Abigail Laura's Blog, page 3

Garden Adventure Pt. 1 – Summer 2020

Garden Adventure Part 1!

When I was in High School, one of my loves was gardening. I basically took over a generous slice of my family’s side yard in order to grow vegetables! I planned what produce to plant, plotted out where each section would go, and followed through on thinning, weeding, and reaping a delicious harvest! The sun-warm cherry tomatoes and crispy sweet peas were my favorite. My Gapoo (grandfather) taught be how to remove ‘suckers’ from tomato plants so that they would produce better fruit, and I’ve never forgotten it. I loved gardening and I remember taking great pride in the work.

Fastforward (years later) and I am quite rusty. I’ve had a few gardens since then, but nothing huge and nothing consistent. Now that I am in a home of my own and getting established with my kids and fiance, I decided that it would be fun to do a garden! This year, my thought was to start small – so the four of us picked one veggie each. Frog picked carrots, Toad picked cherry tomatoes, Josh picked peppers, and I picked yellow squash. The next idea I had was to order seeds online, which was a great idea, but I think I hit the ordering too late in the season because a lot was sold out! I ended up swapping my yellow squash (sniff, sniff) for acorn squash and watermelon.

The seeds arrived and we began to prep our soil! On the side of our house we have a small raised bed, which I decided would be perfect for the carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and some bonus lettuce the seed company sent us. We have a fenced in backyard and one side runs alongside our driveway. There is a narrow border of grass between fence and drive that was perfect for the squash and melon. It was a lot of work to dig up all the grass, and the raised bed had a small pine tree that needed to be relocated.

It was the beginning of May, so the weather was warm, but not too hot when we planted all of our seeds. I absolutely love hanging out with my kids and working on projects with them, so it was really wonderful to work together with them. And, quite frankly, they killed it! They were putting their backs into the work and chatting about this and that the whole time. I was really proud of them. We planted our seeds, watered them and began the best part – waiting and waiting and waiting! I’ll give an update soon, so look out for part 2!

Summing it up: I’m really happy and excited to be dipping my toes into gardening again. I’m learning a lot and enjoying doing so along with my kids. Are you having a garden this year? I’d love to hear about what you’re growing and if you have any gardening tips (since I consider myself a newbie)!

Best, Abbey

June 2020 Wrap Up

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June 2020 Wrap Up

My reading in June felt slow and honestly, inadequate. I find that when my personal life gets tough my reading takes a hit because it’s hard to focus. I’m used to reading every day and going from one book to the next, so it’s hard when I can’t focus and days go by without being able to read. I like to switch gears when I feel like this and refram my headspace. I start by recognizing that sometimes I need to channel energy into other things and sometimes I need a distraction that is not reading. And that’s ok! I have to advocate for myself when my brain wants to bring me down a bit. Then (of course), when I sat down to compile the books I’ve read, there were more than I thought! On top of that, I had some GREAT reads this month. I read my first Scottoline book (audiobook) and it was fantastic. It’s a mother/daughter duo and I can’t wait to read more of their books. I read a classic that’s been on my tbr for ages, thanks to an Instagram friend (The Great Gatsby), and I read a recommendation from another friend (Words in Deep Blue), which I loved. I also read some translated literature from the Caribbean (Coming Up Hot). I flew through a fantastic memoir (Black Klansman) and read a book that “everyone” was reading (Normal People). So, truly, it was a good month, even though it didn’t feel like it.

 

I See Life Through Rosé-Colored Glasses by Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Serritella (audiobook) ~ 5 stars
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley ~ 5 stars
Book Love by Debbie Tung ~ 5 stars
Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime by Ron Stallworth ~ 5 stars

 

The Warehouse by Rob Hart (ebook) ~ 4 stars
Lacks Self-Control: True Stories I Waited Until My Parents Died to Tell by Roy Sekoff (audiobook) ~ 4 stars
The Great Gatsby by Scott F. Fitzgerald ~ 4 stars
Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death by Mark Essig ~ 4 stars
Coming Up Hot: Eight New Poets from the Caribbean by Peekash Press (Editor) Featuring poems from Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné, Danielle Jennings, Ruel Johnson, Monica Minott, Debra Providence, Shivanee Ramlochan, Colin Robinson, and Sassy Ross. With a preface by Kwame Dawes. ~ 4 stars

 

Normal People by Sally Rooney ~ 3 stars

 

Summing it up: Looking back over the month, I feel really good about what I read and it’s a good reminder that sometimes you need to take a step back and not beat yourself up (and this applies for so much more than ‘not reading enough’). Wishing you all the happiest reading and feeling the best about what you read (no matter your expectations)!

