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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / {remembering memories :: reading}

{remembering memories :: reading}

March 27, 2012 · 68 Comments
Filed Under: family, remembering memories

when i think about my family, one memory that comes to mind is how we all love to read.

my dad, my mom, my brother, me.

we have our favorite “type” — novels, magazines, comics, instruction manuals (hah!). we have our favorite reading spot — in the family room, on the deck at the cottage, in the bathroom {wink!}, tucked into bed at night. we love to read and learn and daydream and laugh, to enjoy the time passing slowly and simply relax with printed words nestled between our hands.

when i think about reading i almost always think about my family and how we share this hobby. over the weekend i spent a lot of time reading, so naturally i thought of them.

it was gorgeous here in minneapolis… the sun was hot, the breeze was cool. bauer and i took full advantage of the quiet time: he napped in the shade and i read in the sun. with zack gone to ohio i knew i wanted to enjoy a hobby-filled weekend, too.

i thought about reading a book by angela thomas but i passed… then i remembered another book i recently borrowed from the library, safe haven by nicholas sparks. mom, if you’re reading this i know this isn’t a surprise ;D

yes, that would be the book i would read ~ the book i’d spend most of the weekend reading.

as the sun warmed my back saturday afternoon i turned page after page, and memories of reading at our family cottage filled my heart.

i love reading and am looking forward to spending more time this year doing just that.

SHARE WITH US: do you love to read? did you grow up with your nose stuck in a book or was reading more of a punishment for you? if you love to read, who’s your favorite author? tell me below…
xoxo

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68 Comments
Filed Under: family, remembering memories

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Comments

  1. Emily says

    March 27, 2012 at 6:12 am

    YES!
    I’ve been a reader since I could turn the pages and sound out the vowels.

    I loved the classics in highschool (charlotte bronte, jane austen, charles dickens)
    but since I run my own business now its more about grabbing a minute here, a minute there….so I love
    books that have been recommended as a good read…
    like Hunger Games :)

    Reply
  2. Laura P says

    March 27, 2012 at 6:46 am

    I have been a book worm for as long as I can remember. I also was/am a quick reader so books never seem to last very long with me. :) Each time my parents would give us our allowances I would ask to go to the book store. Back then I was all about Sweet Valley High/Twins and Babysitters Club. Ahhh memories.

    My current {fiction} authors of choice: Neta Jackson {Yada Yada Prayer Group series}, Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, Charlaine Harris {Sookie Stackhouse series}, and Karen Kingsbury. Non-fiction wise I am loving Holley Gerth’s book “You’re Already Amazing”, and pretty much anything by Beth Moore.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      Jodi Picoult is another favorite of mine :) And The Baby Sitters Club, TOTALLY my favorite as a tween! xoxo

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:00 am

    I love to read! I like Nicholas Sparks too…I mean, what is there not to like? I have a friend that is in a book club (I should join a book club) and I always ask what they are reading…trying to broaden my horizens. Right now, they are reading “Still Alice” which they are giving rave reveiws so that is next on my list. I have to admit, I’m a sucker for anything that is free or 99 cents on my Kindle. Yes, I made the switch which I thought would be hard as I love how a book feels in my hand but I must say, I now have hundreds of books with me at all times…tucked inside my purse. Knowing that is pure bliss!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      I’m afraid if I had that many books nearby I wouldn’t get anything done… Sounds like a dream ;)

      Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:00 am

    I love, love reading. I grew up reading almost too much [is that even possible??].

    My favorite fiction author is Charles Martin. I’m sure you would love When Crickets Cry.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:46 pm

      perfect — added it to my list at the library!

      Reply
  5. Kat says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:29 am

    I’m totally a reader from birth I think. When I was six, my mom caught me reading an issue of Reader’s Digest cover to cover. My reading choice has improved a bit since then. :) I’m loving Grace for the Good Girl {Emily Freeman}, The Shack {seriously one of the best books I’ve ever read}, and Organized Simplicity {Tsh Oxenreider}. On a totally unrelated note, thank you so much for recommending Bend-the-Rules Sewing! I am loving it :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      you came into this world with a set of mini books, i came into this world with a purse on my shoulder ;)

      Reply
      • Kat says

        March 27, 2012 at 1:58 pm

        Ha! Exactly!

