The rumors are true. Meghann Chapman owns an eReader. Can you believe it? I’m still getting used to the idea, myself. I’ve been hesitant of the whole idea since they first arrived on the seen.  Though I’m still finishing up a physical book and don’t intend for it to be my last.

Reading is just about the words and putting a story in your head. Its the whole experience. Mental and physical. The touch and smell of the book. Wondering where its been and who’s hands have held it before.

The new gadget definitely has my book list jumbled, though. What to read first? And then what after that? The options are limitless and the prices are lower. Not to mention I plan to take total advantage of the library{ies} without ever leaving my couch. Not to say that’s a good thing. I’m sure once Summer hits, little lady and I will be banging down their doors once more.

Speaking of little ladies: Lilie Jo actually became the owner of an ebook before me! She used one of her Barnes and Noble gift cards to buy a Brave book and the first of the Fancy Nancy series. Yes, its my toy, but I can’t help but share. I find it especially handy on the road and at the grocery store.

So, as for that 2013 book list? I’m still working on it, but I’ll share a few I know of for sure:

• Great Gatsby {probably first since the movie is so quickly approaching}
• The Last Original Wife {Dottie Frank‘s new one to debut in June}
• Bringing Up BeBe {an American mother’s lessons in French parenting styles}
• Gone Girl {my not-so-wicked stepmother said it was a hard one to put down}
• Hunger Games Trilogy {at least the last two}
• Mermaid Garden {one which has caught my eye several times at the bookstore–maybe because it was mermaid in the title}
• The 5 Love Languages {I’ve read most of it, but would like to go back through it with Bill}

That’s all I have for now. I have so many lists of books to read laying around, I don’t know if I could condense them all into one. Actually, that’s one of my favorite features of the eReader so far, the wish list. I just throw them in my imaginary cart, as I browse, and its there to purchase {or search the library for} when I’m ready for a new read.

What’s on your reading this for this year?

The other day I found a delightful surprise in my inbox. Ink361 is a web version of Instagram. I love using it to get a better look at some of the awesomeness on the mobile app. I also like to be able to save my camera photos, so quick and easily, to my computer for keeps.

Anyway, I’ve been a member for some time, now, and they sent me a gift. I received an amazing credit with Blurb to create a book of my Instagrammed photos. I paid shipping and handling and that’s it.

There are a few copy errors and some of the photos are a bit sketchy, but I was really cut on time and had no time to edit. The coupon code didn’t last for very long and I was rushed and up late trying to get it finished {amongst other responsibilities} at the last minute. Literally.

But I’d be lying if I told you I was disappointed. Its such a treasure, with the fading away of print in so many areas. I feel lucky to have so many things I love in my hand at once. Print is not dead, if you ask me. I do find it so very romantic, though.

I love it, really. Its something I look forward to enjoying for years to come.

I thought it would be really cool to do one of these, yearly, filled with my favorite moments/images from the year. Or do a yearly book filled with Lilie Jo’s art work?

What would you fill your photo book with?

p.s. Do you Instagram?? Follow me @littlewishball

My summer reading list did not consist of only fiction, this year.  I also read a couple of books that would just help my tought process and way of living.  My Dad had read The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn and found it very useful in not only his profession, but also life general.  Its a small book with a big impact.

This book only took a couple days to read.  That’s only because I spent more time visiting with family, than reading.  Its only 110 pages long.  It was the first “self help” book I’ve ever been able to finish.

Its a book about putting the passion and drive back into your life and work.  Sanborn inspires us to find this desire to do our best not just for your business, but for yourself.  We’re reminded we should strive for our best not to be recognized, but simply to create value within ourselves, first.

In his book, Sanborn teaches us what a Fred is, how to become one, and how to create them.  Little did my father know, upon suggesting the book, that its timing would be so perfect.  Sanborn talks quite a bit about leadership, in his book, as well.  I read the book at the beginning of July and started my new job as salon leader not long after.

I won’t lie, it helped make the interview process a little easier on me.

I’d like to share a few of my favorite quotes from Sanborn with you:

Everyone wants to count, to know that what he or she does each day isn’t simply a means of making a living, but “a living of making meaning.” The unhappiest people of all may well be those who go to jobs they hate because they need the money. Why not go to a job you love because you need the money? you can. Convert your job into one you love, not by doing a different job, but by doing the one you have differently!

pages 29-30

Here’s a mystery: If you expect praise and recognition, it will seldom come. I really don’t know why, but life has demonstrated repeatedly that if your motive for doing something is to receive thanks or praise, you’ll often be disappointed. If, however, you go about doing the right thing, knowing that the doing is its own reward, you’ll be fulfilled whether or not you get recognition from others. When reward or recognition comes, it will be icing on an already tasty cake.

page 31

Attitude colors everything you and I do in life.
A positive attitude works out of opportunity, not obligation.
A positive attitude looks for the best, not the worst, in circumstances.
A positive attitude is “can-do,” not “must-do.”
A positive attitude is hopeful, not pessimistic.

pages 112-113

The fact is that everybody is already making a difference every day. The key question is, What kind of difference is each of us making.

page unknown

The Fred Factor is great for anyone, no matter your interests or job–or lack there of.  I really encourage everyone to read it.  Especially those of your feeling in a rut about life and/or work.  Sanborn’s message is sure to freshen your spirit and drive for success.

