Harvest Lane Cottage

Ever take one of those silly on-line quizzes to see what character you are in a book or movie? I usually skip them, but awhile back I ran across one for the book Anne of Green Gables.  I just couldn't pass it up. The result? I'm Anne Shirley.  No wonder it's one of my favorite books.  No wonder I relish the language in the book so much.  No wonder I chose to be Laura of Harvest Lane on-line when I began my blog.  No wonder I named my eldest daughter Emily Anne with an E.  No wonder I don't keep liniment or raspberry cordial in my kitchen.  No wonder I like to write, and I enjoy big words.  No wonder I enjoy reading the dictionary.  No wonder I like red hair. No wonder I'd like to own the movie someday. I just had to change format. It just seemed more dramatic. ~grin~ Have you read the book? It's one of the most delightful books I've ever read. The language is superb. Grab a copy from your library or get a Kindl...

Just one look at the cover and I knew that this was going to be another light hearted Christmas read from Melody Carlson. I just feel relaxed when I read her books. Mind you, I've only read a couple, The Christmas Bus and Christmas at Harringtons.  I don't know about her other books, but she has a way of setting a scene that can just make me want to crawl into the book. Her style of writing is so easy to read that I could forget my surroundings and see it all in my movie projector imagination. While the very end was rather predictable, it was so wonderfully described, I didn't mind.  It was just the kind of just for a fun break book a woman needs at Christmas time. I tucked this book in my handbag and read it while on vacation at my friend Laura's house. When I had a few down moments, I would just pull it out and read a few pages. The chapters were short, so this was easy. It was a pleasant way to spend my free time. Well done Melody Carlson! Now, take a look a...

Hello dear readers, It's time for another reading list. This time my list is dominated by books that I will be reading for review over the next few weeks. Have you made your list yet? Everyone can find a few minutes to read. Think you're too busy?  Here are five ways to find time to read. The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart It was excellent! Read my review. An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti   I am savoring this now. The Christmas Joy Ride   by Melody Carlson  Finished October 27th Read my review. Trim Healthy Mama Plan by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison  Read my review. The Ology by Marty Machowski Read my review Books... don't leave home without one!

Source A couple of weeks ago, our girls ran a 5K race. Participants ran, jogged,or walked. My husband and I drove past the runners to wave. Suddenly, the first runner veered off the straight and narrow road that the racers were supposed to follow to the first station. We were troubled to see that nearly all of the other runners followed the guy in the lead even though they had been told to run straight up the road to the first station. We quickly called the person who set up the race. She asked us to warn the runners to turn around and head in the correct direction.  We drove up the line and told everyone that they'd gotten off the correct path. A few said they wondered about it and turned back. Most just ignored us or said, "Oh well." They continued going in the wrong direction even though it took them farther from their goal! I was dismayed at the spiritual parallel of this situation.  We are all given directions, whether from the word of God or our conscienc...

The weather's growing cooler, and the leaves are just beginning to turn crimson and gold. The chill in the air makes me feel all homemakery. ~smile~ This is the perfect time to begin preparing for the busy holiday season ahead. For our family, busy usually begins in November. My daughters will have practice for the Christmas musical at church, my sons will have hunting season, my husband will need my help at the restaurant when the buses come in November , and I will be the one making sure everyone does school, gets to jobs and meetings, eats, and has clean clothes to wear. ~smile~ Here are some strategies I have implemented in the past. I hope to get a head start by doing some of these things this month and early next month. Prepare double batches of soups and casseroles.  I do this on normal evenings as I'm preparing dinner.  It's easy to put the extra in the freezer for a busy day meal.  Just be sure to label it. It's no fun to think you're thawing...

♥ Do you see your blessings? I confess that sometimes I do not. Sometimes I take things for granted that I really shouldn't.  A home of our own for our family A van to drive (even if it feels like we need 2*) Water to drink (even if it's carried in gallon jugs) I have my family all in one town. I have several outfits as do each of my children and my husband. I have my own washer and dryer. That wasn't always the case. Oh the list could go on and on and on. Jo at Finding Joy in the Everyday wrote an excellent article about just how blessed most of us are. It's Counting Your Blessings . A Little More on Our Blessings shares some grim facts about how blessed women are to live in a free country like Australia or America. Do drop by and read these excellent articles. Jo has some beautiful insight, has done some research, and also writes a lovely blog. Happy Today! Count Your Blessings Name Them One by One... Laura Happily Blessed *We now ...

Read other daybooks.   My Daybook October 5, 2015 Outside my window... It's cool. The sky is covered by clouds.  I can hear the morning traffic on the highway... rushing to work or to destinations unknown. It sounds rather heavy this morning. It's punctuated by an occasional bark from my little Penny. I am thinking... that it's time to get back into a better routine now that Farm Girl Fest 2015 is history. The kids wanted to spend extra time working on things to sell. My son was most successful with sales. It's because he was selling guy stuff. I am thankful that...   God provides. God always takes care of us. He gives us friends to enhance our enjoyment and to share life with. From the kitchen... I think I may make something from the bananas growing too ripe on the buffet. Perhaps some banana bread or Briana's Banana Bars would be good. I've got to see if I have any oat fiber. I hear the tea kettle in the kitchen. I'll be...

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with all the reviews the last few days. With three children and a husband who also use this computer, the reviews just piled up.   Have you seen My Fall Bucket List ? Take a look. Maybe you'll get an idea for something you can do today to enjoy Autumn. I hope you have a terrific day.  After all, it is arguably the most wonderful time of the year!  Be blessed friends! Laura Blessed to be a Blessing