        Reply
  6. Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:30 am

    Yes! I was that very awkward child who had more book friends than real friends. My mom had to kick me outside and MAKE me go play because I would have been happy to read my books everyday after school.

    I always have a book or my kindle with me (you can check books out from the library on a kindle, too!) and I’m usually in the middle of 2-3 books PLUS an audiobook (new obsession!).

    And what do I read? Pretty much anything, although I tend toward Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Spy thrillers, literature (like: Water for Elephants, The Red Tent, etc.) and some non–fiction (history, women’s history/politics) and memoirs.

    So glad you were able to spend the weekend reading!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      I have The Red Tent and my uncle saw it on our bookshelf and started reading it… it was then I realized it’s a little bit… graphic? I haven’t read it yet but I hear it’s good. Hah!

      Reply
  7. Nadir@StitchSense says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:35 am

    I looooooooove to read! Always have, I read TONS when I was in school, I wish I had more time for it now but I get to it as often as I can. Books on CD help a lot when I really want to get into a story but just don’t have the time to sit & read, I can just pop it in the car on my way to work; I rented a few of those from the library too. I really love the classics & political revolution stories. My latest favs that I think are here to stay, are Asian culture. I’m reading a series by Lisa See right now that is amazing! The rituals, history & traditions are just fascinating to me.

    Reply
  8. Sarah B says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Yes, I also came from a family of readers. I love it and I love Nicholas Sparks. There will be a Safe Haven movie…so looking forward to that. It was one of my favorite books of his because it had a little suspense tied in.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:46 pm

      REALLY? oh, i’m excited now! i just finished the book last night and wish there was a sequel to read ;D

      Reply
  9. Kasey M. says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:38 am

    I always had my nose in a book growing up. When the 4th Harry Potter book came out I was on a camping trip and would spend hours sandwiched between two friends (with only one book between us) saying, “Wait, don’t turn the page yet!”

    I’m a slow reader. I take notes in all of my books (for no reason – I just highlight things that resonate with me).

    My mom has picked up the habit of borrowing my books instead of library books. She says she likes to see my notes!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      oh that is the sweetest!

      Reply
  10. stacey [whatever is lovely] says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:41 am

    haha, YES! i had to comment because growing up, my sister and i read and read and read and read. to this day, if i go to that library, they recognize me!! awkward? ha. my dad would take my sister and i every single week to the library, on mondays when my mom had her ladies Bible study. good memories. :)

    my favorite author is hands down, jodi picoult. if you’ve never read any of her books, DO IT! a good one to start with is “nineteen minutes,” my favorite!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      my first Jodi Picoult book was The Pact, did you read that one??? so good! i read a few other books she wrote but haven’t found one that was as good as The Pact.

      Reply
  11. Angie says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:42 am

    I loooove this post!!! When I was growing up, I was a HUGE reader. I mean, I read all. day. long. As I got older, my interest in reading simply grew less and less. Well, I wouldn’t say my interest, but I didn’t think any series’ would really excite me. I was used to children’s stories. It wasn’t until January, actually, that my love for reading completely blossomed into a new passion. Well, for novels anyway – I started reading and loving manga in ’10.

    After I started reading again, so did Jen. So now I’ll read a book, than hand over said book to her, she reads said book and than we dish on EVERYTHING. *wink* I can’t tell you how much fun we have with this!!!

    Reply
  12. Amanda says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:59 am

    I love to read- always have! I’m one of those people who says ‘just one more chapter’ and then the next thing you know it’s 3 am. =) I get caught up in series’ books, all of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich, Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, etc. I love children’sand young adult books (I had big dreams to become an illustrator, hence by BA in studio art and graphic design followed by a Master’s in elementary education). A few random favorites include A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Last Lecture, and Noisy Nora.

    Reply
  13. Shelly W. says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:00 am

    I love to read, too! Anything by Elizabeth Berg–she’s great. I have a weekend home alone myself this weekend, and I plan to do just that–read!

    Reply
  14. Whitney says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:07 am

    I LOVE to read and have for as long as I can remember! Some of my favorite authors are: James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman, Lisa Gardner, Emily Giffin, and so many more!!

    I just finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and am currently reading The Girl Who Played with Fire. Great books! I can’t wait to read the 3rd in the series, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.

    Reply
    • Kasey M. says

      March 27, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      Ok quick question (I’m sure I could google this but I’ll just ask you) is “the girl” in each title the same character in each book? If so I *might* start the series. I say might because the violence in the first one nearly did me in and I’m not sure if I’ll ever sleep again if I read another. But I loved the character!

