Reading and Finding Joy in Sharing

"Reading was a joy, a desperately needed escape --I didn't read to learn, I was reading to read." 

                                              Christian Bauman

Books... whether sharing with my grandchildren, sitting in front of a classroom of  smiling faces anticipating a story or curled up with my reading buddy, reading has always been a favorite pastime ... my happy place. Now, as I navigate this unexpected journey, reading and sharing the love of reading has become not only a passion but a lifeline. 

********

"There wasn't time for withholding, not in this short life when you were only given to know a few people, and to have a true exchange with one or two."

The book I am sharing today was one of my top reads of 2022. There was a lot of positive chatter and reviews for Fellowship Point, by Alice Elliot Dark when it came out almost a year ago. 

Here is a brief set up. 

Agnes Lee and Polly Wister are lifelong friends, and two of the three remaining property owners of Fellowship Point, a mostly undeveloped property in coastal Maine. Agnes, a celebrated children's book author, suffering from writers block, is being pressured to write her memoir. Polly a devoted wife and mother, is caring for her husband. When it is discovered the third property holder, Polly's nephew is wanting to teardown the vacation homes and destroy a sacred indigenous gathering place to build a resort, Agnes and Polly must join forces to protect the peninsula they love. Polly will be forced to choose between her sons and her best friend. Both women, in their late 70s, will face 

uncovered past decisions.

There is no other way to say it, this book wowed me. At almost 600 pages, I was not ready for it to end. Multi- layered, character driven Fellowship Point checked all the boxes for me.  Alice Elliot Dark masterfully weaves themes of love and loyalty, aging, caring for the natural world and owning the past, to create a beautiful story of a life and friendship. The ending was perfect!

If you've read Fellowship Point, I would love to hear your thoughts. If you haven't read it, it is worth exploring. I always want to hear what you are

reading and loving. 

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I know there are so many newly published , highly hyped books vying for our attention. There are books placed on the shelf to be picked up later, or missed  because it didn't have a celebrity endorsement. There are so many fabulous backlisted books to be picked up while waiting for that newly published bestseller everyone is talking about. 

 "If you haven't read it, it is new to you." Ann Patchett

                      Happy Reading!

                 Bonnie

Not What I Expected

 I have wanted to return to this space for awhile. I have played with content, trying to zero in on a direction, the right time. As often happens, life is saying now.

Whenever I have been away for awhile I begin my post with "it has been awhile; a lot has been going on around here." And, once again, it has been awhile and a lot has been going on around here. Little did I know what was going on then was the beginning of what is happening now.

My husband has been experiencing both mobility and memory issues for a while. He has been able to hide a lot.  I have been in denial. He has made excuses. I have spent valuable time angry. After countless doctor's appointments, tests and scans, we know what it is not. It is not a brain tumor, it is not a drug interaction and it most likely is not Alzheimer's. What is suspected is a Parkinson type disease. We are not in a battle, we are on a journey.

I am returning now because I find writing is both calming and healing. I have no advice to offer, but if sharing my questions, anxieties, and mistakes encourages anyone who suddenly discovers they have been moved from being the passenger to the driver,

 I will be happy. 

And friends, because, it is what I do, I am going to probably spend some time writing about books. What can I say?

So, for today... 

Look for the light... light will always conquer darkness.

Bonnie

Thursday Book Talk

"Take all the money from my wallet but tell this story to my children.  They only know pieces of it. It's time for them to know all of it. Tell them I loved them very much, that they were worth the years I spent without seeing my brother. Tell them to walk in the shade. To listen with their eyes, to see with their skin, and to feel with their ears, because life speaks to us all and we just need to know and wait to listen to it, see it, feel it."

I am always on the lookout for a story so beautifully told it takes my breath away. This is how I felt about "The Murmur of Bees", by Sofia Segovia and translated by Simon Bruni. These are the books I find the most difficult to write about. 