Best, Abbey

Normal People

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Normal People by Sally Rooney

Buying and reading “Normal People” was a classic ‘bookstagram made me do it.’ I saw it everywhere and it seemed that most people either loved it or hated it. I was curious and so was Josh, so we decided to buy it and read it together. This was slightly unusual because our taste in books has only a slight overlap! Josh read it first and then I dove in. I was immediately struck by the style of writing. Rooney doesn’t use quotation marks. At first it threw me off, but it wasn’t long before it became normal and quite easy to read. The story follows two Irish teens from high school through college and then into adulthood. Connell and Marianne strike up a relationship that goes through a lot of twists and turns and a lot of “on again, off agains.” Without spoiling it, I will say that overall I enjoyed the story. I was immediately sucked into the book and found that I read it pretty quickly. My biggest dislike was that I consistently felt like Connell took advantage of Marianne. When he wanted to be with her, he was with her, and when not, then not –  it was a very distinct feeling I got and I didn’t like it. That is very simplified though and I don’t want to give anything more away. I still liked the book overall. It was deep and there were a lot of things that make you think both as you’re reading and after you finish. I actually think I would read it again. Connell and Marianne’s relationship is so complex that I wonder if one reading of the book is enough! There are trigger warnings: abuse, sexual themes, suicide, and trauma. I would definitely recommend “Normal People,” with the understanding that it is interesting, complicated, dark, and raw. It’s not your happy-go-lucky book, but it is one that leaves a lasting impact. 

Josh amiably agreed to share his thoughts:

Well, first of all, hello everyone! And what an honor this is to be the first guest reviewer on such an illustrious blog! Anywho, “Normal People,” that’s why I’m here. So as Abbey said, it seemed like a book that was everywhere and the show was coming out and sounded interesting so I was looking forward to it. I didn’t know much at all about the story beside the summary on the back, and I think that that was a benefit in reading the book. It is tough I think to provide a thorough review of this particular book without any spoilers or discussing how it ends, so apologies if the review seems somewhat sparing. Overall I did enjoy the book and would recommend reading it. While the story is specific to Connell and Marianne and their relationship, there is a lot that goes into mental health and relationships that can be extrapolated or can feel relatable, even if maybe some of what’s in the book is a little more extreme. Each of their stories, as it covers four years of their lives beginning in senior year of high school, allows to look in on their story during a time that many of us are working further individualizing, getting out into the world on our own, and perhaps becoming completely different people. The writing was excellent and captured many nuances of real people’s struggles and limitations, while developing into who we are as adults. Overall, I gave the book 3 stars out of 5, though maybe would have done 3.5 stars if Goodreads had let me. Also, definitely read the book before watching the show (I know, obvious to most of us, but just making sure), but the show is excellent so far and thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you all!

Summing it up: I concur with Josh in his review! I also rated this one a 3 on Goodreads, and I’m really enjoying the show too. Your turn! Have you read “Normal People?” Tell me in the comments, because I would love to know what you thought! And have you watched the show?

All the best, Abbey

Dusk Walks

I have always loved walking. Not running, or jogging, or driving; walking. For me it’s the perfect middle ground. I get some exercise and move my body, but it’s not too strenuous and I can go on and on for a while. I’ve also always taken walks with my boys. I love the time with them and the opportunity for them to get energy out, or simply go along for the ride (in the stroller). At this point, Frog is really to big for the stroller, though that won’t stop him on occasion. Toad, on the other hand is still just the right size and is sometimes too tired, so the stroller is perfect for him. All of this love of walking (and really, just being together) has lead to us taking ‘dusk walks’ at . . . yes . . .dusk! It’s been the perfect time of day during quarantine because fewer people are out and about. Additionally, now that it’s summer, it’s a great time because it’s not as hot – we just have to get out before the bugs get bad!