      Reply
      • Whitney says

        March 27, 2012 at 11:56 pm

        She is the same character in the first two books and I’m assuming she’ll be in the third as well. It took me a while to get through the first book, but I think it’s because I saw the movie so I knew what was going to happen. I have been flying through the second one. They are a bit violent, but they’re great books!!

        Reply
  15. Michelle @LoveMichCollection says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:11 am

    I just LOVE to read! Nicholas Sparks is def one of my favs! I like a good mystery too like John Grisham books. And of course all the Harry Potters and Twilight books! When I was a kid I liked reading VC Andrews books (like Flowers in the Attic), at the time I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the books but I re-read a few and they are a little bizarre! haha but I still like them! If you haven’t read any of the series, give it a try, they are an interesting read!

    Reply
  16. Michelle @LoveMichCollection says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:12 am

    Amanda that happens to me too! I’ll read just a few more pages and it’s 3am! :)

    Reply
  17. Peggy says

    March 27, 2012 at 8:31 am

    As a young child reading was very difficult for me, in fact I almost had to repeat 2nd grade due to poor reading skills but then something happened. Exactly 1 month prior to the end of the school year we moved, across an ocean to a small town in Louisiana. My teacher was truly appalled at my reading skills and informed my parents I was as far behind as her worst readers were at the beginning of the year…. but she would work with me. And she did. In fact so much so that in that months time I caught up to the lowest level readers in her class (she was truly amazed and so proud of my progress!) That summer I went to summer school to further improve my reading skills. The next year I was placed in the higher reader classes and I’ve had my nose in a book every since! As I child I read ALL the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, Encylopedia Brown, and Nancy Drew, as a teen Grace Livingston Hill (my mom owned ALL her books) & Shakespeare especially the comedies, young adult Grisham, Clancy, Storey publications, and now Twilight series, Beverly Lewis, Jane Austin, and recipe books.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      ok, i kinda want to re-read all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books now!!!!!

      Reply
  18. Allison says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:03 am

    Love to read! Lately, all of the teachers at my school have been obsessed with YA fiction. We’ver read some really good ones – I recommend Divergent by Veronica Roth or Matched by Ally Condie….Happy Reading!

    Reply
  19. Annie says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:12 am

    I LOVE to read! I love to take a bath at night and get in there and read for 30 minutes or so. It makes me sleep good. Nothing like a good book! My dad could sit down with John Grisham and read the entire book on a Saturday afternoon. He loved reading. I guess I got it from him. I enjoy Nicholas Sparks, though most of his books have become pretty predicatable. I love going to the Goodwill and browsing the books. Truthfully, if the cover is enticing, i’ll buy it. I’ve found some really great books simply by JUDGING A BOOK BY IT”S COVER! ;)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 27, 2012 at 1:07 pm

      girl, i’m totally with you. and target does a fantastic job at convincing me to buy their books ;D

      Reply
      • Annie says

        March 27, 2012 at 1:26 pm

        Target does a fantastic job at convincing me to buy ANYTHING!

        Reply
  20. Seriously Sassy Mama says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:36 am

    My younger sister and I are the only ones who like to read on our family. I read all the time. RIght now I am reading The Princess Bride.

    Reply
  21. Diana Foree says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:39 am

    I love to read! I used to live at the library when I was a little girl. My dad read the newspaper front to back. Because of my love of books, I chose to get my degree in English Lit. I always wish I could read 3 books at once…well I’ve done that before, having 3 books going at the same time. My girlfriend and I started a book club 11 years ago and most of the members are still with us and read some incredible fiction and non-fiction. Currently reading “The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton, author of “The Forgotten Garden”, which was an incredible read. I feel naked without having a book with me at all times because you never know when the opportunity to sneak in a chapter will arise. Thanks everyone for all the good suggestions. Going to check them out.

    Reply
  22. Amanda S. says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:58 am

    My nose has always been stuck in a book since I learned to read. I can easily devour a Nickolas Sparks book. I mostly read fiction and tend to stay with best sellers but I like most everything except sci-fi. My latest reads are The Hunger Games, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Cutting for Stone, and The Best of Me (of course, Nickolas Sparks!). All great books.

