We’re nearly through the second month of the year. The groundhog either did or did not see his shadow depending upon whether you prefer Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, Milltown Mel in New Jersey, Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, Sir Walter Wally in Raleigh, General Beauregard Lee in Georgia, or one of the other groundhogs around the country. They don’t always agree on the prediction but spring still seems to come anyway. Like the inevitability of spring, the last Saturday of the month signals time to share a few highlights from the month with my friend Heather and a few other bloggers. Don’t forget you’re always welcome to join us by linking your own post over at HeatherGerwing.com.
Something Loved
Every year I post hearts on the kids’ bedroom doors the first two weeks of February sharing something I love or appreciate about them. This year I got fancy with it and used various colors to form rainbow hearts. The kids figured out my plan quickly but were surprised when I reversed the pattern on the second week. I love that they enjoy the tradition we’ve established and hope that the positive comments increase their self-confidence.
Something Read
I didn’t really know what to expect going into Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie but I am very glad that I picked it up. Ifemelu has decided to return home to Nigeria after living in the U.S. for thirteen years. The story flashes back to her younger years in Nigeria and then her experiences in the U.S. where she struggled to find a job without a work visa, lost touch with her boyfriend Obinze back in Nigeria while dealing with depression, and created a popular blog about race in America from the perspective of a non-American Black person. The book also speaks from Obinze’s perspective at times – of his failure to acquire a visa for America, but getting a U.K. visa through his aunt for a six-month stay and eventually getting deported back to Nigeria after being arrested for his expired visa. When Ifemelu returns, Nigeria feels different and she isn’t sure whether it’s the country that’s changed or herself.
I really appreciated seeing life in America and Nigeria from a different perspective. The story was quite engaging and tugged me emotionally. I can see why it won the National Book Critic’s Award.
Something Treasured
Since the kids were in virtual school since Christmas and we weren’t going anywhere or doing anything, we managed to work out a visit with another family who was doing the same thing. Last February we surprised both sets of kids by meeting up in Murphy, NC to hang out for an afternoon and that’s the last time we’d been face-to-face. It was so wonderful to see them and to get to experience a small bit of normalcy. Our whole family loved seeing dear friends. Here’s to hoping we won’t have to wait another year to do it again.
Something Ahead
Next Wednesday (March 3rd) I’ll be sending out my very first newsletter! I’ll be sharing the latest from my writing desk and bookshelf along with resources I’ve found useful in my writing and reading life. It’s an opportunity to see some of the behind-the-scenes action of a writer seeking to become published and I’ll include some Q&A opportunities for those who have specific questions. I’ll also include some things I’m loving or have found helpful to my life. If this interests you, please click here to sign up.
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I’d love to hear one of your February highlights. Share it in the comments!
The hearts, with positive affirming messages on your children’s bedroom doors is such a lovely tradition to establish. And good to hear that they have been able to connect with some friends.
All the best with your newsletter, as a different way to connect with your followers, sounds as if you have it all planned out!
I’m trying to connect with readers and writers in meaningful ways and this seems like a natural progression.
What a beautiful Valentine’s Day idea with your kids. That’s the kind of thing they’ll long remember into their adulthood. I learned a lot in Americanah as well as enjoying it too. I still haven’t jumped on the newsletter bandwagon, even though I hear it’s the thing to do. Maybe one day! Hope yours is a rounding success. It sounds like it will be!
Thanks for the encouragement. I hope my newsletter is useful to its readers.
That book sounds amazing. I’m adding it to my TBR list. Have you read any of Yaa Gyasi’s novels? I think you would enjoy her writing, too. Those hearts are darling! What great idea!
I have not read any of Gyasi’s books but I’ve heard a lot of good things about them. I’ll add one to my own TBR list. 🙂
Love the heart idea.
Admire that you actually DO the good idea you had!
Happy Share Four Somethings!
I’m very good at following through with my commitments and goals. Maybe I’ll talk about that in a future newsletter. 🙂
Hello, Megan, from another 4 Somethings fan! The colorful hearts with the words of love written are a beautiful sight … and a wonderful prompt for us to consider. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the Valentine’s hearts. It’s something I also do with my spouse some years. One year my family did it for me and I felt so loved and appreciated.
I’ve signed up for the newsletter! Looking forward to it 🙂
Yay! I hope you enjoy it.
Megan How lovely. Well I’m in Pennsylvania, and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. I agree with you that spring comes anyway on it’s own, even if the groundhogs predicted a longer winter. I love the tradition you established with your kids, that is priceless. Yay! for your first newsletter coming. Blessings.
I think the one in NC didn’t see his shadow so we have conflicting reports. 🙂
The colored hearts are such a wonderful idea. What a good way to show your children how much you love them! I read Americanah last year and really liked it. I thought it was a very engaging story too.
One year I forgot about it and my daughter asked where the Valentine fairy was. She had to explain that she was talking about the hearts. 🙂
Congrats on your newsletter! Has been a long-time goal of mine…but seems elusive! Enjoy the extra connection!
Thanks! It actually wasn’t too bad to set up and get running. If it’s something you’re interested in, I’d say go for it!