Little Letters :: Fifteenth Edition

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Dear spring weather, thank you for finally arriving and sticking around! I was so ready for winter to be officially over.

Dear library book sale, I am SO sad that I totally forgot you were happening! Yes, yes, I know I was sick, but still. I could've at least come on the last day... *sniff*

Dear library, thanks for always being there. I've neglected you of late, but it was so comforting to return and find you still peaceful. My heart was happily restful in your presence.

Dear books on my TBR, I've been concentrating on the INSPYs for the past couple months, but am determined to get back into reading for pure pleasure now. So be on the lookout, I'm coming for you! :)

Dear Beauty and the Beast, you were such a delight! Thank you for existing.

Dear Lindor truffles, mmmmmmmmmm. :D

Dear dad, I'm happy you're happy. Truly! It's still a bit of adjustment for me, but it's definitely good to see you smiling again.

Dear Carrabbas, thank you for helping me "eat my feelings".

Dear weekends, why can't you last longer than just two days?

Dear old world, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.

Little Letters :: Fourteenth Edition

There's my measly little attempt at a book tree this year. I haven't ever tried one before and boy did I figure out that they are NOT easy to build! The books have to be placed just so in order that they don't immediately fall to the ground OR look silly. The white lights help. A lot. :)

Anyhoo, when I decided it was high time for another Little Letters post, I glanced back to see how long it'd been since my last one. June 2015?! Whoa. It's way past time I wrote another of these! So here we go...

Dear Whoever Made the Little Free Library Near My House, Thank you for placing it there! I'd heard that it existed, but hadn't actually seen it until a couple weeks ago. Best Idea Ever! I'm a new fan. :)

Dear INSPYs Board, Thank you for the true privilege of inviting me to become a part of one of the awesomest book awards ever! I was honored to be asked, and your enthusiasm in welcoming me has made my days happy. I only hope I can fill Stacy's spot with half the ability she had. Here's to INSPYs 2017! {Incidentally, dear reader, if you aren't aware, book nominations are open on 12/27, just FYI.}

Dear Christmas Movie Creators, You have made my Christmas season so much fun with all the myriad of stories you've offered this year! With so many wonderful new movies, plus all my old favorites, my Christmas-movie-addicted heart thanks you!!!

Dear Mr. Darcy's Night Before Christmas, You are simply the cutest! Jane Austen plus Christmas? Yes please!

Dear Books, I love you, I do. But I just haven't been feeling like reading the last couple weeks. I'm in a little bit of a slump and I'm not sure why. I hope I can get over it though! Because I've got several stories that I'd love to find enthusiasm for. Maybe this weekend...?

Dear Old World, Life is hard this year. Boy do I know that ever so well. But let's just keep clinging to hope, yes? Hope is always there, sometimes you have to look a bit harder, but it's definitely always there. So don't give up, okay? We're going to make it! Somehow.

Dear Mom, I miss you. When people say Christmas is hard when you're grieving...? They aren't kidding at all! My emotions have been a tangle all year since May, but Christmas just seems to have made them worse. I just miss you. Bunches and bunches.

Dear Reader Friends Who Still Read My (Sporadic) Posts, Thank you seems so inadequate, but it's all I've got. So thank you! I am incredibly grateful you're still here, even among my crazy posting and (probably) nonsensical wording. Y'all are small, but mighty and when I see that a few people have read my newest post, and especially if someone actually commented!, my heart does a little flip of happy. :) The fact that you take the time and read my words, the fact that you care, means ever so much more than mere words can convey. Y'all are THE BEST. And I'm grateful.

Dear Christmas, You're almost here! That's crazy, but true and I hope you treat everyone reading this happily. And most important....bookishly! We can all use more books to add to our shelves, right??? ;)

Little Letters :: Thirteenth Edition

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{It's been way too long since I posted one of these! Which is ridiculous since I love these posts.}

Dear A/C Repair Guys, THANK YOU. Another week at work with no a/c was not what I was looking forward to at all. I am so grateful you finally showed up. (Even if you were a day late.) When it's 90 degrees or better outside, a/c is very, very, very important.