Set in an area of northern Mexico, with ground fertile not only for growing sugar cane and maize, but for superstitious tales and rumors of witches roaming in the night. One morning when a beloved elderly Nana is discovered missing, a search party is sent to find her. Nana Reja is found under a bridge holding a mysterious bundle; a second bundle beside her.  When the swaddling is removed, a baby is discovered wrapped in a blanket of bees. In the second bundle a hive is found. Nana Reja is insistent both the baby and the hive be taken back to the hacienda. Some who viewed the strange child with the facial deformity, thought him to be evil. Word spread he had been "kissed by the devil." The old nana believed differently. The wealthy landowners Beatrix and Francisco Morales became his Godparents, named him Simonopio and cared for him as their own son.

With his bees always with him, leading and teaching, Simonopio discovers he can see, hear and feel the future. His extraordinary gifts prove to be beneficial in sensing danger and protecting the Morales family during a time the world is being ravaged by the Spanish flu pandemic and with a revolution brewing. Ultimately he will need to use his gifts to protect himself from the one who he knows as "the coyote." 

"The Murmur of Bees",  Sofia Segovia's first novel to be translated to English, has all the characteristics of a page turner: mystery, tragedy, magical realism and family drama, and yet, it is not a quick read. At almost five hundred pages, this is a book deserving of attention and patience. Like so many of my favorite books, my heart ached when I turned the last page. It was not the ending I had hoped for, yet it was the perfect ending. The last one hundred pages are beautiful; I immediately reread those last chapters just to more fully absorb, appreciate and ponder the beauty of it's conclusion.

Enjoy

and

Happy Reading!

I'll Cheer You to the End

How are you doing friends? 

Here we are just beginning to wade into Autumn; I couldn't be happier. I love everything about this time of year. It makes my heart happy and feels me with so much hope. The crisp morning air is perfect for walks when time allows. It was such a morning when I caught my social distancing friends chattering away one cool sunny morning.

Are you still hanging in there?

 Do you feel like things are beginning to feel somewhat normal? 

I don't either. I've been in school three weeks, it has helped even though it has kicked my backside. Some days have been easier than others; and, it sure helps when younger teachers are saying they are whipped at the end of the day as well.

I know we will come to the end. Perhaps the end will not look quite like where we were before, but we will turn the corner when the time is right. I know, we are ready now, aren't we? It's hard, but let's hang in there. Let's give grace to not only our friends and family, but those we might not like so much. Be gentle with yourself. No one is breezing through this.

I am rooting for you, 

for me, 

for our country

 and the world. 

We can do this... I promise!

Have the very best week ever!

Hugs!

(shhh.... I'll be back with some book talk.)

Reading During a Pandemic

 "Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book."

Jane Smiley   

Happy Friday friends!

Is today a good day to talk about books?

 It has been awhile hasn't it?

When the schools closed in mid-March due to the pandemic spreading through our state, I quickly began dreaming of the books I would have the time to read.  I picked up book after book, finding nothing held my attention. These were books I would normally devour. I soon realized my reading was broken. You know reading is my passion; not finding a book to dig into was extremely distressing. I could only clean my house so often, and after bingeing on a few Netflix's series, I longed to escape into a good read. With the bookstore and the library closed I began downloading. Friends my reading was all over the place. 

Let's begin with two books totally out of my wheelhouse, but helped pull me

through my reading drought. 

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

Michelle McNamara

"I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer is a true crime book by Michelle McNamara about the Golden State Killer. The book was released posthumously on February 27, 2018, nearly two years after McNamara's death and two months before an arrest would be made in the case"

True crime is not the genre I normally pick to read. This one, fellow readers, is creepy; I frequently double checked my doors while reading. Not being easily frightened, I believe what really bothered me was I lived, though several years after he became inactive,  in the area in northern California where he frequently selected his victim. I frequently walked the trail he used to stalk and move between homes in the area. I suppose I just knew too much about the area, and I realized no matter the precautions taken, we are still vulnerable.

