He might like to check these out: The Rangers Apprentice series by John Flanagan (make sure it is THIS author) Tom Sawyer Huckleberry Finn The Pendragon Series The Mysterious Benedict Society and books by Robert Liparulo

Only 0800 in the morning here and I could already use a nap! I seem to have woken up about every two hours last night. Then at 0330, I tried going back to sleep, to no avail. Finally got up at 0400 and have been awake ever since. Blah. Contemplated a run to WalMart, while it's still cool enough outside to do so. Anyone else running errands today? (I went to the grocery store earlier.)

Happy Friday and welcome to the lounge! Today's theme stems partially from the fact that I've read (most of) The Miracle Morning and have been implementing part of the SAVERS each morning. I say "part" because I don't like the exercise part. LOL Anyway, today, I did them ALL, including the exercise! Woohoo! I know that the term "mindfulness" can conjure up different thoughts for different people, and in some circles it's even controversial. But even Scripture tells us "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - think on these things. Sounds like a good plan to me! How do you practice mindfulness, if you do? Here: attempting each day to follow the S.A.V.E.R.S. guidelines from The Miracle Morning. Plus I listen to some affirmations and encouragement recordings. I think I soon to add in intentional living, which is similar but a bit different. Who's ready for the weekend? Here: not sure yet! LOL Anyone heading out this weekend for a 4th of July trip? Here: nope. But family is headed out the 2nd. Talk to me!

I tried. Took a job recently I'd had my eye on for a few years. Was so excited! Moved to another state and everything! Turned out to be a disaster. So now I've moved back. I've decided NOT to pursue that industry anymore (at least at this time) and have decided to pursue business for myself, one that truly helps people - and doesn't stress me out!

Good morning and welcome to the Lounge! I'll be opening the Lounge and then skidaddling as I don't want to get any one of you sick. 😉 Other than being tired early in the evening (which I attribute to the desert summer temps) and a swollen lymph node on my left jaw (just below the ear), I have no symptoms. However, a swollen lymph node is indicative of the body fighting SOMEthing, so, better safe than sorry, right? (And now you also know why today's theme is what it is!) Who here is battling a summer sickness? Here: me! Evidently. Not sure what it is yet. Refuse to go to the doctor unless it gets much worse or doesn't go away. Why? 'Cause the doctor will most likely say, "You probably have virus. Rest. Drink plenty of fluids. And come back if it gets worse." Yeah, I can do that myself, thanks. Who thinks outside temps are just too hot? Here: me! It's nothing I didn't expect but I still don't like it. What INDOOR tasks are you tackling today? Here: I'm a little bit late in getting to it this morning but after the gluten-free chocolate muffins are done, I will be working on my novel. I have the scenes laid out, now just need to piece them together. Beyond that I need to process some herbs a friend gave me the other day, remember to take my herbal teas, tinctures, and syrups throughout today, and a few other things. One of those "other things" is to light a fire under my dd's behind to apply for some jobs! Talk to me!

I'm thinking I might just hold a 4th of July Open House here, while the rest of the family is gone. Come over as convenient, swim if you want, until 6pm. then everyone can go home, or to a park (where it's REALLY hot) for fireworks (maybe - depends on if they cancel them or not), and I can then stay home, maybe get ready to go camping the next day, or go to a movie.

Happy Monday and welcome to the Lounge! Today's theme stems from the fact that my family, except me, is prepping to go cross country next week for my husband's family reunion. Yep, just 3:4 of us. There's a longer explanation to that that I won't get into. Anyway, now you know the reason for the theme! B-) Who's prepping for a trip? Here: me! Well, I'll be helping my kids prep for the trip. DH likes to prep his own way. And actually, I'm thinking I might take the dog and go camping for a couple of days while they're gone. IF I can find a decent dispersed camping site the day after 7/4. What are your plans for July 4 which is NEXT week!? Here: not sure yet. I don't like the summer heat of the desert so I might just stay in. Maybe go see a movie...we'll see. Or prep to leave early the next AM and go find a cooler spot to camp. Anyone prepping/planning for school yet? Here: My ds (almost 15) ended school on his own a few weeks back, without asking his parents. Hmm. Anyway, I told him that was fine (and it's turning out to be helpful) but he would have to start up the week after he gets back from church camp. So that will be the end of July. So I'm working on that, too. Talk to me!

