August 2025
If I had to sum up August in one word, it would be intense. We started off with a wonderful visit from my mom that included seeing family in Ohio and a lot of her old friends who live here. She was able to stay with us for just over a week, which was great!
She left on a Wednesday. On that Friday, I was at work when R called to tell me that my beloved godfather had unexpectedly passed away. The next few days were incredibly hard and beautiful as we spent time with his family, our church community, and many others who loved him too. Because he was a priest, the funeral service was a little different than other Orthodox funerals I’ve attended, and R & I were both able to participate in the singing and service.
I lived with my godparents and their family for about four years when I first moved back here after college. Even after I moved out, my godfather was one of the first people I turned to in any kind of crisis. I still don’t have words for how much I will miss his dry sense of humor, kindness, and generous wisdom.
As if that wasn’t enough, this Friday was our annual adoption homestudy renewal meeting, with all the emotions that brings up. We had a good meeting with the social worker, but I’ll be honest: this year has been so challenging in terms of trying to stay positive and hopeful.
After all of that, I’m still struggling to get back to normal on a personal level. Hopefully, September will be a little more gentle for everyone around here.
New Board Games
R usually goes to Gen Con, and this year he brought back a few different board games. We’ve really enjoyed playing Cafe Baras with the two of us and also with my mom. It’s a cute game where you play as a capabara cafe owner, accumulating recipes so you can satisfy your customers. We also liked Timber Town, where you’re a beaver trying to build the best town over a few different rounds.
Upcoming books I want to read
September
The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino | Heartsworn Cycle #1 | 9/23
The Second Death of Locke is a devastatingly romantic epic fantasy about the undying bond between a knight and their mage.
Why I want to read it: I’m intrigued by the description and definitely intrigued by the cover
It Had To Be Him by Adib Khorram | 9/2
Ramin Yazdani’s marriage proposal has just gone bottoms up: his ex dumped him in public for being boring. Bent on proving him wrong, Ramin books a spontaneous solo trip to Italy. When he runs into his high school crush while in a gelateria, however, his resolve to reinvent himself is put to the test.
Why I want to read it: I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Khorram!
Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei | 9/30
An epic tale of two sisters who sail across oceans to find their missing third sister—and Earth’s environmental salvation.
Why I want to read it: It’s gotten great reviews and I’m intrigued by the sibling relationships.
October
Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews | 10/28
A deeply unsettling and yet hauntingly beautiful tale of murder and botanical body horror.
Why I want to read it: I’ve heard good things about Drews’ previous book, and the cover and summary are deeply unsettling!
Illusions of Fire by Nisha Sharma | 10/7
Author Nisha Sharma deftly weaves together romance, magic, and mythology in this contemporary young adult urban fantasy novel.
Why I want to read it: This sounds like an interesting take on mythology and fantasy.
Queen Demon by Martha Wells | The Rising World #2 | 10/7
A fantasy of epic scope, Queen Demon is a story of power and friendship, of trust and betrayal, and of the families we choose.
Why I want to read it: Martha Wells wrote it.
Garden updates
August has been full of tomatoes, sunflowers, coneflower & black-eyed Susan. We’re also seeing a second round of raspberries ripening!
Things went a bit awry with our backyard pond--I added clay and it got murky and gross and then it was Summer Reading season and I was tired. I used the time off work during my mom’s visit to clean everything out, wash the clay off, and re-assemble the pond. It looks SO much better now! I hope the birds and other animals that were enjoying it will return soon.
Shawarma Quest
I am on a Quest to test all the different versions of chicken shawarma I’ve saved over the years. So far, I’ve made a version from Epicurious where the salad was the hands-down highlight. The chicken was okay and the sauce was good. Further updates to come (and if you have a favorite recipe, please send it on!).
Wishing you a little beauty,
Maureen