Sadly, Ms. McNamara died from a drug over-dose before finishing her book, and before the Golden State Killer's identity was discovered. She writes she was becoming so obsessed with this case she lost all interest in other areas of her life. Though this killer had retired,  I cannot help but believe Michelle was his last victim.

Creepy and impossible to put down.

***

Okay, I'm going to continue with the fright fest. 

"In the latest thriller from New York bestseller Riley Sager, a woman returns to the house made famous by her father's bestselling horror memoir. Is the place really haunted by evil forces as her father claimed? Or are there more earthbound -- and dangerous-- secrets hidden within its walls? 

I actually listened to this one on audible. I found myself pulling a few more weeds in the garden, and taking a little bit longer to vacuum around the house just to find out what was going to happen next. Though Home Before Dark didn't keep me up at night, it did keep me listening and guessing how it would end. This would be an excellent selection for you Halloween reading.

You know I love pairing books and food; sometimes all you need is a big bowl of popcorn. Toss in a handful of candy corn. Grab a favorite snack and settle in with one of these nail biting novels. Don't  forget to check your windows and doors.

Who knew I could be pulled to the dark side.

 Has your reading changed during quarantine?

I would love to hear about it.

***

Here's what I am digging into this weekend.

And friends, it is a real book that I can hold in my hands.

What fun things are you doing this weekend?

Happy reading friends!

Wednesday Thoughts

"If you feel that you are not strong enough to let your creative voice become heard, start with a whisper Your voice will come." unknown 

   I know I posted of my return and then went quiet... again. It was only for a few days this time. I am still figuring out where to take Living Life from here. What do I want to do in this space.  Shortly after writing about taking a break from Facebook, I sat and read back through ten years of my own writings. Reading through the years, I discovered the post when I found my voice... when I became a little more confident with MY words instead of trying to imitate or impress others. While reading your comments (some made me teary... such kind words)  I remembered how much I truly enjoyed writing and connecting here. 

So... let's see what happens!  I will continue with my disclaimers, and I'm almost always unedited, there will be mistakes... no judging. I hope you will stop by and leave a comment. (One day I may figure out how to reply individually.) Please let me know your thoughts.

 Hello... are you still there?

I'll be back soon to share some of my favorite books from the past several months. Oh my, what Covid has done to my reading life!  

Find something that makes your heart smile! 

Hugs!

 

 

Sunday Thoughts!

copied from "Brainy Quote"

Enjoy your day!

Facebook Thoughts

I signed onto Facebook so many years ago. It has been nice to reconnect with friends and acquaintances from the past and keep up with friends nearby whom I don't get to see frequently enough.  I have enjoyed sending birthday wishes, seeing pictures of children and grandchildren. It has been a great way to catch up. Most often I have signed in to acknowledge milestones, laugh at a meme, get some inspiration from a sassy blonde who knows how to work a crown and wears a lot of pink, and just say hi!

Now it is time to tune it out for awhile. Facebook has become a battleground. It is not somewhere I need to linger. I know, I should be strong and skip over what I don't want to see, but I am guilty of getting sucked down the rabbit hole. And man, that hole can be sad and paralyzing.  As we have sunk deeper into this pandemic it seems Facebook has become the platform for anger, meanness and fear mongering. I am a believer if something does not make you better, than it is time to put it aside. And, for me I think it is time for me to bow out of Facebook for awhile.

I do hope, if any of my Facebook friends are reading this, you might take pause to think about what is being shared and posted. I know how easy it is to sit behind a screen and feel anonymous. I do it here and on instagram, pretending to be a writer, a book reviewer or whatever I want to be at any given moment. I am guilty of sharing information I haven't fully checked out... last night trying to be super helpful I forwarded a phone number that ended up being a UK number. Friends, I get it! Perhaps before sharing we should ask: is it true... is it helpful... is it kind... am I being part of the solution.

