The Blog
Truth found in unexpected places
39 Books & Series to Read if You Love Letters (and Other Correspondence)
It seems like every new movie released these days is a sequel, a superhero story, or based on a book. Sometimes that irritates me, because surely there must be creators and artists out there coming up with original stories. Right? Somewhere? But other times -- when...
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Rules for Reading and Other Ways I’m a Hypocrite
Have you seen those shirts that say, "I love Jesus, but I cuss a little"? I don't have one, but I may understand that sentiment, a little. A while back I posted my own version on Facebook: "I'm a feminist, but sometimes I really like country music." And who hasn't...
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23 Colorful Books about Crayons, Paint, and Other School Supplies
Every once in a while, a trip to the library results in a happy accident. Like when I don’t realize that book I reserved months ago is finally available and waiting for me, but then I check the reserved books shelf and BAM! There it is!? I love it when that happens. I...
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In Praise of Pop Culture That’s Purely for Fun
Lately, I've been thinking about the difference between "best" and "favorite." They're similar but definitely not the same. Asking someone about their favorite book is way different than asking her to name the best book. And a list of the “best” TV shows for kids...
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The 2018 Summer Watch Challenge
It’s a Summer Watch Challenge! Between now and Labor Day, we’re going to watch some great shows in six categories. It’ll be fun! (And one participant will win six months of free Netflix!)
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The Day I Found Hope in a Field After Dark
As we shuffled through a field, arms full and starting to ache a bit, I had to chuckle. Clearly we have not gone to enough outdoor events as a family! I watched more seasoned event-goers stroll by with coolers on wheels and lightweight wagons pulling more than our...
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It Isn’t In My Blood – or Is It?
My oldest is ten years old, officially a “tween,” as she’s informed me. I suppose this means a lot of things, but one of the most fun is that as her mom, I have a legitimate reason to listen to pop music. Unironically. Because that’s what she likes, so that’s what we...
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Does a Bad Ending Ruin a Great Season?
If there's one question that will start a firestorm of opinion and emotion, it is... What's the worst TV show finale you've ever seen? One of my good friends will take every opportunity to express her great disgust for the ending of White Collar. And despite the four...
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Down the Rabbit Hole: A List of Movies on Netflix Right Now
Earlier today I opened an article about an upcoming biopic about Freddie Mercury. I didn't have time to watch the trailer, so I saved it for this evening after I put the kids to bed. After a noisy bedtime full of shouting and crying, I happily escaped to my chair, my...
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The Problem with P.T. Barnum’s Promise
In THE GREATEST SHOWMAN P.T. Barnum promises happiness if only people will take risks with him and follow his dreams. But if you love your life, you don’t have to let others decide what is fully living, what is adventurous or beautiful or valuable, what is enough. You get to choose that for yourself.
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Summer 2018 Movie Preview: What to See & What to Skip
Between the lingering winter and the early movie releases (hello, Avengers!), we really are skipping right over spring and jumping into the summer movie season this year. Since the movie theater is my preferred location for a date night with my husband or a girls...
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What to Read While You Wait for Ally Carter’s Next Book
When I think back on my early reading experience, I can see that my tastes were clear even back then. I loved mysteries, and I especially loved series of mysteries. I also liked stories about teenaged girls, and while you'd think this would be the one that would've...
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