I recommend doing it during the day instead so you can ALL sleep at night and ALL function the next day! I did a cross-country trip with a 9yo and 3yo, one girl one boy, respectively. Give them plenty of activities to do in the car. Plan on taking breaks to get out of the car every 2-3 hours. Yes, they CAN sit for that long. And when you stop to get out, make sure it's a place they can use the potty and run around a bit to get out that pent up energy. Then, when you get to your final destination, no matter how late in the day, give them an hour or so to run around and be kids. And don't poo-poo some late night video watching if it will help them be still. They'll need to release energy and then they'll need to be still before bed. If a video helps, so be it!

Morning! And welcome to the lounge! I know it's weird, when it's only June, to ask, "Is summer over yet?" But here in the Phoenix area it's over 100*F almost daily and the temps will only get higher as summer goes along. We are supposed to have a brief reprieve this weekend with temps "only" getting to 99*F. LOL Plus, we have a couple of wildfires glowing and growing about an hour southeast of us. All of you that are getting too much rain, please send it to us! What's bugging you this summer? Here: I enjoyed my time up in Wyoming and am now really missing the weather! I don't like high, dry heat! What's going right this summer? Here: I'm in a rough transition period right now, but I think I've finally discovered my path! Focusing on being an herbalist and a writer from this point forward. What's on the menu today? Here: while I was in the high desert, my husband, still here in the low desert, bought an Instant Pot, and put some chicken in there before he left for work this morning. I may also go get the $5.00 lunch special from Little Caesars when they open. Talk to me!

Please send your unwanted rain to the Phoenix, AZ Greater Metropolitan Area. We have at least 2 wildfires glowing and growing and could really use that rain!

HomeAgain, I may be consulting you later for how you plan your school year effectively. Seems my son would like an actual schedule! I definitely procrastinated. I went and got a vanilla sweet cream cold brew, plus a few other things. Needed to get fennel to put in a salve I'll be making (weird, I know) - well, actually, I'll infuse the fennel into an oil with which I'll make the salve. I also visited a few thrift shops. Bought a portable file/briefcase for 50 cents at the ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) then went to an independent thrift shop to buy a glass bowl. Found that and lots of books (the books were FREE), plus a tine, and a very nice basket. Bought all the latter stuff and forgot to buy the bowl! LOL Ah, well. Now eating lunch, or maybe it's afternoon tea (according to Hobbit schedule), then will watch a show, then will make this salve that I keep putting off. (Not sure why.)

Happy June and welcome to the Lounge! We have for refreshment tea, water, and coffee. (Although I may be making a coffee store run if anyone wants to place an order. 😉 ) Along with some clementines, gluten free cookies, and mixed nuts. I think we also have the fixings for sandwiches, as well. Today's theme stems from the fact that while I certainly HAVE things that need to get done, I'm very unmotivated to do them. I know I'll ge some of them done, anyway. Maybe I'll procrastinate a little bit more and go for that coffee run... What are you unmotivated to do today? Here: Mondays here are, theoretically, weekly admin days. This means in the morning, although today will be in the afternoon, I take a couple of hours to focus on what needs to get done for the week, and i write out a list so I don't forget! That, errands, and making some herbal concoctions is what I'm procrastinating doing. What are you MOTIVATED to do today? Here: I was actually prepaid to make an herbal concoction so that is motivating me to actually get it done. Do you school according to a specific school year calendar or year round? Here: most of the time we do year round. However, with me being in WY and family in AZ, my son decided on his own that he was done for schooling for the summer "because (this friend and that friend) are done." I explained to him that's not how this works! LOL But I did give him some leeway and we will gear up again mid-July. However, he still has to do math 3 times a week because - well, it's math. Talk to me!

