My Spring Reading List 2024 ~ Harvest Lane Cottage

Update April 28th

Hello everyone! I've been reading and listening to a lot of books. See the list I've added on the bottom. I don't think I'm going to get everything read by the end of May. We shall see!

Happy Spring!

  I've written this post to replace my earlier winter and spring list. I had to remove some books, because I found they were not the kind of thing I want to read. I've also added some books.

~♥~

I've been reading and hearing for some that winter still has a hold in parts of the United States. It's really fighting to keep a hold on Southern Missouri.  We had to cover our Hostas, Marigolds, lettuce and spinach last night. It got down into the twenties. I'm trusting that spring will win. We'll be down in the low thirties again tonight. I'm trusting that spring will win, but in the meantime....

~♥~

 It's the ideal time to open a nonfiction book and learn a new skill, a bit of history, or how something is done. It's also an excellent time to slow down a bit while the world goes whirling by and slip into the land of make believe for a little bit. I have to admit that's my favorite kind of reading.

~♥~

  You can read in the car (but not if you're driving—unless it's an audiobook), read while waiting for appointments, read while waiting for your kids to get out of lessons, read on your lunch break, read while relaxing in a comfy chair; or, if your hands are busy like mine often are, you can listen to audio books. I listen to at least two or three audio books on Everand each month. I've also found free books on YouTube and the Libby app. Interlibrary loan is my friend, too!

  My point is, if you really want to read, you can make time even if it's only a few minutes. Snatch those moments for you!

~♥~

Here are some books that I plan to read:

Michael's Gentle Wife 

by my friend Karen Andreola

I'm reading this now.

Hanged by a Thread

ACF Bookens

~ Finished~

I cannot recommend this title. 

Writing the Cozy Mystery

Nancy J. Cohen

I'm still reading this.

Walk It Out

Tricia Goyer

I'll have to order this from the library. It may go on a future reading list.

English Standard Version
Bible
Update 4/3: I'm in First Samuel.
Update 5/12: I'm in Second Samuel.

What Happened at the Cross
by Billy Graham
*This one was excellent. I highly recommend it.

 In addition, I also read:

The Adventures of Danny Meadowmouse by Thornton Burgess

Steeped in Evil, A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs

Hunting the Witness by Kate Angelo

Seams Like Murder, A Sewing Studio Mystery by Dorothy Howell

The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer

The Adventure of the Cardboard Box by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters by Marion Edmonds

Chosen by Ted Dekker

Yarned and Dangerous by Sadie Hartwell

Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Lady of Disguise by Melanie Dickerson

English Standard Version New Testament by God

Misty of Chincoteague  by Marguerite Henry

These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas

The Redhill Sisterhood by Catherine Louisa Pirkis

Enjoy the now, friends, whatever season is showing where you are. 

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura

P.S  As you may know, I really enjoy using Everand. You get ebooks and audio books plus other reading materials, sheet music, and other things for just one low price of $11.99 a month. You don't have to pay per book. It's all included in the one price. It's the best money I've spent this year!

If you use my link, you'll get a 2 month free trial of Everand, formerly Scribd, and I will get a free month as well. I'm not an affiliate, it's just a neat perk that they have for their subscribers who tell their friends. I've earned 15 free months just sharing how much I love their service! You can too.

Find me online here:

Goodreads:  Laura Lane 

2024 I have finished 56 books of my 60 book goal.

Ravelry:  HarvestLaneLaura

Facebook:  Harvest Lane Cottage  

Instagram: @lauraofharvestlane 

Email:  laura@harvestlanecottage.com

Mailing address available by email for snail mail lovers like me!

My Spring Bucket List 2023 ~ Updated!

 Getting things done is often one part work and two parts focus. 

~smile~ 

My Bucket Lists help me to focus on the things that I want to do that aren't part of my daily routine. They also remind me to have a little fun and 

enjoy the season! 

I will change the listings to italics as I cross them off the list.

