A Lesson Before Dying

Hostess: Mary with the Most-ess

Book: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines

Food: Fruit Tray, Vegetarian Lasagna, sauteed peppers and Italian bread, Spring Salad mix, and Key Lime Cupcakes by Chrissy

Wine of the Night: Cupcake Wine - Shiraz (probably a book club all time favorite)

Month: March

This was yet again another book club book not to be missed. I have to admit, I did not finish it before book club. I was feeling very whimsical this month, and just couldn't focus on such a serious book, so it took me a tad longer than normal. A few did finish the book on time, and really enjoyed it. It reminded me in a sense of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, both novels dealing with the unfair incarceration of a black man. The references to Jefferson being a hog, or like one, were so upsetting and bothersome, and exactly what the reader needed to feel what was happening from Jefferson's perspective. This is a book that everyone should read at some point in their lives.

It was also the birthday celebration for Alyssa ~ Chrissy made yummy Key Lime Cupcakes. As I type I want another one. Alyssa couldn't make it due to a family emergency (everything is ok though) but we all ate her cupcakes in her honor.

Our book club sponsors a child through World Vision, a young girl named Marisol from Peru. This month we were lucky enough to have received a letter from Marisol. She is such a great artist, and we recently sent Marisol a gift of colored pencils to use in her drawings. Our letter came with a very well drawn picture of her family farm. We have also introduced her to the American trend of Silly Bands, which she thanked us for. I am getting ready to send another letter out, with a few new goodies for her.

Next month is Jill's pick- Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Should be another good one!!

Giving Back

Yesterday was about thankfulness- today is about giving back. My life is not perfect, but I have a home, food, warmth, people who love me and care for me. So many people don't have these things here in this country or around the world. I try to give all year round, but most especially at the holidays.

P.A.W.S. of Michigan - ok, I know I am biased here. ;) But P.A.W.S. does so many great things, and I am most excited about our low-cost, high quality, spay-neuter clinic that we will be opening.

The American Red Cross - My father volunteers with them, and I hear from him all the good they do in our community, across the country and across the world.

Forgotten Harvest - I learned about this organization through a friend, and they do great work for people. So many people in our own community are going hungry.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan - I have seen firsthand what a great program this is for children.

World Vision- Sponsor a child in an impoverished country.

You can also choose to donate your time instead of money - volunteers are so valuable to non-profit organizations, and they never, ever have enough. I tend to focus on people and animals, but there are so many other causes I haven't mentioned. Find an organization that you feel strongly about at Volunteer Match.

What about you- what charities or oganizations do you support?