Dear Hannah and Hamlette, you guys rock! I heart our bookish convos. Every time I get an email notification of another blog comment from either of you, it just makes me happy. I hope y'all know how awesome you are. (Plus I just found out that Hamlette discovered A Snicker of Magic and loved it! How spindiddly is that?! :)

Dear Summer, well, you certainly decided to show up with a bang! No slowly creeping in happening here. Nosiree, you are bright and hot and dancing everywhere! I could've used a little more time to adjust, but as you didn't ask me my opinion, I suppose I'll take what I got. (I am enjoying your sunshine! Just not your heat and humidity.)

Dear Antique Tractor Show, I really only visited because dad is so involved and required my help. Turns out you can be quite fun! I admit the fresh, homemade (giant!) doughnuts enticed me a lot more than the tractors though. ;)

Dearest Nephew of Mine, thank you for driving the golf cart so carefully. Also for not minding that your aunt was around, especially when your friends showed up. I'm very thankful you missed that ditch I was sure I was about to be tossed in! All in all, I think I won't be too worried when it comes time for you get your driver's license. (Still glad you've got a few years left to practice though!)

Dear #BookBesties (or Rissi and Amber), our twitter convos never fail to make me grin. There is just nothing like chatting with friends who get you. I love that we start out a convo all serious-like and end up talking in exclamation points about some book we all love! You both are awesome. The end.

Dear Nutella, is it bad that my jar is almost empty and 90% of it was eaten with a spoon? What can I say, sometimes a girl just needs a midnight snack, you know?

Dear Rel and All The Inspy Ladies, I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the process this year! Thank you SO much for the opportunity to participate. I don't know how y'all got started or whose idea it was, but woohoo for them!

Dear November, can't we change all your publishing dates to June?! I am beyond ready to read Winter and The Bronte Plot! Seriously. I NEED them. Like now.

Dear Blog Readers, I don't know how many people actually read my thoughts, but those of you do are awesome. I'm so grateful that you stick with me, even in the weeks where I sporadically post or don't post. Thank you for sharing this little spot with me. Even if we've never chatted, please know that I am very happy you visit! It means a great deal that you visit actually. So thanks. :)

Little Letters :: Twelfth Edition

Dear North and South Read-Along Ladies, you are awesome! I had a blast at our twitter chat last weekend and am looking forward to more!

Dear 2015, it's very nice to meet you. Now that we're a couple weeks in, I must say so far you've been very gentle and sweet to me. But winter is just beginning so we'll see how long that lasts.

Dear Christmas Movies, I have been enjoying you just as much now that Christmas is over! I hope that's okay? All that time I thought I'd have in December just didn't materialize, but I am definitely having fun here in January. And as no one else wants to borrow them from the library, that means I have so many options!

Dear Maggie, I can't believe you're already two weeks old! I cannot wait to meet you very soon. Your mama has been so good to send me pics and give me updates, but nothing can take the place of squeezing you myself. I'm counting down the days, little one! :)

Dear Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, you guys rock, you know that? Is there anything better than a hot, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut on a cold night? Mmmmmmm.

Dear Books To Be Read, don't give up on me! Life's been a little crazy recently, but I've got you in my sights. It won't be long and I'll have devoured all of you, so beware!

Dear Bookstores and Libraries, thanks for always being there. You don't know how you cheer me up and make life so much happier! Even though my TBR pile is towering high above me, just looking at all the awesomeness to come makes me smile. Books = happiness! :)

Dear Colds/Flus/Insert Whatever Sickness That's Swirling Around Right Now, you're awful. You really just need to go away. Nobody wants you and we'd all be much happier if you'd go and never come back. Hmph.

