The Classics

I was thinking that I need to go back and read some of the classics that I have not yet read. And that got me to thinking about writers and reading and what makes a book "classic." So I am asking for your opinion on this one. How long does a book have to be in print to be considered a classic and what makes a book a classic-- author, literary style, cultural relevance? Who decides? There may be a legitimate answer to that question, and if there is, please let me know. I'm just interested in hearing what you have to say and expanding my list of books to read, so please weigh in on this one and give me your personal list of classics, and or favorites.

The following is a list of 5 books I enjoyed: books that struck a cord at some important season in my life, made me think, made me laugh, or made me grow:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
4. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
5. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

I'm looking for a new good read. Any suggestions?

My girl

This is my Ava Grace, at one year old. What a gift! I adore her. . .


Here are some of Ava's latest interests:
She loves her dog, Dottie. Her favorite saying is, "Hi Dot Tee!" Every morning Ava stands by the back door, saying "Woof" until I take her outside to see the dog. Dottie showed up on Ava's one year birthday so we had to keep her.

She likes to sing The Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round, Jesus Loves Me, If You're Happy and You Know It, and her old favorite, The Itsy Bitsy Spider. All of her favorites involve hand motions! She's pretty good at them. I love to watch her sing along with her hands even though her vocabulary is not big enough to sing along out loud. . . yet!

Ava is also in a grape phase. She eats them morning, noon, and night. I don't know how to get her off grapes. I guess there are worse things for her to be addicted to, like Cheetos or Pizza. I try not to offer grapes at all meals, but she goes to fridge and fusses and points until I open it; then she taps on the drawer with the grapes. Smart girl really. She knows what she wants and she has figured out how to tell me. I have taught her the sign for please, but she only uses it when I tell her to. I guess "Ugghhh" and pointing is just as effective.

These are just a few of the fun things Ava is into these days. It's always changing, always exciting, and always a joy! Like I said, I adore her! Just look in those eyes. Melt my heart.
(Photo by Kristin Morales-- see site under More Blogs!)

3 Goals

One of the reasons we are looking forward to our move to Abilene is time! We want to simplify! It's not just about having more time, but using the time we have been given wisely. I know that relocating isn't going to suddenly take the issue of busyness away, but I do hope that it will allow us to spend more time together as family, and have more time to develop things in ourselves that we have no time for with our current schedules. I know that Chad wants to be able to run more and spend more quality time with us at home. With little to no paperwork to bring home, and a 5 minute commute, I think he'll be able to accomplish those things. My three goals are all somewhat selfish in nature, but I really think that if I spend just a little bit of time bettering myself, I will be a better mom, wife and friend.

First, I want to allow myself time for reading and writing. This sounds basic, but let me clarify: these will be books that I want to read for fun at my own pace because they interest me, not because I am in a study and am expected to read a certain number of chapters a week. And I want to write. I am actually working on this one now. Even if writing is in blog form, I want to be able to express my thoughts even if no one reads them. It helps me to get them out there.

Second, I want to work out at least 3 days a week. I think I will be able to do this at the Hendrick work out center, and I am looking forward to it! Hopefully, I can find a class that I'll enjoy and a work out partner who will call me and kick me in the hiney if I try to skip! (Kate might be good at this.)

And third, I want to audit an Art class. Creating has always been an emotional and stress outlet for me; I have not done anything truly artistic in some time. (I take that back, I have painted canvases, but these again are for other people based on what they want, and add to my list of things I need to get done.) I fear that I am losing the creative person that I once was. I actually don't even think I am all that talented an artist, but it's something I do for me, as a release and to better myself.

These are my three goals. I just thought I would put them out there so if anyone reads this, they can hold me to them! I hate setting New Year's Resolutions because I beat myself up with guilt about 3 months in, when I start breaking them. So I don't want these goals to be yet another thing that hangs over my head causing me to feel guilty because I'm not getting it all done. Rather, I am hoping to look at them as things I'll be proud if I accomplish, even for a time.