Please check back on my progress! It keeps me accountable.

Spring Bucket List 2023

• Write my Spring Bucket List

• Write my Spring Reading List

• Enjoy an Easter Lily ~ Maybe next year.

• Make Resurrection Cookies ~ We elected not to this year.

• Celebrate Resurrection Day

• Enjoy fresh strawberries

• Real Estate Investing (Decluttering)

• Clean out the garage (shudder) ~ Done! I imagine we'll need to do this again this fall!

• Go to yard sales ~smile~

• Have a yard sale ~ Did it!

• Plant zinnias for a cutting garden They're not coming up well.  We need to get more seeds and try again.

• Go to the drive-in ~ There wasn't anything I wanted to see.

• Fill pot with flowers to enjoy outside my door... 

• Picnic in the park

• Ice cream run 

• Wash windows

• Make cookies for my husband on a rainy day

• Make strawberry jam

• Paint my bedroom.

• Put new blinds and curtains up in our bedroom.

• Double Feature Movie Night ~ National Treasure 1 & 2 

• Sew a new apron

• Sew a new skirt

• Place flowers throughout the house

• Invite family for bbq ribs

• Invite home group friends over

• Invite neighbors for pie

• Pedicure I bought and brought my own OPI polish so that I can do my fingernails myself later.

• Try four new recipes 

• Knit and crochet dishcloths for my kitchen and for gifts.

• Finish quilt - I'm excited! I found a brand new, square foot sized pvc frame in my supplies that I had forgotten about. I had to sell my quilt frame a few years ago when times were tough. I worked on it, but it's taking a long time!

• Talk to strangers Always. It's just the way I was raised. It's part of who I am. 

• Finish fixing up the porch table and chairs. We had the cushions recovered.

• Go knitting with a friend

• Blow bubbles

• Destination unknown picnic

• Bake Ladybird Johnson's Lemon Cake

• Try a new pie recipe—maybe an old-fashioned pie or hand pies

• Plant flowers 

• Worship Jesus under the stars

• Put cushions out on the front porch bench

• Find a potted plant or a center piece for the front porch table—maybe a candle?

• Enjoy my daughter, Amy's, gender reveal party. She's expecting this summer! IT'S A BOY!

• Knit some baby things

• Sew some baby things

• Thrift some baby things

• Complete my Spring Reading List

I may add or subtract as I go, but it's a start! My bucket lists and reading lists inspire me and help me to enjoy life and get things done. I hope these lists will inspire you to make your own list! I know some items will be passed on to my summer bucket list, but it is motivating!

What will you put on your bucket list?

What is on your reading list?

Be blessed!

