Wednesday, August 31, 2016

August Noteworthies

This month, I want to start with my book review for a book recommended by my sister in law.


So heartwarming.  This is a story about a man who suffered the loss of his son, is a recovering alcoholic and decides to spend his summer traveling to different national parks with his late son while spreading his ashes along the way.  His RV breaks down and through that event, encounters two young boys who grew up in a troubled household and ends up taking them with him on his journey.  It was so beautiful to see their relationship unfold and how they unexpectedly changed each others' lives forever.  After finishing this book, I feel inspired to rent an RV and drive to the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon with Echo (although dogs are only allowed in limited areas at these parks, boo!).  And there was the cutest dog, Woody in the story as well and of course, I pictured him to look like Echo.  If you're looking for a book that inspires you to get out into nature and leave you feeling warm inside and bursting with love, this is a book for you!

This month was all about birthdays.  Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, my brother, J, and most importantly, my Mom who turned 60!  My brother and I took her to Mastros a day before her actual birthday and then we celebrated with the rest of the family on her actual birthday.  


I was also quite spontaneous this month taking two less than 24 hour trips just for the fun of it!  Earlier in the month, I flew up to SF and visited my old stomping grounds from when I used to work up there (i.e., ferry building, Miette's cupcakes).  Toward the end of the month, I went to Chicago and covered all the touristy stuff in one FULL day.  Think Navy Pier, the Bean, Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Stadium, architecture tour, Hancock building....yes, everything!

 The weather in Chicago was absolutely perfect!

Finally, I ended the month with an amazing time at Outcry where Kari Jobe and Hillsong Y+F performed.  I always love worship - it is when I feel most connected and at peace!

A video posted by Truly Blessed (@trulyblessedssl) on

Friday, August 12, 2016

Book Review: Big Little Lies

I finally finished my book for July.  I read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.  I heard that she has written a series of books and this was one of her first ones.  After having finished this one, I'm not sure if I am going to check out her others, not because it wasn't good, but because it wasn't amazing like some other books I have read.  Maybe it is my lack of brain cells but I found it difficult to follow so many different characters, remembering who was married to whom, and who's kids were whose.  I also wasn't sure about the synopsis of the book until I was halfway into it...seriously is it just me?  Basically, this book is about a group of women whose children go to the same uppity private school from all different walks of life.  You can expect the typical real housewives drama until someone is killed.  The parents of the school recall the events leading up to the night of the incident as the detectives try to identify who the murderer is.  If you like murder mysteries, this book will give you a good run for your money!