Connecting the Dots: March
Because believe it or not, I had other experiences and recommendations besides Paris this month
You didn’t think I’d let the month end without sending out a Connecting the Dots post, did you?
I felt like Paris needed her own separate space, but believe it or not, I actually had some other experiences this month, along with some non-Paris-related recommendations I couldn’t not share.
Birthday parties, nature trails, gardens, patio lunches and dinners, just-because-caviar, dress up, and spontaneous trips to the Stockyards in Fort Worth are just some of the sweet moments we shared this month. Now that warmer weather is upon us, we’ve racked up more outside hours in March than January and February combined and with each ray of sunshine, I can feel the seasonal depression leaving my body. Before we know it, here in Texas, those same rays of sunshine will be scorching the earth, so I’m soaking in the moderate temps while I can.
As far as recommendations go, I don’t have a ton, but there are some books/tv shows/miscellaneous entertainment odds and ends I want to share and discuss, plus a few products I’m really loving right now. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Reading Roundup
Guilty Creatures: Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida by Mikita Brottman: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Format: Audiobook
I placed a Libby hold on this book as soon as I heard about it on
’s 10 Things To Tell You podcast. I was intrigued by the premise, Sex, God, and Murder in Tallahassee, Florida, and couldn’t wait to dive in. While this book does cover a murder, it is not “true crime” in the way most true crime books are. Guilty Creatures follows the trajectory of two couples, whose lives have always been enmeshed, from high school into adulthood. It looks at how they transformed over the years before and after the murder. It looks at the role of religion and societal pressures. It tells the story of how they got there (there being the murder) and who they became after. It felt more anthropological than true crime because the whole time, you know “whodunnit”. It was a very interesting listen and would make a great book club pick because there’s lots to discuss.
The Third Gilmore Girls by Kelly Bishop: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: Audiobook
This book was recommended to me when I was in a book slump and it had rave reviews, so I was happy to dive in. I knew very little about Kelly Bishop and found her career and life interesting. I didn’t find her super relatable, but I still enjoyed her story and the little behind the scenes peeks of Gilmore Girls.
The Read Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections With Your Kids by Sarah Mackenzie: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: Audiobook
My friends and I like to periodically discuss what our top values and priorities are as moms. Besides knowing and loving Jesus, my top two priorities are for my daughter and I to always have a warm relationship full of love and trust and to instill in her a love of reading. If everything else in our day has gone wrong, but we’ve read together, I know all is not lost. All of this to say, this book is clearly right up my alley—reading and connection. Most of the concepts weren’t revolutionary to me, but reinforced practices I’ve already established. However, I did find some great tips and encouragement for continuing to read aloud to my daughter as she grows, as well as rich book lists. I wish I read a physical copy rather than an audiobook so I could reference back to these lists easier, but I think she has them on her website.
Entertainment Honorable Mentions
Running Point on Netflix
I’m a sucker for a Mindy Kaling project, so of course I downloaded the entire season to watch on my plane ride, and I’m happy to report, this show did not disappoint. The plot is engaging and the characters are engaging—what more could you want? Plus, Kate Hudson! I’m already ready for season 2.
Love is Blind Season 8 on Netflix
You guys. This season is so. bad. Like, I downloaded the entire season (or as many episodes as were released at the time) to watch on my plane rides, and I didn’t even finish the season. I think I have one or two episodes left before the weddings and I can’t be bothered to watch and find out who gets married. I’m not invested in a single couple. The Internet wasn’t exaggerating when they said all the guys look the same. There just really aren’t any redeeming qualities. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, but I’m curious if other people DNF’d, too.
White Lotus Season 3 on Max
I don’t know, ya’ll, this show is a lot. But at the same time, nothing is really happening? I say this as someone who needs a plot driven show, not character driven, and this is verrrryyy character driven. Luke and I waited until this past weekend to start watching the current season so we could binge several episodes at once, but I wish we would have waited until all the episodes were out. I continue watching each season because I like staying current on the zeitgeist, but I don’t know that I actually like the show—although I have laughed out loud several times and appreciate how well they portray the intricacies of three-woman-friend-groups. This show comes with allllll the content warnings, so if you’re my mom and you’re reading this, absolutely do not watch.
