I just read a really great book! This book made me laugh out loud, numerous times. It also had me tearing up moments later. My {not so} Storybook Life is written by Elizabeth Owen, author of Mabel's House. If you haven't stopped by her lovely blog, you should bookmark and add to your feed reader right now. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. And, I feel pretty cool to be able to say that I know her, like in person know her. AND this amazing gal has published a gem of a book!
My {not so} Storybook Life, a book based on Elizabeth's life experiences, is a blend of Anne Taintor-style retro humor and classic literature stories. This book is fresh, hilarious and touching. The description on Amazon says that Elizabeth and Matt think of themselves as a modern-day Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, and that's pretty spot-on. I used to work with Liz's hilarious husband, Matt, and her tales about their adventures as a newlywed couple had me cracking up over and over again.
Right along with the humor is a story of a beautiful friendship between Liz and Angela. Angela was diagnosed with cancer at age 33 and the novel follows Elizabeth's journey as Angela's friend, supporting her and learning to really pray for her in the process. Liz learns meaningful lessons along the way and begins to realize that domestic perfection doesn't exist. Pink bathroom tiles, dusty baseboards and a man cave with a plastic budha are all part of what makes her house a home. After all, Martha Stewart isn't stopping by any time soon.
I could totally relate to Elizabeth's book. I, too, have struggled with wanting everything about my house to be 'perfect' - a sparkling and clean home, gourmet meals set on the table all while wearing a crisp apron and pearls. But, that's not reality, nor is it very fun. To steal a passage from the book's epilogue:
"There is much happiness in a successful dinner party, a lushly planted garden. and finding a free buffet table on the curb. But when the quest to transform our domestic realities into an unattainable level of perfection becomes a lifestyle, that's where we lose our joy. Domestic reality is salty and sweet, irritating and comforting, sad and funny. But above all, we have to learn to live without ladders to climb, without levels of perfection to attain, to throw away the shame that comes with perceived imperfections. In short, we need to allow ourselves to simply be blessed."
Well said, Liz. Well said.
These are the reasons I can comfortably fall asleep every night with dust bunnies all over the house and a sink full of dirty dishes. I'd rather snuggle with the man I love than worry about that stuff night and day!
I also related to the difficult times Liz faced with Angela. Fear, sadness, guilt, worry... and struggling with her faith. It's those dark moments when God really meets you. She tells this story beautifully and I know Angela is thankful for this tribute, too.
What a wonderful book, Elizabeth! I encourage all of you to read it!
2 responses. Leave a Comment!:
Sounds like a great read! Definitely going to check it out...thanks for recommending it!
This sounds great. Thanks for the recommendation! :)
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