A Bold Reader: Week 17.

I finished three books this past week! I read Felicity by Mary Oliver, a lovely book of poems. I'll definitely read more of her work. I also finished two books in a series focusing on Disney villains and how they became villains. I read both on my phone--Fairest of All (about the evil queen in Snow White) and The Beast Within (about the man before Belle). The second was better than the first. E-books are easy right now because Oliver loves to tear up books.

I'm adding Poor Unfortunate Soul as my current E-book and young adult pick. It's about Ursula, which I think will be fascinating. I replaced Felicity with On Beauty, poems by Jane Hirschfield. I've read so much poetry this year! Ten books so far! Poetry adds richness to daily life; I remember that from all the poetry I read in my MFA program.

I'm knee-deep in Psalms. Hope and fear alternate.

I've surpassed the total number of books I read last year. I need to read about 55 books a year to reach my goal of 1,000 total books by my 40th birthday. I hope I won't be cramming slim poetry volumes on the final night!

I Thank Myself.

I think that just as we tend to forget to thank the people who have helped us, we forget to thank ourselves.

I thank myself for

• Starting a journal in earnest when I was 15
• Writing poems and stories
• Marrying Josh
• Having Oliver
• Nursing Oliver for 13 months
• Applying to Queens University's MFA program
• Asking Alan Michael Parker to be my thesis advisor
• Forgiving as much as I can
• Forgiving myself as much as I can
• Learning to type (Mavis Beacon!)
• Working hard in school
• Making friends with Melissa
• Asking Bruce to carpool to work
• Watching so many movies
• Collecting pens and journals, so I always have a selection on hand
• Opening my heart--every time I've done it
• Going to therapy
• Going to a psychiatrist
• Setting up everything Oliver needs
• Being brave

What's in My Purse.

I have a beautiful blue, white, and silver purse with art inspired by the live-action Cinderella. I love its pink lining. It's incredibly roomy, so it doubles as a bag for Oliver. Here's what's inside:

• Oliver's jeans, T-shirt, underwear, and Pull-Ups
• My cream and green wallet with a pattern of keys (and a silver and purple key from a wallet Mom gave me many years ago--Josh moves the charm whenever I get a new wallet)
• My albuterol inhaler
• Red lip stain--the brand name has worn off
• A sample of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey
• Liplicious Mint Glass gloss from Bath and Body Works
• Water bottle
• Tiny flashlight
• Vaseline Intensive Care hand cream
• A Mary Engelbreit notepad for lists
• Halls cough drops
• Icebreakers sugar-free cinnamon mints
• Revlon Photoready translucent powder
• Navy hair tie
• Fresh Sugar mini Rose lip treatment
• Tiny Lollia hand cream in Wish
• Pacifica roll-on perfume in French Lilac

32 Things.

In the musical On Your Feet, a young Gloria Estefan speaks to her mother, who says, "You're 19; you know 19 things. I'm 48, so I know 48 things." I wonder if I know 32 things. I just had to confirm my age, so maybe not. What have I learned?

1. Reading expands and sharpens the mind.
2. Writing can heal.
3. God is real and attentive.
4. Faith is enough.
5. Jesus is redemption.
6. God loves everyone.
7. Mental illness is real.
8. I'm not as smart as I thought I was.
9. I was a good teacher.
10. Autism is an astounding struggle.
11. Occupational therapy can be highly effective.
12. Almost everyone could probably use some therapy.
13. To-do and goal lists are essential.
14. Avocado and asparagus are strangely delicious.
15. Education is worth it.
16. I have a few people who will pick me up no matter what.
17. Stepparents can be awesome.
18. Books make a home.
19. Josh and I were meant to be together--but that doesn't mean we can't screw it up.
20. No one can defeat mental illness by willpower alone.
21. Parenting is really hard--with moments that glimmer.
22. Comedy is vital to sanity.
23. Sharing comedy is a great joy.
24. I'm going to meet my reading goal this year!
25. Musicals can shine up the soul.
26. Journaling is more than worth the effort.
27. Movies can open the mind and reinforce relationships.
28. My mom would defend me fiercely. 
29. Everyone needs expression through some form of art.
30. People need various arts in their daily lives--music in the car, a book of paintings after dinner, a novel before bed...
31. Poetry is a soul language.
32. Love should be the focus. 

Restoration: Week 16.

I finished two books last week, so the restoration of my reading continues. Bruce and I finished another book together, something that has always restored and built up our friendship.

Bruce also took me to see I Feel Pretty. It was funny and sweet; we both really liked it. Going to the theater now and then restores my love of movies.

I'm still listening to The Greatest Showman in the mornings. It helps to restore my serenity and somehow, my energy too. Sometimes, Oliver will dance with me to "This Is Me."

Oliver allowed me to hug and kiss him in a burst a couple of days ago. Showing affection for others can be so restorative.

I began a YA fantasy novel. Reading fantasy restores my joy and wonder.

I know that my mind and heart need further restoration. I try to work on that each day, even in little ways like reading a few extra poems, putting on blush, or kissing my husband. I'll be working on this all year.

A Bold Reader: Week 16.

I finished two books this past week! Dress Shop of Dreams was sweet and fun--light with a ribbon-tied ending. I enjoyed the magic realism. I need to read more MR. 10th of December was for my tiny book club (Bruce and me). This one was my pick because I loved one of George Saunders's stories in Best American Short Stories. He's amazing at blowing open all the quirks and absurdities of a character's mind.

I'm behind on my Bible. I'll make a good habit eventually! It is important to me.

I've still been reading poetry in the tub. Felicity is my second Mary Oliver book (the first was Dream Works), and I think she's becoming one of my favorite poets. I couldn't find any more cheap copies of her books. I'll have to wait and request them for my birthday (which isn't so very far away). But I'll ask Josh to check his college's library.

I've started a YA ebook, Fairest of All, which is about the queen from Snow White. I can always use more fairy tales. And they are not so hard to find.

Skills I Wish I Had.

• Giving myself a good manicure. I make such a mess.
• Cooking in general.
• Swimming like a pro.
• Connecting to kids with autism.
• Disciplining kids with autism appropriately.
• Singing well in various styles.
• Tap dancing.
• Making my own clothes.
• Playing the piano.
• Reading more quickly but still deeply.
• Maintaining good connections with people.
• Applying makeup like a pro.
• Spotting lies easily.
• Playing basketball (for Josh's sake).
• Writing a novel.
• Dyeing my hair by myself.
• Sewing doll clothes.
• Having better time management.
• Gardening.
• Knowing the names of trees and flowers.
• Drawing.
• Making paper dolls.
• Baking. Blondies!
• Staying fit.
• Making others feel special.