Louisa May Alcott GIVEAWAY! (Open INT)

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."
- Louisa May Alcott




Dearest readers, I thank you for joining me for the 2015 Louisa May Alcott reading challenge (Check out the details if you haven't yet!)

In honor of the esteemed author we're celebrating this June, I'm offering 3 winners (yes, yes, & yes!) a typographic printable featuring one of my FAVORITE Louisa May Alcott quotes. Wouldn't you like this piece of artwork hanging on your wall?



This 8x10 printable design comes from my own Etsy shop, Pixel Berry Pie Designs. Check out some of my other wall art printables if you like. :)

Please note this prize is DIGITAL. You can print it from home or a local print shop --- [print, trim & frame it!] --- Since I am not actually shipping the prize in the mail, I'm happy to announce that the contest is open INTERNATIONALLY. {3 special readers will win the prize!}



The giveaway is open to everyone, whether you're participating in the reading challenge or not. (You can get 5 extra entries in the giveaway if you are taking part in the Alcott challenge!) Invite your literary-minded friends!

Everyone who answers the bonus question (correctly!) in the Rafflecopter also gets 5 extra entries. If you're unsure of the answer, look it up online -- don't worry, it's NOT cheating. =)

I'm simply delighted to be spending my summer sifting through the writings of Louisa May Alcott. And I can't wait to see which books you're going to read for the challenge as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What book(s) are you reading for the Louisa May Alcott challenge?

* Remember, it can be any book or story penned by the hand of Miss Alcott, or written about her.


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// Join the challenge... //

Submit your Louisa May Alcott blog or social media posts on the linky below. Any and ALL of your posts about Miss Alcott are welcome. If you decide to share a favorite quote, a book review, or any other thoughts... link up and take a look at some of the other participants' posts. Thank you for joining us!

We don't have to make headlines to be a success in life...

A commonplace life, we say and we sigh,
But why should we sigh as we say?
The commonplace sun and the commonplace sky
Makes up the commonplace day.
The moon and the stars are commonplace things,
And the flower that blooms and the bird that sings;
But dark were the world and sad our lot,
If the flowers failed and the sun shone not.
And God who studies each separate soul
Out of the commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.
— Anonymous

The bottom line? .:.:.:. We don't have to make headlines to be a success in life.

Read Nathan Zacharias' article for some inspiration today .:.:.:. The Beauty of a Commonplace Life

A Christmas thought...

Merry Christmas to you all!

The courage to continue...

An astounding difference...

Our most significant opportunities....

Sharing Our Bookshelves {November 2013}

I read so I can live more than one life in more than one place.
- Anne Taylor


Share your blog posts below --- anything about books will be wonderful.
The linky is open all month long!

The November edition of Sharing Our Bookshelves is open.
Come share about what you're reading! Have any holiday lists?



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Sharing Our Bookshelves {June 2013}

: : :
Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights.
- Author Unknown
: : :

The June edition of Sharing Our Bookshelves is open.
Come share about what you're reading!



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{The End} of the Louisa May Alcott Challenge

"Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won."
— Louisa May Alcott

It is over. The Louisa May Alcott reading challenge is over, my friends!
(Or, at least, today is the last day of the challenge, but if you're still reading books for your goal, then you get to enjoy her beautiful writings for a little bit longer.)

I'm terribly excited for everyone that accompanied me in this literary venture to explore and be charmed by Miss Alcott's writings. I had been planning for months to read the Little Women trilogy, and simply couldn't wait for the extra time I would have in the summer to read the books. My happiness only increased knowing that other girls would be enjoying the same author with me.

To finish off this reading challenge, I would love it if the participants would write up a post to tell what you accomplished reading for the LMA challenge, and perhaps any other thoughts you may have regarding Miss Alcott or her writings! Make sure to link up your post below and visit the other blogs on the list.


