The R Family Diaries

"That's what I love about reading: one tiny thing will interest you in a book, and then that tiny thing will lead you onto another book, and that tiny thing will lead you onto a third book. It's geometrically progressive- and all with no end in sight, and for no other reason than sheer enjoyment." - Juliet Ashton "The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" Did you know that I majored in History? I love just about all history, but have a few areas that really interest me. Colonial America and World War II {specifically the Holocaust} being two that have captured my interest completely. At USC, I took a class on the Holocaust taught by a Rabbi. It changed the core of who I was. Not only did we have survivors come in and speak, we actually studied how such horrific events could come to pass. The seeds go back farther than you could imagine. How an average man, rejected from art school, could start a political movement in the back of a bar that wo...

I am over at Angie's Seven Clown Circus today. I'm giving something away. Like money. Plus, I am totally clever, and funny and witty- over there.

So we were at a stop sign in our neighborhood and we saw 2 boys walking down the street with shovels. Full-sized shovels. My husband says, "I wonder what those boys are doing with those shovels" The Boy quickly {and confidently} asserts, "Oh, they're on the school digging team." I seriously almost peed myself.   Where does that kid get this stuff? "Digging team"?  Bwaahahahahahahahahahaa. Winners- of Optimism Pays: $35 gift card- Natalie                                                     $20 gift card- Kimberly (Email me! vampmama@gmail.com)

I have spent the evening reading through your Optimism posts and am so incredibly touched. The inspiration and depth has me in tears. We can make such a difference in the world by sharing hope . By dwelling in the possible .   By believing in abundance .   By knowing we are worthy of wonder . Thank you for celebrating the good .  For seeking it out and savoring every bite .   I adore each and every one of you.   A winner will be posted on Wednesday. Until then... keep optimistic.

Hi Ladies! Welcome to the Optimism Pays Link Up! Here's what is going down: In celebration of fishful thinking' s 5 ingredients, I will be highlighting one every few weeks. Today, is OPTIMISM! So, there are two ways and win and to participate. 1.  Link up below a blog post about optimism... a story, a photo with a caption, your thoughts on it...anything related to a positive outlook.   2.  Make sure to refer people back here in that post to vote for you! 3.  If you want to play, but don't want to to post, you can leave a comment here with the 2 links you feel best represent optimism.  4.  Click the fish in the top left corner (site meter will let me know you did!) 5.  As usual all my "followers" get an extra entry. Oh, and if you use a picture, head on over to Cecily's place and link up to her Friday Photostory...that gets you 2 link ups for the price of one!! Prize: Those who link up are entered to win a $35 gift card- their choice.  Those who just comment a...

If your here for the Optimism Pays Contest info, that's here . The Boy and I went on a walk. Well, I walked, he rode his scooter. Um, rode might be to much of an action word... it was more like, barely ride, wait for mom to catch up and then ride a second or two more. Anyway, it was a gorgeous day in the neighborhood and at one point, we walked by these two gorgeous boxers. Off the leash, but apparently very well trained, as they slowly approached us and began to give us the once over... with their noses. Of course, their heads were at my crotch. By the time one of them was done getting their fill,  I think we were married. {At least I hope so, otherwise I feel really used.} As we walked away, The Boy says, "Mom, that dog was totally smelling your butt." I said, "Yeah, I guess he was trying to get to know me." Will looks disgusted and says, "Well, that was totally awkward." Yes, son.  Yes, it was.

The "Optimism Pays" link up and contest. With so much drama in the blog world {and the real world} let's focus on something fun. So here is how Friday's link up/contest will work. The theme is Optimism. You can write about anything, a story, a poem, your thoughts, why it's imporant, one line under a photograph, etc. The prize. $30 gift card {winner's choice}. How to enter: 1. Write a post about Optimism. 2. Link it up to the Mister Linky {will appear on Friday}. Be sure to use the link of the post. 3. Include a photo and you get linked here AND at My Chaos, My Bliss's Friday Photostory {this will get you some nice additional traffic}. I will also be mentioning it on SITS. 4. The post does not have to be new! You may have something in your archives that just needs some tweaking. 5. Links must be relevant to Optimism and cannot contain profanity or anything else I deem rude. {Muuuuhahahahahaha.} Winner will be chosen by me and my crazy methods and ...