Enjoy your long holiday weekend, everyone! And, because it is Memorial Day on Monday, remember those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms! ( I was going to post an US flag emoji here, but there isn't one. Weird.)

My first ever online class for homeschoolers is in about an hour. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this . . . I'm actually quite excited about it. LOVE to share exciting things I learn! Anything a little nerve-wracking and/or exciting for you today?

Crazy!

Happy Thursday and welcome to the Lounge! Sorry snacks are scarce - I'm focused on prepping for the online class I'm teaching at 2pm MST. It's called, "There's a Medicine Cabinet in My Pizza?!" - and intro to herbs and their beneficial qualities, in the kitchen and as medicine. Anyone teach an online class? Here: see above. My first "official" one - I'm excited and nervous all at the same time! Anyone taking online classes? Here: I have and I am. The current one is self-paced, which is good and not good all at the same time! Who has plans for Memorial Day Weekend? Here: other than going to a talk on Bone Density at Natural Grocers, nothing definite. I'd like to go camping but all my camping stuff is in Arizona. Talk to me!

Netflix is only about $9-$11/month and has some amazing documentaries! If she can take a day off, or even a half day off, now and then, field trips to local museums or historical sites would be good, too.

I'm seeing if I can salvage my rosemary plant. I didn't log when I was watering it so I'm pretty sure I OVER-watered it, even though I know better. Plus, where I live I can't put it outside yet (too cold), so it doesn't really get any direct sunlight. May have to re-think this. Or suck it up and be done with the experiment - had to grow my own herbs for the herbal course I'm in - finish the course and move on. Maybe, when I know where I'll be on a more permanent basis, I'll establish a container garden area in my house or rv with a broad spectrum light so it can get what it needs.

You can only jinx something if you believe that you will unless, of course, you say something like, "what could go wrong?" or "This is a piece of cake" in regards to how seemingly easy something is. Yeah, don't do that. Glad you have things going right in your life and that you've enjoyed Zumba!

Happy Wednesday and welcome to the Lounge! For refreshments today we have a banana, grapes, clementines and lunchables for snacking. Plus, coffee, tea, and water of course! Today's theme stems from the fact that I live within the Rocky Mountain climate zone and pretty much once a week since I've been here (beginning of April) it has snowed, followed by high temps in the high 60s/low 70s a few days later. This week is no exception. AND I moved up here, as some of you know, for a job that didn't work out, and now I'm considering my next move(s). What has you feeling like you're doing a dance to figure things out? Here: see above. What's going RIGHT in your world? Here: I hosted an Herb Circle ( a gathering of friends to learn about herbal remedies ) this past Sunday and tomorrow, I'm hosting an online class for Homeschoolers called "There's a medicine cabinet in my Pizza!", and Intro to Herbology, via Zoom. (Shameless plug: let me know if you want in on it. It's free and is at 2pm MST.) Obviously, this post is not really about dancing, but any of you have experience in social dancing? Here: it was actually part of my PE two years in a row in high school. Plus, years ago, dh and I took a few ballroom dance lessons. Talk to me!

