Finishing Up My Summer Reading. What’s Next?

I didn’t post a blog on Thursday (well I did but it was dated Wednesday), but I took time to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 24 years ago. The attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and a plane crashing in a field in rural Somerset County shook us to our core that day. We remembered how grateful we were in the following days and were proud to display our patriotism. I was in my second year of college, sitting in math class, when I learned of a plane hitting the World Trade Center. 

While looking about the photo book of President Obama, I’ve now seen pictures from his first term. Unfortunately the last shots from the official White House photographer during that time were from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. While at a play for one of the girls that was going on around the time of mourning, even the photographer shed a few tears.

Let’s not just remember the 9/11 victims, but also those children and parents whose lives have been affected by all these horrific school shootings.

Wednesday, I learned of the passing of right wing voice and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. While I’m not going to get into a debate on my blog and I didn’t agree with his political views, I am sorry that his wife and young daughters lost a husband and a father. 

My blog is a lifestyle blog and that’s how it’s always going to be. 

Last night I finished up another chapter in Barack Obama’s memoir, “A Promised Land”. As I put the finishing touches on former First Lady Michelle’s memoir today, I’ll have finished that book a second time. Next week will be for reading the last chapters in the former President’s book. The first time I read “Becoming” it was a great read and the second time around did not disappoint either.

So, with my Obama summer reading project done, what am I planning to read for Fall. Originally, I was going to give “107 Days” by Kamala Harris a read. However, since I’ve already covered two books on political figures, I’m opting for something a little more light-hearted. I’ll commit more time to “We Can Do Hard Things” after finishing Barack’s memoir next week, and begin “Matriarch” by Tina Knowles. I’ll start out with one chapter a week there and then do more once I finish Glennon Doyle’s latest book. But a new book has caught my attention as well and it comes out on October 7 (Annabelle’s birthday). Don’t worry, I won’t forget to buy her gift.

Yesterday in my Instagram travels (I seriously spend too much time on there!) I found the perfect book to get me excited about the Fall season. I didn’t want to wait for Christmas when I saw this, but “Meet Me at Luke’s” looks very tempting. After two interesting political memoirs this summer, I think I need a pop culture fix. I previewed the book last night and today and this read looks good. This may be quality reading at Cutie’s, at the Diamond in Ligonier, or at the Fall Picnic.

I enjoyed a beautiful late summer afternoon at Cutie‘s where I ordered the Banana Pancake Latte. It was really good and I continue to be impressed by the Fall menu so far. I’ll be having my Pumpkin Spice Latte around the first day of Fall. I’m interested in trying some of the Chais at some point this Fall, including the Butterbeer Chai. My niece didn’t like it but maybe I will. I’m thinking about the Carrot Cake Latte for the beginning of October.

I hate to close off the blog with some bad news but sadly, Cutie‘s decided to end their Bible Study. I learned about this from their Instagram stories. Some not so nice things have been said and it’s gotten out of proportion. Feeling pressured, it was the best interest of the owners to discontinue the Bible Study.

I had hinted about committing to church attendance again, and this may speed it up. I was a hard decision but I understand Cutie‘s going forward with it. Over the past year the leaders did an excellent job, and Cutie‘s will continue to serve the community even as this season comes to an end.