Bookmark Binge | The Last 10 Books I Read

This was a summer of mood reading! Here are my latest reads along with the reasons I picked them up in the first place. 

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (1970; 224 pages) // Classic Literature

This seemed like the most approachable Toni Morrison, plus it popped up in a conversation with a friend. I found it literary and poetic and am glad to have read it. Appreciated but didn't actually enjoy—might have liked it better if discussed in a classroom for assigned reading. 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (2016; 376 pages) // Contemporary Romance🎧

With the movie coming out, my West Seattle book club selected this one. I liked it more than I was expecting...but I was going in with the lowest of expectations. Appreciated the author's note and the discussion that came from it. Thought the movie was a great adaptation! 

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017; 490 pages) // Historical Fiction

This had been on my list for a while and was one I prioritized for 2024. Knew it was a fan favorite and had heard it pitched as the Korean version of Homegoing, which I also loved. I purchased this secondhand and loved the character-driven storytelling. Not a 5-star for me, but very good.

Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024; 229 pages) // Novel

Had seen this around but borrowed it from a friend and read it while on our Connecticut vacation. Was a great pick for that trip since the main character reflects on motherhood and family while at a favorite summer vacation house. Quick and enjoyable enough, but not a stand-out. 

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (2024; 400 pages) // Contemporary Fiction🎧

Picked this up when I wanted to read a 2024 release and because I really liked her debut, "Such a Fun Age." I thought this was particularly good on audio, as there are lots of characters -- the southern twang was over the top but didn't bother me. Would classify this as an odd and quirky book that won't be for everyone, but I couldn't get over the true to life, albeit satirical, elements of college campus living. Convinced my UT girlfriends, one of whom was an RA, to read this and am looking forward to hearing their thoughts! 

God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024; 490 pages) // Mystery

Heralded by many as "the book of the summer" in Fiction Matter's substack post, I also read this one while in Connecticut. Multiple perspectives and timelines usually works well for me, and this was certainly an engaging page-turner. By the end, I thought it was just okay; it was too long, and I didn't love the resolution of the mystery

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie (2024; 209 pages) // Memoir🎧

UT book club picked this one and while I love a memoir, I probably wouldn't have selected this on my own. It was a little heady at some points, but overall, an interesting glimpse into his life and highlighted both the beauty and pain of humanity. 

Snobs by Julian Fellowes (2006; 288 pages) // Fiction🎧

From a close friend's all-time favorites list, I listened and really loved this one! Fellowes is known for Downton Abbey, and his wit and humor shine in Snobs as well. The details and characters didn't necessarily stick with me, but the language, descriptions, and dialogue are just utterly enjoyable. Reminds me of how I felt listening to A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting. Such a fun and fresh 'novel of manners'.  

An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace by Tamar Adler (2011; 272 pages) // Food Writing🎧

My Seattle Book Club alternates fiction and non-fiction and I thought this was the perfect late summer selection. Her chapters are easy to digest, packed with encouragement, and provide helpful perspectives and motivation when it comes to simplified cooking. I ended up listening to it on audio and found listening to recipes and cooking methods rather soothing. Loved the discussion that came from this one!

The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024; 384 pages) // Contemporary Chick Lit🎧

Had seen this recommended by Literary Leanings and picked it up when I was in the mood for an easy read but with some depth. Once I got over the premise, I ended up liking this one. It was perfect on audio while doing dishes—I don't think I would have stuck with it in print

Book club collector,

- SJW

Sprucing Spaces and Revamping Rooms | Part I

I've accepted that organizing and re-organizing my home is a cyclical combination of cleaning chores and delightful hobby. While dishes are often a drag, there are parts of home maintenance that I enjoy -- decluttering, decorating, and rearranging spaces. I'm a better "tidier" than "deep cleaner" which I think makes my home feel cleaner than it actually is! Almost four years later, and I'm absolutely loving our home!

Here are some recent changes I've made that have our house feeling extra happy: 

- rearranged furniture in playroom

- rotated our breakfast nook...and started candlelit meals!

- decluttered and redecorated our entryway

- new mantel display

- rearranged our living room which has resulted in an oversized "drafting table"

With the help of my parents, we also spruced up our outdoor areas. Next steps are weeding and considering container gardening. 
- rotated our glider and moved mini bistro to front porch

- added a round patio table in back yard

- moved picnic table to other side of front yard 

- hung hammock for the kids
- transformed crab sandbox into toy storage

Fun Fact: Besides the hammock and beige patio chairs, every single piece of furniture you see in the pictures above was purchased secondhand (or better yet -- a free curb find!) 

Taking tips from my college roommate and bridesmaid with impeccable taste at bookwormcottagestyle.com, 

- SJW

Seattle Love List | 12 Year Anniversary

This month we celebrated twelve years in Seattle and as I've been reflecting on all the things that keep us rooted here, I've boiled it down to three main things: nature, variety of things to do, and community. I first fell in love with city-life when I moved to Austin, and I've always said that Seattle felt like an upgrade because I got the farmer's market + live-music + fun restaurant vibes with the bonus of a cooler climate and an astounding natural backdrop.