I borrowed the book from my dad and then Billy checked it out from the library.  I plan to add it permanently to my library very soon.

Has anyone else read this book?  What are your thoughts?

During one of our visits to the public library, I continued to stroll some while Billy and Lilie Jo stood in line to check out their findings.  On one of the end caps, a title didn’t just catch my eye; rather it reached out grabbed me by the callar and said, “LOOK AT ME!”

So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore was written on the cover.  Whaaat?!  Its written by Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Colemen.  What made me even more curious, than the title alone, was the weathered cover.  This bad boy was broken in quite nicely, which meant I was definitely not the only innocent passerby it had abducted.  But before you get all bent out of shape about the title, hear me out: its not what you think.  Well, kind of.

Billy is actually the one who checked the book out and read it first.  It was the first book he’d read in years.  The first one I’ve ever witnessed, for sure. He finished it in two days, which is another feat all of its own.  I’ve never seen him so affected.  Not even by a movie {which are his version of my books}.  Then I got my hands on it.

This book, which is actually written in a fictional story form, fed my hunger for having a relationship with the Father even more.  The book takes the focus off of the church as an organization/building.  It reminds us that we won’t find a relationship with God there.  The book points out that part of Jesus sacrifice was not just freedom from sin, but freedom to have our own relationship directly with God anytime, anywhere.  The church cannot provide that for us.  When I say relationship, I mean a real, life relationship with Him.  As in an exchanging of communication and/or actions between/for one another.

It also changed my full definition of being set free through the crucifiction.

I almost ran out of sticky notes, there were so many awesome passages.  Let me share a few of my favorites?

The more he grew to trust God’s love, the freer he was from those desires that consumed him. Only by trusting Jesus can anyone experience real freedom.

page 47

…it simply respects the process God uses to bring people into truth. I’m not talking about different things being true for different people, but about people discovering that truth in different time frames. If we hold people accountable, they never learn to live in love. We’ll reward those who are better at putting on a front and miss those who are in the real struggle of learning to live in Jesus.

page 51

Scripture doesn’t use the language of need when talking about the vital connetion God establishes between believers. Our dependency is in Jesus alone! He’s the one we need. He’s the one we follow. He’s the one God wants us to trust and rely on for everything. When we put the body of Christ {church} in that place, we make an idol of it, and we end up wrapped in knots over such a situation. Religion survives by telling us we need to fall in line or some horrible fate will befalls us… We share body life {church} together, not because we have to, but because we get to.

page 62

That’s where religion has done the most damage. By making people dependent on its leaders, it has made God’s people passive in their own spiritual growth. We wait for others to show us how, or even just follow them in hopes that they’re getting it right. Jesus wants this relationship with you and he wants you to be an active part in that process.

page 112

Seriously, I could go on and on here, but I’d probably end up copy and pasting the whole book.  If there is anything I’ve ever wanted you to do most, its reading this book.

Whether you’re a believer, skeptical, against it or just testing the waters: read it.

I’ve finished my first book of the summer season and its one I must pass on.

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn is great for any woman who deals with men whether it be a son, husband or at work.  In her book, Feldhahn shares the finding from her extensive research on the inner life of men.  What they really think, how they really work and {more importantly} how they feel.

Feldhahn gets straight to the point, here, which makes for a short and quick read.  She’s real and honest, without any sugar-coating.  She covers subjects such as respect, sex and feelings.  And more importantly, she really does focus on men only.  Not how they should be, how we can make them do what we want, or even how to use them for our own happiness.  But how to understand them and know better what they need/want for their own true happiness.

There’s also a For Men Only.  I’m wondering if there’s any way I can get my husband to read that one.

If you do or have read this book, what did you think?  What sections were the most eye-opening for you?

Happy Friday, darlin’.  Are you relieved its here?

Spring Break is winding down and I feel it wasn’t a waste.  I have a completely clean house to show for it.  Oh, and A nice new shop open for business.  :)

Though I have tried to keep myself from being completely worthless, I’ve also allowed myself to be  lazy a bit.  Time sipping coffee and finding time lost in a day dream, time writing, designing, planting some herb seeds, time wasted in front of the boob tube and time aimlessly wandering the web.

