country. It traces the history of slavery in America in the voices and stories of those who lived it. </p><p>Both good reads for this day, as we remember a courageous man who wanted to change the world through his life example of non-violence, belief in equality for all, and civil rights activism.</p><p>You may also be interested in my past post about Ruby Bridges, <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/01/have-you-met-ruby-bridges.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-43536673318509353532021-01-07T06:00:00.021-08:002021-04-01T20:02:49.080-07:00Good-bye to the Twelve Days...<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday marked the Twelfth Day of Christmas.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSXbb1S9ABs/X_aUWe-1eRI/AAAAAAAARJs/98SiA6UcxCYrOb2Q_OBwQVvEd9-uln_BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSXbb1S9ABs/X_aUWe-1eRI/AAAAAAAARJs/98SiA6UcxCYrOb2Q_OBwQVvEd9-uln_BgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">There may not have been twelve drummers drum-ing, but there was definitely rejoicing in heaven and on earth as God incarnate became manifest to the world: in the East, "Theophany" - the appearance/manifestation of God Triune, Father, Son and Holy Spirit at Christ's baptism - is celebrated and remembered on January 6, across the Orthodox World. (In the West, this January feast is referred to as "Epiphany", the appearance of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfgBBp5W_Mg/X_aZ481XRSI/AAAAAAAARKw/szSbmnaQ0qMpQwZB5g4xve_B8qFpy7OpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dfgBBp5W_Mg/X_aZ481XRSI/AAAAAAAARKw/szSbmnaQ0qMpQwZB5g4xve_B8qFpy7OpACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8520.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thus ends the festive Nativity season. And thus, I must now un-decorate my house of all things Christmas and get back to blogging. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akclKl2WVrk/X_aawqk_xrI/AAAAAAAARK8/PIdxuyChZTsolgs7pHWrVwlpw1SniXIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akclKl2WVrk/X_aawqk_xrI/AAAAAAAARK8/PIdxuyChZTsolgs7pHWrVwlpw1SniXIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8473.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEoiX6CAX4U/X_aYSwmCf6I/AAAAAAAARKc/-2KAK14aH_IsWFXOk4Woydq5fIdGLYIHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IEoiX6CAX4U/X_aYSwmCf6I/AAAAAAAARKc/-2KAK14aH_IsWFXOk4Woydq5fIdGLYIHACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8517.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLhcWQUoytE/X_aVyuCjLmI/AAAAAAAARJ4/z3cI57Tx-ZotKbsTwq-w5QNTlP7iPTfhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1363" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLhcWQUoytE/X_aVyuCjLmI/AAAAAAAARJ4/z3cI57Tx-ZotKbsTwq-w5QNTlP7iPTfhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_8102.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gteJgXntcxs/X_aWZUmXBvI/AAAAAAAARKM/kMXKKLs0GMcisR8ui_IgydMFlu_kSUN7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gteJgXntcxs/X_aWZUmXBvI/AAAAAAAARKM/kMXKKLs0GMcisR8ui_IgydMFlu_kSUN7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_8499.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMj1Pgler-I/X_aWVqIMNWI/AAAAAAAARKI/Bldy-Sb7a9AaV447z2j0v5v9RAGWV3R2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMj1Pgler-I/X_aWVqIMNWI/AAAAAAAARKI/Bldy-Sb7a9AaV447z2j0v5v9RAGWV3R2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8502.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Good-by Nutcrackers, St. Lucia, and my tree. Hello to more Good Books for 2021!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD7vFQT0PSk/YGaJCCbMijI/AAAAAAAARVI/1rNRbG9kI7MXSbeFO47OANG3SAGy3Bx_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1782" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD7vFQT0PSk/YGaJCCbMijI/AAAAAAAARVI/1rNRbG9kI7MXSbeFO47OANG3SAGy3Bx_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w278-h320/IMG_8018.jpg" width="278" /></a></div></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-48238778412186618042020-12-08T17:16:00.001-08:002020-12-08T17:16:50.910-08:00Signed, Sealed, And Ready To Be Delivered<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1TfwGmWohA/X9ATo2TQ39I/AAAAAAAARHo/GT97rChs3kcOTln3-aJ5I4hm4u3x8tv4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1730" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1TfwGmWohA/X9ATo2TQ39I/AAAAAAAARHo/GT97rChs3kcOTln3-aJ5I4hm4u3x8tv4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w338-h400/IMG_8064.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><p>This afternoon I finally got my Christmas cards all signed and sealed, ready to be delivered out into the wild, wild world!</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VSkAoD9Qu4/X9AT2fsbQII/AAAAAAAARHs/a9EEYRJzCs0XWqqkOHkcINFZMhyKjDknQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VSkAoD9Qu4/X9AT2fsbQII/AAAAAAAARHs/a9EEYRJzCs0XWqqkOHkcINFZMhyKjDknQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The journey these cards will make and the Christmas playlist that I've been obsessing over lately reminded me of a charming Christmas picture book I got for my grandchildren: <i>The Queen's Present,</i> by <a href="https://www.steveantony.com/" target="_blank">Steve Antony</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN5a5ie7_8/X9AhKJN6FVI/AAAAAAAARIw/jb77K9oIbOkVIMX-TUsCC-i6uMgb4PUrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1856" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmN5a5ie7_8/X9AhKJN6FVI/AAAAAAAARIw/jb77K9oIbOkVIMX-TUsCC-i6uMgb4PUrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w363-h400/IMG_7918.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><p>I'm pretty much an Anglophile, even more so at Christmastime. My happy place right now is listening to my Christmas playlist of English carols. There's just something about the Choir of King's College, Cambridge that sets a festive, yet majestic mood!<i><br /></i></p><p>Maybe that's why I love <a href="https://www.steveantony.com/buybooks" target="_blank">Antony's "Queen books"</a>! In addition to <i>The Queen's Present,</i> there is <i>The Queen's Hat, The Queen's Handbag, </i>and <i>The Queen's Lift-off. </i></p><p>My daughter had already discovered and given her kids <i><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-queen-s-hat/9781444919158?aid=4060" target="_blank">The Queen's Hat</a> </i>- which is a<i> </i>windy tour of London, with it's fun and majestic landmarks. I think it's my favorite.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bEBg7KpgMU/X9AggU1WorI/AAAAAAAARIk/Xph-1fHnP-orTUALsreW24nH6w0wkCxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s828/IMG_8073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="828" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bEBg7KpgMU/X9AggU1WorI/AAAAAAAARIk/Xph-1fHnP-orTUALsreW24nH6w0wkCxtwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h316/IMG_8073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><i>The Queen's Handbag</i> is a wild goose chase across the UK, and <i>The Queen's Lift-Off</i> is a lightning tour through space! Each book features pages of famous landmarks and lots of fun-to-find details (like the butler, for example). My grandchildren pretty much have a giggle-fest when we read these books!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZN7iYFd618/X9AjqGgsQjI/AAAAAAAARJE/jd7fiXmv74MuJ4PWq2n-3Zzb8GO-cDQ6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZN7iYFd618/X9AjqGgsQjI/AAAAAAAARJE/jd7fiXmv74MuJ4PWq2n-3Zzb8GO-cDQ6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7927.