What I’m Into {February 2014 Edition}

What I'm Into ~ Plumfield Dreams

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What I’m Reading

The Antelope in the Living Room – Oh, my word, Melanie is hi-lar-i-ous. I read her take on motherhood when it came out last year, so I knew I needed to read this book on marriage immediately upon its release. I was right. Do yourself a favor and read it. It’s just a happy-making book. This post by Boo Mama is a great introduction to the book (also, her story at the beginning is so my marriage).

Quiet – I’ve wanted to read this for ages, so I was excited when it came up in my book club’s rotation. Imagine my surprise, then, to find myself underwhelmed. (I know, I know – don’t hate me.) Every review I’ve seen has been favorable, and when I realized all those reviews were written by introverts, I could see why. The book entirely, and rightly, validates the feelings and preferences of the introverted among us. Personally, I fall right down the middle on the introverted/extroverted scale, and I couldn’t help but notice that Cain’s take on extroverts was markedly negative. I also felt the book skittered around without cohesion. There were sections I thoroughly enjoyed, and I would still recommend it to introverts, or anyone who loves an introvert and wants to understand them better.

Eleanor & Park – This is an interesting book. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, frankly. There were things I liked and things I didn’t, and I finished it feeling pretty “meh”. It’s a young adult novel, and I don’t love that – I think the language and some of the content are inappropriate for young people. It kept me engaged, though it was longer than I would have preferred. I’m intrigued enough to go ahead and read another of the author’s books, Fangirl, which I currently have on hold at the library.

Currently reading: Stories I Only Tell My FriendsThe No-Cry Sleep SolutionA Million Little WaysLoving the Little Years, and Walt Disney: An American Original.

What I’m Watching

I have joined the rest of the world (or just the rest of the blogosphere? Sometimes I get them mixed up) and watched Veronica Mars. And then watched it again. Because, oh, my word, how did I not know how fantastic this show is? I LOVE it. I’m glad I didn’t know about it ten years ago, because it would have been horribly wrenching to be left dangling like that. What a relief to only have to wait a month for resolution. Because they’re going to put Veronica and Logan together, right? RIGHT?! If not, you’ll be hearing from a bitter me at the end of next month.

On a related subject, have you seen this video? It is potentially the cutest thing I’ve seen yet this year. And I have a toddler AND a baby.

What I’m Listening To

Nickel Creek is releasing a new album in honor of their 25th anniversary, and THEY ARE TOURING. I have me a ticket. Check out these two new songs they’ve released on YouTube:

Around the Web

I love me some Neon Fresh, and this particular edition of This is How I Feel is brilliant.

Why You Really Matter: An Anthem for Women by Ann Voskamp. I look around at all these women, scarred and banged up and brave and still standing, and the singer is standing there a bit bare and all I can hear is their song. All I can hear is the whole uncontainable song of this sisterhood of women and I see how their lives break the refrain and the whole place reverberates with a truth that rolls over…. rolls like thunder.

Sally Clarkson’s wisdom slays me over and over again. Are You Raising Warriors or Refugees? Often I see parents who raise their children to run away from the cultural battles and to stay far off from those who are lost and broken and who have scars and difficulties.

This is where my heart is right now. Why It’s Really Okay: The Need to Slow Down (Ann Voskamp again). God’s Word never says Hurry Up. God words only whisper: Wake Up.

Geeking Out

I’m excited that Roo from Neon Fresh has started a blog for parents of kids with allergies and skin issues. Her most recent post was a response to that whole ridiculous cupcake hullaballoo, and she nailed it.

HelloMornings is back! A new session started this week, and I am grateful to be back on Twitter chatting with my sisters in my group. And the study of Ruth is so well done. The format for HelloMornings has changed, with shorter, more frequent sessions. I am glad for that, because I think it will make it easier to stick it out the entire time. Here’s the schedule for the rest of the year:

 

I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer for What I’m Into. Check out the other fantastic blogs for more fun and inspiration.

2 thoughts on “What I’m Into {February 2014 Edition}

  1. So much goodness here, as always! 🙂 I haven’t read Quiet, but I heard Susan Cain speak at a conference. I enjoyed it, but I have to say, what you didn’t like was what I was wondering would be in the book. I’m an ambivert (probably leaning on the extroverted side, who are we kidding. 🙂 married to an introvert, and her book hasn’t held the appeal for me that so many others have for it–interesting! I want to read Eleanor & Park. How are you liking A Million Little Ways? I also have a copy of Shankle’s “Antelope…” book that I’m excited to start soon. LOVE the Nickel Creek clips! (I’ve been listening to those two songs as well…kind of bummed they aren’t on Spotify yet – want to add them to my upcoming playlists!) Hope all is well and good in your world, friend!

  2. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! I’m glad to know there’s someone else who might share my thoughts on Cain’s work. You’ll notice there are no other comments here. I think most of my fellow bloggers think I’m crazy. 😉

    LOVE A Million Little Ways. I’m taking it in slowly, savoring it. I’m considering starting an Art Course so I can share it with others. Eleanor & Park is very well done. You will likely enjoy it.

    Do you get Nickel Creek’s emails? If you preorder their album, you will be entered to win one of several amazing prizes. And, they have a third song releasing soon! I just can’t get over the goodness!

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