{In the Library Bag}

Well, there haven't been any "amazing" novels this summer or books that I just couldn't put down, but I did enjoy these books over the last few weeks.  They all came from the wonderful library.

The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to....Daylight:  Managing Your Days Through the Homeschool Years  by Heidi St. John

Cameron brought this one home from the library one night.  Heidi St. John was just what I needed that particular night!  In the first few pages I was crying and then in the next few lines I was cracking up!  If you are a seasoned homeschool mom I would say the organization chapters will be nothing new to you, but the book is so encouraging in general that it will still be worth your time.  She also has a blog that is very encouraging. 

A Little House Traveler:  Writings from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Journey Across America  by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I think I just saw this one displayed at the library one day.  I've always loved the Little House books but I have never read anything else that she wrote.  This is part journal, part letters written to Almanzo while she is traveling to visit Rose in San Francisco, and some writing of Rose's too.  It has been an enjoyable read.  I've enjoyed the letters to Almanzo the most.  Reading her letter about seeing the Pacific Ocean for the first time made me crazy to see the beach again.  I may have even gotten a small lump in my throat.  Just maybe.

     "At Land's End I had my first view of the Pacific Ocean.  To say it is beautiful does not half express it.  It is simply beyond words.  The water is such a deep wonderful blue and the sound of the waves breaking on the beach and their whisper as they flow back is something to dream about.
The salt water tingled my feet and made them feel so good all the rest of the day, and just to think, the same water that bathes the shores of China and Japan came clear across the ocean and bathed my feet.  The ocean is not ugly.  It is beautiful and wonderful."

Exactly!!

Oh, and I thought this was funny...."Then I do want to do a little writing with Rose to get the hang of it a little better so I can write something that perhaps I can sell."

I can't even imagine how many copies of the Little House books have sold.


And finally, The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith

This one I had requested and been waiting on for a while.  It was worth the wait.  I really loved this book!  It was a relaxing, fun and informative read.  I'm not sure if it was more about decorating or more about contentment.  Myquillyn has a great blog where you can see her fun ideas and how she makes a house a home.  Whether it's a tight budget or the fact that the home is a rental, you will find inspiration and encouragement.