Dear Readers, I hope your week has treated you well so far. Thanks for sticking with me even when I get very sporadic with my posting! I'm so glad you're here. And if I haven't been to visit your site in a while, please know that I'm making every effort to get that to happen very, very soon. Happy reading til then!

Little Letters :: Eleventh Edition

Dear Children's Book Publishers, The kid-friendly classics are adorable! As a Jane Austen fan, I was thrilled to find a way to share my love of her stories with my nieces and nephews. SO much fun! :)

Dear Library, Thanks for always having books for sale. After finding Persuasion by Jane Austen, I was happy to add a third copy to my collection. One can never have too many copies of a favorite story!

Dear Janitor at the Library I Frequent, I don't even know your name, yet we always have the nicest conversations. It's fun to look forward to your smiling face when I visit. It's completely true that the best people work at the library! :)

Dear Danny Gokey, Thanks for sharing your song with the world. It's been on repeat at my house since I discovered it! Hope is never far away. Thanks for the reminder.

Dear Repeat Button On My Ipod, Thanks for being there for me! When my song of the moment is playing, I'm so glad I don't have to manually repeat it. Because you can bet I'm going to listen to it over and over and over and over and.... ;)

Dear Dante Butterscotch, I think your name is completely awesome! Every time I visit my niece and nephews and they let me hold you, it always makes me smile. You are a fabulous bunny rabbit in their eyes. (And in mine!)

Dear Real Life Friends, Going swimming, multiple trips to Chipotle, daily text messages, hugs, conversations, laughter, understanding my crazy sense of humor, eating and talking about great food; my social life is full thanks to you! I'm so grateful we're friends.

Dear Internet Friends, Twitter chats, reading your awesome blog posts, finding new books to read, getting envious over the fabulous stories you've read, convos via the comment section, understanding my love of all things bookish; my internet time is busy with all the places to visit thanks to you! You make my life happy again and again and again. I'm so grateful for you too!

Dear Barnes and Noble, I've been searching for just the right bookends for ages! And unexpectedly, there they were. Sitting on your table as pretty as you please. Now every time I sit in my favorite chair, I look over and see them and just have to smile. Thanks for that!

Dear Summertime, You're going way too fast! I can't believe it's getting closer to school starting soon. I'm not ready for you to leave! Oh, I know we have a little bit of time yet, but that little bit is going to go fast judging by the past weeks. Where is the time going anyway? Every week I'm shocked that it's Friday again. (Shocked but happy. Yay for weekends!) A good reminder to enjoy each moment then, right?

Dear Hope, I admit it. Some days it's harder to find you than others. But always you're there. Just a moment away. And I'm amazed at the things that remind me of this, all the little moments sprinkled in my life. Whether a new book, an unexpected compliment, seeing an awesome cloud formation in the sky, or a text message from a friend......always you're there. I'm grateful.

Little Letters :: Tenth Edition

Dear Call the Midwife, I've only watched season one so far, but I've fallen for your charms completely. Chummy just makes me grin when she comes on screen! And her romance is so cute. I hear sadness is in store come season three, but I'll worry about that when I watch it. For now, on to season two!

Dear rain, oh how I missed your randomness! Having moved back to a state where I never know when to expect you (versus a state where you only came during one season of the year), I love how you make everything fresh and green and brand new feeling. :)

Dear new library, you are a wonderful and amazing discovery! You've become a huge giver of happiness in my life. Thanks for having free wifi plus a comforting environment. You made my big move worth it!

Dear inventor of chai, I have become your newest fan! Since discovering the gloriousness of drinking chai, whether hot or cold, I have proceeded to spend way too much money on this goodness. But oh what comfort it bring!

Dear new/old/renewed friendships, I am so incredibly grateful for all of you! Online and off, my friendships have sustained me through some tough months recently. Life is just so much more awesome with friends! Thanks for being there.

Dear nieces and nephews, I am sooooo happy to live near you now! I am loving the precious time we get to spend together. I've never been so grateful to have a messy house after you leave. Your smiles and hugs mean ever so much more than I can tell you.