Dusk walks have truly become a beloved part of our schedule. We can’t do it every night due to weather, or our schedule, but we do it a lot. It’s a great time to chat and be outside getting fresh air. I absolutely love it, and I’m typically the one to suggest it, but the boys will ask for it, and it’s just so sweet! I’ve found that when the four of us walk, we sometimes end up in two pairs, which leads to special conversations and memories. With all the chaos in this world, and the chaos that comes with having a divided schedule, making time for each other is so important. Sometimes you really have to create a way to slow down and enjoy. Walking is just one of the many ways to do this! And, naturally, one I would suggest.

Summing it up: I’m really happy we stumbled onto the idea of dusk walks and I’m really happy we all love them so much! Do you like that time of day to take a walk?

All the best, Abbey

 

Our Pool Adventure – Summer 2020

Our Pool Adventure – Summer 2020

When I bought my home last September, I knew I wanted a pool. I also knew that I wanted a temporary pool that I could set up and take down each summer. My parents have a large inflatable pool and I’ve watched them love the ease of having a pool only one season out of the year. This spring I started looking at pools to see pricing and watch them to try and get a sale. Well, this did not pan out like I planned. COVID19 hit and apparently everyone else had the same idea as me and before I knew it, every pool was sold out! I couldn’t believe it and was devastated. This was dramatic. Before long, my fiance, Josh, found out that Ocean State Job Lot had them and, bonus – they were on sale! He scooped the last one up on his way home from work, along with all the various accoutrements, and it promptly sat in the garage until we had an open day to set it up. This particular pool came with a filter, ladder, tarp for underneath, and a cover. Separately, we got we got chlorine, a net, and some weed blocking fabric for underneath the pool. Our model is an Intex Metal Frame Pool that is 15′ wide x 4′ tall.

Finally the perfect day arrived . . .well, not perfect, but it did arrive. It was hot and bright and rain was expected later in the afternoon. We thought we could get it done before the rain hit, so we dove in. The pool came with directions and we followed them closely. Except, we didn’t see the OTHER (more detailed) directions. Note to self and anyone else who is thinking of setting up their own pool: find and read all directions! It was so frustrating because I’m the type of person that always reads directions first. Au revoir, pride. Nevertheless, we began by laying out the weed blocking fabric as a base, covered that with the tarp that came with the pool, and then unrolled the pool itself. (This is where we missed the pivotal direction to place all the tubing around the circumference of the pool. To be fair, this particular direction was omitted completely from what we were referencing, but still.) We placed the posts as directed and started filling the pool as directed. It was so hot! The four of us worked together and we were so pleased with our teamwork. Then we realized our error. But no worries, we would just add the tubing in now. We hastily began to place the tubing in, connecting it to the posts, while the pool was filling. At this point, it was a comedy of errors as we got all the way around and the tubing wouldn’t connect! It was too large and we couldn’t close the circle. And then it started to rain. (I’m honestly laughing as I type this because we were all so grumpy, but it’s pretty funning remembering it now.) We abandoned ship. The pool was standing, but not closed, there was about a foot of water, and we hadn’t even unboxed the filter. Later we tried to close the circle, but in the end, we had to take the whole pool down and start over, doing the tubing first. It worked like a charm (naturally). We filled the pool up to the hight of the filter, added the filter, and then filled the pool up to the top and added chlorine. We’ve been in the pool as a family, which was delightful. I should note that we’re pretty sure a previous owner had an above ground pool because we had a nearly perfect level spot and didn’t need to do any work with the ground to get a level area.

Summing it up: I am truly grateful for a supportive partner and two great kids that have helped this process go smoothly (even when it wasn’t perfect). I’m also thrilled and thankful we have a pool to enjoy. It’s such a privilege and one I do not take for granted. My guys are fish and I love having a pool right outside that we can enjoy without the hassle of travel. It’s worth the setup and maintenance for sure! I absolutely recommend this pool if it’s something you’re interested in adding (temporarily) to your home.

