reading

Little Free Libraries

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Let me tell you about my love for Little Free Libraries (LFL). These tiny structures house books. Free books. Any kind of free books. You can borrow a book and bring it back. You can take a book and bring back a different book. You can just donate a book or you can just take a book. How cool is that?

I have the pleasure of being co-president of our local literacy council. Two years ago a member of our council suggested we purchase one of these libraries and place it in an area that did not have easy access to a public library. After the success of this LFL, we knew we had to do more. My co-president’s father was able to build three more libraries for less than the price of one. In the fall we placed two of these libraries, and they were wonderfully received by the communities in which they were placed. My husband has been inspired to build another one, so we have two to place in the spring.

Dusty installed the two we placed in the fall, and made a promotional video for them. Seriously, how talented is my husband? I was also interviewed by the local news crew. You should check out these videos then find out how you can get a Little Free Library in your neighborhood.

 

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For the Love of Books

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In 2015 I set a few goals for myself. One of these was to read more. I love books, but I rarely set aside time to enjoy them. I am also a very slow reader. My goal this year was to read ten books. I was off to a good start when Renee gifted me The Zimzum of Love by Rob and Kristen Bell for Christmas of 2014. I didn’t make it to ten, but I am very proud of what I accomplished. I have my books ready to go for 2016.

  1. Bossypants by Tina Fey– My mom got this book for me for my 27th birthday. I could not wait to read it, and it did not disappoint. It had me laughing so hard I was crying. At one point I had to let Dusty read it because he had to know what was so funny. My mom currently has it because I insisted she had to read it.
  2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling– After finishing Bossypants, I was ready for another book that would make me laugh. My love for Mindy Kaling goes back to her role as Kelly Kapoor in The Office. I later became hooked on The Mindy Project as well. It was obvious that I needed to read this book, and it made me love her even more.
  3. Savor by Shauna Niequist– My friend, Emily, is a big fan of Shauna Neiquist. When her devotional, Savor, was coming out I thought I would give it a try. I was immediately hooked. This devotional speaks to my heart daily.
  4. Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist– I don’t actually own this book. Emily loaned it to me after I told her I was reading Savor. I had no idea how applicable some of its content would be until my dear friend lost her baby in the fall. She and her husband had been trying for over a year and were so excited to be pregnant. The day she told me I cried with her, then I went to my computer and ordered this book. She said it really helped to hear Shauna’s story.
  5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed– Wow. This was my first summer not working. Usually I pick up a job in the summer when I’m not teaching. I woke up every morning, made myself a cup of coffee, and sat in my adirondack chair on my patio with a book. Although I may have been on my patio reading this book, I felt like I was on the PCT with Cheryl. This book stirred up something inside of me. I was ready for an adventure.
  6. Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans– I highlighted and dogeared so many pages of this book. If you are like me and find yourself having a cynical attitude about the church, you need to read this book now.
  7. Wild in the Hollow by Amber C. Haines– To be honest, I started this book and never finished it. Some things happened while I was reading it, and I put it down. I’m not ready to pick it back up yet. The day will come. I will have to get back to you on this one.
  8. Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist– Obviously, for me, this was the year of Shauna Niequist. A few of my friends and I decided to do a book club around this book. It’s about the beauty of life around the table. We met every other week and used the recipes from the book to make dinner together. As we ate, we discussed the book. It was perfect. This group got my tender heart through a very difficult season.

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