The "I Should Have Read That Book" Tag

Rules:

• Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their post.  (Thank you, dear Samantha of Bookshire!)
• Link to the creator’s blog in your post.
• Answer the questions below.
• Tag 10 others to take part.  (Oh boy!  I'm afraid I don't have 10 Blogger friends, *sniff*.)

A book that a certain friend is always telling you to read

Well, she's not always telling me to read the book, but she has recommended the movie multiple times and I did watch it, so we'll say, Under the Greenwood Tree.

A book that’s been on your TBR forever and yet you still haven’t picked it up

What book hasn't been on my TBR list for forever?!  There are regrettably so many!  I'll mention one here that is very popular in the traditional Catholic circles, and that is Saint Magnus: The Last Viking.  I shelved this book as TBR on Goodreads in 2018. 

A book in a series you’ve started, but haven’t gotten 'round to finishing yet

Dies a death of shame.  I call myself an Anne fan.  I regret to say I have not actually finished the series.  I only need to read Rainbow Valley and Rilla, but still!!  Shame! 🙈

A classic you’ve always liked the sound of, but never actually read

I know, I know!  More shame.  And I've watched the adaptations, too!  😭  I do love the story and want to read this so badly.  Maybe this summer?  Seems like a fitting read?

A popular book that it seems everyone but you has read

Are we speaking of the "popular through the ages" kind of book or "trending now"?  Let's go with The Blue Castle because that is both a classic as well as still generally popular.  26 of my Goodreads friends have shelved it and it has a 4.3 star rating.  I almost did a read-along with The Maidens of Green Gables, but my life schedule didn't allow for it at the time.  Maybe there will be another chance some day. 

A book that inspired a film/TV adaptation that you really love, but you just haven’t read it yet

Sense and Sensibility could also count for this one, but let's go with North and South.  Now this title is a chunky read so you'll pardon my negligence, yes?  Thank you.  Someday, if I get married and have oodles of spare time around my own House of Dreams, I may cozy up with this one.  For now, I will enjoy the mini-series. 😊

A book you see all over Instagram but haven’t picked up yet

Ok, I'm not exactly on Bookstagram.  I'm more a part of Knitstagram, or the Teachergram. 😂  Still, I would say The Enchanted Sonata.  That's a Bookstagram book, right?  I've also thought of reading Romanov which has a similar looking cover (it makes me think they're part of the same series, but I haven't found a connection), but I'm on the fence about that one.  It's currently not on my TBR list because of the magic aspect.  If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts below!

Well, that was fun!!  It was so great to complete a tag again.  This one has been in my drafts since 2022.  It was also very humbling as I should have read many of these titles already, I know.  Do you have any recommendations of other titles I can add to my TBR?  Have you read any of these titles?  Which ones are also sitting in your TBR list?  I want to know so please comment below!

Thanks so much for reading along!  If you've made it this far, tag you're it!!  If you complete this on your blog, link your post in the comments below.

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

My Simple Daybook vol. IV

 

For Today 3.7.25

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

It's dark outside.  I always seem to get the creative bug in the evenings.  Maybe it's the relaxed mood, maybe it's a cup of tea, or maybe it's just the itch to avoid sleep that sparks the need to *do* something. 🙈

I am thinking...

I dearly miss blogging.  The creative and passionate outlet has been teaching as of late, but it doesn't quite allow for the same creativity.  I miss sharing and processing my thoughts in posts.  Not that my words are of any real consequence.  It's just nice being able to jot them down and share them with a few friends who share similar feelings.

I am thankful...

for the little joys.  I mean the tiny joys.  Stepping out my front door to get in my car in the morning.  The fresh air hits you in the face, the birds are chirping, and you feel as though a new adventure is about to sweep you away, just for that split second.  It has been rainy here for the last couple of days as well.  The sound and smell of the rain is really unbeatable.  Even a cup of tea without any cream or sugar first thing in the morning at work or last thing before you go to bed is a comfort.  I'm so thankful for the tiny joys God gives.

One of my favorite things...

One of my students gave me this gorgeous Mary vase.  She said she was supposed to put flowers in it but insisted I use it for my pens.   She's so beautiful and I love her so much!  She's perfect! 😍

I am creating...

baby items for my sister.  That's right!!  My sister is expecting her first baby and I couldn't be more excited.  Of course I'm knitting for the baby!  Just don't tell her.  I want it to be a surprise.  I did mention I'm knitting the baby a washcloth but I didn't tell her what the design will be.  You'll all just have to wait and find out with her. 😊

I am wearing...