I hadn’t used StumbleUpon in a while, so the other day I thought I’d see what I could find.  I love finding new things to feast my mind on.

Over at Stylist I found this really great list of the Top 100 Opening Lines from Books.  I was happy to see some of my favorites made the list.

I found this list of  ideal food combinations to be both interesting and helpful.  I know that growing certain herbs/veggies together was beneficial to growth, but I didn’t realize eating certain food paired together could be beneficial to your health.

I’ve seen this site before, but I’m not sure if I shared it or not.  It is probably one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a while.  This lady takes drawings by children and gives them life as a toy.  So clever.  What a special little treasure to hold on to.

The National Education Association has a list of Top 100 Books for Kids.

Though I have yet to hop onto the ebook wagon, if I did finally decide to own one, I’d insist on this case.  I don’t really think I have to tell you how amazing I think these are.  They’re gorgeous and I love them.

T’ is all.

Have a blessed weekend!

Dear, friends!  Last night was awesome.  I think I’m still a little high from the experience.  Well, ok, since you asked nicely, I’ll share the details.  You’re so convincing.

I spent the night up on cloud nine.  Been there?  I got to go to attend my very first book tour.  And not just any book tour, darlin’.  Dorothea Benton Frank.

Those of you just joining us may need to know that this lady is my absolute, most favorite author.  I take in her  words with an addiction.

Frank’s books are laugh-out-loud funny, saucy, touching, and salty with a capital ‘S.’  They all take place in South Caroline (my favorite place) and are near impossible to put down once I get started.

Some people feared I may be disappointed once I met her.  Well, let me tell you!

I thought she was even more fabulous in person.  She was down-to-earth, casual, congenial and honestly quite lovely.  I bet she’d make a great girl friend.  I can definitely see where here lead characters come from.  I think the protagonists of these books are just a wonderful reflection of the author herself.

Dottie had me laughing the whole time.  She told a couple of funny stories from past book stories and then talked about the becoming of Folly Beach, her latest.  During her Q&A session, I confessed her to be my hero and told her I wanted to be just like her when I grew up!

I also recieved some great advice as a writer and was suggested a book called On Writing, by Steven King, to help me along.  That was followed up with a “If you have any more questions, just email me!”  I was a giddy school girl, right there in the front row.  I could not wipe the smile off of my face for hours (the Bloody Mary that followed probably didn’t help).

I had her sign a copy of my very favorite book, Sullivan’s Island.  What a treasure, I have, now!

So no.  No disappointment over here!  Dottie seemed like the best kind of friend a girl could have.  She was everything I hoped for and more.  It was exciting, wonderful and something I’ll never forget.

When the show was over, I was too excited to go home to a quiet, empty house.   Instead, I took myself to Cheddars for Bloody Mary.  Maybe next time she’s in town, she can join me!

Biggest. Fan. Ever.

Good morning, all.  Friday, it is.  We’re enjoying some nice company provided by my Dad and step-mom.  They’re in, from Omaha, for sweet little visit.

Last Friday, I wrote a little about how to cope with a divorce.  This week, for my Reflections Friday, I want to finish that.

Last week, I told you to make a list, of the pros-only, to the situation.  This week, I want you to sit down and give some thought to what you want to do with your life.  Its yours, only, now.  There’s only you and your child(ren) to make happy and look after.  What do you want to do?  Where do you want to go?  How do you plan on getting there?  You’re the one in charge.  Who do you want to be?  Make a plan and write it down.   Hold on to this.  Put it some where so you won’t lose it.

Next, when it comes to the opposite sex, do give yourself some time.  And I mean completely.  Emotionally and physically.  

No dating.  I’ll be blunt.  Please–I beg you–do not start sleeping around.  Not even with one person.  I think its a really good idea to remain completely celibate for a little while.  I’ve seen a couple people who have chose to move on quickly and it always ends up messy, long and miserable.

You’re head and heart are already on a crazy roller coaster because of one person.  Don’t add any more to the mix.  Just keep things as simple as possible for now.  Focus on you (and you children) and learn to maneuver this new life.  I encourage you to make friends, but I think its best to try to keep them of the same sex for now.  Less temptation and fewer chances of starting anything

Also, stay busy.  That helps keep your mind off the hurt.  Focus on work and helping your kids deal.  Play and do things with them to keep both your minds preoccupied.  Playing with your kids is a warm sunny day in a time of constant rainstorms.

Which leads me to this: if you do have kids, don’t let them see you hurt.  I think Lilie might have seen me cry only once or twice during my separation and divorce.

