I is for Intentional #atozchallenge

So far through the A-Z Challenge I have talked about quite a range of things.  Since this is my first time participating, I did not want to restrict myself to a theme just in case I could not stick it through the whole twenty-six letters.  I write these posts on the day they are due using whatever inspiration comes to mind in the moments of the day.  As I look back thus far I have what could be a couple of themes emerging.  However, even among these few flowing threads is a single underlying heartbeat.  In one way or another they are all about living life intentionally.  Appreciate, Balance, Compromise, Detours, Energy, Feelings from Flamenco, Galileo and Hamsa all have an intrinsic pulse.  Whether you are spontaneous or deliberate always live with intention.  An intention to enjoy, experience life to its fullest, learn and grow.  Having a broad intention to embrace life can also help you even in times of uncertainty.  It gives you a focal point for positive energy and provides some added momentum for moving forward.

My Life According to Books I Read in 2013

Getting back in the groove after a thirteen plus hour drive yesterday led to a slow start this morning, sipping coffee in bed and catching up on blog reading.  I was intrigued by Lisa at Two Bears Farm's post, My Life According to Books I Read in 2013.  I too had a great reading year in 2013.  I completed 36 books which is pretty darned good, especially since I seem to have gravitated toward very long reads.  The task was a challenge, since many books that I read had one word titles or were food related, but it was fun and I encourage you to join in too!   My goal for 2014 is to read 50 books.  So with out further ado...

My Life According to Books I Read in 2013

Describe yourself:  

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

How do you feel:  

So Big by Edna Ferber

Describe where you currently live:

Bristol House by Beverly Swerling

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Your favorite form of transportation:

The Road From Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

Your best friend is:

Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee

You and your friends are:

Cherries in Winter by Suzan Colon

What's the weather like:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

What is life to you:

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Baumeister

Favorite time of day:

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

Your Fear:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

What is the best advice you have to give:

The Bookmans Tale by Charlie Lovett

Thought for the day:

French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure by Mirelle Guilano

How I would like to die:

From the Kitchen of Half Truth by Maria Goodin

My soul's present condition:

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

My family is:

The Truest Pleasure by Robert Morgan

All of these books I enjoyed, some more than others, how did your reading go in 2013.  Please leave me a note if you too blog about it!

Clear

The last few days there has been a flurry of activity.   Here's a snapshot~

 I had double duty scouting yesterday with the cub scout blue and gold banquet directly following our girl scout meeting.  It was so busy going from work to scouting to scouting that I didn't even get to give proper attention to the iPhone 4s upgrade I finally was able to get for us!  Yay!

Today we got our schedule finagled so that we can be in California for my cousin's wedding in July!  So excited; sure to be a fantastic trip and the kiddos will get to hit a few San Diego activities that they have never done before.

We are getting the other house listed this week and I'm going to remain positive that this will be the year that we can finally end that chapter.  

I simply love flipboard!  If you don't use it, check it out.  As I did my perusing over coffee this morning, I found this list making ap called Clear.  I'm just learning to navigate it, but a cool by product is the layout of the little scribbling above.

 In the busyness of everyday life, I hope your tea leaves make you clear!

Silent Sunday