♥

~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 

on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

My Linktree

~~~~~

Related Posts:

• Spring Bucket List 2016
• Summer Bucket List 2016
• Fall Bucket List 2016
• Christmas bucket List 2016
• Winter Bucket List 2017

Flickering and Fighting

Photo from Pixabay

It seems like it's been a really long winter here this year. We've had spring as early as February here in southern Missouri some years. I remember once, 10 or 11 years ago, we had snow on May fifth. Quite unusual. It didn't stay long, but it did get our attention. 

This year, winter and spring have been battling it out. We'll have 80 degrees one day and a few days later will be in the 30s. A few weeks ago, when we thought all was well, planted a long row of phlox in our front flower bed. Unfortunately, we ended up getting really cold weather again, and they went into shock. We've cut them back and fertilize them in hopes that they will revive. They're not looking good, but maybe.

Photo from Pixabay

“Laura felt a warmth inside her. It was very small, but it was strong. It was steady, like a tiny light in the dark, and it burned very low but no winds could make it flicker because it would not give up.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Long Winter

Here we are at the beginning of May.

Today has actually been very pretty. The air is cool, but the sun is warm. Our neighbors' flowering bushes and trees are beautiful. Unfortunately, our tulip tree tried to bloom at the wrong time and lost all of its buds. It's a shame. That tree was one of the reasons I loved the place when we found it 3 years ago. I look forward to seeing it bloom each spring. 

In a way, the wrestling between good and evil that is all around us, and even in us, reminds me of the battle between spring and winter this year.  Although we know that ultimately good wins over evil, there are times when we feel the cold sadness or fear or doubt creep in just like the plunging temperatures when winter is trying to reassert its claim.

Those of us who believe in God, in Jesus Christ, in the Bible, have assurance this battle will indeed and in our victory. One of my friends died recently. She's a dear friend who, like me, battled cancer. Deborah fought hard and valiantly physically and spiritually. She loves the Lord with all her heart and all her strength. She fought the good fight she ran the race she won. Sometimes our healing comes fully in heaven. Sometimes we continue on here completely healed, in some way scarred, or continuing the fight.

Statistically, you are probably in some kind of struggle yourself right now. It might be a struggle with depression, with fear, with family problems, with an addiction, with financial or legal troubles. It could be many things. When we depend on Jesus completely, when we give him our first attention and our first Allegiance, he changes us. He changes the way we think. He changes our perspective. He provides in miraculous ways. He brings healing in relationships and physical healing. And when he doesn't, he brings the strength and the courage and the grace to walk through whatever the situation is in our lives.

I can tell you this for sure. I have walked with God, and I have walked without God. I do not want to live without God in my life. He has changed me and changed my circumstances so drastically. He has been so good to me even when I hurt. Even when I don't understand what's going on, he's always leading me through and bringing about something better for me, because I love him. He always brings me through. If you love him, too, he'll always bring you through, too.

Meet Jesus

Frightened of God... My Testimony

God bless you!

Laura

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91:1-2

Spring is Breaking Out All Over

The signs of spring are everywhere here in Southwest Missouri. My teacup tree is budding, the dog is lying in the sun on the back patio, the cat is sunning himself out on the front walk, the grass is beginning to turn greener, the hyacinths are coming up as are the tulips, the daffodils are blooming and so are the crocus.

My daughter and I enjoyed sitting on the front porch talking this morning, and I had to go in because the sun was so hot on my legs that they felt as though they were burning. We've had our share of rain, but today the sun is bright and the sky is blue with pretty puffy clouds dotting it with shades of white and light gray. They are the sort of clouds I used to enjoy as a young child when I lay on my back on the merry-go-round looking for shapes. Did you ever do that?

I've had a bit of a time adjusting to working outside the home after so many years. The work itself is good. I have the opportunity to help the doctor and to help my husband in a monetary way. He doesn't require it of me, but it's helping us through a lean time financially. My contribution is helping to rebuild our savings, to pay for gas and groceries, and for a few extras, too. I don't know if it's long-term, but it's what I believe God has for me to do right now. Mind you, my youngest is in college, so I'm not neglecting children, but my house is showing some neglect. Perhaps some of you working ladies can offer me some advice for balancing work out with work at home.

Well, I need to go now. I'm leaving you with a few photos. I'm reading Ishmael Covenant, and I plan to have a review ready for you by the end of the week. In the meantime, please enter the giveaway here. The giveaway is sponsored by the promotional company.

Have a wonderful week ending, and please share any tips you have with me about combining working in town with the housework at home.

Be blessed everyone!

Hugs,
Laura

Why a Bucket List?

Why a bucket list? 

Because it can change boring and rusty 

to beautiful and fun!

MY SPRING BUCKET LIST 2018

  Last summer, after my diagnosis, I made a summer bucket list to give myself some things to look forward to so that it wouldn't just be the summer of chemo. It was a short list. It was still the summer of chemo, but I did some fun things, too.

  I then made one for fall so that it wouldn't just be the fall of mastectomy surgery. I was able to do some fun things, then, too. Same with Christmas and the winter of radiation. It was all to give myself something to look forward to and to keep my mind off my treatments.