    Reply
  23. Mandi Durborough says

    March 27, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Oh yes I do! It’s a little tough when the semester is in full swing but Im trying to read 5 books this summer

    Reply
  24. Mariah says

    March 27, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Oh, how I read. Boxcar children, Pony Club, Babysitter’s Club, Nancy Drew, Mary Higgins Clark… I could go on. My brothers used to wave their hands in front of my face and yell, trying to distract me. Just made me stronger :)

    Reply
  25. Colletta says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:03 am

    I love, love, love to read. You can see a teaser for my newest read here : http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2012/03/teaser-tuesdays-32712.html

    There’s also a new post today featuring the books I read in the past week :)

    Reply
  26. isassSara says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I don’t remeber reading much as a kid, or if it was tough or easy for me. I do remember getting lost in Christopher Pike books. Chainletter, was the first book I devoured. I loved the mystery and creepiness of it. Plus my family was spilting up from divorce, so i could relate to the person feeling alone, facing something scary and not knowing what will happen. I found writing in High school helped me deal with a lot. I could make up stories to express myself instead of feeling rejected or trapped or just plain bored. I still have a couple of them!
    When I was 19 I was introduced to the book ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel, about his time in a concentration camp. It was the first time I chose to read something that was real. I was living away from family working as a nanny, and it was the first time I thought about how MY life connected to the outside world…not just the world or place I lived and the people I chose to be around. In my Mid-20’s I read the “Left Behind’ series. It changed my life in terms of finding Jesus, finding a church and trusting in a relationship that God brought to me. I started doing bible studies…the ealry ones were exactly what I needed. Later ones I felt it was more the people connecting then the material. (Which is when I met Miss Molly) I read a Frank Peretti book, oooooohoooo scary. It took me a lone time to be able to sleep after that. My favorite books are Harry Potter series, this story is like no other, and for a girl that came from divorce…it was healing. I read Twilight, good story, but I didn’t go crazy over it. Kristin Hannah writes “girlie” books, ones that dig deep into emotions…it takes me days to recover from her. But after you read her you feel like you went through something BIG, and can make it through anything. I am re-reading the Hunger games series. If I like something I fly through it, then go back to play closer attention. They are good.
    I also read Vince Flynn, whose local. His books make me want to go out and kick butt. It’s GIJoe on speed. Awesome. I also read another local Gal Julie Klassen, she writes period pieces think Jane Austen stuff. I do like Nicholas Sparks, but I’m more into action, drama, mystery. Love stories are good, but for me, watching my parents divorce was like realizing Cinderella didn’t exist. I didn’t recognize true love walk in to my life and I nearly missed it…

    Reply
  27. Kassie says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:14 am

    I love to read. One of my favorite things.
    When I was in Elementary School my grandma would give me a penny for each page I finished. Maybe that is what got me into actually liking it. ;) When I was a teenager though its all I really wanted to do and now its not really different. I don’t have as much time, of course, being a mother, but I still make time to read. My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. Her books are so hard to put down, but I also enjoy re-reading books I used to read when I was younger, such as books by Judy Blume.

    Reply
  28. Shanna says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:23 am

    I.LOVE.TO.READ!!
    Right now I am reading The Hunger Games triolgy. I have a rule with my boys…if there is a book read it first then we can go see the movie. Since the movie came out this past Friday I thought I should pick it up…I am totally addicted now and just starting book 3.
    You should have seen my older 3 boys fly through the Harry Potter books. The only down side is that I have to fight my oldest son (16) on who gets to read the book first. Usually its me because I buy the book!
    Since we dont watch alot of TV this is our entertainment! All 5 of my boys are readers and I so happy this is something my parents gave to me and I have in returned pass on to all of my boys!

    Happy Reading!!

    Reply
  29. Lauren says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:36 am

    As a child, I would sneak out of bed to read on the floor by the glow of my nightlight :)

    Reply
  30. Susan says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I love and always loved reading. When I was in school I read books and books during the holidays. I cried and laughed with the characters and when I was not particularly in the mood for helping with something in the house I escaped to the bathroom with a book. Even with books that one can read on the PC I prefer paper books – to sit outside in the shade and to lie in bed reading – my special treat is to read my favorite magazine in the morning sitting in the bed.

    My favorite authors is Danielle Steel and Barbara Taylor Bradford. Because I am Afrikaans speaking I love books in Afrikaans. I really cannot imagine my live without books. With books you can travel the whole world.