Dear Emily P Freeman, thanks for writing such encouraging non-fiction. And for inspiring me to keep writing. Even a little bitty blog like this, if I'm enjoying writing it, and it brings me happiness, then I want to keep going.

You may not be the first to say it, write it, create it, or believe it--but you saying it may be the first time someone finally hears. Yes, someone else can say it better, but that doesn't mean you can't say it too. Throw out your inhibitions and spin around in this crazy world of recycled ideas. There is nothing new to say. Say it anyway! ~ Emily P Freeman

Little Letters Ninth Edition

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Dear Friends Reading This, yes, I'm still here! I haven't totally forgotten about this little corner in case you were worried. With all the busyness of life as of late, blogging has been one of the things to go by the wayside for a little. But the end is in sight! Have no fear, I am definitely planning a return to normal. (Whatever that is!) :D

Dear Rainbow Rowell, how have you managed to write another book that I love?! Fangirl was just as wonderful as Attachments. You have seriously great talent at writing characters who I connect with immediately. Something about Cath just resonated. Her story is wonderful! Thank you for sharing her with the world.

Dear Bunco Girls, I am going to miss you terribly! I have so much fun with all of you and my life will be very sad without my monthly dose of conversation and laughter. Please don't forget me.

Dear Boxes and Tape, you and I have gotten much closer recently. But be warned that it's a limited friendship. There will be an end to it someday! (At least there better be!)

Dear Books, it's so sad to see you get shut up in boxes. I will be much happier when I can take you out and display you again. Not to mention that I keep wanting to reread certain ones and can't because I've already boxed them up! *sigh*

Dear Time, do you realize how very, very fast you are moving?! I still have much to do and you just keep racing on. Not waiting for me at all! That's sort of rude, you know. Where's my magical little time fairy when I need her?

Dear Reviews Yet To Be Written, life is getting in the way. But you'll get written, don't worry. Not sure when yet, but it'll definitely happen.

Dear Crazy Life of Mine, let's think positive, alright? Things will slow down. Eventually. They have to, right? Sure they do. *nods head hopefully* I can at least dream!

Little Letters Eighth Edition

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Dear Summer, I'm glad you're here. Truly. But seriously now! These temps over 100 degrees are for the birds! I know it's crazy when I'm thankful that it's "cooled down" to 90 in the mornings.

Dear Brown Sandals, in spite of the awful heat outside, I still love wearing you! Thanks for being so comfy. With all the shoes I have, you're the only ones I seem to wear every single day. So that means you're pretty awesome!

Dear Books Waiting To Be Read, I will get to you. Really. I will. But I'm simultaneously wanting to read you badly while not wanting to finish you too soon, so therefore I haven't started you yet. But I will! Promise.

Dear Library, why is it that I put so many books on hold? I have another waiting for me to pick it up, and I'm still not finished with what I have already! Must. Read. Faster.

Dear Pinterest, some of the pins you have are crazy. I can't believe I still laugh over this one every time I read it.

Dear Real Life Friends, I had so much fun last week! I had plans with lots of you for several days, had awesome conversations, ate great food, and laughed a lot. Thanks for making me happy! But now I have a problem. I wish I had a lot more weeks like that. This week is looking so sad without any plans with you in it.

Dear Mom and Dad, I can't wait to see you soon! So excited that I have my trip planned now. It was a big relief to finally get my plane ticket. Now I just have to patiently wait for the day to arrive. (Since I'm so great at patiently waiting and all. Ha!)

Dear Holiday Week, it's nice to anticipate a long weekend ahead. But the next two days at work look to be crammed with things to do. So go easy on me until Thursday gets here?

Dear Blog Readers, not sure if you ever read comments around here or not, but there's been a lovely lady who has commented several times recently. Well guess what? She just started her very own blog, it's only a few days old! I promise you that you want to go check it out and follow because she's sure to have lovely things to post about. Her name is Ganise and you can follow her over here. Seriously! She's awesome. You won't regret it. :)

Dear Jane Austen Lovers, if you look over to the right side of your screen, there's a little picture announcing Austen in August over at The Book Rat. If you love Jane Austen, you'll want to read her posts for the entire month of August. She'll have guest posts and reviews and giveaways and just loads of fun! I avidly read and loved every discussion last year, so you don't want to miss out. Pencil it on your calendar!

*As always, thanks to Rissi for the idea! And I promise I'm not a copycat. I had already planned to post this week! It was just a happy coincidence you got yours posted first. Great minds think alike and all that. ;)

Little Letters Seventh Edition*

Dear Holiday Weekend, thanks for making my workweek a day shorter! That was awful nice of you.

Dear Rachel Hauck, please keep the lovely prince/princess stories coming! I absolutely loved your most recent adventure and can't wait for more to come. Really, really, really can't wait! At least I have one sitting on my shelf to re-read over and over.

Dear Twitter, well. I've joined your ranks. Only a couple days old! I foresee you becoming a slight obsession. Remind me not to pester people on there, okay? I'd hate to wear out my welcome. But my friends were certainly right! You are lots of fun.

Dear Welcome to Sanditon People, I'm so happy to finally understand what's going on! There were a few days when I wasn't sure what you were doing. But it has been explained and so all is well! Plus this week had some plot development finally and cute ones at that. I love Clara! Especially sassy Clara. Can we have her show up every week? She's totes adorbs!

Dear E.M. Forster, I'm enjoying A Room With a View. Really! I am! But I've been reading it aloud to others and do you know how many words you wrote that I have no idea how on earth to pronounce? Let alone what they even mean! I'm beginning to think I'll need to keep a dictionary handy through the entire book. But never fear! I'm finding Lucy's observations of those around her so funny. I never realized humor was a skill of yours? Who knew? Well. I suppose Hamlette did.

Dear Charles Dickens, I recently picked up Bleak House from the library. Whimsey Keith convinced me that I just might enjoy this story of yours (thanks Rebecca!). She told me there is a happy ending, which I had doubted before. But I'm inclined to believe her. Hence why I borrowed it. What do you think? Is that a good plan for my weekend?

Dear Rain, where did you come from this week? Don't you know how surprising it is when you show up in May? But I still enjoyed getting a free car wash. So thanks for that!

Dear Readers of Books, do you/can you read multiple books at the same time? I always thought I could only read one at a time, but I'm finding out that's no longer true. I can listen to one in the car and have two or three going on at home. Both real and Kindle versions. Is that weird?

Dear Friday, I'm so happy you've arrived! But Saturday will make me even happier. Why? Because I get to sleep in later! What better thing to look forward to? I do love my bed.

*courtesy of Rissi.

Little Letters Sixth Edition

Dear Library, thank you for existing! And for having so many of the books on my list available. Only now I have tons of reading to do in the next three weeks! But it makes me happy anyway. :)

Dear Library Sale, thanks for the copy of Persuasion that I found! I didn't have a hardcover copy before. Now I do and I love it! I'm so glad I picked that day to stop by.

Dear Frost Bakery, your muffins are amazing! As are your scones. And your sandwiches. And your cookies. And your cake pops. And basically everything! I am beyond thrilled that you opened up so close to my work. Although I'm not certain my pocketbook appreciates it. But my tastebuds sure do!

Dear LBD Team, thank you for notifying us when Sanditon will start. I can't wait to see more of Gigi! And of course, more Jane Austen is always a good thing. Yay!

Dear Cats in our Neighborhood, why must you antagonize our dog that way?! You know he can't come get you, so you stand just outside of the gate and prance around. Don't you realize how annoying his barking can be for my poor human ears? Go away, would you?

Dear Cody, don't you think those cats are totally doing it on purpose? They're smart animals too, you know. The more you bark and make a commotion, the more you're probably making them gleeful. Have a care for my ears please!