RHOBH
I’ve been on record about how this season wasn’t anything to write home about, but I’m so sad over Garcelle’s decision to leave the show. She is truly the voice of the audience—the only one willing to ask the tough questions and to keep a level head in the drama. I’m so curious to watch the reunion to find out what pushed her over the edge to make her leave.
Memory Bank by Drew and Ellie Holcomb
When I learned Drew and Ellie Holcomb had a new album out, I couldn’t download it fast enough. I love their folk rock sound and love them as a couple, as well as individual artists, so this was an instant hit in my book. I can already tell this album is going to be the soundtrack of my spring.
Pep Talk for SLPs Podcast
Okay, so this is kind of niche, but I know I have several fellow SLPs here, so this resource is for you. My state license is up for renewal at the end of April and my ASHA certification window closes at the end of the year, as well, which means I’m scrambling for CEUs. Since I’m not currently working, it feels like more of a slog to stay current with all of my licensing requirements, which is why I’m LOVING the podcast format of these CEUs. I’ve been listening while I drive, go on walks, or do work around the house rather than being glued to a computer screen. After the course I follow the link in the show notes to pay the $9 for my course certificate, take a quick assessment and quiz, and bam—I’ve knocked out another hour. While $9/course is pricey, what you’re really paying for is convenience. I’m hopeful the podcast format will take off and make continuing education more accessible for everyone!
Gadgets and Gizmos Aplenty
I’ve owned this necklace for a few months, but with the warmer weather, I find myself wearing it more than I did in the winter. It feels like the perfect pop of color and frivolity with an otherwise boring outfit and looks great layered with simple gold chains. When I went to link mine, I learned it’s no longer sold, but this one from Etsy is similar.
In an interesting and unexpected turn of events, I found myself buying a new phone the day before we left on our trip. This meant I needed a new phone case. Luke ordered me a simple clear one to arrive in time for our travels, but when we got home, I ordered this one from Amazon and am in love. It feels fun for spring/summer and for $16, why not?
I received these LL Bean Boat and Tote bags as a belated Christmas present and have been using them like crazy. They are perfect for BSF days, for outings with my daughters where I can throw in my belt bag and then a few activities for her, for coffee shop writing days where I need to take my computer and charger, and for library days. I foresee even more uses this summer and may add more colors to my collection because they’re just so classic and versatile.
I could have included this with my other books, but wanted it to stand alone a bit. For every major holiday I make a little “welcome” basket for my daughter including: themed pajamas, a themed craft/supplies for a sensory bin, and a themed book. I presented her Easter basket this week1 and included this book. Conversations about Easter are not new for her, but she’s three, so obviously still absorbing what it all means. After just a few reads this book has already sparked some great conversations and I can tell it is one we will return to for years to come. If you’re looking for a new addition to your Easter bookshelf, I highly recommend Jesus Rose for Me!
In Case You Missed It
On the anniversary of my last embryo(s) transfer, I shared some updated reflections on what life has looked like in the year since ending my IVF journey.
While in Paris, I gave a few glimpses into why I couldn’t write.
After a whirlwind trip to France, I attempted to capture the highs and lows of our experience, which included my nephew receiving a heartbreaking diagnosis while we were away celebrating my father-in-law’s retirement.
For anyone planning a trip to Paris (or Normandy) or for anyone wanting the lowdown on how we prepared/what we did while we were there, I curated a travel guide of sorts.
Alright, that’s all I’ve got for the month of March. As always, I hope these words make you laugh, inspire you, encourage you, or simply provide a brief respite from the weight of the world while you read them. If you think they would do the same for others, would you share with a friend? When it comes to encouraging writers, sharing truly is caring.
I’ve always felt that gifting holiday themed toys/clothes on the actual holiday defeats the purpose. The celebration is already over by the time they go to play/wear whatever was gifted on the day. That’s why I like doing the holiday welcome baskets, I feel like I get my money’s worth out of whatever I buy and it helps get my daughter in the spirit leading up to the holiday.
Okayyy def needed that SLP podcast rec ha! I have 25 more hours to get by the end of this year, oops. Also I really loved this: “If everything else in our day has gone wrong, but we’ve read together, I know all is not lost.” What a fabulous perspective ❤️
Ps I love the Holcombs too and I 100% thought that was YOU on the album cover when I first glanced at it! (That is a compliment btw lol)
Thank you for the SLP podcast rec! I'm in a similar boat with continuing ed and have done a few of the SLP Nerdcast episodes but hadn't heard of the Pep Talk one!