Wordless Wednesday: Black Magic Cafe in Folly Beach, SC

Yeah, baby!

Iris and the Dragonflies is fantastic for family reading

Africa photo.

I have always been an avid reader, and even more so once I discovered science fiction and fantasy.  I read novels to my kiddos as bedtime stories and firmly believe it helped them bolster their creativity.  As they grew and filled their schedules (and mine) with extracurricular

activities, I put my fun reading time aside and focused on required reading for school and work. On occasion I'd flip through a beloved text and dream of having the time to read something new for fun.

Something I used to do when the kids were younger was flip through anything I thought they might like before passing it to them. These days my teens give me a sidelong glance when I recommend reading material because they don't see me as cool anymore I suppose.  One is rediscovering her love of books while the other is focused on paintball and baseball.  He'll come around.

How does reading make me healthier?  It relaxes me and brings down my blood pressure.  The time spent with a good book helps me escape for a while, and that helps keep me sane.

My first venture back into reading for fun was a copy of Iris and the Dragonflies.  While technically it was reading for work, it did not feel like it.  I was hooked from first mention of dragons.  It made my geek girl heart sing.  

Rosemary Daniels nailed it in this novel.  An instantly likeable female lead, magic, nature, family, adventure, and the fight between good and evil all make this story for young readers sing.  While it is geared toward pre-teens, it caught me and kept me engaged from start to finish.  

Iris is an amazing, talented, loving, and  special girl with the ability to talk to dragonflies. As a mother, I wanted to just hug her.  As the girl I once was, I rooted for her. My heart raced when she faced danger and sang when she smiled.

Her teacher, Mrs, Alrich is a gem and I wish all children have a Mrs. Aldrich in their lives.  My Mrs. Aldriches were my first grade teacher and her assistant, Mrs. Hart and Miss Brown.  I remember those ladies to this day and how much they meant to me.  They encouraged me to be myself and to take a closer look at the world around me.

It's been a long time since I found myself lost in a book, and this one is a keeper.  It was hard to put down. The best part?  Iris' adventures will continue in a second book!

I wish my daughter was a little younger so we could read it together like we used to.  I think I'll send it her way so she can read it anyway.  I think she'll inhale it like I did.

Iris and the Dragonflies is available on Amazon.com for $13.45 in paperback or just .99 for the Kindle version.  If you don't have a Kindle, download the free Kindle for PC app.  Get a copy for you and your young ones to enjoy.  

To learn more about the author, check out her gorgeous blog and on Facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. And this book will definitely be good for you and yours.  

Peace.

Keeping track on weekends

One of my fav lunches - chickpeas on a Greek-inspired
salad with lots of lemon juice

I look forward to the weekends like most people with typical schedules.  The kids are home from school, hubs is off work, and we try to do something together besides just hang at home.  I can keep on track with food and scheduled exercise during the week, but on weekends, all bets are off.  I plan to keep steady, but that isn't always the case.

On weekends I can be swayed off track between errands and the lazier schedule.  I will concede if outvoted by the family on places to eat, and if I'm tired or overly hungry I'll just pick something heavier instead of making cleaner choices.

Am I alone in this?  I can't be.  Can I?

I know how I can get if I go too long between meals, and I plan to stash something in my purse to help me get through, but if I'm rushing about I forget.  And I tell myself I can wait 5-6 hours, but by that time I am heading for a crash and either get grouchy or shaky.  Either way, it leads to heavier choices, like deep fried instead of grilled or starch fests instead of a balanced plate.  I hate what I'm eating while eating, but while ordering I ignore the call for better food.  Oy.

But on the plus side, even though I've ignored the scale for a few weeks, nothing has changed for the better or  worse.  That in itself is a victory to me.  It means I am making good enough choices when I'm not really on track.  But it's time to make better choices, period.  More greens, less starch, and more movement!

Until next time.