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div>In the <i>The Queen's Present,</i> the Queen sets off on a global search to find the perfect present for her grandchildren. Who helps her? Father Christmas! (And of course the Queen's butler and her Corgi, who are always somewhere to be found along the way)! There's a sweet ending, as you see what they deliver to the prince and princess. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnEvuFphN4g/X9AhXHWZxyI/AAAAAAAARI0/owgbmn9SfEERN2d1PVUUMA2BIe5iUXihgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnEvuFphN4g/X9AhXHWZxyI/AAAAAAAARI0/owgbmn9SfEERN2d1PVUUMA2BIe5iUXihgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_7910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-80697187146113736262020-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:002020-11-19T13:45:04.248-08:00The Grinch Can't Cancel Christmas<span style="font-size: medium;">For Orthodox Christians, the second Sunday of Advent is almost here (we celebrate 40 days of Advent, with six Sundays as opposed to four), so we started our journey well before Thanksgiving! </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QOQ0MldYpo/X7baXpnZDaI/AAAAAAAARG0/O6-BhzsshBggiHfY91a2eMHS605-QWnkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s810/IMG_7651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="810" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8QOQ0MldYpo/X7baXpnZDaI/AAAAAAAARG0/O6-BhzsshBggiHfY91a2eMHS605-QWnkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h267/IMG_7651.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Across the U.S. we are still in various stages of COVID and feelings regarding lockdown. Especially here in California, where cases are up and deaths are way down, we are sadly expecting not to be allowed to gather in our homes with large extended families and friends for Thanksgiving, or in our churches for our Advent and possibly even Christmas services - even if we are healthy, wear masks, and practice physical distancing of six feet, as we've been asked to.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But even if our governor(s) make these decisions and end up cancelling Christmas services, this time of continued isolation is a good reminder that our homes are all little domestic churches, and there are so many things you can still do to make this a joyful season for your children! </span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you haven't had time in the past to make an effort for family Advent traditions at home, this is definitely the year to start! So, what can you do to help your kids enter into Advent and the Incarnation of Christ?</span></div><p></p><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;">MAKE AN ADVENT WREATH:</span><p></p><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAS575UL-p8/X7bMg7WMdbI/AAAAAAAARGQ/Kb1uSKnv1U8ksX3h4tkboesTKivGxtHYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tAS575UL-p8/X7bMg7WMdbI/AAAAAAAARGQ/Kb1uSKnv1U8ksX3h4tkboesTKivGxtHYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7633.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week, I gathered candles for my six-candle Advent Wreath [Note: a seventh white candle will be placed in the middle of the wreath, to be lit on Christmas Day.] </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a tradition I learned from a book by Fr. Anthony Coniaris (of blessed memory), <i>Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home. </i>I highly recommend the book, which is in its 13th printing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">"The circle (wreath) is a symbol for God who is eternal. The evergreen branches symbolize eternal life, or the life of God, of which Jesus came to make us partakers. The candles represent Christ who is the light of the world. The color of each candle expresses something special that will be discussed each week of Advent as the family celebration unfolds. One candle will be lit each week by a different member of the family." </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Father Coniaris outlines a family devotion time for each of the Sundays of Advent, including Scripture readings, prayers, Christmas carols, and topics for discussion, all based upon the meaning of the candle colors. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The basic meaning of each candle color follows, together with a brief statement for the head of the family to read when lighting the candle - you can find this adapted <a href="https://www.st-philip.net/files/Bulletins%20plus/Advent-Wreath.pdf " target="_blank">here</a> if you need the Sunday Advent readings (but I highly recommend the book for great ideas all year long):</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.st-philip.net/files/Bulletins%20plus/Advent-Wreath.pdf .</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">MAKE AN ADVENT CALENDAR OF BOOKS:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KidrqYDH9SQ/X7bUaHRGlaI/AAAAAAAARGc/-I6Wq3PzEEYlthFP95FLmBzrXrE42u1cwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KidrqYDH9SQ/X7bUaHRGlaI/AAAAAAAARGc/-I6Wq3PzEEYlthFP95FLmBzrXrE42u1cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7647.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Go to my <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/11/advent-christmas-resource-page.html" target="_blank">Advent and Christmas Resource Page </a>for lots of ideas of how to make your family reading time special for all 40 days of Advent (or you can simplify the idea to all 25 days of December). </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/11/advent-christmas-resource-page.html</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Need Christmas book recommendations? You'll find all mine <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-book-resource-page.html" target="_blank">here,</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-book-resource-page.html</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VS42c5_wwM/X7bYKthkiFI/AAAAAAAARGo/koZFicKWctIsnWVSam5q9xpg9jlBPZVLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8VS42c5_wwM/X7bYKthkiFI/AAAAAAAARGo/koZFicKWctIsnWVSam5q9xpg9jlBPZVLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h280/IMG_7649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I pray you have a blessed Advent. Stay healthy: pray, sing, exercise, breath fresh air, take your vitamins, eat right, keep washing those hands, hug your kids. And if you are high risk, health-compromised, or have been exposed to sickness, be safe and stay isolated to avoid - or avoid spreading - illness (Covid included) this holiday season. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-1317854481595927672020-11-16T10:45:00.004-08:002020-11-16T10:45:59.980-08:00A RESTING PLACE: OUR HEARTS<p>Two books for Advent Meditations, and a prayer to start...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSa1qm_5f_Q/X7LEgMOdNZI/AAAAAAAARFk/WFxtraRqcKYwCxvKYNTHWhp4Fu3Ae11VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSa1qm_5f_Q/X7LEgMOdNZI/AAAAAAAARFk/WFxtraRqcKYwCxvKYNTHWhp4Fu3Ae11VgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7629.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Lord Jesus, You have come so many times to us and found no resting place...</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">forgive us our overcrowded lives,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">our vain haste </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">and our preoccupation with self.