More than any moment during my lifetime have I felt the need to really pay attention to those reading or listening to my ramblings. We are in a dark time. There is so much going on around us. I don't know when or if we will ever go back to exactly the way we were. I do know,

I want to be surrounded by light and I want to be a lighthouse. 

Know behind this screen I am smiling and cheering you on. If you see me out and about, I promise there is a smile behind my mask just for you!

*****

Just a note to those who commented on my last post... it was so good to hear from you. Thank you for visiting and commenting. I have missed meeting you here. I really am going to try to do better. A couple of you ask if I am going to teach this year. Yes I am. I am not going to lie, I am a bit nervous, but I have an amazing Headmistress. I know we will be doing everything possible to stay safe. Thank you again! The new Blogger is sort of throwing me. Let me know if it is still possible to reply individually to comments. Hugs friends!

Let's Chat!

  

How are you doing? 

I have thought of you often. I have wanted to check on you; to be honest, I haven't known what to say, so I have remained silent. I decided early on it would be my mission to keep my people, my friends, grounded by staying positive. Most days are good, but some days, I will admit,  I do not quarantine very well. Do you know what I am saying?

We are certainly not where we planned, are we? I've said it before, tell God your plans and watch him laugh. We are in a serious place. A place where what we do as a whole will define when and how this ends. Perhaps the simplest thing we can do to move through the pandemic is to have faith, give grace and be kind.

The day after tomorrow will come! And when we step out into the sunshine what a celebration we will have.

Stay safe my friends!

A Book for February

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I hope you are enjoying your day in the way you most enjoy.

We exchanged our Valentine's this morning before I headed out to school. I spent my morning sugaring-up my children before returning them to their mamas. Valentine's Day is always a fun day in the classroom.

***

I have been wanting to share my favorite read of 2019, and today seems like the perfect day to share this beautiful love story.

"Dearly Beloved, he began. They were the words that started weddings, not baptisms, but the people in the Church were his beloved, so dear that as he spoke, his heart and throat grew tight."

Cara Wall's debut novel is a character-driven story of four individuals, two couples, as they navigate the challenges of life, love and marriage.

Charles always believed he was destined to be a Harvard academic until he attends a seminar on faith and discovers a desire to study theology. He meets and falls in love with independent Lily, a devout atheist with no desire to play the part of a minister's wife.

James, an activist wanting to create social change, falls deeply in love with sweet Nan, the daughter of a southern minister, who will change the course of his life. Though he cannot buy into the full philosophy of faith, he believes the ministry is a way to remedy the ills of the world.

These two couples are thrown together for better or worse when Charles and James are called to co-minister a church in Greenwich Village, in the early sixties. Neither man is the whole package the church leaders desire, however, one has what the other lacks. Nan is happy living in the parsonage and leading the children's choir. Lily wants nothing to do with the church community or Nan.

This was one of those books that stayed with me long after I turned the last page. "The Dearly Beloved" simply took my breath away. Through the slow building of her characters, first as individuals then as couples, Cara Wall writes a meditative first novel exposing the fragility and strength of both love and faith. This is not your typical love story, but it may be the perfect book to read as we finish out the month when we celebrate love.

What is your favorite love story?

Happy Reading!

"bird by bird"

Well it has been a long time, almost a year, since I last posted here. In January 2019, I had high hopes of coordinating my blog and my public Instagram (bookstagram) account (bee_tweenthelines) to share my love of books and blooms, and as it says in my Instagram profile, "with a sprinkling of fun in the kitchen. " I had good intentions. Then, I answered an ad (what was I thinking?) to write book reviews (I refer to them as book reports) for a neighborhood publication. In my mind this was going to coordinate beautifully. I have said it here before, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him/her your plans."

Before I begin, I am going to preface this next bit with, all is well. I feel compelled to explain where I have been to put it behind me and perhaps return to my earlier plans.