  Nearly everything on each list was for enjoyment. My lists helped me make it through a very tough year. I can hardly believe that it's been almost a year since I found the lump. Believe me, I'll never forget the moment nor the date—April 22nd, 2017. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. I knew I would never be the same. But God was there for me even in the moment and in all the moments that followed.

  God has been so good to me. I've still got months of treatments to go—IV Herceptin chemo treatments, lots of tests, at least two more surgeries, and long-term pills. But God will be with me every moment. My bucket lists will help me enjoy life along the way.

  Thank you all for being part of my prayer and encouragement team. God bless you richly!

 Hugs,

 Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

NOW GO MAKE YOUR SPRING BUCKET LIST!

Who cares whether you can finish it. You're sure to have fun! Don't forget to put blowing bubbles in your list!

Share Your Cup

My Spring Bucket List 2018

As I am beginning to feel better, my thoughts are filled with ways to enjoy life. A year ago, I didn't know if I'd see another spring. I want to seize the day and enjoy the life God has blessed me with.

~smile~ 

My Bucket Lists help me to focus on the things that I want to do that aren't part of my daily routine.  I know I won't do it all, but it gives me ideas when I have a bit of time. They also remind me to have a little fun and enjoy the season! 

Here's my Spring Bucket List 2018.

• Write my Spring Bucket List

• Write my Spring Reading List

• Take a meal to someone recovering from surgery

• Enjoy a new Easter Lily - Thank you Lowell!

• Knit with friends

• Celebrate Resurrection Day

• Spend a few hours with an audio book and my knitting

• Food Truck Friday

• Pedicure 

• Finish Emily's quilt - I know, it's been on lists for ages.

• Talk to strangers

• Paint the Kitchen - with lots of help of course!

• My son's high school graduation 

• Knit a Sock Head hat 

• Sew with friends 

• Blow bubbles - great stress reliever

• Make some port pillows for the cancer center 

• Sonic happy hour run for peach water

• Destination unknown picnic

• Bake Ladybird Johnson's Lemon Cake

• Try a new pie recipe—maybe an old-fashioned pie or hand pies

• Enjoy fresh strawberries

• Start working on school plans for next year for (gasp) only one child!

• Real Estate Investing (Decluttering)

• Go to a few yard sales ~smile~ I'm looking for candles (love them) and a medium size glass mixing bowl. I used to give each child a dollar, and you'd be surprised how much they could get for a dollar. The youngest wanted hers in nickles! This is mostly something to do with the kids. I don't buy much

• Go to the drive-in with the kids... I couldn't go last year because of being sick from chemo.

• Flowers to enjoy outside the door 

• Plant some spring flowers in my window box ~ My family did this for me for my birthday!

• Picnic in the park

• Ice cream run with the kids

• Wash windows

• Make cookies for the kids on a rainy day

• Make strawberry jam

• Double Feature Movie Night

• Sew a new apron

• Sew a new skirt

• Invite friends for dessert

• Place wildflowers throughout the house

• Help Emily and Amy practice hospitality

• Invite friends for dinner

• Visit my friend, Laura, in St. Louis

• Celebrate my 53rd birthday on May 12th! The last year has taught me to be thankful for each year I have to love God and love others.

I may add or subtract as I go, but it's a start! My bucket lists inspire me and help me to enjoy life and get things done. I hope this list will inspire you to make your own list! I know some items will be passed on to my summer bucket list, but it is motivating!

What will you put on your bucket list?

Be blessed!

♥

~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 

on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

Wonderful Wednesday
Grace at Home
Share Your Cup

My Spring Bucket List 2017

Getting things done is often one part work and two parts focus. 

~smile~ 

My Bucket Lists help me to focus on the things that I want to do that aren't part of my daily routine. They also remind me to have a little fun and enjoy the season! I will change the listings to italics as I cross them off the list.

Here's my Spring Bucket List 2017.

• Write my Spring Bucket List
• Write my Spring Reading List
• Enjoy fresh strawberries
• Start working on school plans for next year
• Real Estate Investing (Decluttering)
• Go to yard sales ~smile~
• Go to the drive-in with the kids... sort of... I sent them. Just couldn't go myself because of being sick. Maybe this summer.
• Fill planter with flowers to enjoy outside the door... hubby did this for me.
• Plant some spring flowers in my window box... thanks to hubby
• Get the vegetable garden planted... a few tomatoes, peppers and basil in 5 gallon buckets will do for this year.
• Picnic in the park
• Ice cream run with the kids
• Wash windows
• Make cookies for the kids on a rainy day
• Make strawberry jam
• Touch up the ceiling paint in the girls' room.
• Have Michael and his friends put up new light in the hallway
• Double Feature Movie Night... I did this with my Amy while the others were at the drive-in.
• Sew a new apron
• Sew a new skirt
• Place wildflowers throughout the house
• Spray paint old metal cart
• Help Emily, Michael, and Amy practice hospitality
• Invite friends for soup and bread
• Make Resurrection Cookies
• Celebrate Resurrection Day
• Invite friends for dessert
• Pedicure ~ A Christmas gift from my hubby.
• Knit and crochet a big pile of dishcloths for gifts.
• Finish Emily's quilt
• Visit my friend, Laura, in St. Louis
• Talk to strangers
• Paint the bathroom ~ All done! We used a Valspar paint from Lowes called Cream in My Coffee. 
• Take a rug weaving class
• Blow bubbles
• Sonic happy hour run for frozen lemonade
• Destination unknown picnic
• Bake Ladybird Johnson's Lemon Cake
• Try a new pie recipe—maybe an old-fashioned pie or hand pies
• Plant Petunias

I may add or subtract as I go, but it's a start! My bucket lists inspire me and help me to enjoy life and get things done. I hope this list will inspire you to make your own list! I know some items will be passed on to my summer bucket list, but it is motivating!

What will you put on your bucket list?

Be blessed!

♥

~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 

on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