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Come again, O Lord, and though our hearts are a jumble of voices, and our minds overlaid with many fears, find a place however humble, where You can begin to work Your wonder as your create peace and joy within us.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHMG8sGgOY/X7LFf9kgD4I/AAAAAAAARFs/F73_b5gN6YMAiRDkjpuwwhkEsGqIVRHyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuHMG8sGgOY/X7LFf9kgD4I/AAAAAAAARFs/F73_b5gN6YMAiRDkjpuwwhkEsGqIVRHyACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7616.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If in some hidden corner, in some out-of-the-way-spot, we can clear away the clutter, and shut out the noise and darkness, come be born again in us, and we shall kneel in perfect peace with the wisest and humblest of men.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdfoQqS9a_c/X7LFvaMMJ8I/AAAAAAAARFw/ttMy6GNRxfIlDMd8l6lHKNLfNTqTn-mPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdfoQqS9a_c/X7LFvaMMJ8I/AAAAAAAARFw/ttMy6GNRxfIlDMd8l6lHKNLfNTqTn-mPACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7630.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Help us to enter into this Christmas Fast with humility, yet with joy. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And finally Lord, give us Christmas from within, that we may share it from without, on all sides, all around us, wherever there is need. God help us, every one, to share the blessing of Jesus, in whose name we keep Christmas holy. Amen. </span></p><p>-Opening Prayer from <i>Daily Meditations and Prayers for the Christmas Advent Fast and Epiphany</i>, by Presbytera Emily Harakas and Fr. Anthony Coniaris.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQEeyacNVzw/X7LG2W7rX4I/AAAAAAAARGA/ESnQOfwGyKIZEyl1KbNSHdG3B-F7Gdl9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQEeyacNVzw/X7LG2W7rX4I/AAAAAAAARGA/ESnQOfwGyKIZEyl1KbNSHdG3B-F7Gdl9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_7631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The second book that helps my heart, mind and soul during <i>Advent is Meditations for Advent, preparing for Christ's Birth</i> by Vassilios Papavassiliou.<p></p><p>This year, more than ever, with all the unrest and uncertainty in our nation and world, we need to make a place for Him. </p><p>May God bless our efforts. </p>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-4006198264959724342020-11-15T17:24:00.002-08:002020-11-15T17:38:24.548-08:00The Broken Wheel: A Graphic Novel for a November Saint<p>Ancient Faith Publishing as just released Gabriel Wilson's latest graphic novel, <i>THE BROKEN WHEEL, the Triumph of St. Katherine. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jme-OMD6lC8/X7G91CcsY-I/AAAAAAAARFA/in9uvpjTczg10ixza5Lw1_QYyF52YABqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jme-OMD6lC8/X7G91CcsY-I/AAAAAAAARFA/in9uvpjTczg10ixza5Lw1_QYyF52YABqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7605.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Gabriel has done an excellent job of adapting the story of the Great and Holy Martyr Katherine (305-313) into a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel for ages 10 and up. </p><p>What a role model we find in this saint, especially for girls! This young heroine loves learning. A governor's daughter, she is intelligent, brave, and beautiful, but also very confident. She tells her parents that she will enter into marriage only with someone who has surpassed her in nobility, wealth, beauty, and wisdom.
</p><p>With the help of her secretly Christian mother, an elder monk, and a miraculous dream, Katherine does find this Bridegroom, as she ultimately chooses a Prince (of Peace) and puts her trust and hope in Him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tApTiYGr7Ng/X7HLKOokBKI/AAAAAAAARFQ/BVy76pkwaIsGQlJOPh_ug360Y96XgyeyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tApTiYGr7Ng/X7HLKOokBKI/AAAAAAAARFQ/BVy76pkwaIsGQlJOPh_ug360Y96XgyeyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7606.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Later, Katherine's city is visited by the emperor Maximian. He comes to Alexandria for a pagan festival and Katherine is horrified that Christians are being burned alive and sacrificed because of their refusal to deny Christ. She is compelled to speak with the emperor and tell him about the True God, asking him to stop the human sacrifices.</p><p>Katherine is cast into the dungeon and is visited by St. Michael the Archangel. After the emperor sends 50 of his most renowned philosophers to debate Katherine, they not only believe in Christ, but bravely face death for their belief. </p><p>Now comes the part of the story that really sounds like it was made for a graphic novel: The Wheel. Katherine, our brave heroine, will not deny Christ and voluntarily walks up to her declared method of cruel torture. Suddenly, St. Michael appears and blows the dreaded wheel to smithereens! </p><p>Witnessing Katherine's bravery and faith, Maximian's wife also comes to believe, along with the emperor's military commander and 200 soldiers, who are beheaded.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szcxVAJFTn0/X7HLiF9hbBI/AAAAAAAARFY/f3ZqwLGJS4MGrmyDATd7jp7V1oNADWoEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szcxVAJFTn0/X7HLiF9hbBI/AAAAAAAARFY/f3ZqwLGJS4MGrmyDATd7jp7V1oNADWoEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7607.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>And that's not all...though St. Katherine herself is ultimately is beheaded, angels miraculously transport her body to Mt. Sinai, where it was discovered years later. To this day, her relics are still on Mt. Sinai, at St. Katherine's Monastery. </p><p>At the end of the book is a historical note, along with several icons and the Troparion and Kontakion to St. Katherine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHCgwnezu40/X7G9yT67wdI/AAAAAAAARE8/t1sBCxQp_4MA0lzpqgxJXb-Sp8CrT8cJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yHCgwnezu40/X7G9yT67wdI/AAAAAAAARE8/t1sBCxQp_4MA0lzpqgxJXb-Sp8CrT8cJACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>From Ancient Faith Publishing:<div><i>Young Katherine, born into noble wealth with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, surpasses even her tutors when it comes to learning. But her learning counts for nothing when she meets the only man worthy of her - her heavenly Bridegroom. Trading worldly knowledge for eternal wisdom, Katherine challenges even the emperor himself - and he prepares a cruel invention to break her. Meet this great bride of Christ in the second graphic novel in the Among the Saints series - written to inspire both children and adults.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>