Dear Week, can we start all over and just skip Thursday this time? Thursday stinks. Better yet, let's just go right to the weekend. I need a fresh start and no more bad days at work!

Dear Amber, Rissi and Hamlette, you ladies rock! Thank you for being such great encouragers and just all around great gals. I love to visit your blogs and so appreciate when I see your names pop up on mine. Thanks for cheering me up on days when I need it. Even if you don't realize it.

Dear Audrey Assad, I'm really loving your song! Thanks for sharing it with the world. :)

Dear Pin on Pinterest, some days really do feel like this! But cookies always make things better. Don't you agree? ;)

Little Letters Fifth Edition

Dear Lizzie Bennet Diaries, you were all things awesome and fabulous! Thanks for finishing the entire story. I remember being worried at the very beginning that you wouldn't be able to. But you did! And made my Monday's and Thursday's a lot more fun. (Although I do think my coworkers thought I was crazy every time they came in the breakroom and had to listen to the new video with me. ;) I will miss you, but shall have wonderful memories now. Thanks for leading me on this adventure and leaving me happy at the end!

Dear Jane Austen, how amazing you must have been when you were alive. I would love to be able to have a peek into your brain and see how you were able to create such stories that still resonate with people centuries down the road. I'm so glad I randomly picked up the Pride and Prejudice mini-series with Colin Firth many, many years ago. It introduced me to your phenomenal writing and the rest of your books. And especially the many adaptations that have been made. I'm positively thrilled that you came into my life!

Dear New Yellow Purse, you are super-duper cool! I'm so glad I decided to get you after all. All your lovely pockets makes me a happy camper. Yay for groovy purses!

Dear Calvin and Hobbes, why is it no matter how many times I read you, I still laugh at all your antics? You made my childhood happy and that hasn't changed these many years later. You still make me happy!

Dear Lainer-bug, I had so much fun with you the other night! We need to get together more often now that you live close. Catching up with you and playing with your children was a wonderful way to spend my evening. The triplets are cute-as-a-button adorable and you know it! ;D

Dear Sherwood Smith, I don't know how you created Meliara, but I really love her a lot. I had to re-read her story again recently (for only the 100th time or so). She is such a fantastic character! Is it crazy that I love this book so much I had to buy every single version I could? Thanks for letting me get to meet Mel and Vidanric.

Dear Texas Roadhouse, thank you so much for finally opening in my town! I've been looking forward to not having to drive a long distance to reach you. Your bread, your ribs, your cinnamon butter. Aaaahhhh. My taste-buds were absolutely delighted to see you again!

Dear Weekend, you are going to keep me very, very busy. But I know it will leave me with terrific memories by the time Monday rolls around. Can't wait to see what you have in store!

Toodle-loo kangaroos! I hope you have a lovely and blessed Easter! :)

Little Letters Fourth Edition

Dear Dad, I hope your birthday was all things awesome! It was wonderful to chat. Thanks for being the best dad a gal could ask for. (No, that was not sarcastic! Why are you shaking your head at me?)

Dear Echinacea/Sudafed/All Cold Medicines, you were close and intimate friends this last week. And you were good to me. But I'm hoping our relationship is slowing down now. I'd prefer it actually. It's not you, it's me.

Dear Puffs People, whoever invented your tissues with lotion in them should be given an award! My poor "Rudolph"-like nose was very appreciative of your goodness. Your presence was so comforting and soothing. "A nose in need deserves Puffs indeed." And boy did mine deserve it!

Dear New Friend, it was so fun to unexpectedly run into you today! Your memory of details is amazing considering we've only met once before. Especially since I couldn't even remember your name. But I did remember your face! That counts, right? Luncheon was delicious, thanks for the invite. I should especially thank you for introducing me to.....

