Wowzers, the response to last week’s what’s on my mind? blog post was so amazing — I *really* appreciate all of you who commented. I told my friend Cindy yesterday that some times it’s hard to pull back from being the gal behind Gussy Sews and just be Maggie because so much of my free time is spent working on Gussy, but I think these random/what-I’m-thinking-about posts are a really good exercise for helping me write more personal blog posts… So, here I go :]
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One of my favorite things to do for fun is read a book. It’s also something I rarely make time for, sadly. Zack’s family was here over the weekend ~ visiting us from Michigan ~ and so we spent a lot of time shopping and tourist-ing Minneapolis {I just made that word up, k?}. One of the shops we visited was a book store called Magers & Quinn, in Uptown. Thanks to this store I now want to read The Glass Castle, The Story of Beautiful Girl and The Wilder Life. Psssst. I also have Water for Elephants on my “must read” list.
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Related to the above topic — I’ve been reading Julie & Julia for months now {rolls eyes} and just last week I started over… I’m now re-reading it from the beginning. Letting an entire week pass before I pick up the book I’m reading, and even then only reading 1-2 pages before I fall asleep makes it’s pretty hard to follow along. So I’ve started it over and it was clearly a good decision :]
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As I type this post I hear the following sounds: the refrigerator humming, Bauer letting out a deep breath, the keyboard clicking as I type. Oh, and Zack talking to himself as he plays a game on the computer. *wink*
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Have you seen the movie The Tourist? We watched it over the weekend and it was sooooooo super good. Johnny Depp. Angelina Jolie. Action + romance. So good.
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Today I have plans to set some serious goals for my business. I met with this lovely lady over the weekend for coffee and was challenged to make a list of some dreams/goals/people I want to meet. So, I’m on it! And I’m excited!! I know I talk a lot about setting goals and making to-do lists, and maybe you’re thinking that I’m not achieving some of these goals because I’m constantly saying I’m going to make them? Want to know the truth? I am! I totally am! It’s important to *always* be working on your goals & dreams, no matter what size or level of difficulty they are. Some times your goals [or needs] will change each month, other times you’ll be checking them off quickly. Goals motivate me, so I like to talk about them often :]
♥ I’ve spoken on what’s on my mind, what’s on yours?
The Glass Castle is so good! When you’re done with it, you’ll want to read her other book, Half Broke Horses.
The Glass Castle and Water for Elephants are MUST reads, for sure! Glad that you had a lovely weekend! :)
I’m reading Water for Elephants now! It’s great! I love walking into a book store and coming out with a) a pile of new books or b) a list of a pile of new books I want to read! ;)
{http://mom2memphisandruby.blogspot.com/}
Just wanted to say thanks for posting that roll up crayon tutorial. During baptism on Sunday when my toddler wouldn’t sit still or be quiet I pulled the one I had made the day before out of my purse and it kept her busy and quiet for over an hour! Keep up the good work!
I read Water For Elephants awhile ago. It’s really good! I can’t wait for the movie!! My goal today is to make some new pillows for the shop, workout, and plant some seeds in the garden. Hopefully, I get to it . If not I’ll try not to beat myself up! I’ve learned the hard way to not make a huge list because it just makes me upset when I don’t get it all done. Thanks for the great post! I love to peak into your world! Happy week!
I do the same thing when I read a book and feel like i need to start over :) And, I missed that other post of yours. Gonna have to go back and read! Have a great week!
xoxo
I, too, need to read more … I end up reading blogs and not actual books! I have several on my nightstand and it’s time to devour them. :) I like your more personal posts … but, I love hearing about your business, too! Hope you had a very happy Easter!
Like everyone else said, Water for Elephants is very good. I haven’t read Julie & Julie, but I have read My Life in France by Julia Child, and was SO ready to move to Paris and take cooking classes. Yes, please! I’m currently reading Cutting for Stone and don’t want to put it down (unfortunately, my thesis is not so forgiving with my time!).
Have a happy Monday, Gussy!
Have you heard of the website called GoodReads? It lets you keep track of books you read, connect with friends that like reading, and get recommendations for new book… it’s awesome!
ohhhhhhhh… thanks :]
i need to be on your list to meet!!!!!!!!! xoxo love!
duh! ;D
are you going to BlogSugar in September??? I’m speaking. You must go: http://www.blogsugar11.com :]
Loved Water For Elephants!! I just finished it! I’m starting a new trend of reading books that are going to be turned into movies! ;) Next on my list is “Something Borrowed” ……
Hello, I am not much of a reader so I don’t have much to say about that but I did want to leave a quick comment to thank you. I have recently started a blog… like you did a few years ago, I recently started to teach myself to sew and when I say recently I mean I started about a month ago ; – ) I have big dreams and hope but they seam a little unrealistic at this point. I recently saw you featured on a number of blogs and I can over here to check things out. What an inspiration! You have some really great concrete ideas and steps to success. And you present in a “real”, gal next door, kinda way which I LOVE! I wanted to thank you for inspiring me…. Keep up the awesome work!!!! Maybe one day I will have the opportunity to meet you in person :-)
one of my favorite quotes: “inspiration is all around you” ♥
Let me see…what’s on my mind?