About the Author:</i> Gabriel Wilson lives near his childhood home in rural Indiana with his wife Emily and their three daughters. Their home is over 100 years old - a true fixer-upper - and the subject of many of his woodworking projects. In his free time, he pursues carpentry and music and enjoys making homemade tacos with his wife and sketching with his daughters. Graphic novels are his favorite form of artwork, and aside from his comics based on the lives of saints, he has other secular novels in the works. His first graphic novel was The Cross and the Stag. (read my <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/search?q=cross+and+the+stag" target="_blank">review, here</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessed first day of Advent (if you're an Orthodox Christian). St. Katherine/Catherine is commemorated in the Orthodox Church on November 24 or 25, depending on the tradition. <i><a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-broken-wheel-the-triumph-of-saint-katherine/" target="_blank">The Broken Wheel</a></i> is a nice sized soft cover book, 7 x 10 inches, with 104 pages. It would make a wonderful gift for any Katherine/Catherine in your life.</div><div><br /></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-75164584389535558702020-11-06T13:34:00.005-08:002020-11-06T13:42:12.472-08:00A MOTHER'S PRAYER AND APPLE CIDER<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkF0OgF34JY/X6Wt3bNPFzI/AAAAAAAAREQ/dxr0nlsF1h0uA-wyyNDr-hL1zfeWTcUkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkF0OgF34JY/X6Wt3bNPFzI/AAAAAAAAREQ/dxr0nlsF1h0uA-wyyNDr-hL1zfeWTcUkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7541.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>A new book just arrived and is on my desk ready for my review. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Ready and waiting, since I just finished throwing ingredients into my crockpot for a batch of apple cider (recipe below) to enjoy with guests for a weekend of anticipated rain.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLIw_mKYCE4/X6W6y1sb0jI/AAAAAAAAREw/0FToA7ai-Qg2DvZCfmqtBNzEsU32xyj5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLIw_mKYCE4/X6W6y1sb0jI/AAAAAAAAREw/0FToA7ai-Qg2DvZCfmqtBNzEsU32xyj5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7547.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The spicy aroma is starting to fill my house and will keep me company as I peruse and share about the book, <i>A Mother's Prayer,</i> written and illustrated by Megan E. Gilbert (hardcover, 24 pages, from Ancient Faith Publishing). <span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0NnYAtpqW4/X6Wq1HgomKI/AAAAAAAARDo/1fbOetQEMwA6yYhm2MGEhqMQt47XsDxoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0NnYAtpqW4/X6Wq1HgomKI/AAAAAAAARDo/1fbOetQEMwA6yYhm2MGEhqMQt47XsDxoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It's small in size (only 7.5 x 4.5 inches) and would make a perfect shower gift for a new mom (or for any mom, as a Christmas, Mother's Day, or birthday gift!)</span></div><div><div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdjFGRXadB8/X6WsNM-c78I/AAAAAAAARD0/24g1ctdDN1gh89tX6zOx7YLlHKnd5KXPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdjFGRXadB8/X6WsNM-c78I/AAAAAAAARD0/24g1ctdDN1gh89tX6zOx7YLlHKnd5KXPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7543.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Each colorful page has a different brief prayer, accompanied by Megan Gilbert's precious and delightful mixed media illustrations. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZRS_4BB73E/X6WsQ6BYgPI/AAAAAAAARD4/MDiGv6VhUisVivn_rEA8ukotH5PnQxeJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZRS_4BB73E/X6WsQ6BYgPI/AAAAAAAARD4/MDiGv6VhUisVivn_rEA8ukotH5PnQxeJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Though this is a perfect book for moms, I think children will enjoy having it read by their mothers <i>to them</i> - they'll love the seeing the cozy illustrations of mothers and children, and knowing that these are the prayers their mothers pray for them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RULN5L2gFnU/X6WxR1ILmuI/AAAAAAAAREc/pxGoZ5GzDsA112v1_gmtOWOPehjGF2oKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RULN5L2gFnU/X6WxR1ILmuI/AAAAAAAAREc/pxGoZ5GzDsA112v1_gmtOWOPehjGF2oKACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">About the author: Megan Elizabeth received a BA. in Fine Arts and Art Education from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, while also getting to study in France and Greece. She has taught art to people of all ages in Canada, the US, and Europe. She and her husband and their four children are currently residing at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York.</span></div><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><u><br /></u></div>Crockpot Apple Cider Recipe</span></u><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Put all ingredients in a crockpot: </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">8 Cups Water </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4 apples, cored and quartered </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1 pear, cored and quartered </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1 cup sugar </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4 cinnamon sticks </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">2 T mulling spices </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1/4 c pomegranate seeds (optional) </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Cook on low for 8 hours, then scoop out and discard the cooked fruit and spices from of the crockpot bowl. Pour remaining liquid through a strainer to remove any leftover bits. Serve warm - with a slice of apple, a stick of cinnamon, or drizzle of Jack Daniel’s (for adults only, of course.)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GEqUzWd3J8/X6WnSTCdFKI/AAAAAAAARDY/UTq-l8QZNJkLA3OMd8_iIaaZ5RlFRKgbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GEqUzWd3J8/X6WnSTCdFKI/AAAAAAAARDY/UTq-l8QZNJkLA3OMd8_iIaaZ5RlFRKgbgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_7533.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> </div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Notes: I like to use any variety of sweet apple (Honeycrisp apples are especially good!) I store any leftover cider in a large Ball jar in the refrigerator, ready to be microwaved a cup at a time! I found mulling spices at a specialty kitchen store, but you can also make your own. Recipe linked here <a href="https://inspiredbycharm.com/mulling-spices/">https://inspiredbycharm.com/mulling-spices/</a>.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-8831583948963625572020-10-14T21:47:00.002-07:002020-10-14T21:47:23.783-07:00A Weather Book For the Younger Set<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Witnessing the changing sunlight, knowing the tilt of the earth as it travels around the sun brings changes in our seasons and weather, I can't help but think of God's hand in the creation of our world. It's truly miraculous!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today I'd like to introduce you to a fun and simple book about weather: <i>Willy and Lilly's Adventures with Weather</i>. It is written by Meteorologist and now Mom, Jennifer Stanonis. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XDwdfVbY2c/X4e_IEe6_VI/AAAAAAAARCg/OuobaXFJfd8RMR1Qz9rdk308nIooksWXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1338/IMG_7332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1338" data-original-width="1271" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XDwdfVbY2c/X4e_IEe6_VI/AAAAAAAARCg/OuobaXFJfd8RMR1Qz9rdk308nIooksWXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w608-h640/IMG_7332.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Jennifer has covered and forecasted tornadoes, major snow storms, forest fires, floods, polar vortexes and more during her decades of meteorological TV weather reporting. The seeds that grew into <i>Willy and Lilly's Adventures with Weather </i>were sown while taking her twins on walks in all sorts of weather. