Dave Ramsey is not happy with me. Curt probably isn't either, but he's withholding comment currently.

It's not that I went into debt to purchase my latest round of texts. I didn't charge it. I didn't take out a loan or mortgage my house for it. I didn't sell either of my children. It's just that it wasn't in the budget. And yet....

Here's what I'm reading, excepting Water for Elephants, which is on my night side table right now waiting for me. And it's a good one, too. I've not seen the movie, and probably will wait for Netflix to get it before bothering. The depression-era circus setting is fascinating. And the 90- year old. Or 93-year old. And then there's the elephant herself.

I picked up Cutting for Stone on the recommendation of my dental assistant, whom I positively adore. Every time I go for a cleaning, she fills my head with visions of novels I MUST read. The Help and House Rules came through her. Our's pretty much is a one-sided book club since my mouth is pried open and all the utterances I want to voice are trapped in the back of my throat. Do you suppose dental assistants have to take a special class on carrying on conversations when their partner can't talk? Talking For Two 101?

Mo Willems' latest is a no-brainer for anyone who knows my delightful taste in children's literature. Amanda & Her Alligator is a new one for Mo. I can't wait to read it to my class tomorrow. His blog says he'll be back in Northampton, Mass. soon. I'll be there. In case you want to stalk me or anything.

Southern Living's June issue. June. Summertime. Front porches with porch ceilings painted haint blue.

Pioneer Woman herself is the author of Charlie the Ranch Dog. I love Pioneer Woman. I love Charlie. I love PDub's cookbook, too. So, of course, I HAD to have this book. The art is just gorgeous and fun. And Charlie, oh, be still my heart. Charlie and your ears.

I went to a workshop by Sharon Taberski back in my wild Pennsylvania days. She's a solid thinker and educator on early literacy. Her blog keeps me inspired. So when I saw her latest book, Comprehension From the Ground Up, I knew it was a must read for this second grade teacher who loves reading and writing more than anything she teaches. She also detests writing in the third person.

Beth Moore's book is a freebie. Did you hear that, Dave? It was FREE! We're doing a Bible study on the fruits of the spirit using this book. If you don't know the fruits of the spirit, then you really need to listen to this song.



Sadly, I've lived 42 years without ever having done a Beth Moore Bible study. I know I'll want more when we finish this because her writing is filled with the Holy Spirit, with Bible knowledge and nuances I've never considered, with love and blessing and grace.

The remaining publications are magazines I just love. I subscribe to Country Living and Martha Stewart's Living. I picked up This Old House at Stop & Shop because I love old houses and one day, God-willing, I will live in an ancient creaking old house again with a porch ceiling painted haint blue.

What are you reading now?

So Ken and I are at Aldi's, cause he's all about saving money. I was wearing this very frock! And I'm telling him about the time when my country camper got stuck in the shag carpet,



and this girl named Skipper was eavesdropping. Spying on MY convo! All's I'm sayin' is she was all up in my Kool-Aid, tryin' to learn my flavor!

Well, Hollywood Barbie, what, pray tell, is your flavor?

You're not gonna believe this, Sparkle Barbie, but it's Pine-a Colada.

Umm, Hollywood Barbie, this is awkward, but you're my best friend, the closest thing to my DNA going on. I must tell you, I think you mean pina colada. And getting lost in the rain.

Sure, I'll have one.



I am not into health food myself, Hollywood, but my Kool Aid is Great Bluedini.

I don't mind who knows. Tell Skipper for all I care. Heck, tell P.J. and Francie and Suntan Tuesday Taylor! But I have half a brain. So I ride around on this blue elephant just to prove I am into champagne.

Good for you, Sparkles.