All the fun teacher-y outfits.  Well, I suppose they're not your standard or trendy teacher outfits, but they're my own version.  Some days, I take inspiration from Anne, while on other days, I feel more like Ms. Frizzle.  I'm probably more in the realm of Jo March, if I'm being honest.  I wear what makes me feel comfortable while keeping an adventurous and untamed spirit.

I am reading...

Divine Intimacy and The Courage to be Afraid.  The first is a book of meditations by a Carmelite priest, Father Gabriel of Saint Mary Magdalene.  The second is a book by a French priest, Fr. Marie-Dominique Molinié.  This book goes deeper than trusting in God's providence.  It leads you to recognize His loving care as a father.  We say "Our Father" all the time, but how often do we stop to think about what that means?  I know not everyone has a good relationship with their father, and that makes me even more humbled and grateful that I do, but regardless of that fact, each and every one of us has God as our father, and He is the perfect one.  His fatherhood is not far off, subjecting and cold.  He loves with a very personal and intimate love.  He watches over you and wants to guide you every step of the way.  Ultimately, He wants to bring you, His dear child, to be with Him eternally.  The Courage to be Afraid was originally published in 1975 but started as retreats the author gave to Dominican nuns in 1953.

 I am watching...

All these years later, I'm still watching When Calls the Heart.  Can you believe it?!  It's just my comfort show.  I've caught myself up to the current season, Season 12, and it still has that Hope Valley charm.  Sure, it can be *very* cheesy at times and I don't always know about the modernization, but overall, it has kept its wholesome goodness.

This ship has sunk my heart.  🫠💖

 I am listening to...

Now that it's March, you know what that means... Folk Music Season! 😄 (Yes, I made that up, but you might try it.)  Here is my Spotify playlist full of great Irish folk music that is getting me in the mood for St. Patrick's Day! 🍀

I am learning...

how to teach.  Constantly.  I've been teaching for a year and a half and I learn something new every day whether it be a classroom management skill or how to teach superlative adjectives.  There is so so much to learn about teaching.  I feel as though I've not even scratched the surface.  I am always eager to learn more of this noble and multifaceted profession.  

In my kitchen...

Well, it's officially Lent so I'm not making too many exciting things.  (Who am I kidding?!  I don't often make exciting things anyhow. 😅)  Soups and casseroles are my good old standards.  Tomorrow I'm planning on making this crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa! 😋

Board Room

My Pinterest is a mix of classroom resources, outfit inspiration, and Saint quotes right now.  Got to love it. 🥰  I also created a mood board for 2025 and I have to say I'm pretty proud of it.  

My 2025 Pinterest Board

Shared Quote

Closing Notes

Thank you ever so much, dear reader, if you have made it this far.  It's such an honor that you even clicked on this little blog link to begin with.  I really do hope to be able to post more frequently again here.  I've missed it and I've missed you all.  There's already one post that is taking shape in my mind inspired by my first Stations of the Cross of the season.  I hope you are having a very blessed start to Lent.  Remember God loves you deeply and desires your eternal happiness with Him!  

God love you!

In the hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Remember, O Thou Man - How My Sins Offend Our Lord

Look at these images...

 

 

"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, which has heaped on them so many benefits, in exchange for this infinite love it finds ingratitude; instead it meets with forgetfulness, indifference, outrages" (Words of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary, complaining of man's sins.)

Sin offends God.  Not only the fact that it exists, but every time we commit actual sin, we offend our Good God who we should love above all things because He is infinitely perfect and truly worthy of all love.  "Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action, or omission forbidden by the law of God." (St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2)  Any time we willfully sin, we hurt Our Lord and add to His passion.  Yes, He is in glory now, but because He is outside of time and He took the punishment for our sins all those years ago, each one we commit was felt by Him then.  The Catechism tells us that there are two kinds of actual sin, mortal and venial.  But what does it matter which ones we commit?  In a way, it does, but in an arguably greater way, it doesn't matter.  I say this because the infinitely perfect God of the universe who is all goodness and love does not deserve one harsh remark, unkind look, or complaining thought.  

 

"Every sin must be said to renew in a certain way the Passion of Our Lord, 'crucifying again to themselves the Son of God and making Him a mockery'" (Heb. 6:6) (Words of Pope Pius XI in his encyclical on Reparation to the Sacred Heart)

We should avoid venial sin at all costs first and foremost because it hurts the all-good God.  Lent reminds us of that as it brings the above images of the suffering and death of Our Lord to our close attention.  In Lent, we are encouraged to approach the cross, sit with Our Lord, and notice the incredible suffering He endured; He endures at our hands.  Venial sin, although not as serious as mortal sin is still like one of the thorns in His crown or one of the many lashes He received in the scourging.  None of it should have ever happened to Him.  He was the only one in history with the right to complain of evil happening to Him, but like a sheep led to the slaughter, He opened not His mouth.  He offered no complaint.

