Updated Summer 2014 Bucket List

As we head into the second week in July I am able to cross off 2 more things on my Summer 2014 Bucket List.  See the list below (new accomplishments are bolded red). 

I still want to get back to the beach (hopefully OBX), but I did go down to the oceanfront on July 5th for a stroll on the boardwalk, some great pizza, and a fireworks show. It was a fun night. Then just this week I was able to spend some time with in the pool with two of my friends. Also a lot of fun.

Visit the Chrysler Museum   June 20, 2014

Go to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens  June 29, 2014

Go to as many festivals as I can  ~~Bayou Boogaloo (June 21, 2014)

Go to a Concert

Spend time with my Big

Shop the Farmer's Market

Stay involved with the LTVB  June 1, 10, 11, 12, 23, 2014

Visit the D'Art Center

Read (a lot)  ~~The Husband's Secret (by Liane Moriarty), Mockingjay (by Suzanne Collins), Eleanor & Park (by Rainbow Rowell), Ladies Night (by Mary Kay Andrews)

Pick fresh berries  June 22 & 28, 2014

Make smores over a fire

Craft (at least 2 things)

Go to the beach! July 5, 2014

Go swimming July 8, 2014

Go hiking

xoxo Gwen

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mom on Mother's Day,
You might not have brought me into this world, but you have made the world of difference in my life. You have taught me it's ok to be different, and it's ok to ask for help. You listen to my problems and allow me to make mistakes. I love you mom, now and always!

Reading on the back deck (August 2013)

xoxo Gwen

Books & Reading

One of the few things I can remember and loved about my childhood is reading.  I remember getting my own library card and going with my stepmother to the library and checking out books.  I remember getting books for Christmas and sitting in front of our kerosene heater and finishing the book in one sitting.  Ah, those were the days.  The Babysitter's Club was the first series I actually read.  My stepmother spoke of Nancy Drew and I of course checked those out as well.  By the time I was 11 or 12 I was reading true crime, mystery and law books by Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham.

I still read Patricia Cornwell (the Kay Scarpetta series) religiously.  I am slightly behind on the series, but I have them!  For Christmas I even got a signed copy of Dust (the newest in the series).  I about died with joy.

With the new semester started I do hope I can find the time to continue reading, even if it's just at night before I make myself shut the book and turn off the lights.

Image from Pinterest

What books have you been reading?  What is your favorite book?  Any recommendations?

xoxo Gwen