Lord knows I cried a great sea of tears.  But I made a great effort not to put my pain on her. Though she was only 1 1/2 years old, she was dealing with more than enough hurt on her own plus a lack of understanding what exactly was happening. Put yours on the back burner until they’re in the back seat or in bed (yes, driving seemed to be the best daytime place to cry without her being able to see).

Yeah, no pressure here.  You’re only supposed to be the solid, reliable, providing, rock of someone’s world.  No worries if they see you crumble from time to time.

And back to the opposite sex.  Who do you want to spend the rest of your life with.  I know you’re not in any shape to be thinking about loving again.  I’m sure you’re probably still anti-marriage in general.  But, lets face it.  Everyone wants to find love.  Every person wants to love and be loved.  Its only natural.

So, what I want you to do is make a list of your must-have qualities in a mate.  They can be as specific or as vague as you like.  My list included some characteristics such as a stable career (i.e degree or military), makes me laugh, a Christian, loves kids, likes to travel, enjoys spending time with me and someone who doesn’t mind fitting into my own life plan, and someone that chases me as much as I chase them.

Keep this list, put it up and hold yourself to it.  That doesn’t mean every person you date has to have those qualities, but the person you decide to say ‘I do’ to, again, does.

Keep everything that you’ve written down in an envelope in the kitchen drawer.  When you’re having a hard day–and you will, even months later–pull out your envelope and let those positive words fill you.  Change your mindset.  Stop looking back.  Turn to the front and look forward.  Look at all that lays in front of you, from here.

Live your life. Grow from this experience.  Don’t wait for someone else to make your happy.  Go find your happiness for yourself.

And finally: love.  Don’t be against loving again.  Don’t try to put a time limit on allowing  yourself to love again.  Don’t be too selfish with your heart.  It very likely will sneak up on you.  I know you say you’ll never get married again, but marriage didn’t break your heart, a person did.  Let yourself love again.

 Don’t try to boycott marriage from your life.  Its exciting, joyful and a blessing; not to mention incredibly romantic.

Amazon

Well, I think that does it.  Those are the lessons I learned.  I hope they help someone else.  Oh!  I also suggest you to find the book “Its Called a Breakup Because its Broken.”  Its a fresh, fun look at getting over a breakup.  I love it and can’t help but to admit, it really did help.

How do you deal with a break up?  Do you have any helpful suggestions?

“Love that goes upward is worship.  Love that goes outward is affection.  Love that stoops is grace.” 

As I’ve shared before, I’ve started making more of a point to make sure I sit down for a little one on one time with ole big guns up stairs.  I’m doing a Bible study while also reading one of Max Lucado’s many awesome books.  I can feel this calming my soul and clearing my mind so that I may think more clearly.  I also like the feel of having Him in my heart, always.

I wanted to share a couple things that I studied recently.  This first one is about grace.  This word has always captivated me with its beauty and mystery.  The word grace seems to mean so much.  It seems so broad.  Dictionary.com pulls up nine results:

• elegance or beauty
• a pleasing or attractive quality
• favor or goodwill
• mercy; pardon
• favor shown in granting a delay
• an allowance of time
• theology
• moral strength

As I use this week to prepare for the summer, I’m finding one thing is for certain.  In order to keep my house in order, my blog up to date, complete my list of growth and two little girls in line, a strict routine is a must.  As humans, I think we all thrive on routines, anyway.  Children specifically, however, do not seem to function well with without it.

Before and right after Lilie was born, I was reading anything and everything, baby-related.  I never really babysat much growing up, didn’t interact with babies or small children much and just felt a bit…umm…shall we say….lost??  One thing I know I must have read about, at least a million times, was routine.  Children need and crave it.

Children do better with routines for several reasons.  It gives them a sense of security and peace.  Routines gives them a sense of control in that they know what will come next in the sequence of events.  It teaches them how to manage their time and attention.  Keeping with a routine also teaches a child what is expected of them at certain times, which in turn teaches them to comply with the rules with little to no question.  It also helps build their confidence by knowing what their roles are in the family and being able to fulfill them.

So, today I sat down and made up a weekly schedule for my babysitting time.  I even set up a small area in my garage to use for free-play time, lined my my very own hand-made alphabet.  Its right there close to the back door to the yard so they can run in and out without being fussed at.  In my schedule I made sure to include specific times for eating, free-play, arts and crafts, lessons, story time, nap and clean up.

I’m also working on making out a detailed schedule for spending time on the blog and working on the house.  Maybe I should even make sure to pencil-in my very own reading time  I just started Lowcountry Summer.   Its a sequel to a book I’ve already read by my favorite author, Dorothea Benton Frank.  Her books are full of laughs, a few tears, and passionate multidimensional characters that I can’t help but fall in love with.  I fully suggest you check her out.

Have any ideas for helping me to stay in a good routine?  I’m begging for any suggestions to make things run as smoothly as possible, this summer