Best, Abbey

May 2020 Wrap Up

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May 2020 Wrap Up

May was a long month. I found myself deeply affected by the Black Lives Matter movement. I wasn’t able to focus on reading books, but rather found myself thinking, listening, and reading about BLM. I don’t see the fact that I read less as a negative, but rather as a beneficial, educational shift in my perspective. For me, I realized that ‘not being a racist’ is not enough; I need to be actively anti-racist. I am hopeful that for all of America, this is not a temporary shift, but a lasting change in the core of our country. I am committed to doing my part. Continuing to educate myself, continuing to listen, and continuing to read and elevate Black authors.

The books I read this month were mostly loves . . .it’s always so interesting how it pans out! I focused on red books, and I have to say, by the middle of the month, I was sick of the color. I still have a handful of red books to read, but I’m going to read some recommended books and then intersperse those reads with the rest of my red books!

Evening Class by Maeve Binchy ~ 5 stars
Wool by Hugh Howey ~ 5 stars
You’re Mom: A Little Book for Mothers by Liz Climo ~ 5 stars
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan (audiobook) ~ 5 stars

 

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman ~ 4 stars
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (audiobook) ~ 4 stars
Dune by Frank Herbert ~ 4 stars
Scarlet Sails by Alexander Grin ~ 4 stars
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis ~ 4 stars

 

Kings of the Wyld by Nicolas Eames ~ 3 stars
When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica (audiobook) ~ 3 stars

 

The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald ~ 2 stars

 

Summing it up: So much learning this month and I will not stop. I read some wonderful books and enjoyed some great audiobooks! This next month, I’m incorporating some books specifically on racism and some more by Black authors. Have you read any of these books, and if so, what did you think of them?!

Best, Abbey

Cat’s Cafe: A Comics Collection

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Cat’s Cafe: A Comics Collection by Matt Tarpley

Cat’s Cafe: A Comics Collection is beautifully simple and meaningful at the same time. I was gifted an e-book advanced edition of this book by Andrews McMeel through NetGalley and was so happy to read it as I love cute comics! This book combines adorable illustrations with powerful messages about self-love, friendship and home. That was one of the things I like best about this book. It was great having powerful messages conveyed through art. And the messages were simple and to the point. I was moved by many of the little stories . . . definitely laughed out loud and teared up throughout the book! One of the characters is a blue Penguin who LOVES coffee. It is just adorable and it totally resonated with me, as a lover of coffee myself!

Summing it up: this little book has it all: cute illustrations, beautiful messages, and a love of coffee! I definitely recommend this one!

All the best, Abbey

Evening Class

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Evening Class by Maeve Binchy

I discovered Maeve Binchy last September. I was on my library’s electronic loan site (Overdrive) searching for available audiobooks, when I came across A Week in Winter. I listened to it and immediately fell in love with the cacophony of characters and how their lives intersected. Binchy’s writing is vivid and her characters are completely relatable. She throws in the perfect amount of drama to give the story depth, but it never seems contrived. Binchy also manages to weave the various characters’ lives together in a sometimes surprising, but always interesting, way. At least this is how the 4 books of hers I’ve read have been! She has written so many books and I can’t wait to read them all!

In Evening Class the story revolves around a small school in Ireland, the beginner’s Italian class offered there, and the varied people who attend. The book begins with Aidan’s perspective. He is a Latin teacher at the local school who wants (and expects) to be nominated as the new principal very soon, and happens to be in a struggling marriage, but has not fully come to terms with this. The point of view then shifts to Signora’s. Signora is the name given to a young irish woman who follows the love of her life to Italy. The snag is that the love of her life is marrying another woman in Italy because of family expectations. She becomes ‘Signora’ as she settles into a house across the street, learns Italian, and immerses herself into a new life living on the sidelines of her lover. Fast forward 20-odd years and Signora’s lover dies, leaving her to return to Ireland where she meets Aidan and they strike up the idea to offer an Italian class. We meet a handful of other people as the story progresses, who one way or another have a reason to attend said Italian class. Each chapter is from one of these characters’ perspectives. So, each chapter you have a new point of view to learn about a new person, and you also see the other characters stories progress (just through someone else’s lens). The connections are incredible . . .family, friends, friend of a co-worker, etc. They all somehow weave together and part of the magic of the book is discovering how. I won’t spoil all the ins and outs, but I will say that the book culminates with all of the characters being together and then going to Italy on final trip!

