What I'm Into - June 2015

June swept in with little fanfare.  One day it was the 31st of May and the next, kids were finishing school.

Summer thus far, has been gentle in her approach.  We've had warmer days which is a bit unusual for Oregon but it has brought our berry season on in full force.

Thanks to their dad, the kids have already enjoyed the drive in, Jurassic World, an overnight beach trip and lots of swimming adventures.

Here we have the zoo, some library visits and admittedly, down time.  I need to remember that it's OK to be still once in awhile.  In fact, it's necessary and after the intense spring of travel, loss and general upheaval, I'm trying to give myself grace in this. 

Much of our time so far has been cookie baking and eating, sharing memories, funny stories or playing a rousing game of Poptropica.  We are going to take our town's trolley that follows the river and plan to enjoy some lake time at our community swimming spot. My biggest hurdle will be convincing the kids that outside time is a good thing.  

This summer I am in a book contest.  At the end of the season, a winner is chosen and the prize?  A trip to Sylvia Hotel in Nye Beach, where every room is themed after a book character.  You see how I. must. win.

With that in mind, here are my latest reads and I have to say, they were so good I power read through the night...

Books:

Amazing memoir by Andie Mitchell, detailing her life struggles with weight and acceptance.  Beautifully written in a way that makes you consider how we think about food and our personal relationship with it.

Leave it Lisa to provide another juicy 'who dun it' book.  I had my suspicions but I was still caught off guard by the twists and turns.

Kimberly's latest release rocks.  If you haven't read her first book, Reconstructing Amelia, it's incredible.  She doesn't disappoint in her second book, in fact I was riveted.  I love Kimberly's writing and once again, there are plenty of unexpected developments.  I will give a trigger warning however.  The premise of the book is based on the loss of an infant.

I'm right in the middle of this book and I'm loving it.  Anita is well known for her book years ago called, "The Red Tent" so I was really excited to see her latest release.  I especially love it because it's about a grandmother who shares her life story with her granddaughter. It's brilliant, heartbreaking and endearing all at the same time.

Movies:

I really didn't want to watch this but one evening Lucky queued it up and I'm really glad he did.  My grandma had one of Margaret Keane's prints in her home for years and I was always disturbed by the eyes.  I learned so much about this artist and actress Amy Adams is a favorite of mine.

Cake starring Jennifer Aniston has been another impressive film.  Jennifer plays a woman suffering with chronic pain and as a result, addiction.  I'm not gonna lie, this movie was seriously sad but beautifully portrayed.

Let's move on...Music

Mat Kearney is playing on repeat right now.  That's all I can say.   

Food

Because of the abundance of fresh berries right now, my go to breakfast has been oatmeal sprinkled with a big handful of mixed berries.  The heat of the oatmeal warms the berries so it's kinda like eating berry crisp for breakfast.  Nothing wrong with that.

June is quickly filling however with writing, submitting and taking some classes.  All positive attempts at growth.  I'm grateful my wee ones are out of school and often I will find myself just sitting next to them in order to drink up their presence. Yes, it bugs them.  It's a relief the hectic school schedule has ceased for now.

Any book or movie recs?  Send em my way!