Venial sin also harms us.  It is a sickness to our soul.  When the immune system, so to speak, of a soul is compromised, it is easier to fall into greater sins, including mortal, which are the death of the soul.  We should avoid venial sin firstly because it hurts Our Lord, but also because it compromises our own souls leaving them more vulnerable to further and greater sins.

God hates sin because it is the breaking of His law, which is in place not to restrict us but to guide us to the true happiness of Heaven.  The Saints hated sin because, being friends of God, they hated all that God hates.  They knew sin offends God and so of course, they wanted to avoid it, because they loved Him above all else.  This is what we should do too for we are all called to be saints, to love God above all things, and be happy with Him forever.  

This Lent, think that it could be your very last.  Our priest said this morning in his sermon that we should live this Lent as if we will be in Heaven by Easter.  If you knew that's where you were headed in these next 40 days, how would you prepare?  Wouldn't you try to avoid sin and frivolities at all costs?  If you were getting ready to go on the trip of a lifetime or move across the world, of course, you would prepare yourself well in advance.  Why do we not do that now as we look forward to our home of Heaven?  We lose sight of the goal and we think we have many years to put all our lives in order.  No one, however, is guaranteed that time so use what you have now well.  Offend the good Jesus no more!  Do not neglect Him, but strive now to make up for all your past offenses and those of the fallen world around you.  He loves and cares for each one of us, but so many do not even pay Him the time of day.  He is our God, our Creator, our Redeemer.  Let us remember this and live every day in light of this blessed reality.

How can we keep from committing sin?  The Catechism tells us, "By praying and receiving the sacraments; by remembering that God is always with us; by recalling that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit; by keeping occupied with work or play; by promptly resisting the sources of sin within us; by avoiding the near occasions of sin."

In short, follow the examples of the Saints.  St. Thérèse, St. John Bosco, St. Alphonsus, the martyrs, St. Rose of Lima, St. Benedict, any of them!  Their lives are full of stories that tell us how they occupied themselves and avoided sin.  It is not always easy but if we make a great effort, God will give us great grace to help us succeed.  He is actually just waiting to give us the grace.  He waits even a little sorrowfully, because we often give Him a pitiful glance, like the woman in the above image, but do we actually make a concerted effort to turn from our bad habits and sinful ways?  Not often.  Let us take this Lent to try again most ardently.  Remember that we may only have this one and after that, we shall stand before Our Lord and render Him an account of all our thoughts, words, and actions.  Let us make this Lent a time that we will be proud to recount.

"Death rather than sin!"

Thank you for reading my poorly written little post.  I'm mostly writing this as an outline for my 4th grader's Catechism lesson.  Please pray for them and me as I present this lesson and may they become little saints in love with their Divine Master!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah 

My Simple Daybook vol. III

 

For Today 6.26.23

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

Well, today there was a stray cat sitting outside our back door, so that was fun!   But I didn't get a picture.  However, I have been enjoying both the early morning sun and the evening golden hour rays that peek through my window.  My window faces north so I don't get a lot of direct sunlight but the little rays that slip in are always delightful.

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans that are taking shape for summer and fall!  When it rains it pours!  I've spent so many years thinking about life, jobs, and vocations, and now things are starting to move.  God is opening doors that I worried over for so long.  This leads into my next section...

I am thankful...

...For God's perfect timing.  Life decisions are a fine balancing act between trusting God's timing and guidance and acting for ourselves.  We cannot just sit around waiting for God to show us our future with a flash of light but we also can't be frustrated when our well-laid plans are not fulfilled.  Act and trust in God.  These were more thoughts, I suppose, but I'm just so thankful to God for opening doors and taking care of my future!

One of my favorite things...

Wow, I can't think of a favorite thing right now.  Probably family time.  It's so important.  My sister is away for quite a while right now.  Family time is precious; don't miss it.  Take advantage of every family trip, every brunch, every car ride, and every grocery store trip together.  Someday, we won't have that precious time together.  Friends will always come and go.  Your family, however, is with you all the time until they aren't.  We truly don't appreciate what we have until it's gone.

I am creating...

I'm actually reeeeeallllyyyyy excited about this one. 😁  I'm just starting this project with a gauge swatch but I purchased all the yarn and printed the pattern so I'm gearing up to create...

Photo credit to Melanie Landsittel

🎉🎉 The School Teacher Cardigan by Melanie Landsittel on Ravelry 🎉🎉

Isn't this such a cute design?!  It's classic and practical, yet is feminine and has an intriguing texture.  I'm super excited to cast on but first I need to read over the pattern thoroughly, take all my measurements, and do the math because this is a customizable pattern!  I'm really hoping it will be pretty straightforward though.

