MMGM Hodgehodge: Local Reading Challenge and Picnic Projects

A few of the of MG books I own that I haven't read yet.

With inter-library loans not available this summer, I’ve been thinking of setting a new challenge to try to read more locally. By local, I mean my own bookshelf. Some people do a "pantry challenge" to try to just eat the food they've already purchased. This is my version for bibliophiles.

I’m probably going to tackle Nicholas Benedict first, since it's a prequel to the wonderful The Mysterious Benedict Society, and then there’s 100 Cupboards, which my kids told me has a tie in to Narnia. I loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret, so I hope I will enjoy Marvels and Wonderstruck. I didn't like the Wonderstruck movie, but I'm hoping for better things with the book. Books are almost always better! I've read the Shakespeare Stealer (and loved it!), but haven't read the sequels in this volume. Have you read any of these titles? Which do you recommend?

I’m also doing a shout out today to another MMGM poster, June McCrary Jacobs, and her new nonfiction release, Kids Love to Stitch--Book 1.

I learned to sew in elementary school and really enjoyed home ec in junior high. It's too bad I still don't have my purple and white striped wind sock! I still like doing the occasional project. I’ve sewn some decorations for our house and even a few clothes for myself.

What I really liked about this book is that June devotes a good amount of the book to basic sewing instructions, including safety instructions. Her advice on not listening or watching something else while sewing is very good, especially for beginners!

Star pocket--a perfect spot for holding treasures

Her two projects are simple and easy for beginning sewers. I’m partial to the star pocket, which would be great for holding silverware for summer barbecues, but I probably would've kept my collection of shells in it as a kid. The tic-tac-toe game provides hours of crafting and playing.

A game to make and play

Books that teach how to make things are important. Working with your hands is very rewarding and satisfying, and the more digital life becomes, the more important it is to find ways to work with our hands. The ability to sew is a great life skill that can also save money.

So if you have a kid in your life that needs something to keep them busy this summer or you think would enjoy learning a new skill, check out June's new book.

Do you like to sew or work with your hands? What books are on your summer reading list?

To check out more MMGM titles, please go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.
 

Virtual Nature Walk: The Coast in Winter

One of my favorite things I did when my kids were younger was go on nature walks. It might be just to our backyard or the nearby park, but we'd look for leaf miners (those interesting bugs that make leaves transparent), mushrooms, the new growth on pine trees, to name a few. It taught us all to notice things.

My son's drawing of our hermit crab molting from '09.

And now, even though they are in their teens, they are still noticing things. My 15 year old likes to call that being a detailist. :)

As writers, isn't that our job too? In my first writing class, we had to keep a journal of details from daily life--interactions with people, descriptions of nature. Doing so teaches you to pay attention.

Here is my online nature journal of our recent trip to the Oregon Coast. The coast itself wasn't very hospitable, so we had to settle for enjoying God's creation at the aquarium. They were having a sea punk exhibit. Combining sea creatures with steam punk. I call that brilliant.

Barnacled log from the one moment we made it onto the beach before the waves attacked.

The Oregon Coast in winter

A porthole of clownfish

Sea nettles

Starfish

Lionfish

A puffin in winter. Fun fact: They don't get their famous plumage till mating season.

All these creatures are native to the West Coast of the United States except for two. Can you guess which?