My personal conclusion: I immensely enjoyed the 3 LMA books that I buried myself in (Little Women, Little Men, & Jo's Boys). Each individual book has its own delightfulness which is so interesting to read. With each story, new characters were introduced and some taken away. Watching all their lives unfold, develop, and come together as a clan of characters generally do, it was all quite heartwarming. To think it all started with only 4 little March women? All I can say is, I cannot wait for the next time I read a Louisa May Alcott book.

My fellow book-readers, what is your say at the end of this challenge?

I'm leaving the linky open for a few extra days, so that any and all of you can add your final posts. Thank you so much for joining in this summer!!

My favorite selections from 'Little Men' & 'Jo's Boys'.

I have so enjoyed reading some of Louisa May Alcott's writings this summer. Her work is always beautifully done, and each chapter evokes such a charm. A few weeks ago, I shared with you my favorite selections from Little Women. Now that I've read the sequels, Little Men and Jo's Boys, I have new quotes to share! These particular selections jump out at me as being quite well-written, and described so wonderfully. Enjoy!
A quote from young Demi... "I found a very pretty book one day and wanted to play with it, but Grandpa said I mustn't, and showed me the pictures, and told me about them, and I liked the stories very much, all about Joseph and his bad brothers, and the frogs that came up out of the sea, and dear little Moses in the water, and ever so many more lovely ones, but I liked about the Good Man best of all, and Grandpa told it to me so many times that I learned it by heart, and he gave me this picture so I shouldn't forget..." ... Little Men, Chapter III

Mr. Laurie's grand idea... "I've been thinking that it would be a good plan for you fellows to have a museum of your own; a place in which to collect all the curious and interesting things that you find, and make, and have given you. Mrs. Jo is too kind to complain, but it is rather hard for her to have the house littered up with all sorts of rattletraps, half-a-pint of dor-bugs in one of her best vases, for instance, a couple of dead bats nailed up in the back entry, wasps nests tumbling down on people's heads, and stones lying round everywhere, enough to pave the avenue. There are not many women who would stand that sort of thing, are there, now?" ... Little Men, Chapter XI

... "Please, ma'am, could you lend us the girls for a little while? We'll be very careful of them," said Tommy, winking one eye to express apples, snapping his fingers to signify pop-corn, and gnashing his teeth to convey the idea of nut-cracking. The girls understood this pantomime at once, and began to pull off their thimbles before Mrs. Jo could decide whether Tommy was going into convulsions or was brewing some unusual piece of mischief. ... Little Men, Chapter XX

Wise words of Mrs. Jo... "I only want to give these children a home in which they can be taught a few simple things which will help to make life less hard to them when they go out to fight their battles in the world. Honesty, courage, industry, faith in God, their fellow-creatures, and themselves; that is all I try for." ... Little Men, Chapter XXI

The photographer... Demi, finding business dull, solaced his leisure by photographing everybody he could induce to sit or stand to him, producing some excellent pictures among many failures; for he had a pretty taste in grouping, and endless patience. He might be said to view the world through the lens of his camera, and seemed to enjoy himself very much squinting at his fellow beings from under a bit of black cambric. ... Jo's Boys, Chapter V

Mrs. Jo's dream shipwreck... "I've always thought I'd like to see a wreck, a nice safe one with all saved after great danger and heroic deeds, while we clung like Mr Pillicoddy to main-top jibs and lee scuppers." ... Jo's Boys, Chapter VI

... "Take some books and read; that's an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you." And Mrs Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life. ... Jo's Boys, Chapter VI

... It was curious to see the prejudices melt away as ignorance was enlightened, indifference change to interest, and intelligent minds set thinking, while quick wits and lively tongues added spice to the discussions which inevitably followed. So the feet that wore the neatly mended hose carried wiser heads than before, the pretty gowns covered hearts warmed with higher purposes, and the hands that dropped the thimbles for pens, lexicons, and celestial globes, were better fitted for life's work, whether to rock cradles, tend the sick, or help on the great work of the world. ... Jo's Boys, Chapter XXVII

He holds me in the hollow of His hand...

My favorite selections from 'Little Women'.

