April 12, 2026 By Maria Have you read a book and thought that’s so funny because it’s true, and then paused as you realized, oh it is true. . .I had that experience when I read the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary. Today, April 12th, is D.E.A.R. Day and the anniversary of Beverly Cleary’sContinue reading “Just Read!”
Tag Archives: books
Forest Warmth
March 16, 2026 By Maria Of the many ways I keep warm in the cold, sweaters and hot tea are my favorites. The next favorite isn’t exactly logical, but it is delightful: cozy books. Books that make me feel warm inside like a comforting hug, fill this category. One of my favorite cozy picture booksContinue reading “Forest Warmth”
Happy Birthday, Miss Austen
March 14, 2026 By Maria Last Sunday a friend texted me a happy international women’s day message. That made me think, this is the perfect week to post this Jane Austen piece I have been working on. In typical fashion of this blog, my Jane Austen post is late, later than I planned at least.Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Miss Austen”
The Perseverance of Baking
February 27, 2026 by Maria On a busy Monday afternoon, I picked my younger two kids up from school and trekked out on a short list of errands with them in tow. They were not thrilled to say the least, however, after our first stop at the library they were pretty quiet because their nosesContinue reading “The Perseverance of Baking”
Joyful Anticipation
December 23, 2025 By Maria As Christmas gets closer there is a communal sense of waiting and preparation in the air. Of course there is pre-Christmas craziness -last minute shopping, baking, and obsessive checking of shipping status for online orders (that was me last year). Besides the pre-Christmas stress, I love the preparation and waitingContinue reading “Joyful Anticipation”
Books of the Month – November 2025
December 4, 2025 Books of the Month – November 2025 Just in case you missed anything, I put together a list of the books I wrote about in November. At the end of each month, I will write a list of all the books I wrote about during that month. The post titles will linkContinue reading “Books of the Month – November 2025”
Mystery is Afoot
October 23, 2025 By Maria In autumn, my favorite kind of books to read are mysteries (a genre I actually enjoy any season, but especially in the fall). Years ago, a friend gave my kids a Sherlock Holmes style dress-up hat she had made for her children when they were small. I loved watching myContinue reading “Mystery is Afoot”
There are Octobers
October 16, 2025 By Maria “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – Anne Shirley Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery On October 1st, I painted a tiny fall scene. The photo I used for inspiration was taken last year on an autumn road trip to my grandparents’ familyContinue reading “There are Octobers”
Books of the Month – September 2025
October 1, 2025 By Maria Books of the Month – September 2025 Just in case you missed anything, I put together a list of the books I wrote about in September. At the end of each month, I will write a list of all the books I wrote about during that month. The post titlesContinue reading “Books of the Month – September 2025”
Strega Nona’s Autumn Comfort
September 24, 2025 By Maria I tried so hard to get this post out last week, but the unexpected arrival of a puppy took up most of my time. Last Monday September 15th, was the birthday anniversary of American children’s book author, Tomie dePaola. I am sure I am not the only one who findsContinue reading “Strega Nona’s Autumn Comfort”
More Bookshelves Please 