    I have studied for a long time and I think that also helped with my love for books.

    Reply
  31. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    I love to read! Historical Fiction is my absolute favorite – The House at Riverton by Kate Morton is a current favorite of mine :)

    Reply
    • Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:51 pm

      OMG, I LOOOOOVE Kate Morton. I have the one book I haven’t read by her on my nightstand. I think she’s going to be my new Philippa Gregory (I’ve read everything she’s ever written and stalk her for new novels!).

      Reply
  32. Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    I am SO the wrong person to ask if it’s graphic…I researched some, ah, graphic things for my master thesis, so I tend to have a higher level of not noticing those things after talking to so many people and reading so much. I do remember that there was some detail related to “that time of the month” and child birth, but I don’t remember anything else. If you’re OK with that, though, the book is SO SO good.

    Reply
    • Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

      March 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      Well, I’m not sure why this didn’t thread to the comment I’m replying to, buuuuut……

      Reply
  33. Kassi @ Truly Lovely says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    I absolutely LOVE reading! It’s definitely one of my favorite things to do!!! My hubs’ jokes that if he wanted my attention he should’ve been a book! I argue that he would only have my attention for a short time, since I breeze through them so fast! haha. My whole family loves to read too! I really think that having parents who love to read is what helps a kiddo love to read! I grew up watching my mom and dad read their books beside one another in bed at night, so I learned to put myself to sleep with a good book!

    Reply
  34. Joni LeBaron says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    I love reading, I always have, but I am known to be more of a boring reader, self help type of stuff, haha, but I think if I’m going to read it needs to benefit me, its hard to find good books that you can learn and grow from and also be entertained at the same time, those kind are my favorite, and the best author for them is Paulo Coelho, every single one of his books are amazing!!!!

    Reply
  35. Natalie says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    I love to read now but wasn’t a big reader til highschool. They put ne in the resource room in elementary cuz I had a speech problem…and totally messed with my reading ability :( At 24 I still have trouble with reading somethings but I enjoy it more now :)

    My favourite book right now is still “cockeyed: a memoir”. Highly recommend checking it out. Its by Ryan Knightly (or Knight?), a vancouver professor who started going blind as a teen due to a condition. It’s his journey and is full of laughs..and of course some sad parts.

    I don’t have a fVourite author though, I like to read a variety of books so I often don’t read more than one by an author.

    Reply
    • Natalie says

      March 27, 2012 at 1:33 pm

      Note to self: do mot use iPhone to leave comments. Haha

      Reply
  36. Kate says

    March 27, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Books and reading are a favorite of mine. The book I’ve read most recently that knocked my socks of was “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck. As for favorite authors – it really depends on whether I want something “fluffy” or more intense. Lately one I’ve been enjoying is Ayelet Waldman. I do a monthly “report” on what I read if you ever want to stop by…

    Reply
  37. Katy (lil' alice) says

    March 27, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Growing up I was a reader. I loved the Babysitters Club, then I started ice skating and found a series of books that was based on Ice Skaters. Then my reading switched to nonfiction and self help books. I read a lot of books on behavior & raising kids & marriages & relationships & boundaries & small businesses etc. I know, real party animal here. I hate to sit still so I don’t read a series of books if I’m not going to learn anything from them and if it’s not going to benefit me.

    I also don’t watch movies either unless it’s something like a chick flick and hubs brings it home. Even then he has returned a lot because I don’t have an interest in watching them.

    I did watch The Help & I did read the book but only because it was based on a real story. It was history and I would learn something from it!

    Reply
  38. Tiffany B. says

    March 27, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Ha! I spent my Saturday in a similar fashion! I’m also in Minneapolis, and it was soooo gorgeous out this weekend! I spent a significant amount of time, lying in my hammock in the sun with my Nook. :-) I’m a reader, and I enjoy lots of genres. Right now I’m working on “Devil in the White City,” a nonfiction book juxtaposing one of the architects behind the Chicago World’s Fair and a serial killer during that time. It’s a fascinating read.

    Reply
  39. Margaret says

    March 27, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    Oh Nicholas Sparks, you know how to woo me.
    I’m working on collecting them all, and have done a pretty good job at finding them at Goodwill! This one is next on my list to read!