While mountain and water vistas (plus proximity to a major airport and hospital) will never get old, it's really the sense of community that has kept us from leaving. We fell in love with Seattle in 2012 after moving here for Mr. Fleece's job, and twelve years later, he's working at the same company. We've seen friends move in and out of the city and had transitions of our own, but for reasons both big and small, we've always thought of Seattle as home. We're thankful to have so many long-standing friendships and to live in such a beautiful city!

Here's my version of a love letter to Seattle...a love list!

I. NATURE

Natural beauty and distinct seasons -- Having never been west of Colorado, I still remember being awed on my first drive along I-5. So few billboards, so many evergreens! What a change from Texas. I'm glad to have largely put the sweaty-backs-of-my-legs-with-humid-hair days behind me and absolutely love the beauty of the region: 

- Elliott Bay

- Lake Union

- Lake Washington 

- Puget Sound

- View of the Olympic Mountains

- View of the Cascade Mountains

- View of Mount Rainier 

- Amazing sunrises and sunsets

- Crisp fall days

- Long summer days
- Low fog and misty cloud coverage
- Spring blooms
- The ability to "drive to winter" to see the magic of snow

Outdoor adventures -- Growing up, my family wasn't particularly outdoorsy so I'm glad to have married an Eagle Scout and someone who, like me, feels guilty if we're stuck inside on a sunny day. I have fond memories of Mr. Fleece teaching me to ski at Snoqualmie and love the accessibility to the following: 
- arboretums, forests, gardens, and wetlands
- beaches galore -- sandy, rocky, and ones covered in driftwood
- camping
- coasts and tidal zones
- hiking

- skiing

- snowshoeing
- whale-watching

Road trip potential -- I'm thrilled that our kids will grow up in the Pacific Northwest! These under-5-hours-away destinations are all ones we've enjoyed and could repeat in the years to come.
- Bellingham
- Hood Canal
- Hood River

- Leavenworth 
- Mount Ranier National Park 
- North Cascades National Park 

- Olympic Peninsula 
- Oregon Coast
- Portland, OR
- San Juan Islands
- Vancouver, B.C. 
- Washington Coast

- Whidbey Island 

Seattle-wide Parks/Playgrounds -- Perhaps I'm even more thrilled that Seattle itself has so many fun places to walk, explore, and play. From the very beginning (i.e. our honeymoon), I was enamored with the city's many parks!

- Carkeek Park
- Discovery Park 
- Gas Works Park 

- Seward Park & Playground
- Union Bay Park

- Washington Arboretum 

II. VARIETY

Living in a big city provides ample destinations, outings, and entertainment opportunities. While I'm sure I could be charmed by small town life, I have my heart set on novelty. Seattle provides so much possibility!

Attractions -- I love living in a big city with lots to do :) 
- Chihuly Glass Museum 
- Colman Pool 
- Ferry Rides & West Seattle Water Taxi
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Pacific Northwest Ballet

- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Art Museum
- Seattle Aquarium

- Seattle Center
- Seattle Children's Museum
- Seattle Rep

- Woodland Park Zoo

Entertainment Venues -- I've bounced my way across the city and seeing this list makes me want to go to more shows and concerts. 
- Ann Patchett & Melinda Gates at McCaw Hall 
- Asteroid City at Admiral Theater 
- Eden Sher at The Crocodile
- In the Heights at Seattle Rep 

- John Mulaney at The Moore Theater
- Lily & Madeleine at The Triple Door 

- Nate Bargatze at The Paramount 
- Noah Reid at Columbia City Theater 
- The Head and the Heart at Bumbershoot
- The Secret Garden at The 5th Avenue Theater
- Tom Hanks at Benaroya Hall 
- Toy Story 4 at Cinerama
- Trevor Noah at Climate Pledge Arena

West Seattle Beaches/Parks -- We are forever grateful to have landed in West Seattle specifically and have recently been leaning into the fact that we're a mere 5 minute drive to the beach. Living near water was always important to Mr. Fleece and I totally get it now. The fact that we frequent this full list gives you a sense of how much our family depends on outdoor playtime :) 

- Alki Beach
- Camp Long

- Constellation Park 

- Fauntleroy Creek
- Jack Block Park

- Lowman Beach

- Lincoln Park 

- Schmitz Preserve & Creek

- Ercolini Playground

- Gatewood Elementary Playground
- Hiawatha Playground
- Holy Rosary Playground 
- Lafayette Elementary Playground 
- Walt Huntley Playground
- Whale Tail Playground

III. COMMUNITY

Seasonal Celebrations & Traditions -- although we definitely don't go to these every year, it's nice to have the option:

- Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April) 
- West Seattle Garage Sale (May)

- Northwest Folklife Festival (May) 

- Bigelow Block Sale (June) 

- West Seattle 4th of July bike parade (July)

- Seafair & Blue Angels flyover (August) 
- Salmon Ladder at Ballard Locks (August/September)

