READ.

This summer I set a reading goal. I swear I've been setting reading goals since we got AR points in the fourth grade, but this time I actually followed through. I told myself I would read three books this summer. And as I am rounding home on my third book, I am blurting out recommendations left and right. I loved them ALL! My method for choosing the books was fairly simple: one random book off the shelf, one book that was recommended to me, and one book that has "hype."

The first book I took on was "The Constant Princess" by Phillipa Gregory. This book is the prequel to the very famous "The Other Boleyn Girl," and let me tell you, this book is some juicy historical fiction. The main character, Katherine of Aragon, is astonishingly brave and ahead of her time-- a very fun read for a feminist such as myself. I cannot wait to pick up "The Other Boleyn Girl" and continue with Gregory's novels. The Tudor lineage is such a fantastical string of events. You just can't make this stuff up! 

Next, I read "Hiding the Elephant" by Jim Steinmeyer. Jared recommended it to me, and not just because he is a magician and Steinmeyer is an illusion engineer. This book is an incredibly graceful account of the Golden Age of Magic, and Steinmeyer writes with much appreciated wit and emotion. "Hiding the Elephant" is riddled with quotations, diagrams, newspaper articles, and seamless storytelling that make you feel like you attended each show. The best part is that the book circles around the constant question, "Are the secrets in magic priceless, or worthless?" The tension between ugly mechanics and gorgeous stage artistry is a brain-bender. I haven't quite decided what my opinion is yet...

Finally, I poured myself into the book, "Water for Elephants,," by Sara Gruen. This novel is worth every second of hype and publicity it was given. By the fifth page, I was a puddle. I sailed through this book because I never looked up- but to call it a page-turner makes it sound suspenseful or gossipy; this book was beautiful. Read this book if you want you ask yourself some important life questions.

In fact, if you're looking to provoke your thoughts, just read in general. Commit yourself to reading a book and asking yourself, "what does this story say about life?" Sometimes figuring out a book's message is more insightful and constructive than a magazine article or a self-help book. Instead of having everything spelled out for you, you are left to live through characters, feel what they feel, and most importantly, relate.

Feels Like Fall!

This past week, Minnesota has had consistently gorgeous weather. The air has finally dried out, we've had bluebird skies, and best of all, I have been falling asleep with my windows open every night. When the sun goes down, I absolutely revel in getting to snuggle up in my big comforter with the chilly breeze around me. As the title goes, it feels like fall around here!

For so many reasons, fall has always been my favorite season of the year. The movement and pace of Autumn is special. Fall humbly subdues the bright splashes of summer's color. Fall brings us a warm afternoon sun and a cool breeze so that we do not complain about heat so close to winter. And at this very moment in August, fall is gently reminding us to enjoy these last few weeks of freedom and family before we all begin working very hard again. 

To me, fall is inexplicably beautiful, cozy, and exciting. The colors and clothes are at the top of my favorites list! Jeans, sweaters, and boots- comfy, conservative, chic- What else could a girl want? Plus, when you pair the outfit with the most gorgeous campus in this nation in the midst of nature's color change...well, you just feel good. (I can't wait to post a picture of my favorite Saint John's University tree. When it turns canary yellow, it's stunning). Speaking of SJU, this brings me to my other favorite part of fall: Back to school! Sadly, this is the last year I can truly say this- [CUE depressing senior-in-college moment]- so I better make it a good one! 

I love fall. Did I mention I love fall? Hopefully you're laughing and not clicking out of this window--I'm clearly about to burst this morning, but that's what blogs are for, eh? Now get out there and fill those lungs with harvest air! Oh, and make a few of these adorable owls while you're at it-- they're so cute! I made this one yesterday:

General Update: Reporting For Duty

It's been a while, and a lot has happened! Here's a whirl-wind recap of my past week and some odd days:

Last Monday was our Fringe For All performance! We loved performing at the Mixed Blood Theatre; it was rustic and gorgeous. We condensed an illusion and the juggling act to a 3 minute snipet, and walked away feeling like we had sold some tickets! Audience reactions ("oohs," gasps, and cheering) are always an encouraging indicator. Below are some pictures of this gem of a venue.

The rest of the week passed fairly quickly. Rehearsals generated new levels of cast enthusiasm, and the full runs were demonstrating that we would have a smooth fringe show. As the weekend approached, Jared and I knew we would be rewarding ourselves with tickets to a musical that is completely sold out for its entire run. Unfortunately, as I was traveling down to Minneapolis that Saturday, I was rear-ended on the freeway. Thankfully, both drivers were not hurt. Money and inconvenience aside, this was an untimely reminder that cars are 3,000 death machines. This man was not paying attention, and he hurled his death machine right at me. Drive defensively. 

As luck would have it, I had planned to spend Sunday with my great friend, Lezlee. This girls' day could not have been timed any better. We talked the afternoon away, watched "Will and Grace," and enjoyed the last few hours of warm daylight at the Saint John's beach. Nothing like a day with Lez to de-stress!

Next thing I know, it's Thursday! Show opening eve :) There are a lot of last minute things to accomplish before tomorrow, but all the excitement is organic fuel. Jared tells me there will be a smattering of Johnnies in the seats for opening night, and lots of family will be smiling back at us too! Wish us luck!