Hope you have been having a superb summer! The other day, I compiled a list of some of my favourite things this past month. Thought I'd share them with you.
Book(s):
"Some Kind of Happiness" by Claire Legrand
*Please note that I am not always the best at summaries, so I will do my best and keep it short*
Finley is sent to spend the summer with her dad's relatives for the first time. She knows why she's being sent--her parents need to work out their "issues". What she doesn't understand is why this is the first time she is even meeting her extended family. Soon she is faced with many questions. Why did her father leave? What kept him away? What really happened all those years ago? As more secrets unfold, and answers remain hidden, Finley and her cousins turn to the world that she created about the forest behind their grandparents' house, "Everwood".Upon reading the book jacket, I was ready to dismiss this book. I thought it would be another story about how kids have an adventure, solve mysteries, and become heroes. However, it didn't take long for me to be sucked in. Lies, pride, inner struggles, and family relationships lend a hand in creating characters and a plot with depth. While intended for children, I think older readers would also enjoy this whimsical tale.
Movie(s):
"Hector and the Search for Happiness"
Hmm, just realized that this title also includes the word "Happiness". The two are not otherwise related.Hector, an experienced psychologist with an organized, steady, predictable life, and a wonderful, supportive girlfriend, seems to have it made. But soon he begins to question things. Unable to help his patients find happiness, he decides to take off on a trip to discover how people are able to capture that elusive state of being. In doing so, he encounters many eclectic characters and lifestyles from Asia to Africa, and even Los Angeles.
I really like movies that blend humour with thought-provoking storylines. I found the character of Hector to be endearing as well as inspiring; taking on each experience as it comes. It also helped me gain some insight into different peoples' outlook on life, and how our communities and surroundings can sometimes shape us into who we are. Highly recommend!
"Holes"
Stanley Yelnats the fourth is being sent to Camp Green Lake, a disciplinary centre for juvenile delinquents, after an unfortunate misunderstanding (all thanks to his great great grandfather and the family curse). Camp Green Lake, a very misleading name, is unlike any camp Stanley could have imagined. First of all, there is no lake. Second, the only "activity" is for each "camper" to dig a hole; a hole five feet wide and five feet deep, every day, only coming in when completed. It supposedly builds character, but as the weeks go buy, and countless holes are dug, Stanley and his bunk-mates begin to wonder what the reason is behind digging those holes.Having read and loved the novel by Louis Sachar, I wasn't sure if the movie would live up to it. But thankfully I was proven wrong. Might be a tad slower than current children/family films, but it is quite entertaining. Wonderful cast of characters with interesting (albeit odd and a bit funny) plot; this makes a great summer film.
Interesting Happenings and Events this Month:
- Had a week of solitude during which my inner hermit really came out. Maybe it's time to look for some vacant caves ;)
- Got stung by a bumblebee. First time that I can remember. Happened while I was harvesting lavender from our garden, I cried out in shock. Hopefully none of my neighbours heard whatever weird sound I made. On the plus side, I found out I'm not allergic.
- Sewed a skirt! Took some patience, but managed to complete it in a couple of days.
- Successfully managed to win a game of "Pandemic" with my board game allies. First time ever!
- Watched a lot of Jeopardy with my parents, and have actually gotten some of the answers, including one final Jeopardy ("What is Swaziland and Switzerland, Alex?")
- Got to see our church's softball team play in the final tournament, and come in second! Go Parkdale!
- Hung out with some chickens
It's been a pretty great month, with more awesome things planned for this last weekend.
Enjoy August!
Love,
