London Calling

We took advantage of Gramma and Papa being here a couple of weeks ago and stopped off at London Calling in Springfield.  Located off of Glenstone I have been wanting to try it, but was timid about trying a "food cart."  I'm glad we went!  It was a neat experience and the food was really good.

Not only are they delicious but you get to eat them ON the big red bus.  

That was a treat within a treat!

London calling is a "pasty" company...  What's a pasty you ask?  Well, a pasty is basically described as "a pot pie, without the pot."  They are SO yummy!  Historically pasties probably originated in Cornwall where the tin miners needed an easy meal to take with them into the mines but nobody knows for certain.  We do know, that while the history of the pasty is unclear, you can read about pasties in everything from Robin Hood to Shakespeare!  And, even better, the pasty survives to this day!  Only, now - you can get them in tons of flavors!  Everything from original (basically beef stew in a crust) to chicken enchilada!

Of course we sat in the top of the Big Red Bus!  

Served in "newspaper!" 

So, if you are in the area, check it out!  

I thought the London Calling Pasty Co. was pretty good!

Branson's Butterfly Palace {Homeschool Field Trip}

We took a break on Tuesday to go to the Butterfly Palace in Branson with some homeschool friends!  It was great fun...although it got a little warm in the rain forest.  LOL.  :)  The girls had a great time and I think us Moms did too.  It was nice to chat and let the kids play.  

I'mPossible by Jeff Griffin {Book Review}

As Lao and Confucius once said, “A journey of one-thousand miles begins with one step.” My story is about inspiring you to take your own journey one step at a time. It's about dreaming and accomplishing the impossible. It's not only about aiming for the sky and reaching for the stars but enjoying the journey along the way. 

Begin your personal journey today, press forward to the top, and don't you ever stop. As you move toward your dreams, there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way; don't be afraid. You can get to the top of your world by following the signs and guide posts within these pages. You can do it with others! You can do it with me! We can do it together, one step at a time! 

I'mpossible! - Jeff Griffin

Wow!  What an opportunity I was given to review this motivational book by Jeff Griffin.  His story begins many years ago when, at the age of 22, he was painting a large barn with a friend.  In one, swift, moment in time, his life was forever changed when he fell over 20 feet from the scaffolding. Landing in what he called "a perfect 10," his L-1 lumbar shattered and T-12 vertebra severely compressed.  After spending several hours receiving x-rays and waiting for the diagnosis, the final blow came when the doctor told him, "You'll neither walk, nor move your legs, again."

Succumbing to self-pity only briefly, Jeff did what many of us would find impossible.  He stopped thinking about only himself, abandoned his self pity-party, and got to work.  "Don't Quit and Stay Positive" became his battle-cry as he worked into a routine of shots, therapy, resting, and doing it all over again.

Fast forward to the present where Jeff is here to share the story of his trials and his subsequent triumph.  Using Mt. Everest has a backdrop Jeff points out that "We all have a handicap or a Mount Everest to climb."  Granted your handicap may be much different than Jeff's or mine.  It could be physical, social or spiritual...a handicap being anything that makes progress or success difficult.    Jeff said,

"Whatever your individual handicap is it can be conquered!  These disabilities can be either debilitating or liberating.  They can hold us back or lift us up.  They can remain our weakness or they can become our strengths.  I hope by sharing my story of big dreams, grave disappointments, and euphoric triumphs it can help in some small way to lift you closer to the light that lifts....Remember, there are no excuses when it comes to success!  You're possible!"

Today Jeff Griffin is a motivational speaker based out of Utah.  While his life didn't turn out perfect, he is perfectly content with how his life turned out.  He turned his trial into his life's work.  His passion is to help people take the steps needed to make change, find success, and live a satisfied and happy life, following 3 fundamental steps:  Desire, Dream and Do.

When asked how his message can help other people, Jeff responded,

"I understand that my message will not resonate with everyone but I do know from experience that when I see or read about someone else who overcomes great odds or challenges It gives me hope. I’m motivated to be better, to do more, and to give more. It shows me that if someone else can do hard things then I too can overcome hard and impossible things. Not only that but that life can be cherished and enjoyed even with hardships and heartache. My message is a raw exposure to my heart and soul."

I really enjoyed reading I'mPossible!  Each chapter is set up with "Mile Markers" at the beginning to help you as you move through your journey and critical thinking challenges at the end that encourage you to DO something before moving into the next mile.  It was hard to put down and I pressed on quickly...anxious to find out what happened to Jeff in the end.  But, toward the end (and I'm not going to spoil it - you should read the book!) I discovered that all happy endings do not look the same and that the end...is only the beginning.

Interested in learning more?  You can download the first chapter of Jeff Griffin's book, hire him to come speak to your group, or receive encouragement on his website at griffinmotivation.com.  The book is currently available on Amazon in both soft and hardback.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book!  I received I'mPossible free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  

Meanwhile...in my front yard {Nature Study}

Nature study at its finest.

Forever and Forever {A Proper Romance}

I have really been enjoying the Proper Romance line from Shadow Mountain!  If you've followed my blog for very long you have probably read quite a few reviews I have done from this line, each one delightful!  I'm excited to share another great read called Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton by Josi S. Kilpack.  

It’s 1836, and nineteen-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits.  Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe, but under much different circumstances. Recently widowed, he is gathering research for a new publication that he hope will secure his professorship at Harvard College. Befriended by the Appleton family while visiting Switzerland, Henry is introduced to Fanny and sees in her a kindred spirit, a lover of language and literature and high ideals. He is in love. Fanny, however, is uncertain. He is from a much lower social class and is older than she is. How could such a relationship ever thrive? Could a book of Henry’s poetry, personally delivered, persuade Fanny to believe in a love that lasts forever and forever?

I found this book to be so fascinating!   Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was recently widowed when he met Fanny Appleton.  Fanny found Henry to be somewhat dull (he didn't dance!) and he was 10 years her senior so she felt him much too old...Plus, she came from a wealthy family and their social classes didn't encourage anything more than friendship...  But, he was so kind and spent much time with her family.  Their courtship was not terribly romantic, extending over 7 long years, but Henry was patient, persistent, and many of his most famous poems came from a time when he was longing for Fanny's love.  Eventually Fanny comes around and returns Henry's affections.  :)

Josi S. Kilpack went to great lengths in researching the life of Longfellow and Appleton.  The final section of the book offers detailed chapter notes explaining what was fact and what was fiction and a timeline of published works and family happenings.   

I enjoyed Forever and Forever!  You really can't go wrong with any book in the Proper Romance line!

Learn more about the Proper Romance Line on their Facebook Page!

Disclaimer:  I received Forever and Forever free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain!  :)