If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, then you already know that my friend Katie Ganshert and I are embroiled in a hard-fought 'Fall Pinterest War'.  We're currently 3 weeks into a 4 week long war.  Each Monday, we find an enticing pin on Pinterest.  (Typically either a craft, a photo, a beauty tip, or a recipe.)  Then we both attempt the challenge.  We post our results on Fridays and invite … [Read more...]

As I write this I am exhausted from watching election night returns into the wee hours of the morning Tuesday/Wednesday. My jaw was on the ground most of the night as the election returns rolled in from across the country. [Tweet "Our hope isn't restrained by who won or lost the election. @Cara_Putman encourages #hope. "]This morning there are people who are devastated, there are those who are … [Read more...]

Those of you who regularly read this blog know that I set my books in England, travel there when I can, and often post about topics of interest to other Anglophiles like me. But today, on US election day, let me state for the record: I may have a crush on England, but I am in a deeply-committed relationship with America. :) And although I shake my head at and mourn some of the things going on … [Read more...]

Last month, we celebrated the Feast of Sukkot with our Jewish friends and family members. One of my favorite things about the holiday is building and decorating a Sukkah or booth on our back deck. First, we constructed a frame out of two-by-fours then enclosed three of the sides using tarps. Next comes the fun part—decorating it with natural materials such as cornstalks, cat-tails, and pine … [Read more...]