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They each had their own interesting backstory and vibrant personality. The fact that the plot revolved around an Italian class was different and Binchy threw in a ton of Italian, which I loved! I can’t say enough how much I love Binchy’s storytelling. It’s gripping, interesting, heartfelt, and beautiful. I did not want to put this book down. I had to find out how the characters’ lives overlapped and find out what was going to happen!!

Summing it up: I highly recommend Evening Class, and Maeve Binchy in general. I truly cannot wait to read all of her books. I love her way of bringing completely unrelated characters together and how they all have amazing, varied personalities! Have you read any of her books? Tell me which ones if you have!

All the best, Abbey

becoming.

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becoming. by Renaada Williams

What a beautiful, moving work of poetry. I was gifted an e-book advanced edition of this book by Andrews McMeel through NetGalley and couldn’t wait to read it since I write poetry myself (and the cover was catching)! Long story short, I was deeply affected reading becoming. I loved the way the text was laid out and the rhythm of Williams’ words. The subject matter is raw, vulnerable and open.

I have a special place in my heart for this type of poetry. Partially, because it’s similar to how I write and partially because it speaks right to my heart. There are so many different styles of poetry, and for me, the free, flowing format is what resonates the deepest. I think Williams beautifully navigates this art form in her book. Most of the poems are short, and they are all in that free style. Some are abrupt, some are deeper than others, and they all moving.

There are a few trigger warnings for abuse, but given the format, I personally would not have that put you off. It’s easy to skip over some poems or let them slip by, read, but not dwelled on.

Summing it up: I loved and appreciated this book of poetry. I definitely recommend it, especially if this style of poetry is your cup of tea!

Best, Abbey

April 2020 Wrap Up

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April 2020 Wrap Up

April was a fun month of reading for me. I’m working my way through my own books and narrowed it down by reading one color at a time! At the beginning of April I finished reading my pink books and then the rest of the month I started on reds! I read some great books and some not so great books and I learned something new about myself. Ironically, I was happy to find some books that weren’t great for me, so I could clear them from my shelf and move on to better ones. And what I learned this month is that I enjoy rereading books (I was convinced I really didn’t). I realized this when I reread two of my childhood favorites: “A Little Princess” and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” April was another month of quarantine and I did have a lot of reading time, which is the bright side of this crazy situation. Below is how I rated everything on Goodreads!

Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong ~ 5 stars
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett ~ 5 stars
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum ~ 5 stars
I Hope My Voice Doesn’t Skip a Beat by Alicia Cook (e-book) ~ 5 stars
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch ~ 5 stars
What a Wonderful Word: A Collection of Untranslatables from Around the World

by Nicola Edwards & Luisa Uribe (Illustrator) ~ 5 stars

 

The Clocks (Hercule Poirot) by Agatha Christie ~ 4 stars
Edith Frome by Edith Wharton ~ 4 stars
The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan ~ 4 stars
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton ~ 4 stars
Being Perfect by Anna Quindlen ~ 4 stars
becoming. by Renaada Williams ~ 4 stars
The Abracadabra Kid: A Writer’s Life by Sid Fleischman ~ 4 stars
You Are No Longer in Trouble by Nicole Stellon O’Donnell ~ 4 stars

 

The Chaos of Longing by K.Y. Robinson ~ 3 stars
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler ~ 3 stars
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris ~ 3 stars

 

A Replacement Life by Boris Fishman ~ 2 stars

 

The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin ~ did not finish

 

Summing it up: April was a great month and it’s always nice to try new things (like rereading). Have you read any of these books, and if so, what did you think?!

Best, Abbey