What I Read in September

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had a great weekend! We went to a fall festival. We usually go to at least one fall festival, but we plan to go to at least two festivals this year. This festival was so much fun. The boys wore their costumes and played some games. We can't wait to go to the next festival and go on some more fall adventures.

This weekend, I read a lot of blog posts and I started reading a new book. Here's to hoping that I can reach my reading goal for this month. Last month, I didn't accomplish my reading goal, but I am happy to say that I did read one book. I also read a lot of amazing blog posts. If there are any blogs that you love, please let me know. I love finding new blogs.

Below is the book that I read as well as the blog posts that I loved.

Must Read

I read Show Your Work by Austin Kleon and I loved it! I love Austin's blog. I wanted to read Steal Like An Artist, but my library didn't have that book in stock. Instead of waiting to read that book, I decided to read Show Your Work (I think it's his second book) and I'm so glad that I did. 

The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, and stories on about getting your work discovered. I love that he focuses on using the network rather than actually networking. This was such an informative read.

There were two things that Austin wrote that have stuck with me. One of those things is his idea to read obituaries. It may sound a bit morbid, but his reasoning makes a lot of sense. Austin wrote, "Reading about people who are dead now and did things with their lives makes me want to get up and do something decent with mine." If that isn't a motivator then I don't know what is.

At the end of the third chapter, Austin wrote "Don't say you don't have enough time". This is something that I have often said when I haven't been able to do something that I actually did want to do. I love that he suggested using a timer in order to work on stuff. I have been using a timer whenever I work in my journal as well as to read. Using a timer has helped and I have noticed that I have been getting closer to reaching my reading goals. He also mentioned finding time in between big tasks. I have tried this and I have found time in between various tasks to work on stuff I want to get done. Sometimes I'll read in my car while I wait for my boys to get home from school or I'll work when everyone is asleep. 

Show Your Work is such a great read and I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read Steal Like An Artist as well as his new book Keep Going.

Blog Posts I Loved

This post about showing up for your friends is so good. I always feel bad when I have to cancel or reschedule things with friends. 

Sarah's letter to her son is so sweet.

I love how Kelli used her stamps and a pattern stamping technique in her journal.

This. I think everyone should read this. 

Emelia's post on her experience and thoughts on NICU life is amazing. As you may know, my little one was born early and had to stay in the NICU. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read Emelia's story.

What did you read in September?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...