I am wearing...

What have I been wearing?  I can't even think of something that's really been shining through my wardrobe.  I think the most important thing to me recently has been longer skirts.  I was a camp counselor for a traditional Catholic girls' camp (I'll be blogging about that soon!) and I wanted to be able to dress casually and coolly while also staying modest and feminine in accordance with the dress guidelines.  I've been having fun in longer skits that are swishy and yet cool!

I am reading...

...A couple of really good books!  Firstly, I wanted a light-hearted, light on the sappy, beautiful novel to read while I was dog-sitting.  Well, thanks to my dear friend Cecilia and the Immaculata Bookstore, I finally determined to find and read The Awakening of Miss Prim.  I borrowed a copy from the local library and am so happy I finally read this gem!!

I'm still processing how good it was.  I wrote a very rambly review over on Goodreads so if you've already read the book or know the outcome, go ahead and read it to know some of my initial thoughts.  But I've had a lot more thoughts over the past couple of days since reading it.  It's come to my mind while discussing courtship with friends after church and literature with my mom over tea and coffee in the morning.  This book is really on to something; actually, a lot of somethings.  I'm seriously thinking of changing my review from 4.5 stars to 5.  I hope this book opens many eyes to the necessity and beauty of a traditional life.  I also hope people discover and cherish truly good literature; not just the serial works that are a dime a dozen.

Also pictured above is a lovely cross-stitch bookmark my dear friend, Emma, sent me.  Her grandma stitched it!!  Isn't it just precious?!  And it went with the book soooo well!  😍  The little knitting project you see started there is coming along nicely.  It's a dishcloth for my mom because she loved the color when I used it for a hot pad.

The other book I'm really enjoying right now is Mary Magdalene: In the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.  This book is absolutely beautiful and a surprisingly easy read.  I'm loving the short excerpts from the Blessed's visions and the intimate way it allows us to see Our Lord, Mary Magdalene, and the other Biblical figures.  Sometimes this book even goes on the monthly $5 TAN Book sale, so keep an eye out for it there!  (I earn a small commission for purchases made through these links!)

 I am watching...

... All Creatures Great and Small season 3!!!  Eeee!  (Look at their faces, the darlings. 😂)  We've only watched the first two episodes but it is already so so good.  I absolutely positively love this series.  This post is long enough already so I'll spare you my fangirl-y ranting. 🙈

I'm also working through When Calls the Heart season 7.  I know I'm behind but I'm catching up!  I just have to say, seasons 6 and 7 have been bringing my mom and I to. Tears. 😭  I had no idea WCTH was still capable of this.  I've missed you, Hope Valley.

 I am listening to...

...These vintage summer music playlists!  They're so fun.  I love the artwork paired with them as well.  Definitely takes you back in time and helps you to relish every moment of summer!

I am hoping...

...To get some new stickers to put on my water bottle!  I had to get a new one before the girls' summer camp because my dear old hydro flask was compromised with a crack in the bottom of the outside lining.  I've been using it for quite some time in that condition because it wouldn't leak, but I really need my water to stay cold so I had to splurge on a new one!  Now it is a beautiful blank canvas just waiting for some awesome stickers.  I'll hopefully be able to share my final decisions soon! 

I am learning...

...Always to conquer my own will and surrender to God's most Holy and Perfect Will!  It can be very hard to be resigned, even when things are going your way.  But we must always be resigned whether things go well or badly for us.  

In my kitchen...

I made these delicious deserts in the not-too-distant past!  (I haven't made much noteworthy, as of late, unfortunately.)  The fruit pizza on the left was for friends of ours from church when they were having their home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete it in time for the party so I brought it to Mass the following day.   Here is the recipe I followed from Catholic Cuisine!

The dessert on the right is an absolutely delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from The Pioneer Woman!  I definitely recommend letting it set up overnight for the flavors to marry and the filling to hold up best.  It's not too sweet and is the perfect amount of cream cheesy! 😋

My sister also made this stunning version of the Sacred and Immaculate Heart fruit pizza for our own home enthronement!

Board room

Alright, well, I just binged-pinned a bunch of ACGAS and WCTH.  🙈  But I also have lots of beautiful, summery pins accumulating!

(You can view my entire Pinterest here!)

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

I've been writing quite a few pen-pal letters after camp and just generally catching up!  It's been so fun to put things together and send off snail-mail across the country in lots of different directions. 

Closing Notes

Thank you all so much for taking some time out of your day to see what I've been about!  This summer is really shaping up to be a very relaxing yet busy time. 😂  I can't wait to share more with you soon!  What have you been up to?  Have you watched the shows I mentioned or read the books?  Have a wonderful day!!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah