A couple books I’m excited about, April ’12 edition

April 16, 2012

Almost every day there is a new book or two that catches my eye. The fault, probably, of the several newsletters and subscriptions of book-related stuffy stuff that land in my inbox every morning. It’s almost too much!

Keyword: almost.

So, today, this 16th day of April, this thirty-eight and a half weeks into my pregnancy, this lovely spring day, this good-gracious-I-feel-like-an-elephant day, this Monday afternoon, here are a couple of books that currently have my attention.

Can’t wait to get my hands on ’em.

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Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected–A Memoir, by Kelle Hampton

Oh, my.

This book was highlighted several places before I ran into it on a blog that I read regularly and finally thought, “Well good gracious, I suppose I’m meant to check out this book because if it hasn’t shown up EVERY.SINGLE.DARN.PLACE.I.LOOK. the past few days.”

Or something like that.

So I looked it up. And I found the author, Kelle Hampton, and her blog. And I read a little bit of it.

And then I was intrigued and I read some of her archives and then I was in love and then I read the birth story of her daughter that was born with Down syndrome and then I cried.

And then I hit myself for reading all about a birth story of a woman giving birth to a daughter and not knowing until she was born that she had Down syndrome when I was thirty-something-plus-a-lot weeks pregnant with my own daughter.

Ahem.

If her blog is any indication, Kelle is an amazing writer who can capture emotion in such a real way. I’ve never really read anything like her writing before. This memoir about her family and the last few years of her life, well, it has to be a good one. It just has to!

I hope I remember to swing through the Kleenex aisle when I stop and pick this one up.

(Does Barnes & Noble have a Kleenex aisle?)

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Dear Daughter: The Best of the Dear Leta Letters, by Heather Armstrong

I just ran into Dear Daughter this morning and, I have to admit, I was shocked.

I Was Shocked Reason #1: I have read Dooce, the author Heather Armstrong’s blog, religiously for over three years. I have never once seen her mention that she has another book coming out. She happened to link to it today in one of her posts, and unless I have been hiding under a rock when it comes to her blog writing, it was the first time she has done so.

How I missed any announcement about it or mention of it, or how Heather kept the book a secret for so long, or why Heather kept it a secret for so long, I have no idea.

Marketing tactic: never mention my book until it’s released.

Huh?

I Was Shocked Reason #2: The title is Dear Daughter. She compiled a book out of her letters to her daughter that she wrote over the course of time and published on her blog.

Hmm.

Sign me up!

Although I hadn’t yet done a ton of digging, I didn’t think there was a compilation book out there like this. So I was surprised and excited and a little nervous that Heather, one of the top bloggers in the world and already a bestselling author, had published one.

Needless to say, I’m pretty excited to check this one out. I’ve read all of the letters that Heather wrote to her daughter on her blog, but it was ages ago. I’m excited to re-read and enjoy them all over again, and take mental notes on how the book is arranged.

I’m obviously not writing my Dear Babygirl letters to someday publish them formally, but, man, if that wouldn’t be cool.

Don’t you think?

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Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear, by Hugh MacLeod

I loved Hugh MacLeod’s book on creativity that he published a couple years ago, Ignore Everybody. (Here’s my review of it.)

I also love his art. Hugh is a cartoonist and has a great story about how he used to draw on the side of his jobby job, something he hated, until he figured out how to get paid to doodle.

Get paid to doodle! All.Day.Long.

Hugh rocks. And his art also hangs in my home office:

I’m not delusional. I’m not I’m not I’m not!

His newest book, Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear, is released next week, April 26th. It covers, well, how he used to draw on the side of his jobby job, something he hated, until he figured out how to get paid to doodle.

How did he got paid to doodle? Blogging!

Sweet.

If it’s anything like the author, the book promises inspiration and humor and education and snarkiness. Perfect.

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I have never been great at titles. (The lovely editors at Silicon Prairie News are always rewriting them for me. Hi, guys! Thanks for your title-writing abilities!) So, pretend that what it says above is not “A couple books I’m excited about” but “A few books I’m excited about.”

Couple = two. Few = three.

Details!

Would love your thoughts on these three titles, you guys.

What book has caught your attention lately? Do tell!

I love new booky books,
AS

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Leadership is hard.

April 12, 2012

Leadership is hard.

You can’t lead people that don’t want to be lead.

You can try, but it’s like trying to motivate a dead horse to just trot a few more yards. No amount of enthusiasm or arm-waving or encouragement is gonna do it. It’s out of your control.

But you can make a difference with that enthusiasm and arm-waving and encouragement if the recipient is ready for it. Willing.

And it’s that knowledge that keeps me going on the hard days.

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with this post amen. :)


Yes, it’s our responsibility as leaders to be there. To lead. But it’s their responsibility to take a step forward. To act.

And it’s only a matter of time until that leadership falls on ears of someone willing to act.

**Only a matter of time.**

Sometimes I need a reminder of that.

No one ever said it would be easy. Sometimes it feels easy, appears easy. Other times, you prove just how much Personal Growth is a constant effort. Never something that’s done or finished.

No matter how much success one might have experienced, growth is never complete. Ups and downs are never not part of the game.

And reminders are always appreciated:
“I’m looking for those that are looking for me.”

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What’s motivating you today? What’s keeping your head straight?

Do share! Let’s push each other forward. :)

Hugs,
AS

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A 7th letter to my unborn daughter

April 11, 2012

Dear Babygirl,

We need to talk.

You know your Mama, I’m not much of a girly girl. Don’t get me wrong, I have grown into a few girly tendencies over the years – pedicures, eyebrow waxes, pickiness about my brand of make-up – but overall I’m a pretty straightforward, unfussy, no-drama kind of gal. Someone who grew up more interested in Legos than Barbies.

I don’t mind shopping for clothes, but it’s never been a love of mine. Never a “thing” like some women. If I need something, I go out and get it. Mostly, my clothes purchases center around high-quality basics like good jeans and neutral heels and classic tees. Dress ’em up with a couple girlier touches – like a scarf or a great bag – and I am on my way.

That type of style doesn’t make shopping very difficult. Or time-consuming.

So, now, 17 days before your due date, I need you to explain something to me:

I cannot stop shopping for clothes. For YOUR clothes.
I cannot stop opening and closing your dresser drawers, picking up and putting down your pairs of little leggings and your collection of newborn-sized onesies.
I cannot stop wondering if you could use another little hoodie for fall, you have a pink one and a green one already but don’t you need a blue one too and ohh look at that white ruffly one!

Yesterday, I zoned out while standing and staring at the clothes hanging in your closet. Who knows how long I was in there!

When I came to, I didn’t know what month it was.

This clothes thing is becoming a problem, Babygirl. What’s going on?

Today is my birthday. I am thirty-one years young and thirty-seven and a half weeks pregnant. It’s a fun combination.

Your Daddy made me one of my favorite breakfasts this morning of scrambled eggs mixed up with bacon, and I topped it off with a couple cups of half-caf coffee.

Then he left for work, I opened my laptop, Carter’s.com was up in the browser, and POOF that’s the last thing I remember.

Forty-two minutes later I emerged from the computer screen, only to find my wallet laying open next to me and cold coffee in my mug.

Huh? What happened?
Where am I?
Is this Iowa?

It’s occurring to me as I write this, Babygirl, that this might be the first of many ways in which you will change me forever. One of the many, many, many, many, many ways.

It’s a rather silly change, I admit, this sudden interest in gingham dresses and ruffly leggings, but it’s a change nonetheless and something you are helping me develop into.

Exhibit A: grey and white gingham dress, on sale for $9 online. I mean, honestly. $9? It is on its way to your closet as we speak.

You’re already making me a better person, girlfriend.

Exhibit B: Oshkosh red and white striped overalls. Kill me now. These, as you can tell, are already tucked safely away in your closet. They will remain there forever and ever and ever amen.

You’re already helping me grow.

You’re already turning me into someone way better than I used to be – someone more rounded and more fun and more in touch with my inner self.

And I love you for it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, Babies ‘R Us just sent me an email that requires my immediate attention. Something about an Online Doorbuster sale…

Love,
Mama

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For more in the Dear Babygirl series: Letters to my Unborn Daughter

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My reasons why…your reasons why…

April 10, 2012

I ran into this today:

Think about why? Well, alrighty then.

Why did I start writing?
– Because I realized it made me happy.
– Because I constantly had sentences and paragraphs and novels flowing through my head that I was tired of knowing were going to waste. Plus, the only way to sleep was to calm them down and the only way to calm them down was to write them down.
– Because I realized it made me happy.

Why did I start to sharing Vemma 5 years ago?
– Because of the stories I heard about how the product affected peoples lives.
– Because I trusted my friend that introduced it to me.
– Because I saw the potential in it being a financial vehicle to get me where I wanted to go.
– Because I wanted out of corporate.
– Because I thought it was neat that I could work towards my goal of time freedom, while also sharing something positive with others.
– Because I believed in it.

Why did I start investing in real estate 1 year ago?
– Because I have always been fascinated by it.
– Because I have always read about it.
– Because both Hubz and I knew what a powerful residual income stream it could produce.
– Because we wanted him out of corporate.

Why, almost a decade ago, did I start working towards complete time and financial freedom?
– Because I wanted to do what I wanted when I wanted.
– Because I knew I had a higher calling in life, and that I would know what it was when I found it, and that I wouldn’t find it if I was stuck working towards someone else’s agenda. (Still haven’t found it, by the way.)
– Because I just felt like I deserved it for some reason.
– Because I knew I wanted children someday, and the ultimate flexibility to raise and enjoy them.
– Because I wanted to help people.
– Because it felt right; way, way deep down.

Why…why?
Because it’s worth it.

And if it’s not worth it yet, it will be. Ten times over.

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So, what about you – why did you start? Do you know? Do you remember?

Notice that I never mentioned above that I started something because I knew HOW to do it.

I knew why I wanted to do it. I knew what I wanted to accomplish in the end. I had no clue about the how part. Because you know what? That part didn’t matter.

Remind yourself why. Let it drive you. Because when you do? Those bumps in the road will look a lot less tricky to leap over, I promise.

And make that why a good one, by the way. Make it a doozy. Always remember:

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Pinterest literary eye candy, part 2

April 9, 2012

Because, my goodness, I can’t get enough of the book-related eye candy on Pinterest lately.

Feast your eyes:

Is this an art installation? A book shelf? A direct order?
READ.
–Yessir!

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I’m pretty sure the building is sticking its tongue out at us. I’m ok with it.

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Picture a whole shelf lined with these lovelies. Pretty!

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I have no idea what I’m looking at here, but I think it’s book-related and I think I like it.

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Ack! How did he get up there? How is he going to get down! I’m worried.

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Ok. Now this is just getting ridiculous.

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Basking in the book geekery,
AS

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Are you on Pinterest? Pin me up! You can find me, here:
AnnieSorensen.com on Pinterest

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A 6th letter to my unborn daughter

April 8, 2012

Dear Babygirl,

Today is Easter, and I can’t help but think what we will be doing, all three of us, next year at this time.

You will be almost one year-old by then, crawling around the house, or perhaps even teetering on newly discovered walking feet.

Maybe we’ll be up in Iowa with family, you wearing a frilly dress that I probably purchased just for the holiday occasion. It will be something cute, that all the adults will ohh and ahh over, but not too over-the-top frilly. It is I, your Mama, that will be buying your clothes, after all. Too many ruffles or flowers or bows will simply not do.

We will have a big family dinner, I’m sure, and you will sit in the corner, perhaps in your Mama’s old high chair, joining in the meal with a couple small pieces of roasted ham or pork tenderloin specifically cooled and torn into tiny pieces just for your little fingers.

Half of the pieces will end up on the floor, and your grandparents’ dog will wonder what lottery she won that day. You will never have to eat without a canine partner again at Grammy’s and Grampy’s.

It will be Easter so perhaps we’ll start a few new traditions. An Easter egg hunt? Or maybe a cake shaped like a bunny?

There will be photos. Lots of photos.

We will go to church Easter morning and your behavior will be angelic, of course. You will get antsy halfway through the service, though, so your Daddy will pick you up and, facing backwards over his shoulder, you will make googly eyes with the older couple sitting behind us, convincing them by the end of the service that you are the most darling and well behaved little girl they have ever laid eyes on.

It will be perfect. You will be perfect.

I thought about all of this as I woke up this morning. I was laying in bed for a while as the sun came up, enjoying that wonderful weekend perk of waking up slowly, dozing off and on.

I was dozing and dreaming. Dreaming of you.

Your Daddy and I aren’t with family for Easter this year. Traveling with a 9-month pregnant belly isn’t the most enjoyable activity, so we are at home, enjoying one of the last few weekends we might have for decades without children.

