lit*chick

not a happy camper

The boys were set to go to camp for the next two weeks. Two boys are at camp as I write. One boy is laying on the couch after spending the last 5 days feeling miserable and the morning at the dr. and lab. We were planning to take him to the dr. anyhow, but this morning we found the bulls eye rash on his back that is tell tale Lyme Disease and then all of his symptoms made sense. So our poor Caleb will be attending Camp Couchalot until further notice. And just like that...a new plan begins.

We are relieved to have a diagnosis. And thankful the rash appeared (it only shows up 60% of the time). Living in Maryland, we are always aware of the possiblity of Lyme. We never found a tick, but we will definitely become more vigilant in the future. He is a trooper, rarely complains and puts himself to bed when he is tired (which seems like all the time now). Antibiotics have begun, and we are hopeful that he will recover and enjoy what remains of summer.

I'll post the results of the great paper purge later this week. I'm going to curl up on the couch with the boy for a snuggle.

The End.

pushing paper

Finally decided to tackle the many piles of paper growing indoors. It's not cute. As a result, I'll be giving away some books and magazines. I should have a list on Monday...it'll be a first come first serve kinda thing.

I am a stacker. My mom is a stacker too. Could it be inherited perhaps?

Because along with the annoying stacking habit, I also have a ripping habit. As in articles, recipes, photos, outfits,etc. from mags before I purge. Why? For the inspo box. The inspo box started out as a lovely system of files broken out into categories. The problem...the files must be maintained. I'm not sure I can break this hoarding habit entirely, so I need a new system. I'm thinking inspo binder. You're thinking stop ripping.

In summary, I'm going to try to stop the stacks, but reorg the rips.

Anyone else addicted to paper?  (not the scrapbook kind, that's a different story altogether)

I know, you'd think with my mad internet skillz I'd rely on the screen for my visuals. But paper is powerful.

The End.

inspo to go

 i love this idea from gigi. check it out. i think i'm going to try, if i can rip apart a book. yeesh.

happy friday!

the end.

i'll own it

after using my it's not a cup cup,  here are a few observations...

• it's awesome
• the silicone lid is a little weird, but after you get used to it, fine
• you don't really need a cozy, it keeps your hands cool and bev warm, did I say need??
• the hubs has taken to calling it my sippy cup (it really is an adult version of a sippy cup, no?)
• my guess is version 2.0 will have designs/colors to choose from

In other news...we had a full day ahead and in the blink of an eye it changes. Caleb is either worn out from basketball camp, fighting a cold, or both. He is not himself at all. So no camp or birthday party tonight. And our schedule is cut in half just like that. I would prefer the lighter load comes by happier circumstances, but a lazy day of summer is in order either way.

This is an opportunity to get some things done. To get some things done around the house OR read. Hmm.

Someone who is himself:

 

 

 

the O. He cannot be stopped. Gloves, glasses, galoshes, viking hat,sword, pockets filled. Check.

Finished the memoir What Remains and novel By Bread Alone. I recommend both.  Different genres but the themes of love and loss run through both. And they were quick & painless. A word of caution: By Bread Alone makes you want to eat a loaf of artisan bread, for real. 

Q: What book have you read that gives you a specific food craving? cookbooks excluded :)

Mine are the Diane Mott Davidson culinary mysteries. Goldy, the heroine/caterer, bakes alot and drinks excessive amounts of espresso with whipped cream. And the included recipes are truly yummy.

The End.

Countdown to the Olympics List

After watching hours upon hours of Olympic trials and preparing for more, I thought I would share my excitement in the form of what else...a list:

 (& a soundtrack)

Some of these titles are out of print, but I bet you can find them in your local library.

Let the Games Begin.

The End.

summer in six

sam adams summer ale

grilled asparagus

The End.

seriously, it takes a village

for me to get my haircut.

Miji made an appointment for me with her girl and had to come with, since I don't speak Korean. Sue dropped out of the sky and volunteered to watch all three cherubs while I did the deed. Her house is THE house where everyone wants to be - you know the one...doors always open, snacks galore, laughter and crafts and pets and craziness.  It's a perfect place for the O, he can't figure out what to make of the controlled chaos. Super. So thanks girls, for keeping me quaffed and pampered.

Pictures forthcoming, I have a wicked case of bedhead.

So I managed to get these at b&n sale - some people thrift, i stack:

1. By Bread Alone by Sarah Kate Lynch
2. What Remains by Carole Radziwell
3. London is the Best City in America by Laura Dave
4. History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Breakfasted with the dc metro girls at Bread & Chocolate in Old Town Alexandia. Then on to Paper Source, where I not only got paper & related products, but one of these:

...trying to figure out if i can decorate it somehow. I definitely want to get a cozy here .

Finished a good book yesterday -

This is a solid summer choice. It's an intricate plot (click on the pic and read the description) but the author's style is easy to follow and the story has an unputdownable quality.

The End.

back to the stacks

Whew! 

I finished The House at Riverton last night.  And sighed contentedly. After a slowish start (on my part) it finished with a bang.  Mysterious, but not as dark as The Thirteenth Tale, with a dash of Gosford Park equals a must add for your summer reading list.

Off to get my much needed haircut and stop by the bookstore. I'm going to try to pick up The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, maybe a Margot Livesay and a Madeleine L'Engle. We'll see how far I stray...

The End.

starting a bookclub for the kiddos

If you are interested in starting a bookclub for the littles, Family Fun magazine has a great article with some creative ideas and book suggestions. Since I can't link to it, I'll paraphrase using my favorite method - the bullet point.

• they recommend starting in 2nd & 3rd grade, but I don't see why you couldn't have a micro in-house version..
• cooking book club, i.e. the book Everything on a Waffle - have a waffle bar with different toppings.
• crafty book club, i.e. a map for The Phantom Tollbooth, or give them Legos to build their favorite characters or scene
• make up a board game, or do it quiz-show style - to change up the discussion and answer questions about the book - we like to get our blank board games here but posterboard works fine too
• field trips - KWB's class read the book Chasing Vermeer  then went to the National Gallery and saw the real deal.

Clearly this involves some work on your part, but after a while the kids can pretty much steer the ship -picking books & activities with minimal guidance.  And if I can plan ahead, it would make for a good rainy day activity seeing as it is storm central lately. My wheels are turning...stand back.

The End.

the winner takes it all...

mindi - you have won the Leif Enger book. email me your addy. and enjoy!

the end.