One of my favorite books ....

Trust me when I say that I love to read! Ever since I was a child I have been a complete bookworm. I would take a book and a blanket over television, a computer and, of course, cleaning. Since becoming a mother I am unable to indulge as much as I would like, but it makes the time I have to stuff my nose in a novel much more satisfying.
I like to read many sorts of books. I won't lie; I have read both popular series out right now, 50 Shades of Grey and The Hunger Games. Both of which I enjoyed (for different reasons) .....
My favorite books of all are classics, romance, fiction, non-fiction - Ok, ok, so I do not have a defined genre of my favorite, but I do know what one of my favorite books must be.

Under the Tuscan Sun - by, Frances Mayes:

Frances Mayes is a total inspiration to countless women. She is a creative writing Professor at San Francisco State University, a poet, an essayist and an adventurer. After suffering through a terrible divorce she tries to start over with a new man; a great man, Ed, who is also a Professor. They spend their summers' off traveling, mainly Italy. This book is an account of descriptions of past travels and their current adventure in Italy where they decide to purchase a villa. Bramasole - a beautiful, abandoned, horribly messy villa that they dedicated endless tiring hours to restoring.

This book describes in the most perfectly simplistic detail the absolute beauty of Tuscany, surrounding villages and piazzas. Describing daily accounts of restoration, travels, mishaps and cooking adventures in an Italian kitchen. This one comes fully packed with recipes of some fine Italian dishes she would make at Bramasole, using fresh ingredients they would grow in their garden.

It beautifully accounts all we could wonder about enjoying the pure beauty of the Tuscan country side. 

I think she is truly brave and wonderful. I will be forever envious of the courage she had to purchase a home in a foreign land, to enjoy long nights on a Tuscan terrace over looking olive trees and fields of sunflowers, drinking wine, eating grapes, living in totally purity.

Of course they made a Hollywood rendition of the novel in to a movie. Don't get me wrong, I really like the movie. However, no movie can compare to a book.

It stars Diane Lane, gosh she wonderful, but it changed some very good plot points to make it more "Hollywood" - I encourage you to check out the movie, but most important, read this wonderful memoir.

My Favorite Season of All ....

I know so many people get hyped up about Summer; lounging around pools, heading off to beaches, having barbecues and working on tans are all great, but I do not get excited about the heat. I'm sure that if I were to live elsewhere may favorite season just might be different, but as a life-long resident of Michigan, my most favorite season of all is .... FALL!

I have so many great childhood memories of my sister and I playing in the leaves of the giant Maple tree in my Grandparents' back yard. I can remember how much I loved to observe the leaves changing from green, to shades of yellow and orange and even fire red. As they fell they would scatter across the entire yard and my sister, Katie, and I could spend hours out there raking and jumping in the leaves. I miss those days :)
Fall also reminds me of trips up to my Great-Grandparents' cabin in Cadillac, MI. Driving through country roads lined with all types of trees, covered in different hues. It was beautiful!

Fall in Michigan seems to bring out the best in people and families. We have tons of cider mills scattered throughout our state and it really brings everyone together. It is pretty much a tradition in most households. This was one of my favorite cider mills to go to as a child: (http://www.spicerorchards.com/)

I can remember the trips we took there, my parents and my sister and I. These were some wonderful childhood memories.  There was so much to look forward to.....
Cider and fresh, warm donuts.

I can remember my Father lifting us up to the trees to pick apples in the orchard :)

And of course there were hayrides, corn mazes and the petting farm. It is such a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon just enjoying family time. Along with enjoying the colors and activities of Fall.

Throughout my life Fall has always been so close to my heart. I was married in the Fall, I couldn't have imagined being wed any other time of year.

Also, one of my favorite photos of my son was taken in the Fall, in Frankenmuth, MI. My husband had some family out to visit from New York, so not only was this photo taken during my favorite time of year but it will also hold so many special memories.

I look forward to all the future Fall seasons I will be able to enjoy. I anticipate taking my son and future children on the cider mill adventures that I treasured so much as a child. But, most of all I look forward to those lazy Fall days of just driving and taking in the beauty of Fall in Michigan and watching the wonder of changing seasons in my son's eyes.