~~~~~

Related Posts:

• Spring Bucket List 2016
• Summer Bucket List 2016
• Fall Bucket List 2016
• Christmas bucket List 2016
• Winter Bucket List 2017

Spring Link Party Home Matters The Art of Homemaking    Modest Mondays Homemaking Party Home and Garden Thursday -  Share Your Cup Thursday   Imparting Grace -  No Rules Weekend Blog Party Wow Us Wednesday - Wonderful Wednesdays - Fluster's Creative Muster - Making a Home

My Spring Bucket List 2016

Getting things done is often one part work and two parts focus. 

~smile~ 

My Bucket Lists help me to focus on the things that I want to do that aren't part of my daily routine. 

Here's my Spring Bucket List 2016.

• Paint girls' room trim
• Use chalkboard paint on the girls' window to the garage
• Use leftover trim paint to touch up trim in the hallway
• Have Michael and his friends put up new light in the hallway
• Catch up the homeschool paperwork
• Start working on school plans for next year
• Spring clean
• Declutter 
• Have the yard sale
• Go to yard sales ~smile~
• Go to the drive-in with the kids
• Get a basket of flowers to enjoy outside the door
• Plant some spring flowers
• Get the vegetable garden planted
• Picnic
• Ice cream run with the kids
• Get Amy's camera
• Wash windows
• Make cookies for the kids on a rainy day
• Make  jam
• Graduation for my homeschooled daughter, Emily
• Celebrate 30th our wedding anniversary

The bucket lists inspire me and help me to enjoy life and get things done. I hope this list will inspire you to make your own list! I know some of it will be put on my summer bucket list, but it is motivating!

What will you put on your bucket list?

Be blessed!

~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 

on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

Read My Fall Bucket List, Christmas Bucket List, and my Winter Bucket List .

It's Monday!

It's Monday!

A New Start!

Have a Daffy-down-dilly kind of day!

Look for the blessings today!

There are sparkles of joy everywhere!

~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 

...doing what I can with what I've got where I am 
on a short shoestring budget!
~~~~~

Proverbs 31