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Her engaging explanation of changing weather in this cute picture book - featuring a brother, sister, and their dog and cat - is great for 4-6 year olds. Kids will enjoy Jennifer's Stanonis' rhyming text and Bill Blenk's colorful illustrations.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ern-Zjh7WjA/X4fACGu6OJI/AAAAAAAARCo/HaTI4qlHnV0wZMLXRkc0hGhorZUAyax7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1427/IMG_7334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1427" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ern-Zjh7WjA/X4fACGu6OJI/AAAAAAAARCo/HaTI4qlHnV0wZMLXRkc0hGhorZUAyax7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/IMG_7334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yAd8Yf7_2I/X4fAIu0if5I/AAAAAAAARCs/Q0qtgqGQuFYZeYfqSB04QfREudq5Fm5oACLcBGAsYHQ/s1519/IMG_7333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1492" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yAd8Yf7_2I/X4fAIu0if5I/AAAAAAAARCs/Q0qtgqGQuFYZeYfqSB04QfREudq5Fm5oACLcBGAsYHQ/w629-h640/IMG_7333.jpg" width="629" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ihQ7mX9epw/X4fAOVNxxGI/AAAAAAAARCw/fsyKqdj8nKY-ZPG--JJ8QRFo4rWJfs06QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1368/IMG_7335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1368" height="598" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ihQ7mX9epw/X4fAOVNxxGI/AAAAAAAARCw/fsyKqdj8nKY-ZPG--JJ8QRFo4rWJfs06QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h598/IMG_7335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Among other things, children will learn that their shadows are long in the winter, when the sun is low in the sky and short in the summer, when the sun is highest. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Lots of different types precipitation are talked about, and a nice meteorologist (who looks a lot like the author, haha!) points out the warm and cold fronts from the kids' television screen. Willy uses technology to help him plan his day as he checks in on the day's forecast by the hour on a small digital screen. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For further reading:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For children wanting a more in-depth discussion and fun activity exploring the science of the seasons (using an orange and a pencil and flashlight), I highly recommend Frankly M. Branley's <i>Sunshine Makes the Seasons</i>, for ages 4-8. Our children loved all <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2010/07/science-is-fun.html" target="_blank">his science picture books</a> - they're great for homeschoolers! To see more of his books, go <a href="https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=3357" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Will and Lilly's Adventures with Weather</i>, by Jennifer Stanonis is illustrated by Bill Blenk and published by CrissCrossAppleSauce/City of Light Publishing. This fun story will help young meteorologists notice important details as they learn about predicting weather! There's also a handy reference at the back with definitions of "Weather Words" from the book.</span> </div><div><br /></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-82650886641177837872020-10-02T16:23:00.002-07:002020-10-02T16:23:39.826-07:00FALLing in...LOVE? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc3XHfdhBTg/X3eYHSRLm4I/AAAAAAAARCI/lFR6KIch2lUmK1OPESn3iNwvSSMOd4aZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="2048" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc3XHfdhBTg/X3eYHSRLm4I/AAAAAAAARCI/lFR6KIch2lUmK1OPESn3iNwvSSMOd4aZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h271/IMG_7229.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Blogging has fallen on hard times here in my household over the summer. There were a few reasons for that...<div>Covid. Bleh - but we've stayed healthy, thank the Lord. </div><div>Masks. Uncomfortable. </div><div>No church. Unprecedented. </div><div>Politics. Yikes. </div><div>Fires. Lord Have Mercy! </div><div>My creative blogging juices were <i>not</i> flowing. <div><br /></div><div>But something else was happening that I <i>could</i> devote my attention to, thank goodness...<div><br /></div><div>Lots of love. Both our sons decided not to wait out the Corona Virus, but to get married <i>this summer</i> - a challenge, to say the least during these Covid-19 times! </div><div><br /></div><div>Small, but ever so beautiful: joyful ceremonies, sweet family gatherings.</div><div><br /></div><div>There went June (wedding #1 in Arkansas). There went July (planning) and August (weddding #2, with a tiny reception in our backyard). I adore our two new daughters-in-law. Our family is growing! </div><div><br /></div><div>Come September, my husband and I spent two amazing, energizing weeks out in the open National Parks of Utah and Arizona. Why sit isolated and socially distanced in front of a computer when you can socially distance while hiking in Capitol Reef, riding electric bicycles through Zion, and off-roading in a 4x4 jeep in the red rock desert of Sedona??? It was glorious.<p>So: summer of 2020? Gone! </p><p>I've been an absentee blogger for the whole summer season and now <i><b>it's fall, y'all!</b></i> I can only tell it's October because pumpkins are for sale everywhere, squirrels are busy stealing pecans from our neighbor's tree and leaving empty shells on my front porch, and the arc of the sun is much lower in the southern part of the hot sky. No fall leaves yet where I live. Maybe an iced pumpkin latte will have to do.</p><p>Even though Blogger changed it's format a little while I've been away (grrr), hopefully I'm getting it figured out and can get back at it here. I have quite a few books to review!</p><p>Did anyone happen to see <a href="https://www.movieguide.org/reviews/enola-holmes.html" target="_blank"><i>Enola Homes</i> </a>on Netflix (sorry, yes, that network-that-should-not-be-named, if you're one of those who is boycotting because of the unfortunate <i>Cuties</i> film. I won't be watching it, but I didn't cancel my subscription.)</p><p>Back to Enola ("Alone" spelled backwards) - she is the little sister of Sherlock Holmes, a young heroine created by author Nancy Springer, not Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I enjoyed the movie and Millie Bobby Brown's fun and enthusiastic portrayal of Enola and ordered the first book of the YA mystery series, <i>Enola Holmes, The Case of the Missing Marquess</i>. (<i>LOVE</i> the cover!)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UMhCi4Ghc4/X3esP86D_WI/AAAAAAAARCU/060yAqRWtXIWzZe2p6lzEJuibRMIljCbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UMhCi4Ghc4/X3esP86D_WI/AAAAAAAARCU/060yAqRWtXIWzZe2p6lzEJuibRMIljCbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7235.jpg" /></a></div><br />From Common Sense Media:<p></p><p><i>Set in the days of corsets and horse carriages, this girl-centered mystery keeps readers on their toes with quick action, engaging characters, and fun riddles. Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess is a great twist on a well-known name; older brother Sherlock Holmes isn't the focus of the story, and Enola's adventurous, inquisitive attitude help her grow well outside the confines of her society. The language Enola uses fits the early 20th century setting, so it could take readers a few chapters to settle into the style, but it quickly seems like another character in the story. There's violence, tension, and anger throughout, but all of it mild -- and some even comical.