x-post with addendum: I was not thrilled with the Curated Bundles (pre-made) BUT when I looked at individual offerings, it was a different story! So....I succumbed to the "Oooh, shiny!" LOL I did NOT purshase the Mystery Bundle as it stated it was mostly geared towards elementary and I don't have any kiddos that young anymore. Plus those are easier, I think, to piece meal if I have to compared to the olders. I put together my OWN bundle, and for just over $40, here's what I did get, for those that are interested: Homemaker's Backyard Garden Journal: Planner & Tracker x 1 The Science of Seasons x 1 US President Sorting Mats: Full Set of 50 Presidents x 1 Earth Science Reading Bundle x 1 State Research Project with Bonus Lapbook x 1 A Night Sky Nature Study Printable x 1 Beginner Hebrew Notebooking x 1 State Songs of the 50 U.S. States Online Course x 1 Marketing Plan: Algebra x 1 Cinema Studies for Literature Learning x 1 STEM Airplane Design x 1 Ultimate YouTube PlayList: World Geography x 1 Anatomy Muscular System Bundle x 1 30-Days of Gratitude Journal x 1 Developing Algebraic Reasoning x 1 Christmas Around the World Unit Study x 1 The Ultimate US History Cheat Sheets x 1 A Child's Geography: Explore Medieval Kingdoms x 1

So....I succumbed to the "Oooh, shiny!" LOL I did NOT purshase the Mystery Bundle as it stated it was mostly geared towards elementary and I don't have any kiddos that young anymore. Plus those are easier, I think, to piece meal if I have to compared to the olders. I put together my OWN bundle, and for just over $40, here's what I did get, for those that are interested: Homemaker's Backyard Garden Journal: Planner & Tracker x 1 The Science of Seasons x 1 US President Sorting Mats: Full Set of 50 Presidents x 1 Earth Science Reading Bundle x 1 State Research Project with Bonus Lapbook x 1 A Night Sky Nature Study Printable x 1 Beginner Hebrew Notebooking x 1 State Songs of the 50 U.S. States Online Course x 1 Marketing Plan: Algebra x 1 Cinema Studies for Literature Learning x 1 STEM Airplane Design x 1 Ultimate YouTube PlayList: World Geography x 1 Anatomy Muscular System Bundle x 1 30-Days of Gratitude Journal x 1 Developing Algebraic Reasoning x 1 Christmas Around the World Unit Study x 1 The Ultimate US History Cheat Sheets x 1 A Child's Geography: Explore Medieval Kingdoms x 1

Good morning/afteroon/evening wherever you may be! And welcome to the Lounge! Today's refreshments include a wide assortment of tisanes (herbal 'teas'), decaf coffee, bananas, Lunchables, and possibly some gluten-free pancakes later. Today's theme stems from the fact that the job I moved up north to take did not work out. And now that I'm about two weeks out from no longer having said job, I wonder if it had been better had I stayed. The answer is no, if I'm really being honest, but like the Israelites of old who escaped Egypt after having been slaves to Pharaoh for 400+ years, then when new problems hit, they wondered if they wouldn't be better off going back to Egypt. The answer there is also no. Now I don't think that I was a slave or even treated like one at the job I took, but the stress was REAL. And, as a slave, one's health could be in peril, I felt like mine might be with the huge spikes in blood pressure I was experiencing and the perfection they expected on the job. The point is, I can relate a little bit to what the Israelites were experiencing when they left one hardship for seemingly another. But the one in front of them was far easier, if they'd been honest, than the one they'd left. Just as God was encouraging the Israelites to move forward, and even provided them with enough food, He is encouraging me to move forward and is providing for me, as well. How do you handle things when they don't work out the way you expected? Here: I thought I was flexible. i thought I was good at confronting problems head on. To the first, I usually am. To the second, evidently not so much. What recent hiccups have you experienced in your life? Here: beyond the above, as I began to research another job opportunity I thought was going to work and I would snag quickly, i've discovered it may or may not work, and is not as quick for the snagging as I'd thought. What HAS worked in your favor lately? Here: God has been guiding me and providing me with other valid ideas on how to make an income. I simply need to be diligent and put action to those ideas. Plus, my rent is paid through June, so I have shelter and food while it snows outside. Talk to me!

Ausmum, yep, me too. But that doesn't keep us from looking or buying, does it? 😉

The thing about writing is it's so subjective. One reader won't like it, and another one will. It's a bit of a numbers game when you go to publish, with all involved: beta readers, editors, publishers, and readers.