I was able to make my yearly trek to West Michigan’s hidden park with the most beautiful Autumn colors!
Photography
Michigan Winters…
…The gift that won’t stop giving.
But I really, really wish it would 😦 Schools and businesses were closed all last week; beginning the Friday before. 6 days off from school for my daughter. A half day Monday and Tuesday, and school closed again today because of the ice storm we got overnight. And the second ice storm is coming tonight. So no school again tomorrow. I am just hoping I can make it to work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I need to keep these vacation days for warmer weather!
Are you stuck somewhere getting hit with the Polar Vortex and now the second storm? How are you keeping the family from getting cabin fever?
That One Perfect Picture
Once in awhile, I get a photograph that even leaves me speechless, and I am my own worse critic!

This was my first attempt at using a lens ball for photos, and I was really happy with the results. I am hoping it won’t be my last time using it, as it rolled off those jagged rocks it was propped on and I know there are two spots that are now scuffed. Hopefully they are exactly opposite of each other, and I can keep them to the sides and use this ball again.
I took a lot of photos, which I will be adding here and on one of my other blogs. If you are in the mood for some teen angst as well, you can always check out my blog Parenthood and Other Horror Stories . I have about a week’s worth of teenage drama that is about to get aired out, as well as some other things going on in my life right now.
I promise I’ll be back to the books on here soon!
Some Halloween Reading Ideas!
Yes; I am one of those people that as soon as it is October, it is basically Halloween! This is my absolute favorite time of year, from the cool weather, to the beautiful trees here in West Michigan, to the baking of breads, and casseroles, and of course, boot and sweater weather 😊
I have a few favorite books that I like to read during the Halloween-Thanksgiving seasons, as well as some cozy mysteries that I have read that are perfect for this time of year.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-Washington Irving
This is certainly one of my all-time favorites books; a quick read, a classic story, and how can you not cheer for Ichabod Crane? Determined to win the hand of Katrina Van Tassel, Ichabod needs to deal with both the Headless Horseman, and the determined suitor of Katrina, named Brom Van Brunt. This story has been retold in movies and television series alike, and I have been a fan of all of them.
Ghastly Glass: A Renaissance Faire Mystery-Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene
I read this cozy mystery earlier this year, along with the other books in the Renaissance Faire Cozy series. This is book two, and takes place during Halloween. Jessie is the main character, and in each book, she is apprenticing at a different vendor for her thesis for her PhD. In this story, she is apprenticing with the glass blower. There is the necessary murder victim, and the personal life issues that are standard with cozy stories. I really enjoyed this whole series.
Anything by Stephen King…I have a few favorites, but you definitely need to plan ahead, as most of his books are very, very long.
My favorite King book is From a Buick 8. I have not heard from too many readers who have actually read this story, and if put on the spot, I could not exactly explain what draws me to this book, but it is fantastic! I am not sure how I ended up owning 3 copies of it; but I do 😊 Other great King stories are the classics, such as Cujo, Carrie, and Misery.
What are your favorite books to read during this time of year?
Well Hello Sunday!
This is day 5 that I have been wide awake by 3 am. I am getting really, really tired of it; no pun intended. What to do at 3 am? Not a lot. I did squish a spider that was on my ceiling. This seems to be a daily occurrence for the last couple of weeks as the weather in Michigan gets warmer. You would be impressed with what I can do with one leg, a scooter, and a can of Aussie Freeze hairspray.
The anxiety and panic has let up, and I have been diligent about taking my meds if I even think I feel a panic attack coming on. The days are still so very long for me though.
My Doctor’s appointment at week 5 went well. I was not as anxious this time when leaving the house (fear of falling, getting injured more, etc). The surgeon said two more weeks of non-weight-bearing on the ankle, as there are still 2 cracks that have not completely healed. I go back in two weeks, and he said we talk weight bearing. He said normally 3 weeks after weight bearing, we discuss driving! I could have cried, I was so happy to hear this, and began to see a tiny pinhole of light at the end of the tunnel. I have been exercising my broken ankle and leg, as well as being as mobile as possible in my house.
I have been reading, and writing! I will have book reviews one after another very soon! The lack of sunshine has been especially tough for me, as it is every Winter. The weather says sunshine this afternoon, and I have fingers crossed that that does not change. Sunshine = feeling good and motivated. It is difficult for me to be motivated when it is grey and rainy and there seems to be nothing for me to do other than crawl under my covers and binge watch NetFlix. The Pinkertons, anyone? I wish it was not such a short series…
The praying and Bible study is continuing, of course. I try not to think too much about the fact that it is the Easter season, my favorite Christian holiday season, and I cannot participate as I would any other year. But I can participate in other ways, which is exactly what I am doing!
Seeing all of the brown grass and dead leaves in my yard has me thinking about flower beds for my yard, and I am so excited for when I can start digging in the ground and planting. Having something to look forward to definitely helps. My number 1 on my list is walking out my door, getting in my vehicle, and driving to work! I know that day is coming, and one day I will look back on this period in my life and reflect on what it has taught me. No matter how I feel, I absolutely try to do at least one positive thing each day, so as not to waste any of this learning lesson I am experiencing right now. I truly know this has happened for a reason, and I want to make sure I utilize every moment of it to get out of it what God has intended. My daily prayers always include asking God to let me see in my heart and spirit what it is I am meant to learn from this, so I can continue to grow.
Have you had a period in your life where you were meant to grow from what appeared to be a negative situation? How did it change you? I cannot wait to see all the ways my experience has and will continue to change me. I would love to hear your stories as well!
Instead of Reading Today…
…had to two-trail it to get these pictures, but it was worth it!
When I am Not Reading or Editing…
…or raising girls, or working, or homeschooling, or making bookish gifts for my Etsy store, or trying to squeeze in time with my amazing boyfriend, or going to college… I take pictures! I love nothing more than getting in my car before the sun rises, and getting pictures. I love nature, flowers, plants, wildlife, and macro pictures are my favorite!
But Autumn in West Michigan is definitely my favorite time of year!
When I’m Not Reading…
…I’m taking pictures. As much as I hate the Winter, I love West Michigan!
Tuesday’s Thought For The Day. Kind Of…
…it has been a while since I have posted one of my Tuesday encouraging, supportive posts. But I guess when I need it more than anyone else, I allow myself to get wrapped up in everything surrounding me and forget to encourage others.
What I am thinking today, as I think back to what has been going on with me…
…never give someone else the pencil to write your life-story. Never give up the control. You are the star of the story, the main character, and the one everyone is rooting for. You get to choose how it ends, and you can always pick your Happy Ending.