Well I LOVE my new PURPLE toe polish!
I LOVE LOVE LOVEd our day at THE BEACH…in the SUN…with a picnic this weekend.
Doogan got to go hiking yesterday.
I am LOVING learning to SEW~
While I was getting my toes painted PURPLE on Friday I was reading Bending the Rules SEWING and thinking of YOU~
I heart you sweet Maggie!
And I LOVE it when you share your world!
SNUGGLES to Bauer.
xo
my toes are painted purple, too!!! with peach hearts painted on my big toes. hehehe.
i’m sitting in the sunshine as i type this — in our backyard — Bauer is playing in the grass. THIS is the life! :]
I’m always setting goals and rarely achieving them. I start a new job next week though that will take up a little less time, and I’m going to have child care for the same amount of time, so I’m hoping that will give me the time and motivation to get going on those goals.
And I second the recommendation for GoodReads.
I loved Water for Elephants! I also love reading but seem to have the hardest time fitting reading into my day. It makes me sad. I would love to be able to read for hours every day!
i feel the same way…
i think if we schedule it in like we do eating or a shower then it’ll happen. right? :] consider it your quiet time for the day. try giving yourself 30 minutes before bedtime {that’s my plan!!!} xoxo
The Glass Castle was so good, I also recommend using GoodReads. It is the best way I have found for this librarian to keep track of all of the books a read throughout the year.
I have found that having a time usually in the evenings when I read seems to work the best, plus just having some all day reading sessions on the weekends doesn’t hurt either.
Hi Gussy! I am a fairly new reader/follower/loving everything you have made, girl from Kansas! I haven’t left comment for you yet…I don’t think?! :) I just want to say, that you have inspired me to not only learn to sew and design (something I have wanted to do for awhile, but lacked guts), but to do better with goal setting.
One adventure that I have put myself out there for, is a contest to have a chance to be an online editor for a children’s store. For the contest, you had to post a video of yourself telling them how being a Mom has prepared you for the job. I am being honest in telling you that reading your blog for the last month or so, has encouraged me to “go for it” in things I have been wanting to do in life, but maybe seemed a little too out of my box. So, thank you!
I am a kindergarten teacher turned SAHM (had my daughter almost a year ago who was 9 weeks early…my sweet litte 3lb preemie) with aspirations of a Crafty Wannabe and Cookie Maker Novice. I also love to read blogs, write my own, and be inspired!
God is Good! I am so thankful for all He has giving me and lead me to. Praying that God does mighty things through your business and platform.
If you feel led, I would love your vote on my video. https://apps.facebook.com/involver_krohuevx/feature/1572247/content/227726249
Thank you!
What’s on my mind? I’m still overwhelmed by the Good Friday and Easter services at my church. I even blogged about the Good Friday one because I was so broken by the weight of my sin that sent Jesus to the cross. Then the celebration on Sunday – so joyful, so hopeful – wow!
“The Glass Castle” is wonderful. It’s painful to read – so, so painful – but it’s beautifully, wonderfully written. I just bought “The Red Tent” & am really looking forward to reading a book that’s been so highly recommended by so many people I trust! And I tried to watch “The Tourist” recently but couldn’t get through it. I hated it! Perhaps I should give it another try?
Glass Castle is such a good, but frustrating book to read! I must say I find it so fun that i’ve had the same issue with julie and julia AND we have the same awesome taste in shoes. :) have a great day!!
I am so glad you wrote this post. I am trying to get a blog started and I keep thinking that no one will want to read about my boring life as a sahm. this post makes it ok and lets me know that people dont just want crafts they like the other stuff too.
thank you
james
oooh man. i hear Water for Elephants is suuuuper sexy!! lol!!
Funny – I also have to start books over sometimes like that. :)
I’m loving your more personal posts! but I love reading all of your posts :)
I tagged you for the Versatile Blogger award! Thanks for being such a blogging inspiration for a newbie like me. You’re awesome!
http://loveoriginallyme.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-who-me.html
Definitely sign up for Goodreads.com as suggested already. And The Glass Castle is one of my all time favorite books. Start it soon!
“Julie & Julia” is a great read – I hope you can stay awake long enough to finish it :) If you need another good book, I loved “The Help” and the Pioneer Woman’s book “High Heels to Tractor Wheels.” And guess what – I just bought my Blog Sugar ticket and get to meet you in September!! Holla!
sounds like we have the same taste in books; water for elephants and julie and julia are on my must read list. book twins!!