Dear Kolachy/Pastry Thingy, you are AMAZING! You remind me very much of the Apricot Pockets from my favorite bakery that closed down a few years ago (pause for a moment of sadness *sniff sniff*). Thank you for coming into my life! Although it's probably a really good thing we don't live that close to one another, as I'd almost certainly stop by every single day otherwise.

Dear Sense and Sensibility 2008, I'm looking forward to showing your delightfulness to new viewers soon. They long to be introduced to "Matthew" with brown hair. I still think it's amusing that I knew him first through you. Can't wait to watch you again!

Dear Time Change, I'm not a fan of your spring arrival at all. My "aging" bones now take a while to adjust after you happen. I'd really prefer the Fall version of you actually. How about working on that option?

Dear Clean and Fresh Sheets, your loveliness is wonderful. Your smell. Your crispness. You make my bed even more awesome than usual!

Dear New Week, I'm planning on you being awesome and fabulous and terrific. Don't let me down, okay?

 Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Little Letters Third Edition

Dear Cold/Flu/Whatever You Are, after three days, it's seriously time for you to go! I'm feeling somewhat better now, so yay for that. But still! You are no fun at all, so go and never, ever, ever come back! The only good thing about you was that I got lots of reading done. Which is nice and all, but I'd still rather feel good.

Dear Book 1, you were kind of intense. Good! But intense. Which must explain why the next three books were nothing but fluff. But thanks for taking my mind off feeling horrible. Turns out when you're really into a story, you can kinda forget you're sick. But only kinda.

Dear Books 2, 3, & 4, thanks for being fluffy and cute. I needed something to laugh at while simultaneously coughing and hacking and sniffing. Your silliness was just what I needed!

Dear Zach-Attack, I loved our conversation the other night! I can't believe you're almost 10 already. Where does the time go? And yes! A teleporter would be awesome! I could come visit you whenever I want and you could come see me too. What a fabulous idea! And I love that you really want to come visit me. We live entirely too far apart, don't we? Who do you think we can convince to invent one of those just for you and I? Thanks for being the awesome-est nephew a girl could ever ask for. :)

Dear Almond Blossoms, thanks for finally arriving. The other day I loved driving out through all the orchards that you made lovely and cheerful and springy. I only have to look at my pictures of you to smile again. 

Dear Karla, thanks for the opportunity to win a couple books recently! It was an extremely pleasant surprise to find that out. Definitely a great way to make me feel better. Your blog (Ramblin' Roads) looks like fun. I look forward to getting to know you better. And chatting about books! Which is always a great time. :)

Dear Readers, I hope your weekend went better than mine. But the upside is now I should have several book reviews showing up this week. Gotta look for the silver linings, right? I hope to catch up on all your goings-on blog-wise this week. It never fails to amaze me how behind you can get after just a few days. So here's hoping this week is awesome for us all!

Toodle-loo kangaroos!

Little Letters Second Edition

Dear Almond Blossoms, you're late! Friends visited last weekend hoping to see you, and you hadn't arrived yet. What are you thinking? Don't you know how much we all look forward to you each year? (Well, except for the allergy-prone.) We need your cheerfulness to brighten our days and encourage spring to come! Get on that, won't you?

Dear Scarf, you were one of the best purchases I made last fall. I've had so much fun wearing you this winter! But I'm ready for wintertime to be over and spring to arrive. Your delightfulness is lovely, but I want to stop freezing on my way to work in the mornings. I'm ready to wear sandals again!

Dear Lizzie Bennet Diaries, how is it possible that you get cuter each week? Even with all the drama, I can't stay away. I'm sad that you're pretty much on the final arc but I can't wait to see how you finish! So I'm a conundrum of emotions. Keep being awesome! And don't mind me over here in the corner trying to blink away the water drops from my eyes. I'm not crying! My eyes are just watering. It's allergies I tell you! Allergies!

Dear Downton Abbey, you like putting us through the ringer, don't you? And yet I still come back every single time. I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment. You're simply too addicting for my peace of mind. I do enjoy your stories all the same. Thanks for the laughter and the TEARS. But just so you know, that was a horrid way to end the season.