When reading Louisa May Alcott's writings, it is impossible to overlook the beauty of the words, and the charm of how the adjectives intertwine so delightfully to describe each scene. It is a work of art that the modern world of writing has misplaced and forgotten. Below are some of my very favorite quotes that are dearest to me that I've uncovered while reading Little Women. The selections come from both Part I and Part II of the book.... enjoy!
A bit from Jo... "I shall have to toil and moil all my days, with only little bits of fun now and then, and get old and ugly and sour, because I'm poor and can't enjoy my life as other girls do. It's a shame!" ... Chapter IV

... I suspect that the real attraction was a large library of fine books, which was left to dust and spiders since Uncle March died. Jo remembered the kind old gentleman, who used to let her build railroads and bridges with his big dictionaries, tell her stories about queer pictures in his Latin books, and buy her cards of gingerbread whenever he met her in the street. The dim, dusty room, with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases, the cozy chairs, the globes, and best of all, the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her. ... Chapter IV

A rather pretty little picture... the sisters sat together in the shady nook, with sun and shadow flickering over them, the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks, and all the little wood people going on with their affairs as if these were no strangers but old friends. Meg sat upon her cushion, sewing daintily with her white hands, and looking as fresh and sweet as a rose in her pink dress among the green. Beth was sorting the cones that lay thick under the hemlock near by, for she made pretty things with them. Amy was sketching a group of ferns, and Jo was knitting as she read aloud. ... Chapter XIII

... The girls gave their hearts into their mother's keeping, their souls into their father's, and to both parents, who lived and labored so faithfully for them, they gave a love that grew with their growth and bound them tenderly together by the sweetest tie which blesses life and outlives death. ... Chapter XXIV

The brilliant writer... She did not think herself a genius by any means, but when the writing fit came on, she gave herself up to it with entire abandon, and led a blissful life, unconscious of want, care, or bad weather, while she sat safe and happy in an imaginary world, full of friends almost as real and dear to her as any in the flesh. Sleep forsook her eyes, meals stood untasted, day and night were all too short to enjoy the happiness which blessed her only at such times, and made these hours worth living, even if they bore no other fruit. The devine afflatus usually lasted a week or two, and then she emerged from her 'vortex', hungry, sleepy, cross, or despondent. ... Chapter XXVII

... Like most young scribblers, she went abroad for her characters and scenery, and banditti, counts, gypsies, nuns, and duchesses appeared upon her stage, and played their parts with as much accuracy and spirit as could be expected. Her readers were not particular about such trifles as grammar, punctuation, and probability ... Chapter XXXIV

... But Mr. Dashwood [the newspaper editor] rejected any but thrilling tales, and as thrills could not be produced except by harrowing up the souls of the readers, history and romance, land and sea, science and art, police records and lunatic asylums, had to be ransacked for the purpose. Jo soon found that her innocent experience had given her but few glimpses of the tragic world which underlies society, so regarding it in a business light, she set about supplying her deficiencies with characteristic energy. Eager to find material for stories, and bent on making them original in plot, if not masterly in execution, she searched newspapers for accidents, incidents, and crimes. She excited the suspicions of public librarians by asking for works on poisons. She studied faces in the street, and characters, good, bad, and indifferent, all about her. She delved in the dust of ancient times for facts or fictions so old that they were as good as new ... Chapter XXXIV

More of Jo's thoughts... "An old maid, that's what I'm to be. A literary spinster, with a pen for a spouse, a family of stories for children, and twenty years hence a morsel of fame, perhaps" ... Chapter XLIII

The festival at Plumfield... [it was] a mellow October day, when the air was full of an exhilarating freshness which made the spirits rise and the blood dance healthily in the veins. The old orchard wore its holiday attire. Goldenrod and asters fringed the mossy walls. Grasshoppers skipped briskly in the sere grass, and crickets chirped like fairy pipers at a feast. Squirrels were busy with their small harvesting. Birds twittered their adieux from the alders in the lane, and every tree stood ready to send down its shower of red or yellow apples at the first shake. ... Chapter XLVII

A book that is shut....

