Hello Dear Reader,

A bittersweet newsletter. Bitter because we are nearing the end of summer, fall is upon us, and the realities of life have come once again. Not to say that there isn’t reality in summer, but at least we’re living it with a lemonade in our hand and our feet kicked up outside. And it’s sweet because, well let’s be honest, every newsletter is sweet 😉 Also, a little random thought, ever since like 2012, I can never read the words “sweet” or “sweetie” the same in my mind. If anyone has ever seen “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” you know exactly what I mean. If not, then here’s a bonus “knee slapper.” 

Go ahead, find out why → Sweetie?

Anyways, let’s dive into this month’s issue, shall we?

KNEE SLAPPER THURSDAY 

VERSE OF THE MONTH

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

1 John 2:9-11 ESV

SERVINA

In the month of September, there’s something very special going on. It’s Servina’s birthday! In honor of it, here’s a picture of her when she was a puppy, not even a year old.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN BOOKMARKS

Whether it’s for historical fiction novels, devotionals, your Bible, your textbooks, or even your cookbooks, bookmarks are a staple thing that should be in every reader’s home. 

I’ll admit, I find myself often using random things I find around my house — I know, I know, every book’s nightmare! Just last week, I was using a gas station receipt persistently.  

But then comes a question. Why make your own bookmark when you could just easily buy them off of Amazon or Etsy? Here’s a whole bunch of reasons:

1. It’s fun!
2. They’re unique to you – You can personalize them exactly to your specifications and desires.
3. It’s cost effective – You can usually use things that are just lying around the house.
4. It’s easy – The project can take less than 10 minutes to complete.
5. It good for group settings – This is something that you can do at your next party or sleepover.

Flowered Wax 

Giving a more vintage aesthetic, this bookmark will make your historical dreams come true!

1. Grab a piece of cardstock or cardboard that you’ve covered.
2. Using a lighter or candle, singe the corners of the base and then stop the flames with a lightly dampened paper towel.
3. Write any words or quotes desired on the paper.
4. Retrieve your pressed flower and pour the hot wax over the stem, stamping the design on top.
5. Let cool and use when ready.

Painted 

One of the simpler, but creative, bookmarks. I would recommend doing this with your friends or even young ones!

1. Grab a piece of cardstock or cardboard that you’ve covered.
2. Pencil or stencil your intended design.
3. Gather your paint (can be acrylic or water paint).
4. Let dry for at least 24 hours and then use.

Embroidered 

This one is a personal favorite of mine, bringing in the old and the new. 

1. Grab a piece of cardstock or cardboard that you’ve covered.
2. Pencil your intended design.
3. Use your needle and thread to complete the design.

The Collection 

Couldn’t decide which bookmark to try thus far? Well then, here’s your answer — do them all! This bookmark combines all the previous designs into one! You can do this in any order, but I’d recommend doing it this way:

1. Grab a piece of cardstock or cardboard that you’ve covered.
2. Use watercolor paint and paint your intended design.
3. Add any stickers you’d like.
4. Embroider your final touches.

The Tassel 

For a final touch, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it. Don’t forget to punch a hole through the top of your bookmark!

BOOK REVIEW

“THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO”

2022

As promised, a review of the 2002 film version of the book. 

My Overall Opinion:

If I had to sum up my thoughts in one word, I think I would use “surprise.” I was surprised at how many things were actually accurate to the book. Granted, that may be due to the fact that prior to watching it I thought it would hardly resemble its literary partner, but it did better than I thought. I would say that the beginning of the film was more similar to the book than towards the end, especially since Dante’s fate completely changed. 

My Favorite Character:

Jacopo was my film favorite, as he occasionally added comic relief, but more importantly, held Dante’s best interests at heart. While his role in the book was more minor, in the film I would go as far as to say that he was practically a leading character. Abbe Faria was a close second. 

Things I Didn’t Like / Would Change:

While in the book I had wished that there would have been more development in the Count’s love life, I can say that that was almost the main thing that the film was focused on. *SPOILERS* Obviously films usually tend to bring romance front and center, but the 2002 version made happen what most people expected to happen in the book, ultimately reuniting Dante and Mercedes. Additionally, I have mixed feelings about making Albert his son. On one hand, for the films plot development, I felt that it was a good choice, that way Mercedes, Edmond, and Albert all live happily ever after. But, by doing that, I think it lost the focus of what Dumas was trying to convey. Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way you expect it, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be miserable. On that same note, while Mondego was one of the three main villains in the book, the film made sure that no one forgot it, emphasizing his ruthlessness, selfishness, and evil. Yes, he was still those things in the book, but it was not so prominently displayed. Again, as the film progressed, the inaccuracies multiplied. It was entertaining to watch, but annoying to keeping making the corrections in my head.

Ranking:

4/5 — As a standalone, the movie was very entertaining to watch (it even held my husband, who is not necessarily fond of historic pieces, attention). But the mental checks I kept making in my head were getting quite annoying.

Other Comments:

There are still other versions, the 1975 one for example, of the film, which down the line I do intended to watch them. 

COMING NEXT MONTH

With fall comes nesting (pun intended). See how you can make your nest perfect for the autumn season; books, coffee shops, and all.

Enjoy the last few days of summer!

See You Next Month!