Rainbow

Landed in Tampa alongside this rainbow. 🌈 They always feel hopeful and magical.

Sweet Girl

She’s not happy about the suitcase. ☹️ It’s going to be a very long fall — for her AND me. ✈️ ✈️ ✈️

Hmmm?

I suppose I could have swept up the dirt before I snapped the pic... 🤔

First Frost

Holding on to every moment until the first frost... ❤️

The Stuff of Stars

When my almost-18-year-old, not-too-terribly-interested-in-picture-books son glances at this book (which happens to be sitting on the kitchen counter as he’s fetching a snack) and STOPS and says, “Wow. This is really beautiful,” I’m going to state the obvious: This book is incredibly special.

Mayor of Tulsa

To celebrate the completion of a county-wide reading challenge and the opening of a new park, the mayor of Tulsa, OK read GOODNIGHT, GOODNIGHT, CONSTRUCTION SITE to the crowd. ❤️📚

Sounder

So, if you missed this Newbery Medal Winner when it debuted in 1969, I want to tell you that this classic story is still incredibly relevant. It’s not too late to read it, (or listen to the 2.25-hour audio book and cry across the entire state of Indiana). 

Words of Wisdom

A dear man gave me these words of wisdom. Rest In Peace, Phil. I’ll see you on the other side; hopefully, there’s ice cream. 🍦 ❤️ Love you.

The Story of the Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

It’s not very often that a picture book brings me to tears. • I had never heard of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan until this book — and now I’ll never forget her. • Thank you

Deborah Underwood

Just added to my Little Free Library for some of the little girls in my neighborhood who have asked for “princess books.” • I love this fun story and its equally awesome message. ❤️ “She quickly fixed the ailing ship. The prince said, ‘Be my bride!’” • “She thought this over carefully. Her family watched in panic.” • “‘I’m far too young for marriage, but I’ll be your chief mechanic!’” 🛠⚙️❤️

Yuyi Morales

I have always quipped that Yuyi Morales doesn’t walk into a room — she floats. In much the same way, this book is special: lovely, transcendent and spiritual. It’s more beautiful, visually and emotionally, than my photos can convey — and it debuted TODAY. ❤️

Dreams...

A few samples from my collection of dream foyers — because, that’s a normal thing to collect, right?

Hey Kiddo

 I just preordered; I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. 📚❤️ I don’t read much “older kids” stuff, but I’ve had the honor of hearing Jarrett speak a bit about his personal life. If this book is anywhere as moving and compelling as that talk, it will be unforgettable.

So Disguisting!

I bent down to pick it up, thinking it was one of the foam “bullets” from my kids’ Nerf guns... and it’s GROWING!!! — the top of it came off in my hand!!! SO DISGUSTING! 🤢 I’ve learned from my gardening community that it’s a fungus called “Red Rocket Fungus” or “Devil’s Dipstick” or (this is catchy) “Penis Fungus.” 😳😝 That concludes your botany lesson for today. I’m going to wash my hand again.

Cutie

Wow. Thank you @dougiethebookdragon for this incredibly sweet and touching video endorsement. 😘❤️

Best Relationships Keep Growing

About three years ago, I received this incredibly thoughtful gift. Look how it’s grown! 
It’s a showstopper this time of year, and always a reminder that the best relationships keep growing.

Time is Changing

It’s a 90-degree day, but signs that fall is coming are everywhere here: Pink turtleheads are popping, asters and mums are budding, and Bluebeard (the bees’ fave 🐝) has started to flower. Ready or not, the season is changing.

Dry Ice..So Fun!

A package was delivered today, packed in dry ice. The boys are REALLY excited about the dry ice. 😳

Flowers are Bright and Shiny

It’s a gray, gloomy day, but at least the flowers are still bright and shiny.

Great Gift

Next to the telescoping-saw-on-a-stick, this is the best surprise gift the hubby has ever brought me! ❤️ 🎁 (Bonus: I don’t have to keep grabbing my good bread knives to divide roots. 👍🏻)