</i></p><p>In the book, Enola is 14 years old, while in the Netflix <a href="https://www.movieguide.org/reviews/enola-holmes.html" target="_blank">movie</a> she is 16 - which seems more apropos to her adventures (she goes off to London on her own). The movie and book differ in quite a few details and even characters/villains, but are equally entertaining. I think both prompt a good discussion with mothers and daughters about how life has changed for women since the early 20th century. The movie especially has a strong feminist worldview and will bring up questions about the pros/truths/influence - positive and negative - of feminism in general, depending on where you stand with that. I would definitely recommend parents previewing the book and movie or at least watching/reading along with their kids. (Movie review <a href="https://www.movieguide.org/reviews/enola-holmes.html" target="_blank">here</a>). For ages 13 and up.</p><p>What are you reading, these fall days?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrPUQt3qeds/X3eVVED8-7I/AAAAAAAARB8/-bnnPdhrCl4WldDW3zSwidzT94iEG7OlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7234%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrPUQt3qeds/X3eVVED8-7I/AAAAAAAARB8/-bnnPdhrCl4WldDW3zSwidzT94iEG7OlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7234%2B%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-64578741607359357152020-04-15T02:27:00.000-07:002020-04-15T02:27:43.807-07:00HOLY WEEK HELP: "HELP ME!"<span style="font-size: large;">Our daughter and her young children have been able to help her priest husband with the Holy Week services in their empty church...</span><br />
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<i>O Lord, my God, I call for help by day, I cry out in the night before You.</i></div>
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<i>Let my prayer come before you; incline Your ear to my cry!</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">-Psalm 88 (87 Septuagint)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She sent me this sweet picture of my little granddaughter reaching up trying to give Jesus a kiss at the end of the Bridegroom Orthros service last night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My granddaughter couldn't quite reach and called out, "Help me!" </span><span style="font-size: large;">Out of the mouths of babes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or, as Mommy noted: "Sweet and profound".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of you celebrated Easter (at home) this past Sunday, but those of us who are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-easter-the-eastern-orthodox-way-fasting-comes-before-feasting/2017/04/11/0964632e-1b16-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html" target="_blank">Orthodox</a> are currently observing Holy Week (at home). </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-_colyZGt4/XpaZADHFyrI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/FaJVNy1CQ44m9P1b5NvKWNKZZIvKsDSbACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-_colyZGt4/XpaZADHFyrI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/FaJVNy1CQ44m9P1b5NvKWNKZZIvKsDSbACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4640.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been watching and praying our Bridegroom services the past couple of nights on Youtube, which is our new-Coronavirus-normal for awhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Earlier in the evening, I had listened to an excellent podcast on Ancient Faith Today Live, hosted by Fr. Tom Soroka: <a href="https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/aftodaylive" target="_blank">"Holy Week Under Quarantine"</a> - <a href="https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/aftodaylive/holy_week_under_quarantine" target="_blank">link here</a> - with guest Dr. Nicole Roccas, author of <i><a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/time-and-despondency/" target="_blank">Time and Despondency</a>. </i>I highly recommend the <a href="https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/aftodaylive/holy_week_under_quarantine" target="_blank">podcast</a> and the <a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/time-and-despondency/" target="_blank">book</a>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbSLeqGpX60/Xpac1qgX68I/AAAAAAAAQ9k/-gmnzc8QBn0pNxJP68UDRR8gWobm6QOtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4637.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbSLeqGpX60/Xpac1qgX68I/AAAAAAAAQ9k/-gmnzc8QBn0pNxJP68UDRR8gWobm6QOtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4637.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Roccas talked about trying to find positives about what we can do during this time of isolation, instead of dwelling on "what we <i>can't</i> do". </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She specifically brought up that this is a good time to acknowledge how we in North America (she lives in Canada) are very fortunate: that our current inability to attend services and partake of Holy Communion is only an anomaly here, a temporary "new normal", whereas that privilege is an impossibility in many countries that are suffering persecution - or have suffered persecution in the past. She encouraged listeners that "Maybe as we grieve our inability to receive the Eucharist we can remember those around the world who are unable to gather in even the best of times."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Roccas' comments made me think of a book about a Russian priest, Fr. Arseny, which we read as a family years ago.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qVoPzn81rQ/XpaxnVn-4rI/AAAAAAAAQ98/hIBSv3jR7nUYxjEuMmsxcjetJ94vjxd1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/9780881411805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="401" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qVoPzn81rQ/XpaxnVn-4rI/AAAAAAAAQ98/hIBSv3jR7nUYxjEuMmsxcjetJ94vjxd1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/9780881411805.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Father-Arseny-1893-1973-Narratives-Concerning/dp/0881411809?ie=UTF8&tag=wendyb1963&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank"><b><i>FATHER ARSENY</i></b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wendyb1963&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0881411809" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />, translated by Vera Bouteneff. A narrative comprised of encounters with Father Arseny, a former art historian and priest imprisoned in the Gulag. He became Prisoner No. 18736 in the brutal 'special sector' of the Soviet prison camp system. In the darkness of systematic degradation of body and soul, he shone with the light of Christ's peace and compassion. I wept, reading this aloud to our teens. We all loved this book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So. What else <i>can</i> we do during Holy Week?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Spend time as a family while journeying towards <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-easter-the-eastern-orthodox-way-fasting-comes-before-feasting/2017/04/11/0964632e-1b16-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html" target="_blank">Pascha</a> at home.