We have spent the day so far reading together on the couch, taking a long walk with the dog, chatting on the phone with family, and napping and talking on the porch. We even tackled the confusing and oddly hilarious task of assembling your car seat and stroller. We celebrated our relaxing day and stroller-related brilliance with homemade turkey meatballs and big glasses of wine.

Well, wine for Daddy. Faux wine for me.

It’s been quite the day. It has been, well…perfect.

A friend of mine mentioned to me the other day how fun it is to envision your child’s future, but that it’s also something that shouldn’t be dwelled upon too much. You just never know, she said.

I completely agree with her. We don’t know. These daydreams will continue to come, I can’t stop that. But it is with a hint of fear and a whole lotta elation that I know that the future weeks, months, and years won’t be anything like we imagined.

Next Easter? One year from today? Who knows.

What I do know? One year from today our lives will have been forever changed because you became a part of them.

Our lives will be unimaginable. And because of that, they will be perfect.

That I know for sure.

Love,
Mama

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For more in the Dear Babygirl series: Letters to My Unborn Daughter

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I’m “blank” because…

April 5, 2012

I’m weird because…
I’m a homebody.
I make a meal out of popcorn at least once a week.
I am a terrible snob about my jeans but buy almost all my tops at Target.
I’m unnecessarily scared of tornadoes even though I’ve never been in one.
I kind of like the melanoma scar I have on my stomach.
I refuse to nap.
I never drink milk, yet drink mochas all the time.
I love the smell of cigars and lake water.
I’m a compulsive thrower-awayer.
I actually enjoy driving long distances by myself.
I kiss my dog’s ears at least 50 times a day.
I never use coupons.
The crust is my favorite part of the pizza.
I won’t put leftovers into Tupperware containers until they’ve completely cooled.
I would rather give up my cell phone than have to clean my own home.
My favorite part of a bookstore is its smell.

I’m a bad friend because…
I hate talking on the phone.
I reply to text messages in my head, without replying to them in reality.
Sometimes I would rather relax on the couch with a book than go out.
I’m forgetful.

I’m a good friend because…
I’m a great gift giver.
I listen.
I’m not afraid to ask what’s wrong.
I want to see those I love be happy and successful.
I like to help.
I always bring a bottle of wine.
I will bend over backwards if you need me to be there for you.

I’m sad because…
I wish my family lived closer.
I too often take on the feelings of those around me.
Hubz doesn’t have the time freedom that I have.
I can’t take everyone to the top with me.
My pregnancy, and therefore my excuse to eat Chex Mix for lunch, is almost over.

I’m happy because…
My pregnancy, and therefore my excuse to eat Chex Mix for lunch, is almost over.
I get to meet my Babygirl soon.
It’s spring.
Hubz is sitting next to me reading a novel.
We are about to enter a new phase in our lives.
I have looked forward to being a Mama for as long as I can remember.
Of the appreciation and gratefulness I have every day for my time freedom.
There are simply too many things in this world not to be happy about.
I am attending an event this week for Silicon Prairie News and will have a fancy schmancy “press” badge to show for it.

I’m excited for…
Date nights.
Experiencing labor and delivery.
This book.
And this book.
And this one too.
Incorporating my businesses around my new role of Mama.
Mani-pedi’s with my daughter.
New episodes of American Pickers.
My first glass of wine in 10ish months.
My first margarita in 10ish months.
My first shot of whiskey in 10ish months. Wait. Just kidding.
A Christmas card with our family of 3.
Our trip to the lake in August.
First smiles, first laughs, first poopy diaper blow-outs.
Everything.

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Thanks, Sandy, for the inspiration for this post! It was fun.

Happy spring! Happy April! Happy day to you, ya’ll!

Hugs,
AS

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Dr Suess quote wall decal

April 4, 2012

I was cruising Etsy the other day when I ran into the most darling, book-related wall decal. Well, I take that back. The decal itself is pretty simple. It’s the quote that is the darling part.

Here, take a look:

So perfect, yes?

This decal is from InitialYou’s shop on Etsy. You can find the shop, here:

InitialYou’s Etsy Shop

The more we read, the more we know. Got it.
The more we know, the more places we’ll go. Aww. Lovely.

I love you, Dr. Suess.

Basking in the reading-related geekiness,
AS

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