Early last year my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. It threw us for a loop. To be honest, I think it surprised his GP as well. He had none of risk factors. Nothing in our health system moves quickly; everything seems to take two weeks. It was found by accident and, thankfully, very early. The tumor was very small and slow growing.  He had a lung resection surgery in May. There was no cancer found in the margins nor in the lymph nodes. Recuperation has been long, but reports continue to come back showing no recurrence. 

I was scared;
I knew I had to stand strong. 
I have never shied from saying I am a person of great faith, and this was to be a test. Whether I passed or failed is not my judgment. I did my best. I found my strength and peace  knowing God was present.

We were blessed with good friends who helped us find the best oncologist and surgeon, filled our freezer with food, changed schedules to be present when needed, and best, held us in their hearts and prayers.  

Thumbs up, we are doing well and ready to move forward!

Okay, so this is where I have been. I had to get it out of the way.  Now will I be able to keep all my plates spinning? I don't know. I like to think I can, honestly though, if I didn't know before I now fully realize, nothing is in my hands. I do enjoy meeting you here and connecting.  

The random picture. 
Though my book reviews are purely voluntary, meaning I do not get paid..... I am published. (Insert laughing emoji here.) It is a nerve wracking challenge for me. To be honest, each month I expect to be cancelled. I don't know how long I will keep up with it. I have two of the very best editors. (Everything I write here is unedited as if you couldn't tell.) I write, send it off to my people; between keeping up with children and jobs, they correct my spelling, punctuation, run-on sentences and basically tell me when I have totally confused them. Here's to those who have my back!

A favorite quote, and I will use it to close...

"bird by bird"
Ann Lamont

If my laptop continues to work...
I hope to see you soon!    

Taking Risk

Most young children are risk takers. There is little, if any fear of being made fun of. Why would there be, children see themselves as stars.  Some might call this arrogance; I believe it is innocence. It doesn't last long. Somewhere around eight or nine, cliques and groups begin to form. It only takes one person to zero in and share a weak spot.  Suddenly all the confidence once held secure disappears. The innocence is gone. It is easier and safer to blend in, to be one of the crowd. 

I know the exact moment this happened to me. It is history, and though I have long let the incident go, I keep a tight fist around the fear of failing. A little less than ten years ago I signed on here, wrote a little blurb and after a few days, probably weeks I hit publish.   I shared this step toward conquering my fears with a sweet few. If I did share, I would sort of whisper it, in hopes no one would know what I was talking about. I didn't believe anyone would want to read anything I wrote; if they did, they for sure wouldn't take me serious.

This trip has never been about gaining a following, although I do appreciate each and everyone who visits, reads and stays. It was and is about stepping away from my safe place, facing a fear, taking a chance and finding my voice. And friends, you have allowed and encouraged me to try on many voices.

I guess, I might as well stop here and tell you, I have, once again, taken a deep breath and jumped.   Several months ago I was looking through our neighborhood magazine when I came upon an ad asking for writers, no experience necessary.  I folded the page down and put it away. Weeks later I found it, turned to the dog-eared page and stared at it. At dinner I told my husband about the ad and ask his thoughts.  I went through all my ifs and buts, the biggest being my lack of qualifications. He didn't hesitate to encourage me to submit something. Once again, I set it aside to ponder.

A few weeks ago, going through the mail I happened upon the January edition of the magazine. Flipping through, reading about new neighbors, family pets, well-kept yards and child athletes, I happened, once again, upon the ad asking for writers. This time I folded back the page and placed it by my computer.

A couple of weeks ago, after publishing my last post here, I wrote a letter to the contact person stating I would like to write about books, if this fit into their vision. I stated all the disclaimers I post here... I  am not a writer,  but I have a passion for reading and love sharing this passion. I wrote about my blog writing and my book talk on Instagram.  The letter was pitiful...no exaggeration.

I sent it!  If I could have retrieved it I would have, but it was gone.  I slowed the rising panic by assuring myself the letter would be read and quickly discarded.   The next Monday morning I checked my email and there waiting to be opened was a response saying my letter had been forwarded to the editor.

