Well, one thing I am for sure into is this “what I am into” link up. So fun, and based on the comments I recieved last time, y’all like it too. After my self imposed internet vacation I am finding the internet totally overwhelming. So, this link up serves as a perfect way to wade back in.

Books

I asked for everyone’s suggestions and then did not read a single one! But I still have every intention of doing so. I kept trucking away at the digital library loans and found some good finds that way. And can we just talk for a second about how I can check out library books from my bed. From my bed, I can check out library books. My life is so good.

The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith- This was a No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book and I found it lovely and refreshing. I will definitely dip back into this well for some light reading.

You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap) by Tammy Strobel– I didn’t love the book, but I like the idea. I am interested in the idea of less stuff leading to a more fulfilling life. I can’t help but think there is a better written book with the same concepts.

2nd Chance by James Patterson- I gave the series a second chance and the series got better. I like the lead character, and the twisty ending didn’t flip me around so many times I hurled this time, so I put a hold on book three. Supposedly, someone major is going to die. It better not be my favorite.

Prototype by Jonathan Martin- I loved this book, which is unsuprising. I am not the only one. It went on sale for 3 dollars, which is why I snagged it. But, I would for sure buy it full price. He doesn’t say anything new about God, or Jesus, or heaven and he admits as much. This is the beauty of it. He weaves together the truths I already knew in my soul in a way my brain can understand.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach- I liked it. It was a little ridiculous and fun and just a touch heart-breaking.

To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell- This was the beach read I was looking for. I like over the top characters. I like slightly ridiculous plots. I like deliriously happy endings. Who cares that it isn’t feasible, it is fun!

STUFF

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream in Pinky Nude- I saw it on Antonia’s what I am into June and I love it. It looks great and feels really good. So good I only took that some mascara and some mineral foundation (I am a BIG fan of pur) with me on vacation. Nude pink lip cream, seriously well spent six dollars. It is amazing.

Ulta’s 3-in-1 beauty smoothie in Coconut Lime Cooler– I have been totally jealous of my husband’s head to toe body wash, but I don’t want to smell like a dude. This stuff is perfect. It leaves my skin silky and it is so delicious I almost break my own “no licking” rule. Almost. Also, it was on clearance so I got what is likely a two years supply for six dollars.

FOOD AND DRINK

Girls scout cookie flavored coffee creamer– If you put a Girl Scout logo on something, the chance that I will buy it quadruples. Also, I love flavored coffee creamers. So when I saw both Thin mint and Caramel delight creamer in the dairy case, I simply could not choose. They are divine, and I only hope they come out with a shortbread one.

Haribo cola gummies- Cola flavored gummies, Abby, that is gross. But then I still wanted more, and lately I have been stress eating whole bags in two days. I should probably cut myself off, but it isn’t likely. They are only a dollar a bag!

Cheese plates– Christian took a summer class; his colleagues liked to grab a beer after class occassionally. This meant I didn’t get to go. So, I invited everyone over to my house for BYOB happy hour and put together a cheese plate. I bought gorgonzola and blue once, too much, and I have to remember to get a sweet chees and a hard cheese. But, I am getting better at the balance and all mistakes are delicious because it is cheese.

Fromage Fort- After you serve the cheese plate and you have random bits and pieces left, don’t throw them out! Make the most amazing invention ever. Mary Beth Pavlick told me about it and sent me to Smitten Kitchen. You just dump your cheese bits, some white wine, a little garlic, and some salt and pepper into your food prosscesor. Then you can die of delicious happiness.

Lamb steaks– I had no idea how much I loved lamb. I was intimidated by it and never cooked it. Fancy people eat lamb and I am not fancy. But then I saw that it was the same price as pork chops, so I googled it. Lemon, olive oil, garlic and sea salt make for an incredible grilling experience. Come over. I will cook us lamb, like I am fancy but I am not.

BLOGS

Esther Emery- If you aren’t reading Esther’s blog you are doing the internet wrong. She is a genius, a prophet, a poet. She lives in a yurt in Idaho with her family and changes my heart one blog post at a time.

Psalms Journey– You want to see people get real about wrestling with the Bible, then this is your link up. Stephanie from Every Day Awe hosts a refelction of a psalm every Tuesday. I don’t agree with everything that everyone says all the time, but I respect their honesty as they walk it out with God. The Psalms are beautiful, but also confusing and the whole thing is embraced here.

The Fix that Won’t- If you missed it, I ran a series on teaching and how the new laws are jacking with my job in some very disconcerting ways. Check it out here.

REJECTION

Yeah, I didn’t really want to be into rejection either, but I have been this summer and especially in July. What else do you do with a completed manuscript then try to get someone to want to publish it? Hasn’t happened quite yet. And, while I am currently running a pay-what-you-can sale until August 15, I haven’t booked many speaking gigs. A few submissions to magazines got passed over. I have taken some crazy shots in the dark. This part is hard. I am learning about worth and value regardless of what other people think. I am learning to do it anyway, even when it is for sure crazy. One day, hopefully, I will have big news and when I do, y’all will be the first to know.

REST

The girls and I spent the last week in July at my grandparent’s cottage with my parents, sister, nieces, and an array of my cousins and their kids. Every day we woke up and my kids asked if we could go to the beach and I said yes. Then we played in the water until the kids were so tired they asked to go for a boat ride because they knew it would make them fall asleep. Or Rilla would pass out right in the sand or on Gram’s lap. Someone brought the sandwich stuff down for lunch. I am currently plotting how to spend ALL of July there next year.

During this time I took an internet break. Being at home all summer made me pretty wrapped up in the going on’s of twitter. Turns out, the world moves forward even if I don’t tweet about breakfast. Part of me wants to chuck it all together, but I know instead I should strike a balance, but I need to rest from it more often.

And that is what I was into this July. August is shaping up to be an exciting month. I start my story 201 class! There is a story sessions virtual retreat! Leigh Kramer is coming to visit me! And school starts. I am trying to put an exclamation on that one…..maybe by the end of the month.