Dear Ben and Leslie, you beautiful tropical fish. Every time I think you can't possibly get more adorable and perfect for each other, you go and prove me wrong.

Dear Rainbow Rowell, you had me at "All you can really do is read to them and read around them, and hope that reading is like chicken pox, that they’ll eventually succumb to it with enough exposure."

Dear Kindle, I love you. Truly. But not enough to give up on print books. I SHALL NOT BE OVERTAKEN!!! (But seriously, you make traveling with hundreds of books really handy.)

Dear Tea Class, do you have to be over so soon? We've only just begun! I'm not ready to say good-bye. *big sigh* The history of the English's love of tea is quite fascinating though. I could have listened very happily for another hour or two. Our teacher was wonderful, his memory of stories and facts is amazing; when can I take the class again?

Dear Benton, you are an inspiring young gentleman! Your faith and love and especially your persistence, are such an encouragement to me. For a seven year old, you are wise beyond your years. This cancer will not own you, your heart and soul are God's. Know that I think of and pray for you often. Your stories this week bring tears to my eyes and I feel so humbled by your courage. God is good, no matter what the future may hold.

Dear Weekend, I'm so glad you are here! My emotions have been up and down during this busy week. I'm ready for a relaxing time at home. And my little cousin's birthday party. Yay for family! :D

**Dreaming Under the Same Moon
**The Freckled Fox

Toodle-loo kangaroos! What's your week been like?

Little Letters First Edition

source

Dear Book, why haven't I finished you yet? You're sitting on the floor of my bedroom calling out to me and I just ignore you. I already started your first few chapters, enjoyed them very much, and yet got distracted by other things. I will return to you!

Dear Blog Buddies, thanks for always clicking over here. Seeing your names pop up in my comment section inevitably makes me smile! Whether we agree or disagree on our book love, I like y'all a lot. :)

Dear Tea Class, I missed you last night. I can't believe I only have one more week left. I've learned more info about tea than I ever imagined, but it's so much fun! Can't wait to see what next week will hold.

Dear Bunco Ladies, it's that time of the month again! Once a month never comes quick enough, even with how busy we all are. I'm so ready to see y'all again and catch up on our conversations. It will be fun to hear about the trip you've taken, how your children are growing too fast, what great recipes you're using, how frustrating your students can be, and how fun it is when family from out of state visits. I love our conversations about everything!

Dear Cody, why must you bark every single time someone walks by outside? Do you realize how annoying that can be? And when I go to scold you, why do you look at me so sweetly so that my heart melts and I can't do anything but pick you up and cuddle you a little? You know perfectly well that you've got me wrapped around your paw!

Dear Bed, you are so comfy. I have a hard time getting out of you in the mornings. I especially love my Saturday mornings when I can be lazy and curl up under your covers. Whatever the weather, your covers are cozy. No other bed holds a candle to you, which you remind me of everytime I come back from an overnight trip and can sleep well again.

Dear Extreme Pita, your sandwiches are awesome! But you shouldn't be so close to my house because it's too easy to stop by really often. Already salivating for my lunch and I just had you the other night. You are my favorite place to eat. Plus you have awesome people working for you! We'll see who I get to chat with today. :)

Dear Readers of Mine, it seems there are a few of you out there who read my thoughts. I know I'm not the most eloquent person ever, but I sure appreciate you stopping by here or reading in a reader. I hope you enjoy my posts! I tend to babble on quite a bit, so thanks for sticking with me. Leave me comments sometime so I can get to know you. If you want. I won't be offended if you don't. But I do hope you stick around and grow with me as I'm still figuring all this blogging stuff out. And truly, thanks for even noticing my little corner of the web. :)

**Rissi at Dreaming Under the Same Moon introduced this little idea to me. Go check out her letters. :)
**Also Emily at The Freckled Fox! :)

Toodle-loo kangaroos! Happy Saturday!