April 2023 Reads and Birding


April Adventures: Birthdays, Books, and Birdwatching

Happy Sunday, everyone!

April has been quite a whirlwind with Easter celebrations and a flurry of birthday parties to attend. But as much as I've enjoyed all the festivities, I’m definitely looking forward to some quieter moments by the lake soon. There’s something peaceful about being near water, and I can’t wait to soak in that calm.

On our trips to the lake, we’ve developed a bit of a tradition—stopping by bookstores and thrift shops along the way. I love sifting through stacks of books, searching for those that have a bit of history to them. I’m drawn to slightly worn covers, the ones with beautiful illustrations or designs that invite me to take them home. Many of my recent finds have been books that inspire me to explore new places and perspectives. One of my latest treasures is Beside the Beautiful Lake, a book filled with stunning black-and-white photographs that capture the serene beauty of nature.

Speaking of nature, I recently came across a study that suggested people who experience a variety of bird species in their daily lives—or who live near natural environments teeming with wildlife—tend to be happier. While I’m not sure if that’s entirely true for me, I will admit that I love waking up to the sound of songbirds in the early morning hours. While some people enjoy lounging by the lake or taking a swim, we often find ourselves off on a birdwatching adventure. There’s something so peaceful about observing nature’s smallest wonders.

Did you know there are over 10,000 species of birds in the world? I find that number astonishing and love that every outing brings the chance to discover something new.

Birdwatching has become a wonderful way for me to connect with both nature and people. It’s a shared experience that doesn’t require much—just a bit of patience and a keen eye. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of spots near the road where you can stop, take in the scenery, and enjoy a peaceful moment of birdwatching without venturing far from home.

As for reading, I didn’t manage to finish as many books this month as I would have liked, but the ones I did get through were incredibly inspiring. Sometimes, it’s not about quantity, but about the impact a book leaves on you.

Looking forward to some more peaceful moments this month, whether it's on the lake, in a book, or out in nature. Wishing you all a restful Sunday!

I read a study that mentioned that people who experience many different bird species in their daily life, or who live near-natural surroundings that are home to many species, are happier. 




didn’t get through many books this month but the ones I did were inspiring 


April Reads


Beside Lake Beautiful by William A. Quayle


Blood and Silver Vali Benson


The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol by Jeremy Sherr


Railroad to the Moon by Ron Garan


A Different Frame of Mind:  Living a Full Life with Traumatic Brain Injury  Lois Jean Thomas



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