My blood pressure might have gone up a little.  Soon I had a very nice response from the editor saying they would like for me to write book reviews and perhaps help with other stories; would I like to write a book review for the March issue.  I said yes... what was I thinking?

My first review is finished.  It is due at the end of this week, but I will send it out tonight. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous. I am not a brave person.  I am much more sensitive than I want to admit.  
This is not a whisper.

(I know this has been long. Sorry, I am a southerner; I can't say anything in 30 words or less.)

I am sharing this adventure with you, because I hope, if there is something you are wanting to do... please,  just take a deep breath, close your eyes and fly.  Yes, we may fall, but we will know we tried.  That alone is success, don't you think?

Hugs!

Weekend Meanderings

Happy New Year!

I'm not going to apologize this year for being late with my New Year wishes.   You should know by now this is just how I roll.  I do hope you are having a good January, reading some really good books,  and  looking forward to something fabulous in the coming months. 

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to and confident of good things happening this year.  I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions.  I feel like it is a set-up to fail.   Usually I just plow through the year taking it a moment at a time.  This year, I feel I need to place my focus somewhere.  With this in mind,  I decided to follow so many who select a "word" for the year.

Things happened in 2018.   
Some doors closed, and as of now, the windows remain shuttered. 
Though I have long known we do not live in a fair, kind or gentle world, this fact came to visit early in the year, and pretty much decided to hang around for awhile.  I use the word "visit", because a visit will at some point end.   No worries, all and everyone is well... life is just being life.  Sometimes you just have to stop, step back, breathe and adjust.   As a person of faith, I do believe things happen for a reason and God has a plan.

I've thought about my word selection a lot.  I want share, inspire and heal.

 The word I am going to hold in my heart for the world, for you and for me is


 hopeful




"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Romans 15:13

Happy New Year my friends.  
I wish for you so many wonderful things this year.  

Hugs!

***just an after thought:  I'm still fighting with this "vintage" laptop, but we are most definitely going to get back to some book talk soon.  Please visit me on instagram @bee_tweenthelines. Hugs!

Summer Reading Revisited

Friends, I am going to be honest with you, I honestly thought Autumn would never get here, and now, I am a bit concerned we may never see cooler temperatures for more than a day or so.   I am one of those who is distressed when seasons and holidays are rushed.   Though Autumn is my favorite season, I refuse to welcome it before summer takes her last bow.  

Now that Autumn is officially here, it is time to look back on this past summer's books.  Early in the season, after listening to a podcast questioning the definition of "literary fiction", I made the decision to mostly read authors new to me, genres I normally do not gravitate to and books I could find at my local library.  It was a great reading summer!

With a To Be Read list several pages long, I always had a book ready to be opened.  I am not an exceptionally fast reader... I read about 20 books over the summer.  I found new authors, a mystery series I fell in love with and now want to read from the beginning to the end (I will never catch-up),  and I discovered books so moving I had difficulty recuperating.

Here is a recap of books I most enjoyed over the summer.

Gods in Alabama, Joshilyn Jackson

What would you do for those you love?

Plot driven, strong character development.

There is a bit of a mystery, and a twist at the end.

The Night Circus, Erin Morganstern

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Atmospheric, strong character development,

beautifully crafted.  I can't believe I kept moving this

book down on my TBR list.

Reading People, Anne Bogel

non-fiction

A simple yet enlightening look at why we do the things we do

and why some folks drive us crazy.  A good reference for deciphering the

many personality test available.   Find someone to read along with you.

Take some of the tests.... loved this one.

The Lost for Words Bookshop, Stephanie Butland

For anyone who loved Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine, will

enjoy this one.   It begins a little slow...

layers are gradually peeled away, making this a really good read.

Southernmost, Silas House

This one is at the top of my favorites for the year.

It grabbed my attention from page one, and slowly

stole my heart.   A profound statement on just loving.

Into the Water, Paula Hawkins

I enjoy how this book started slow and

gradually, gained speed.   This mystery is not solved until

the very last page.