Now, wasn't that a fun little game? Thank you to all the people who commented yesterday and completed the puzzle.

This is one of my new favorite quotes and I'm glad to have shared it with you all!

Letters, anyone?

I have a little game for you today. Anyone can participate. Just guess a letter or two of what you think might fit into the following phrase. It's actually a new quote I happened across and really like.

So, just leave a comment with a letter and I'll fill in the blanks. I'll continue to update this post as I receive your guesses!

a     book    that    is    shut,    is    but    a    block.

16 letters guessed: A, B, C, D, E, F, H, I, K, L, N, O, S, T, R, U

Burns' Night, January 25th

I've stumbled upon an interesting piece of Scottish history, and just in time too.

In fact, January 25th is a special day throughout Scotland. An annual celebration called Burns' Night takes place, commemorating the life and contributions of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25th, 1759. This celebration takes place in evening-time during a special supper, including haggis as the main dish. Throughout the meal, poems and works of Robert Burns are read aloud, as part of the celebration of Scotland's favourite son, as he is sometimes referred to. I only just discovered this celebration and wondered if any of you knew of it?

EDIT: I happened across this article today: Think you know about Robert Burns? which contains a few other interesting facts.

My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer,
A-chasing the wild deer and following the roe -
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go!

Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birthplace of valour, the country of worth!
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.

Farewell to the mountains high cover'd with snow,
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below,
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods,
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods!

--Robert Burns

Pine needles & 'Peace'

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 3:18






Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson
1955 "Let There Be Peace on Earth"


Thank you, Emily Rose, for the splendid idea of writing with pine needles!

A couple November thoughts

November is coming to an end. And with it, the big month of writing ends. How are you faring with your writing? Have you met your goals for the month? I'm curious to know what kind of progress all my friends have made.



November 30th is also the LAST day to enter in the giveaway for the READ or WRITE sign from My Heartfelt Designs! If you haven't entered yet, be sure to get your name in the contest. Winner will be announced on December 1st!

MyWriMo: Day 1, and Sharing Our Bookshelves {November 2011}

Today is the start of NaNoWriMo, for many people. For myself, it is the opening day of a month in which I hope to move forward in, concerning my writing. My only goal is to make progress. The focus is not on what my word count will be at the end of these thirty days, but simply on the fact that I did accomplish something. Months have passed since I last tried formulating a story worth writing, and I don't have much to show for in 2011. This is why I would like to set aside this month to have something to remember the year by.

I have a new bit of inspiration for the month too, as you might have seen in the photo here. Glancing at the word "write" on my desk is sure to be a motivation, don't you think?

Throughout November I will probably post here and there about what I'm doing, and I hope to hear what you other writers are accomplishing throughout the month too. You are welcome to link to your posts on the linky below, and we can all click over and read each others' posts. (Remember: Sharing Our Bookshelves linky is all about connecting to readers and writers, so whether you're posting about your November writings, or your recent reads, please feel free to link up, all month long.)

"The great advantage of being a writer is that you can spy on people. You're there, listening to every word, but part of you is observing. Everything is useful to a writer, you see—every scrap, even the longest and most boring of luncheon parties." —Graham Greene, British author

Sharing Our Bookshelves {August 2011}

What good books have you been reading lately?

If you've posted anything about books recently on your blog, I hope you'll feel welcome to come link up your posts here, and "share your bookshelves" so that visitors can drop in. Please link up anything from book reviews to reading lists, and even things you're writing. I enjoy browsing through all your posts myself and I know a lot of other people do too.


To share my favorite moment of reading from this past month:

It was one of those old shops of which there are, still many examples surviving in London, in which the room was so small and the books so many that to move a step was to imperil your safety. Books ran in thick, tight rows from floor to ceiling everywhere, were piled in stacks upon the ground and hung in perilous heaps over chairs and window ledges.

taken from "Mr. Oddy"
a short story by Hugh Walpole

What has been your favorite moment of reading lately?

Impossible is potential.