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1If7BRGn_A/Xpa4Qlibn6I/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/O_E9UcQLsvMLNPzThMB1G6mzMQP50MaEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pascha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1If7BRGn_A/Xpa4Qlibn6I/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/O_E9UcQLsvMLNPzThMB1G6mzMQP50MaEACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/pascha.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pravoslavie.ru/foto/image11673.htm" target="_blank">source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">-Go <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2014/04/quiet-activities-for-holy-friday-and.html" target="_blank">here</a> to my past post with some ideas for <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2014/04/quiet-activities-for-holy-friday-and.html" target="_blank">quiet activities specifically for Holy Week.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />-Listen to saints stories and Orthodox books for children read by Chrissi Hart, <a href="https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/grapevine" target="_blank">here</a> on AFR's <a href="https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/grapevine" target="_blank">Under the Grapevine</a> podcast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Decorate eggs: go <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-eggs-for-easter.html" target="_blank">here</a> for my post, <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-eggs-for-easter.html" target="_blank">Why Eggs for Easter</a>?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNdagV67OR0/Xpa20KCZCqI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/e4TkipZXOak0BdZNDJNscXdly97AXIMRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNdagV67OR0/Xpa20KCZCqI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/e4TkipZXOak0BdZNDJNscXdly97AXIMRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/thumbnail.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/for-easter-the-eastern-orthodox-way-fasting-comes-before-feasting/2017/04/11/0964632e-1b16-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html" target="_blank">source</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Pray together and read the Psalms.</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">-Be thankful for smart phone technology such as FaceTime and Skype and digital live streaming on YouTube, which can bring us "virtually" to our churches and family and friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">[Speaking of which, <i>please share/forward this post</i>. And if you're not a regular follower yet, <i>please sign up on the web version of my blog for my emails</i>. I am no longer on social media since I realized and embraced the fact that I'm pretty much a <a href="https://www.wholelifechallenge.com/fomo-vs-jomo-how-to-embrace-the-joy-of-missing-out/" target="_blank">JOMO</a> (Joy Of Missing Out) kind of person. My readership has been down as a result of my choice to leave Facebook and not join the Instagram trend. Thank you! I appreciate your taking time to stop by!] </span><br />
<br />WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-69477178282113550122020-04-03T12:27:00.000-07:002020-04-04T15:11:43.545-07:00Sheltering with Angels, Bluebirds, Psalms, Stitching<span style="font-size: large;">I've got </span><span style="font-size: large;">a SHELTERING-IN-PLACE GIVEAWAY for your kids,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">an Angel by my door,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bluebirds nesting outside my window,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Psalms on my heart,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and Embroidery kits ready to start</span><span style="font-size: large;">! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdBK6XuKuHo/Xod9JbOI1xI/AAAAAAAAQ8E/Ozpd06YAeNAcS4WWZO5aazwjm49b4ir1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4482.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdBK6XuKuHo/Xod9JbOI1xI/AAAAAAAAQ8E/Ozpd06YAeNAcS4WWZO5aazwjm49b4ir1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4482.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 90:11 (Septuagint) <i>For He shall command His angels concerning you, </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>To keep you in all your ways... </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9ZP8lMmiTM/Xod9DkW182I/AAAAAAAAQ78/gVJk8PS57JcOIvw7hA8gbVmoL7G8OiQ1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4514.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9ZP8lMmiTM/Xod9DkW182I/AAAAAAAAQ78/gVJk8PS57JcOIvw7hA8gbVmoL7G8OiQ1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4514.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We mainly come and go through our side door - seeing St. Michael the Archangel there reminds me to pray for protection for myself and others on the now rare occasion I leave my home. Psalm 120:8 (Septuagint) <i>The Lord will guard your coming and going.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to3bsezY21A/Xod9Fes-icI/AAAAAAAAQ8A/ws4krTNumyMx1R39qDL_1pm7ml-CjAD5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4523.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to3bsezY21A/Xod9Fes-icI/AAAAAAAAQ8A/ws4krTNumyMx1R39qDL_1pm7ml-CjAD5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4523.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mommy bluebird getting her nest all ready. (The father bluebird is beautiful - just haven't been able to get a photo of him yet.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7tjSOHyWdo/XoeEDmuFR2I/AAAAAAAAQ8g/YPWz8hu__TcfVEsb-sSickhnfnX0O3u4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4525.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7tjSOHyWdo/XoeEDmuFR2I/AAAAAAAAQ8g/YPWz8hu__TcfVEsb-sSickhnfnX0O3u4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4525.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been reading and cooking a lot, but wanted to do something beautiful and creative, so I ordered two small embroidery kits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out my dear friend Krista West's site, <a href="https://www.avlea.life/" target="_blank">Avlea</a> - her Mediterranean Folk Embroidery kits are so lovely! (You may remember the past <a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2016/03/beauty-joy-and-sewing.html" target="_blank">post</a> I did about Krista - she is a priest's wife and very dedicated and talented ecclesiastical tailor.)</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to offer a SHELTERING GIVEAWAY for your kids today: <i>A Child's Guide to Prayer</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leave your name and contact info at the end of this post with a comment telling me what is helping you through this time of sheltering-in-place. (And for those of you who may have trouble leaving a comment here, please feel free to send me an email: wendyb[spam]1963@[spam]sbcglobal.net)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway ends Thursday, April 9 at Midnight PST. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lVzN5JbG10/XoeGmf_Ym5I/AAAAAAAAQ8s/R335rsq_VMYvevbWAkwa8j4wphVPCNrjACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4539.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lVzN5JbG10/XoeGmf_Ym5I/AAAAAAAAQ8s/R335rsq_VMYvevbWAkwa8j4wphVPCNrjACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_4539.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From <a href="https://store.ancientfaith.com/a-childs-guide-to-prayer/" target="_blank">Ancient Faith Publishing</a>, illustrated by Tara Pappas </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Child's Guide to Prayer </i>is a beautifully illustrated prayer book for Orthodox Christian children aged 5-10 who are just developing a habit of prayer. The selection includes morning and evening prayers, prayers during the day, at mealtimes, for family and friends, and prayers of and to the saints - along with Psalms to pray and prayers that have to do with communion and confession. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the prayers were carefully selected by priests and youth workers to ensure their age-appropriateness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 120-page guide also includes brief instructions on how to pray, why we pray, and a list of different ways to pray. The book concludes with several blank pages for personal prayer requests.
