The Book Nook: Genesis Begins Again

Genesis Begins Again

Title:  "Genesis Begins Again"

Author:  Alicia D. Williams

Rating:  5/5 Stars

Genre: Intermediate/ Young Adult

I loved this book.  I give it 5/5 stars!!  I began this book because it was on the middle school 'Battle of the Books' list for 2020, realistic genre is my fav, and I was super excited to support an African American author (who is both local and a teacher).   I can't wait until after quarantine to look for a meet and greet with this author.  I also give this cover 5/5 stars.  I have a thing for book covers. 

Alicia D. Williams takes us on a journey with a young, strong black female character named Genesis.  Don't you love that name?  From the first pages, my heart connected with this girl.  You learn immediately that Genesis has a deep love and devotion for her family, but like in most families there are problems.  Not only is Genesis' father an alcoholic, but her grandmother also exhibits her own form of racism whenever there is discussion of family history. 

As we go on this journey with Genesis, we see that in addition to family strife she has to navigate middle school bullies,  self imagine issues, and struggles in finding self.  These are real issues facing our kids today.

An encounter with authentic friends, an amazing music teacher, and more than a few crazy beauty treatments really change Genesis.  I wanted to reach in the book and comfort her and tell her that she is amazing.   I loved that this story was realistic and didn't rush to fit this perfect 'after school special ending'.  I think all of us could relate to Genesis and her family. 

You have to read this one, it is so good! 

NatureFlix

Did you know spending time outside reduces stress, feelings of anxiety, improves concentration, and even helps with self esteem?

Did you also know that spending time with family increases happiness, comfort, and belonging?

It's Science People!

This weekend we decided to participate in 'science' with a trip to GiGis! 

We traded in our Netflix for Nature.

These kids needed a reconnection and I think they had a great time (even the teenagers... which is near impossible).

I didn't take a lot of pictures but here are some great ones.

Lazing at Gigi's Creek

Float Surfing

Minnow Catching

Even I took a dip- it was hilarious.

The next day we enjoyed the beauty of the lake.

con, car, my niece, and sister

It was a gorgeous day and the small numbers allowed for social distancing.  

The kids splashed, snorkeled, and soaked in the sun.

We can't leave out a break with good food!  Yum

#soulfood

After a few days of sun in the fun it was time to travel back home 😢 weep.

The kids and I took a little detour by the Jackson Ferry Shot Tower and park. 

I told the kids the shot tower was where the confederate soldiers hid out during the Civil War.

Ok, so maybe I had no idea and maybe I was wayyyyyy off (and why would anyone hide in a tall tower during war)?!

(Kids and their dang phones with google search.) 

The exploration had to be cut short because I was wearing a dress and flip-flops (and I was dying of heat exhaustion) but it was fun while it lasted.  

Check out these cuties who are growing up before our very eyes.  Time is a true investment.  

Carlee took these pictures on our walk.

I think she has a gift!  She can find the beauty in the world like her namesake. 

“Dear old world', she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Did Someone Say 'Parade'?

Did Someone Say 'Parade'?

(I think I just found the perfect title for my autobiography.)

I once read a quote that leadership is all about finding a parade and getting in front of it.

I guess that means I'm ready to be the next president- 

all while wearing a crown of course!  

This particular crown was for the ladies who were retiring in the parade but it was heavy and sparkly and well...  

I couldn't NOT wear it the whole time (quit judging me)...

even if it didn't belong to me.  

COVID and the Quarantine Lockdown has certainly put a damper on a lot of things for people. 

We can still find our celebrations, our friends, and most of all our joy!  

I don't have a clue how I keep getting invited to all these parades (ahem...except for the fact I pretty much invite myself) but I have journeyed many this summer (8 so far)!  

I consider myself an expert, if you will, on how to have a Quarantined Parade.  

Just follow the steps. 😊

Assemble Your Team

Pick the fun family people that are more terrified of your driving than your germs.

Loud boys and girls are always helpful! 

Hanging Out

When you go 5mph for a few meters-

open the back of the truck, the side-door, the sun roof, etc.

Let EVERYONE hang all out 

(as legally and safely as possible of course).

Fast Pitch Gift Giving

Get the kind of fun gifts you can throw at someone's face 

(minus the pain of course).

Plastic, candy, inflatables, cards, shirts.....

If you have a weak arm, you may have to put your car in park and run out a gift in PJ bottoms while pulling a muscle.

#me

Do Some Social Distancing Socializing 

(6ft apart of course)

CUTIE cute cute 

(both mommy and baby)

My Partner in Crime and Fun

It's good to see people again! 

Decorate

Put the PaR-tay in the CaR-tay 

with some window paint, signs, and streamers.

Hit the Music & The Horn

The louder the better (I always say).

The only time you can literally stop traffic in the name of 'celebration' (safely of course)! 

Enjoy the JOY! 

Enjoy how much fun people have when you wish them happiness! 

Enjoy being totally silly in the face of a bunch of crap in the world.

It's tough out there.
Let's take a little ride to make it a tiny bit better.

Share the Fun

Share the Laughter

Share the Love 

It's always a good day for a PARADE!