Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist

I've become a little obsessed with author Shauna Niequist in the last few years. She was first introduced to me by my dear friend Brooke who was and still is convinced her second book, Bittersweet was the perfect book to read in the midst of any kind of transition. Graduations, your 20's, getting married, motherhood, etc. I happened to be (and still am) in my 20's "transition". After reading Bittersweet for the first time, I fell in love and eagerly attempted to convince everyone I knew to read her book. And if they didn't jump on the bandwagon right away I made it a priority and personal challenge to buy the book for them as a gift whether it was their birthday or perhaps just a rough day.

Since then I've bought and given away numerous copies of her first two books (Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet). Ironically, I don't even own a copy of Bittersweet anymore...I've happily left two personal copies in the hands of my sister (and the abyss that is her home where it was seemingly lost) and those of a dear friend who needed to read it just as much as I did.

Somehow I have still managed to read Bittersweet 2-3 times, and Cold Tangerines at least twice. Both have brought such insight, wisdom, and value to my life. Some of my fondest memories from the last few years involve sipping cups of coffee while soaking in every word of whichever of Shauna's books I happen to be in, while lounging about in my most comfy gray sweats and a sweater large enough to fit two of me. The only thing missing from such glorious days are Shauna herself, who I would one day like to thank for all she has done for me and the women I love most dearly. I did get a chance to hear her speak and take a photo with her recently. But perhaps one day we will grab coffee while overlooking the vast blue sea smothered in sunlight and I will get to properly thank her.

Until that day comes, however, I will continue reading her books and supporting her work. I most recently finished her third book, Bread and Wine, that came out just weeks ago. With a different angle but equal insight, this book also speaks to my soul. In attempt to set aside some "self-care" time in my life, I've decided to work through the four-week book club/cooking club discussion guide that's included at the end of Bread and Wine. Down the road I'd love to go through this with some of the people I love and hold dear to my heart, as Shauna intended, but until then I need to love on myself in the brief moments I have between workouts and working, meals and meetings, get-togethers and pre-wedding craft nights. After all, there is nothing wrong and absolutely everything right with a little self-care.