We found out today that our third offer on a house this year fell through, so it’s back to square one. It’s disappointing for sure, but I’m glad I have lots of projects to keep me occupied, like finalizing plans to start home schooling in September and backing up years of family pictures on Google Photos.
If you’re looking for some pleasant diversions yourself, like good books or tasty recipes, read on for my July favourites!
Read
The best adult books I read this month were Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs, Unplanned by Abby Johnson, and Columbine by Dave Cullen. (Apparently I’ve become fascinated by memoirs and investigative journalism. Please send me your recommendations!)
I’m currently reading Brown Girl Dreaming, which I’d been meaning to read for a few years.
Our bedtime readalouds were Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall, and Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher.
Finally, here are six picture books we recommend: Chester’s Way, The Quiltmaker’s Gift, The Sign Painter’s Dream, Snip Snap! What’s That?, King Jack and the Dragon, and Brave Young Knight.
Eat
This month I made quick pickled radishes for the first time, found a recipe for a very simple teriyaki sauce that pairs perfectly with meatballs, and barbecued delicious chicken thighs by following these instructions.
Do
No big events this month, but we had some nice visits with church friends. I even got out of them to cut off half my hair! (Didn’t she do a great job?)
Watch
We haven’t been watching much this summer but did take an evening off to watch Maudie, the story of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. (I also watched a few episodes of Escape to the Chateau: DIY and Dragon’s Den via CBC Gem.)
Meditate
“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'”
– John 6:66-69
Was “Columbine” sad/disturbing or a more analytical approach? I have a morbid fascination with that kind of thing, but I’m afraid it would keep me up at night!
I loved reading it and found it much less horrifying than a WWII novel I read recently (which doesn’t seem right!). One aspect that I find fascinating is how the tragedy was reported and if/how the actual facts were made public.