Monday, I usually dread it. However, after a weekend of coughing and being inactive, I am eager to start my week. Today, I have four things on my agenda: what I am reading, watching, making, and cooking. Over the weekend, I read Elvis and Me by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley. This was sparked by the release of a book coauthored by her daughter and her granddaughter, Riley Keough. I’ve never been an Elvis fan because I was too young during his prime. However, people intrigue me. I wanted to hear Priscilla’s side. I feel for the Presley family, as they face many challenges. It’s clear that fame, money, and drugs can lead to pain and chaos. I also realize that today, the early relationship between Priscilla and Elvis might be viewed as grooming, which would have serious consequences now. Their story reflects lost souls searching for happiness amidst turmoil. I finished with prayers for the remaining Presleys. After such a heavy read, I wanted something uplifting, so I chose Art in Bloom on the Magnolia Network, where artist Helen Dealtry shares her painting process. I recently finished painting 26 bookmarks for a Bible study group, and today I will laminate them as keepsakes for my client. This morning, I boiled whole potatoes, cutting a small ring around them, which is a cool hack I saw on social media: after boiling, putting them in cold water lets the skin come off easily. I plan to chop them up and keep them in water in the fridge for mashed potatoes tonight. I will also serve saucy pork chops, my husband’s favorite. Cooking and creating brings me joy as I welcome a new week.

Brown porkchops in skillet, place in crock pot and add cream of mushroom soup, a splash of worcestershire sauce, a few cut up onions, a few garlic cloves minced, and some dollops of sour cream. Cook on low for three hours.