    Reply
  40. Cassandra Beverly says

    March 27, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Reading! I was in a school the other day and a student asked the librarian what to read and she replied, “Well I can tell you what I like but reading is kind of a personal thing…what do you like?” So true reading can be really personal! It is definitely one of my favorite memories with my oldest sister, we’d race to see who could finish the Babysitter’s Club fastest. And today it is one of my favorite hobbies with my fiance! I had to work really hard to become a good reader and now I can’t get enough of it! I just read a book I think you may enjoy called “The Art of Racing in the Rain” the narrator of the story is the family’s dog =)

    Reply
  41. Alanna says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:35 pm

    Oh my family loves to read, all of us! A common family date night when I was in middle- and high-school was for us to stop at Panera for dinner then go to Borders… we’d all lose ourselves for a few hours then meet to check out at our scheduled time. I love to read… I have a book group with my girlfriends.

    Favorite author is tough, but I’d have to say C. S. Lewis. Tolkien, Jane Austen, and Dickens are all not far behind.

    Reply
  42. Tahnie says

    March 28, 2012 at 1:28 am

    This book, Roller Skating With Rickets, is an incredible true story of a woman living with terminal illness. She was t supposed to live to see her 10th birthday due to the disorder (this is what my patents were told as well!) and celebrated her 30th birthday 6 months ago. Her lessons and gratitude for this life are achingly perfect. She inspires me to take the good out of each day, and run with it! ;)

    http://www.lulu.com/shop/jessica-jondle/roller-skating-with-rickets/paperback/product-18956894.html

    Reply
  43. Catherine says

    March 28, 2012 at 5:12 am

    Oh I love to read too and have past on this love of books to both my daughters who leave books all over the house and read at every opportunity. I’m not sure whether I could pick a favourite author though but 2 books I have read recently are “The Help” and “One day” which I cannot recommend enough! Love them both!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 2, 2012 at 9:15 pm

      i haven’t read The Help but i did see the movie, and i loved it!!!!!! i’ve heard so many great things about the book, it’s on my bookshelf — i should make more of an effort to read it soon :)

      Reply
  44. Heather Christine says

    March 28, 2012 at 6:05 am

    I *love* to read! A few weekes ago, I read the entire Hunger Games trilogy over the weekend. I bought the eBooks for my Kindle on Saturday morning, and off I went into the land of fiction. John Irving and Jodi Piccoult are my favorites, but I’ll read just about anything and I think my early years reading are what inspired my love of writing.

    This is such a great post, sharing a wonderful hobby that so few people are actually involved with now.

    Reply
  45. Breeann says

    March 28, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    I am definitely a reader and always have been. I constantly had my nose in a book growing up. I don’t have as much time to read these days, but I still love it. I love the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games series, all the Nicholas Sparks books I’ve read (which is most of them), Beverly Lewis novels (the Amish community fascinates me), and I really love the book Divergent by Veronica Roth. The second one in the trilogy comes out next month and I can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  46. Mama Gus says

    March 30, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    Yes I AM reading this and I’m forever grateful that you and Matt love to read as much as Dad and I do.

    Looking forward to many hours of reading this summer on THE DECK perhaps while enjoying some “strawberry juice”…..

    Hugs to you,

    Mom

    Reply
  47. Barbie says

    April 2, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    yes, i’m a reader. in fact, in college, after a few failed majors, i chose english. i finally finished college because i could read for my homework! :) i don’t know that i have a favorite author, but i do love mitch albom. he has short, inspirational books that are all true. and he writes for the detroit free press too, so, i just like that about him. :) and, just recently, my friend reminded me of a program through Pizza Hut called Book-it, that you would get a free pan pizza if you read like 10 books. I certainly cashed in on that as much and as often as I could!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      April 2, 2012 at 9:13 pm

      BOOK IT = the best school program ever invented! i totally loved that and loved earning my 5 stars just so we could go to Pizza Hut! ;D

      Reply
  48. Zack says

    March 18, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    There is something for eyonvere in this collection. English and Armenian speaking kids alike can enjoy these classic stories with a comical twist. The books in Armenian are an excellent read for kids in Armenian School programs. The illustrations are engaging and since the stories are familiar, our kids are more eager to read these in Armenian and reinforce their Armenian speaking and reading skills.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Once Upon a Time: Books! | Charlie + Lu says:
    April 11, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    […] week’s OUaT post is inspired by these thoughts from Gussy Sews. Just like her family, one of our common loves is a passion for books. Luckily both […]

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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