Where the Crawdad's Sing, Delia Owens

 I loved this book!  Oh my gosh, from page one I felt as if someone

was holding my heart in their fist and squeezing.   Heartbreaking, but so full of hope.

Perennials, Julia Cantrell

The perfect ending to my summer reading.  

Set in one of my favorite towns, Oxford, Mississippi, this is a story of

family bonds, what cements them and what shatters those bonds.  
Perennials is not a fast paced tale... 

do you really want to rush a beautiful sunrise?  
One word description....

Bittersweet. 

Now the series that hooked me?  
Louis Penny's Three Pines Mysteries.

     

I have been hearing about this series for awhile; not wanting to get tied up waiting, I have avoided anything labeled number "whatever" in a series.   I actually began somewhere around #7 and realized I probably should go back to the beginning, #1,  Still Life.  I am still a newbie to "Three Pines", but I am loving them.  As I moved from one to another a nostalgia I can't explain enveloped me...  I not only want to read them.... seriously?  I just want to move to Three Pines and be a character in these books.

  My summer reading was an eye opener and ever so enjoyable.  There are a lot of good, entertaining, well-written books to be picked up and read, not considered literary fiction.  I believe there is a book out there for everyone (let me know if you need help finding it).

So... Autumn is here.  I've finished my first book, bought a pumpkin scented candle and baked pumpkin bread.  Now I just need Mother Nature to kick it into gear and give us some autumn like temperatures. 

Happy Reading friends!

  

Milk and Cookies - BEE

How do you feel about bees? 

 I know they can be pretty scary to children and adults alike.  The years I have spent in the garden I have learned a lot about these little yellow and black creatures.   I discovered they are most often more intent on finding nectar than using me as target practice.   The times I have been stung we were two moving objects fated to collide.  

Britta Teckentrup's beautifully illustrated book follows a day in the life of a bee, as she searches for food, all the while spreading pollen along the way.   BEE, is a gentle lesson on the enormous importance the bee has on our landscape, and ultimately our survival. 

This picture book has everything I love,  bright and beautiful illustrations, simple text and a lesson.

*****

I may have made bee skip cookies.

Children love iced sugar cookies.  Even more, they love to decorate them.  I've tried a lot of sugar cookie recipes, and this may be my favorite.  I am almost sure it is from a long ago episode of The Pioneer Woman.

Sugar Cookie Cutouts

1 1/2 cup butter
 (yep, that's 3 sticks)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
5 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
zest from one orange
1 tsp. salt

Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.

Using a mixer (on medium) cream butter with sugar until light  and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time and vanilla.

Reduce speed to low and slowly add in flour mixture; mix well.

Divide dough in half.  Form into disks, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least an hour or overnight.  If I am making these with my grandchildren, I usually freeze one disk for later.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper, and pre-heat oven to 325℉

Let dough soften then roll out to about 1/4" thick.   Place cookies on pan and bake until lightly brown.   I start checking at about 15 mins.  

Let cool and ice using your favorite cookie icing.

Royal Icing
(I don't usually measure ingredients for my icing,
these are approximate amounts.  It is all about the consistency you want.)

2 2/3 cups Powdered sugar
4 to 6 tablespoons milk ( depending on consistency)
you can use water
1/2 tsp vanilla
(most recipes don't call for vanilla.
I think the icing taste better)
2 tbsp meringue powder

In a mixer with the whisk attachment combine 4 tbsps.  of milk and the meringue powder.  Whisk until it begins to get frothy.  Add powdered sugar and vanilla.  Add milk, a little at a time,  to obtain desired consistency.

I tend to start with a thick icing to pipe around the edges.... thin and flood the inside.  Tint icing using your favorite food coloring.  I actually like the powdered, but can sometimes be hard to find.

When doing this with children I eliminate the meringue powder, hand them a plastic knife and let them have fun.

Someone in my house thought they were pretty yummy without the icing!

Happy Reading friends!