I decided to start a new series called four things…four things that I am reading, watching, making, and cooking. My husband recently went on a work trip and brought me back a book. It’s a cute book so far as I just finished the first chapter, which has captivated my interest and left me eager for more, something to keep me entertained in the evening after all the chores are finished. It’s called The Bloomsbury Girls, a delightful novel by Natalie Jenner that beautifully intertwines the lives of women in post-war London, highlighting their aspirations and challenges in a richly detailed historical setting. Each character is richly developed, and I find myself becoming emotionally invested in their journeys as they navigate the complexities of their lives, grappling with societal expectations and personal desires, which often take unexpected turns. I have been listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper while I work, which allows me to delve into the fascinating history of one of America’s wealthiest families. It’s interesting to say the least, offering deep insights into the consequences of wealth and ambition on personal relationships, intricately detailing how their extravagant lifestyles shaped their moral compasses and decisions, while also revealing the emotional toll of their pursuits and the price of fame. I have also been watching a cute little show on my iPad called Motel Rescue, which showcases the incredible transformations of struggling motels into thriving businesses. It’s on Discovery, and it is fun to watch the changes from the beginning to the end, revealing not just the physical renovations but also the personal stories of the owners who pour their hearts and souls into their establishments. Their passion and determination serve as an inspiring reminder of the importance of hard work and resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be revived with creativity and commitment. It is always such a good change, reminding me of the power of perseverance and creativity in turning dreams into reality. And speaking of dreams…my dream to be a successful artist is coming to fruition with the selling of my items made from my watercolor paintings, ornaments that I have hand-painted for the season, and items I have bought and repainted to flip at my antique booth. Each piece I sell brings me a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I am sharing a part of my creativity with others, and it inspires me to create even more. Today the plan is to repaint a mailbox to become a Santa mailbox to house my notecards to sell at the antique booth. I envision it filled with cheerful holiday designs that will delight those who come across it, each adorned with festive imagery and colors that capture the spirit of the season. I also need to add handles to my snowmen baskets so I can take them to the antique booth as things have sold, and I need to fill in spaces. The joy of creating handmade items that evoke warmth and nostalgia makes every effort worthwhile, and I look forward to seeing how my booth evolves as I continue to find and craft unique treasures that resonate with buyers. Cooking is the next and last of the four things. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been in a rut lately. I seem to cook way too much for a family of four, and my husband is the only one who eats leftovers, which is a bit disheartening at times. Even when leftovers are on the list for a certain night, somebody in the house won’t eat them, which leads to more food preparation and wasted meals. So tonight is spaghetti and meatballs, a classic that usually brings some comfort. Two people will eat the meatballs and sauce, one person will eat just the noodles and Parmesan, and the other person will eat all of it because it is his favorite. There will be leftovers, but my husband won’t be sad about it, as he enjoys the chance to revisit a comforting meal. How about you? What are the four things that you have on your list? What are you reading, watching, making, and cooking?