A Passion for Real Life

"I have Snow's favorite stuffed toy and Maya's shoe.  Time for a nap."

Gorgeous postcards from Millie.

Sesame chicken and fortune cookies at P.F. Chang's in Omaha.  

Look at that attitude!

The Island on Bird Street by Uri Orlev, translated by Hillel Halkin (1981).  Maya read this book for a school unit on the Holocaust, and she said I should read the book, too.  Although Orlev actually survived the Holocaust, the book is a fictional account of a young boy named Alex, who finds himself living alone in the ghetto after his mother disappears and his father is taken during a selection.  For months, Alex survives by living in a bombed-out house, learning who he can trust and scavenging for what he needs.  There are quiet moments, and there are moments of terror in this gem.

Everest 1953:  The Epic Story of the First Ascent by Mick Conefrey (2014).  Account of the British attempt on Mt. Everest in 1953, culminating in the successful ascent and return of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.  Conefrey brings the team's personalities to life while emphasizing the importance of the climb, occurring at the same time as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, to the waning British E…

Card and letter from Debbie.

Postcard from Penny's stay in Edmonton.  Cool how it comes with postage sufficient to mail anywhere.

Make that a swallow nesting on our front door.  My robin guess wasn't correct!

Method 4X Concentrated Laundry Detergent in Ginger Mango.  Love the scent.

Did anyone else watch the Royal Wedding live?  Maya and I watched the wedding live, and we watched a replay in the afternoon. 

Twix Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Maya's last day of eighth grade/middle school is Thursday.  High school in the fall.

Meeting a snake for the first time with her mama's help.

Card, letter, and lovely gifts from Steph.

Cheerful card and letter from Penny.

Cards and Letters to Penny in Canada, Jenn in Texas, Norma in Oklahoma, Sherri Kay in Wisconsin, Joanna in Poland, Michele in New Mexico, Wanda in Canada, and Tracy in Texas.

Letters to Claudia in California, Barbara in South Carolina, Wanda in Canada, Michele in New Mexico, Tracy in Texas, Penny in Canada, Lee in Scotland, Tami in Oregon, and Lisa in Washington.

Cards to Iris in Oregon, Sue in North Carolina, and Becky in Oregon.

Postcards to Garrett in New Mexico, Hans in Sweden, Trysha in Alabama, Liz in Iowa, Iris in Oregon, Jenn in Texas, Joel in Arizona, Sue in North Carolina, and Sarah in Wisconsin.

Great assortment of postcards from Jenn.

A robin built her nest on top of the wreath on her front door.  We're waiting for the four eggs to hatch.

LongmireTV series

Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil

Wait by Maroon 5

Burundi Cold Brew & Cream from Scooters

Cute llama card.
Back of envelope with a letter from Tracy.

Cool stamp from Mervi.

Card and letter from Tracy.

Assorted lovely postcards from Sarah.

Postcard from Fish's trip to Hong Kong.

Beautiful, snowy Sweden postcard.

SJ (pink shirt) and her best friend enjoy some ice cream.

How gorgeous are the peonies on this postcard?
"May the Force be with you!"

Postcards from Trysha.

Card and letter from Jenn.

Cards and Letters to Steph in Minnesota, Tracy in Texas, Wanda in Canada, Tami in Oregon, Barbara in South Carolina, Michele in New Mexico, and Lisa in Washington.

Letters to Becky in Oregon, Wanda in Canada, Kym in Colorado, Sherri Kay in Wisconsin, Penny in Canada, Karen in Denmark, and Michele in New Mexico.

Cards to Shon in Nebraska and Sue in North Carolina.

Postcards to Iris in Oregon, William in New Mexico, Sawyer in Iowa, Joel in Arizona, and Jenn in Texas.