</span>WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4381738546785592812.post-51879852936190400642020-03-19T16:58:00.003-07:002020-03-19T16:58:43.759-07:00ISOLATION AND SPRING-ING INTO ACTION<span style="font-size: large;">Amidst all the "sheltering" and "distancing" precautions in answer to the Corona Virus outbreak, there seems to be the happy consequence of many families re-connecting and discovering closeness and the simple things in life.</span> <div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No sports, no schools or churches open, no eating out, no movie theaters, lots of parents working from home...we are all being forced to slow down a little and "live in the moment" as we navigate our new normal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully that means we aren't panicking and spending hours with the news and social media, but instead are taking time to talk, play games, pray and cook together, and read more with our families - appreciate each other, and find joy and beauty in the ordinary. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">It is not from external circumstances, but internal attitudes that sorrows and joys are born.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- St. John Chrysostom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And let's not forget those who are alone, infirm, sick, or unable to care for themselves. They need our prayers, phone calls, cards, and letters now more than ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was reminded of this when my friend asked for prayers for her sister and niece, who are in separate care facilities and <i>confined to their rooms</i>. She is trying to figure out little things she can do to help them through this difficult time of isolation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did you notice that today is the first day of Spring? I think it's a great time to think about Spring-ing into Action! I looked through my stash of Trader Joe's cards and will be sending some off to my friend's loved ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few other quick ideas I came up with to help others through this time of temporary isolation. Please share yours!</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you have children who like to paint or draw, you could encourage them to [wash their hands well and] make cards to send out to local shut-ins. Start with your own neighbors!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be a pen[computer]pal - you or your kids can send daily emails with family updates to any older family members or loved ones who are quarantined. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Send a new mom, who may be feeling extra overwhelmed with being home with limited help, a pack of diapers, or a gift card, or have a meal delivered to her and her family from a nearby restaurant.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you are healthy and not quarantined, check and see if your local food bank needs help packing up boxes for seniors or those in need.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Facetime, Skype, or send a video to a child in your life who would love to hear you read aloud a story.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Brighten a child's day with inexpensive activity books or little gifts you can buy online and mail (I recently ordered <i>Star Wars Mad Libs</i> for our grandsons and bath tub toys for our granddaughter.) Picture books, chapter books, stickers, hair bows, coloring books, and bath products are fun options.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find child-friendly recipes that your kids can help out with; and then serve your family a special candle-lit dinner.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Send or drop off a beautiful live plant to someone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Share a roll of toilet paper with someone. I'm serious. Not sure what the toilet paper shortage is about, but last week we nearly fell into the "uh-oh-we're-almost-out-of-TP-what-now" Category, until my husband discovered a big pack we'd forgotten we had in the garage! I've now given rolls away to two friends, and we still have plenty. They're relieved and I'm happy to have shared.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to music, play the piano, scrapbook, garden, journal, read (especially the Psalms), try writing some poetry, get out and walk, have a family talent show. Limit screen time, social media, and news.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Remember to SMILE - at your postman, your check-out clerk/cashier, and anyone else you come into (6 foot away) contact with. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pray. Everyday. For the whole world.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may find my other posts helpful:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-litany-of-laundry-and-other.html" target="_blank">The Litany of Laundry<i> (The Quotidian Mysteries</i></a><i> </i>by Kathleen Norris)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/04/secret-ingredient-learning-fun.html" target="_blank">The Secret Ingredient: Learning and Fun</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2010/06/all-in-family.html" target="_blank">All in the Family</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2019/03/lenten-meditations-for-families.html" target="_blank">Lenten Meditations for Families</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Family Read Alouds:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2011/10/family-read-aloud-little-britches.html" target="_blank">Little Britches</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-sound-of-music-it-started-with-book.html" target="_blank"><i>The Sound of Music</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2010/05/chapter-books-my-daughter-loved.html" target="_blank">Chapter Books My Daughter Loved</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2013/11/15-exceptional-character-building.html" target="_blank">Fifteen Exceptional Character Building Books</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.com/2012/06/books-even-busy-boys-will-come-inside.html" target="_blank">Books Even Busy Boys Will Come Inside For</a></span></div>
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WendyLady@GoodBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07884742120430546504noreply@blogger.com0