Brave Soul: January 2020

January 2020 Books

31 January 2020

I've decided to do my book reviews a little differently this year. I'm hoping to read #allthebooks in 2020 so instead of reviewing each book I read (like I did last year), I think I'll just list them here and then highlight the one that I enjoyed the most. The idea of writing a book review for 50 plus books is a little daunting.
And YES, that's my new goal for the year... 50!

I read 3 books in January and I enjoyed (and would recommend) each one.

Each very different and obviously the book on autism isn't going to apply to most people but nonetheless, they were all great reads.

I'm choosing to highlight I'm Proud of You because I found it to be beautifully poignant. This book impacted me in a way I didn't expect. I didn't grow up watching Mr. Rogers and I knew nothing about him or his background. However, after reading this book, I wanted to know all about him.

He made me want to be a better friend, a better Christian, and overall, just a better human.

Some books come into your life at just the right time and even though parts of this were emotional and sad, there were also moments of deep meaning and understanding about the gift of friendship and life, both here and in eternity.

This was a Christmas gift I received from Faith and it was also the first book in 2020 that I finished. It's one of those books that will make a lasting imprint on your heart. I will always remember sitting at the beach on a crisp winter afternoon as I closed the very last page. Blissfully bittersweet.

Read it if you get the chance.

I'm 3/50. February, I'm comin' for you!

Vitamin Sea

12 January 2020

We started off the first weekend of 2020 with a good dose of Vitamin SEA.

We played Spike Ball on the sand.

Tried digging our way to China.

Posed like a rock band. 😁

And dipped our toes in the ocean.

"Mom, let's make a sad face."

Not possible at the beach, buddy. 😊

So. Cal winters never felt so good.

It was like a lovely dream and I didn't want it to end. 💖

Our happy place. 🌊✨

We stayed one night at the Embassy Suites in La Jolla where we enjoyed complimentary snacks before walking to dinner.

The girls found their dream store. #givethemallthebooks

And I found this little treasure in the shell. 😊

If only he could have just one. 😋

The lobby of the hotel was still decorated for Christmas.

In this display, we thought they needed a little Faith & Grace. 😍😍

The next day we explored at Solana Beach and it was another gorgeous day.

Warm cuddles with my man.

The girls were happily beach combing while Zach rode his bike everywhere.

And I got to sit by the ocean and finish the first book of 2020. #sogood #poignant #profound

I admit I overdid it this holiday season. On top of all of my regular commitments with the kids, adding all of the fun holiday festivities threw me for a loop. My body is not the same as it was before menopause and hyperthyroidism. I can't keep taking stress and bouncing back as quickly as I once did. I learned a valuable lesson and Lord willing, I will make wiser choices going forward.

That's why I wanted to start the new year off right.

To begin with what is refreshing and restoring to my soul.
For me, being at the beach just naturally does that.

It was a short little trip but I'm so grateful for it.