- Pumpkin Patches (October)
- U-cut Christmas Trees (November) 

- Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition (December) 

Neighborhood Feel 

- I run into someone I recognize very often and know Safeway's Drive Up and Go clerks by name :)
- Library branches (4 in West Seattle!) 
- Our alley has periodic hangouts including a pre-Halloween party

- Our block has done a progressive dinner, an Easter Egg hunt in the front yards, a 4th of July Block Party, and a Neighbors Night Out Block Party

- Our close group of friends live in West Seattle 
- Our neighbor's communal trampoline
- Parades
- Wading pools
- Walkability to coffee shops, grocery stores, little libraries, and our public schools: elementary, middle, and high school 
- We adored NLW's Pre-K

- We have fantastic neighbors on our block, and they are some of our favorite people. Playdates, carpooling, dinners, cards, leftover desserts, babysitters. 

New Opportunities -- here are 10 random things I still have on my bucket list:

1. Burke Museum

2. Children's Musuems in Everett, Bellevue, and Olympia 

3. Clamming 

4. Hikes: Lake Diablo, Mailbox, Oyster Dome

5. Lake Chelan 

6. Nordic Museum 

7. Northwest African American Museum

8. Pathway of Lights at Green Lake 

9. Saltwater State Park 

10. Visit every Seattle Public Library branch (I've made it to 23/27) 

Cheers to the Emerald City,

- SJW

Around the Corner & On My List | Summer 2024

With two more flights, party invites, and another round of visitors, our summer calendar is packed! Rather than approach the season with bucket-list mania, I'm choosing to high-five my family, friends, and past-self for curating such a fun summer ahead. My main intention for the rest of the summer is to be present, enjoy the people I'm with, and eat lots of watermelon :) 

Around the Corner
- 4th of July bike parade
- BBQ with a side of Bouncy House
- Day trip to friend's cabin
- Colman Pool party 
- Berry Picking field trip
- Celebrate twelve years of marriage
- Hawaii Vacation with family -- I get to meet my niece!
- Visit from our friends J, M, J, & M
- Mirma and Poppa visit
- 14-person dinner at Aerlume (friend won this in an auction)
- East Coast Summer vacation and all the fun it entails!
- Labor Day Camping Trip (esp. since our June trip got rained out) 

SummerAdventures Bucket List -- keeping it simple with one item :) 
- Madison Park Beach on Lake Washington

July Theme: Mood Reading -- prioritizing these gushed-about books
They're Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
People we Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Juicy and refereshing,

- SJW

February Feature: Jacqui Lee | Illustrator

I am a sucker for cheery colors, playful illustrations, and stationary in general. I discovered Jacqui Lee through her children's books and wanted to feature her artwork here. A moose in snow shoes!?!...hard not to smile at that :) This little collection of images is the perfect way for me to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring.

Etsy
Instagram
Goodreads

Charmed,

-SJW

February Feature: Zach Bryan | Singer/Songwriter

I often opt for audiobooks and podcasts over music, but there's one artist that's been turning the tide. My friend recommended Zach Bryan and I've been hooked on his set list, swept up in his voice, guitar, harmonica, and easy lyrics. Love a good throwback to my country music days :) 

Here are my jukebox pics:

17. Mine Again
"And I ain't ashamed to say who the hell I am"

16. Heading South 
"He was a boy who was a dreamer"

15. Cold Damn Vampires
"Don't let 'em steal your hope, child"

14. Snow
"It's nights like these in the August heat"

13. Sun to Me 
"Find someone who grows flowers in the darkest parts of you"

12. Revival  
"Baptize me in a bottle of Beam and put Johnny on the vinyl"

11. November Air
"Memory gives warmth to right here"

10. Let You Down 
"I will let you down and that's a damn guarantee"

9. Hey Driver
"To a place they still put sugar in their iced tea"

8. Something in the Orange
"But I miss you in the mornings when I see the sun"

7. Oklahoma Smokeshow
"But she swears that his love is a damn God send"

6. Dawns
"Love's just another drug I have grown a victim to"

5. Tishomingo
"And I've been dreaming of a porch swing with some lights"

4. I Remember Everything 
"But I'll remember you singin' in that '88 Ford"

3. Burn, Burn, Burn
"I wanna feel it all, joy, pain, and sky"

2. Nine Ball
"Corner pocket at 12 AM"

1. Spotless
"If you want spotless, I'll always lose"

Mini concerts, 

-SJW

February Feature: Art Gallery Night | House Party

I'm kicking off this year's installment of February Features, my annual celebration of creatives, entrepreneuers, and their work, with a post that couldn't be more fitting. Earlier this month, my artsy friend hosted a house party art gallery night with one twist -- the walls were adorned with the guests' artwork! I loved having an excuse to make something and enjoyed the easy conversation starter when meeting people for the first time. It felt very Seattle and made for such a fun and unique evening that I couldn't stop talking about :) 

My favorite piece:

My contribution: "Aquatic Trio" in colored pencil

 

Cheese wheels and color wheels,
-SJW

P.S. You can find Past February Features series here:
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