I honestly don't know what to say about February. There was very little reading, a LOT of netflix, and one significant social event. I'll play fast and loose with the details, but suffice it to say: I'm glad that's over! Bring on March!
READING
I'm over halfway through The Husband's Secret, by Liane Moriarty, after spending a cool six months on the library's waiting list. (You can take the girl out of support raising, frequent moving and penny-pinching, but you cannot take the "Oh, I just don't know if I can spend 8 euro on a paperback!" out of the girl. Sigh.) Though I'm not digging it as much as What Alice Forgot, it would be a fantastic spring break or beach read. Love the multitude of strong female characters, even if some of them are painted (or written) with a broad brush.
Yep, that's it. That's all I'm reading. On the other hand, Matt's been staying up late and GETTING UP EARLY (what?!) to read Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. I should ask him to give you a good review of that book... if he can ever finish it. He's absolutely entrenched in Bonhoeffer's life and ministry, postponing the last chapter because he just can't bring himself to read about his execution. Softie.
WATCHING
Let's see... Parks & Recreation has been fantastic therapy after the immigration debacle. Leslie Knope is simply one of the most fantastic characters ever written (or brought to life, by the brilliant Amy Poehler). I went back to the 2005 reboot of Doctor Who in solidarity with my friend Allison who is watching for the very first time.
As a family we're digging The Voice Ireland, but even that pales in comparison with the amazing, spectacular Lego Movie. I loved the return of villain Mugatu, I mean, Mr Business. I won't spoil anything for you, but lemme just say the moral of the story hit pretty close to home for Matt. And Jack. Ella, on the other hand, felt vindicated.
LISTENING TO
On my ipod: Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and James Vincent McMorrow's Post Tropical. (Also known as the answers to You Might Be A Gen-X Hipster If...)
LOVING
A birthday lunch with Jack at Lemon and reading side by side in a city bookstore. This kid wrecks me with his awesomeness.
Middle of the Map Fest. I'm thrilled to say that MOTM Fest is back this year, sporting a fantastic line-up and making me so sad that we live so far away. I've introduced you to my future brother-in-law Nathan Reusch and his label The Record Machine, and once again he's behind the helm partnering with INK Magazine. If you're within a day's drive of Kansas City, please go enjoy all that the midwest has to offer in music (and film!). The festival starts April 3rd, multiple venues, Kansas City, MO.
A house full of friends and kids and dog for Jack's birthday. I felt immensely proud when, upon everyone exiting the house in the late bedtime hours, Jack informed me, "This was the best day of my life." #momwins
You've Got Mail on the telly on a Sunday afternoon.
Ella reading to Asher before bed.
Woman Writing by Pierre Bonnard, via Bo Fransson's tumblr
And finally, speaking of art: Conversations | Reconstructed. My good friend Stacey Covell is showing a multi-media art exhibit in Dublin. She was inspired by the idea of taking iconic poetry of the past, dissecting its words and themes, and reconstructing them into new works of literary art. As she's done this, other artists are joining in the conversation through each one's particular genre: paint, sculpture, graphic design, graffiti. I'm planning to be there, and if you're in town, so should you! The exhibit runs April 4-19 at The Culture Box, Temple Bar, Dublin.
SCRIPTURE
This is a prayer for knowledge and insight that only can come from God.
Father, may they clearly know Your will and achieve the height and depth of spiritual wisdom and understanding. May their lives be a credit to You, Lord; and what’s more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You. Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully.
Colossians 1:9-11 (The Voice Translation)
That's it! February OUT.
Lemme know what you've been reading, watching or listening to. And maybe especially, what are you really, truly loving?