A Saturday At The Library

While we were out shopping in the city last Saturday, I asked if we could swing by the library before heading home. My Mom and I went in while everyone else decided to go get some food and make some stops of their own. This turn of events meant that we had as much time as we wanted.

The little bookshop where they sell used books for a song and a dance was open, so that was our first stop. I found a little book of short stories by Herman Melville right away. As we continued looking through the shelves, a lady came with another cart and left it by the entrance. I wandered over and almost immediately my eyes fixed on "Fitzgerald". I turned to make sure that these books were allowed to be sold and then snatched it right off the cart without a second thought. My Mom settled on a copy of "My Antonia" because we keep hearing about Willa Cather, but neither of us has read any of her books. 

With our new treasures in tow, we headed into the actual library. I went in with a list of books on my phone. My Mom sat right down at the computer to look for whatever books she had in mind. After browsing my way through the shelves and coming up with NOTHING (all the books on my list were checked out), I went back over to have her work her magic with the computer JUST IN CASE something was not shelved yet.

When we both realized that none of the books we had hoped to check out were available, we started browsing together. I pointed out books for her, she found random books that looked interesting, and then I was reminded of a the next book in a series that I had been saving for later. She went to look for something and came back with the newest book in another series that I got hooked on this spring.

We walked out with a stack of books. When we got into the van, we looked through the loot and one of the books in the pile was one I never noticed as we were checking out. I said, "This one looks REALLY good!" And she smiled and said, "I'm going to read it, but I got it for you."

I love my Mother! And I absolutely adore slow Saturdays at the library with all the time we need to weave our way through the shelves looking for the perfect stack of books.

What's your library strategy?

What's your go-to genre? 

Once Upon a Saturday

Another weekend is over and with it another holiday has come and gone...I get the horrible daughter of the year award! I made sure to be there to spend the holiday with my Mom but that is all I had for her this year.

Saturday marked the first official cook out of the season. It was HOT and perfect.

Sunday was (of course) Mother's Day. There was face timing, chalk drawing, a dinner with friends, and "Lincoln" watching. My Mom is an AMAZING woman and yet honoring her on the holiday marked for it was PATHETIC. She's reading this shaking her head I'm sure...I love you and you know it, Mom, even when I STINK at helping you know it!

*****


LAST weekend, my brother and sister asked me to put together an obstacle course for them. I looked around for things to set up and hours worth of fun was born...The time JUNK came in handy, or something like that!

They ran, jumped, crab walked, crawled, balanced on a barrel, carried water, dribbled, and jump roped....OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. The scores got faster and slower. "Hey, Mom, watch this!!!!" was shouted. Videos were made, pictures were taken, and I hope another fun memory was added to the banks. 

Every now and then a quiet Saturday at home turns into something a little less quiet. I love those days!!!

*******

Uno mas, Meh-Mah.....I LOVE you and I'm GLAD you're my Mom and my best friend! There may not be any grandbabies, but there are still plenty of good times. :) 

OPEN

A few nights ago I was sitting on the couch and just had the urge to get up to do some clutter busting. After things were put away, I ended up vacuuming, getting rid of the dust, and cleaning the glass table. 
That burst of energy and motivation came out of absolutely nowhere. 
Yesterday, I got a call from my friend Amber. She and her husband were planning on taking a trip this weekend and were hoping to stop by to see me. She was calling to ask if they could stay the night. 
Of course, I said they could. This meant I had some serious work to do. Thankfully, the "worst" of it was behind me since I had just cleaned the area they would be staying in the night before.
Yesterday I pulled out my recipe book and set out to make chicken burritos for dinner (repurposing the left over "chicken tortilla soup" I had made the night before) along with blueberry muffins and a sausage egg casserole for breakfast today. 
It turns out, they got on the road way later than they had hoped and they didn't get here until nearly 11 last night. 
None of that really matters....What matters is, I love it when spontaneous things happen and WORK OUT in spite of the total lack of planning. 
Even though I had no idea they would be coming, I got a head start on preparing for their visit. Then, because of their delays, I was given LOTS of extra time to get everything ready.
They are gone now...The house is quiet, I'm sitting down to read and eat a leftover chicken burrito. 
One word is on my mind, THANKFUL.
Today I am thankful for friends, being able to sit and visit in person, roads that make traveling possible, a place to offer to people who "need" it, and the bond that we have in Christ. 
If we weren't Christians, I don't know how I would have met Amber. If we weren't Christians, I don't know what we would have in common. Because of Christ, Amber and I met and became fast friends. Because of Christ, Amber and I have maintained that friendship even though we rarely get to see each other and sometimes go MONTHS without even being able to catch up on the phone. 
Maybe you have a friend you need to visit...Maybe you have a room to pick up just because...Maybe you have a book to read and left overs to eat. 
Amber won't read this, but I'm thankful for the opportunity she gave me to SEE her and host GUESTS all at the same time. 
Saturday mornings spent quietly visiting with my Mom and waiting for the house to wake up while I putter around getting a buffet ready are some of my favorite days. 
You may or may not have much to offer, but open up and let people in. You'll be glad you did!