Author: jennluvsbooks

Spring Educator Extravaganza!

March 12, 2024

Anderson’s Bookshop is hosting a Spring Educator Extravaganza at both of their bookshop locations. It’s time to spring clean your bookcase to make room for your new TBRs. There are still seats available for the Naperville location on April 7 at 3:00 p.m., and at the Downers Grove location on April 9 at 4:30 p.m. This event is not to be missed!

Click the registration link below to secure a free ticket.

Click to Register for the Naperville Location
Click to Register for the Downers Grove Location

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Shedd Aquarium: Teacher Workshop

March 12, 2024

Teacher Workshop: Bringing Nature to the Classroom

K-5 Educators take a moment and register for this incredible professional development opportunity. Spend a Saturday morning at Shedd Aquarium and earn 3 ISBE clock hours. Click the registration link for additional details.

Registration
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Open Books – West Loop, Chicago

Sunday, February 18, 2024

On the way to the theatre, we took a detour and stumbled across a charming independent bookshop. Opening the door was a magical experience. It was as though we fell down a rabbit hole with Alice. The aisles were narrow and the shelves were never ending. As I scanned the titles, there was a sense of familiarity. There were new and gently beloved copies of every genre imaginable. While strolling up and down the aisles, you could hear the rattling of the L. It was then that I realized I was home.

Open Books also had an amazing children’s literature section. There were nooks and crannies with comfortable seating and a reading stage. Sadly, our visit would be cut short. We had theatre tickets and needed to scurry. I look forward to returning to Open Books in the near future.

A heartfelt thank you to Open Books for providing a respite from technology and a peaceful safe haven from the noise of the world.

—Jenn

Open Books

651 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661

Hours:

10:30am-6pm Monday through Thursday
11:30am-7pm Friday through Sunday

Open Books – West Loop, Chicago
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The Bard

February 10, 2024

We are off on another adventure! Drunk Shakespeare in Chicago. I simply can not wait! Today we are riding the rails into the city. I had planned on writing but I managed to snag a pen that ran out of ink. So, I sit here over caffeinated and words racing through my brain. My daughter is my traveling companion for the day. She wisely grabbed a short novel and stowed it into her city bag. Still no working pen. I prefer pen and paper. There’s something therapeutic about writing and scratching out words and the editing process. I had planned on doodling in the margins and free writing on the train ride. Instead I sit. Typing on my phone. Wondering if my thoughts will last longer than my phone battery.

Our destination is Union Station and from there we walk to the theatre. She wants to take a bus. I could use a walk. Clear my mind. Listen to the city. Bus rides are well it’s a bus. I had the misfortune of sitting in a mysterious liquid last summer. I’ve convinced myself it was a leaky Stanley cup. Pssst. We all know it wasn’t.

The Bard. Shakespeare. Libations. Live theatre. It poses to be an entertaining evening. This past week has been draining. My soul needs to laugh. To be surrounded by strangers. Yes.

Next stop, Hollywood. This stop always makes me giggle. We live in the Midwest in a town that is not glamorous. No celebrities. Not even Pedro Pascal. Maybe, Jeremy Allen White in the city. I read an online article that filming is set to begin in the city. Probably not likely today. Again, we live in a town where nothing really ever happens.

Down to 88% battery. Thoughts still racing. Intruding thoughts of a never ending list to do. Lesson plans, laundry, nuts…,family conferences. There’s more. The train car is silent. It’s not a silent car. I imagine most are drafting mental to do lists. She’s still reading. So jealous. I grabbed my journal to write. Conductor prerecorded message watch your step and caution the doors are about to close.

86% battery. Mental battery -42%.

Less than zero percent attention span today. Again. This past week was draining.

Thoughts are now tuned to I should paint the kitchen. Oooooh new light fixtures and curtains we be sweet too. Is it curtains or drapes? Same thing or different? Is there a difference? Coffee would be nice. Still on the train. Coffee and a pastry. How is she still reading? I should have brought a book to read.

84%

Bouncing and bumping along. Conductor making another pass.

83%

Another stop. I miss the express train. There’s something to be said about zipping along and arriving sooner. Less time for random thoughts and lists of procrastinated things to do. I used the last beach towel this morning. Laundry. Milk. Why didn’t I buy milk last night? Target. Go figure. I’m so distracted lately. More coffee would be helpful? Coffee has become my comfort food.

Yes! I can see the city!!!

Post Trip Notes: Drunk Shakespeare exceeded my wildest expectations! It’s for the 21 and over theater goer. Arrange for a sitter and click the link below to purchase your tickets!! There’s a cozy Starbucks nearby and a parking deck adjacent to the theater. What more could you ask for?

Cheers!

—Jenn 🍷

Children’s Literature (to leave with the sitter 😉)

Drunk Shakespeare Tickets
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Time Travel

February 27, 2024

A chilly fog covered the highway as we traveled to our next adventure. Stopping at Starbucks in Springfield, we picked up coffee, pastries and the new Dragon Lunar New Year tumbler. We returned to the interstate and counted down the minutes to the Saint Louis Science Museum. Shoutout to Google for answering our call to The Doctor. The Saint Louis Science Museum has a free Doctor Who display.

It was drizzling rain as we walked from our car to the science museum. Parking was $15.00 and well worth the cost. Admission to the museum was free. There is a plethora of family friendly exhibits for children of all ages and a food court. After taking the elevator to the upper floor, we walked a short distance to an indoor walkway over the highway. Fun fact…there are cut outs in the flooring where you can watch the cars pass under your feet. As we approached the planetarium side for the museum, at the end of the walkway, there it stood.

TARDIS.

Safely tucked behind a clear barrier. Yes. It was then that I began to let my inner nerd out.

Eeeeeeek!

Now for those of you just joining, I am a massive David Tennant fan. It borders on embarrassing. Doctor Who fans are able to view the exhibit through March 2024. Pack the family, snacks, road trip tunes and set your GPS to the Saint Louis Science Museum.

Next up on our time travel tour, we drove to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis. The rangers were extremely knowledgeable and super friendly. The museum exhibits are informative and offer something for the entire family. When you are finished exploring the museum, make time for the free short video and guided tour of the grounds and buildings. I highly recommend the taking the guided tour. At the end of your visit, remember to take a moment at the museum shop and browse their souvenirs and book selection. Oh yes. There are books.

As we said farewell to St. Louis, we traveled past the Saint Louis Arch. Due to the dense fog, we decided that the Arch would have to wait for another day.

—Jenn

Saint Louis Science Museum
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
The Gateway Arch

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January

January 24, 2024

Once again, it’s January. Fourteen years have passed. In those fourteen years, I have graduated with an Elementary Education Certification with Endorsements and honors; taught elementary school for nine years; sold my home and downsized; relocated to my childhood town; and raised a beautiful daughter. I have been called a “Rising Phoenix” by those closet to me. Others, who were not part of our journey, have told me I have “baggage.” Apologies dearest friend. I do not have baggage. You’re mistaken. I come with battle scars. I make zero apologies. Those battle scars were won fighting for my child, my life, and survival.

Battle scars take time to heal. In January, the scars tear open just enough so you feel the sting. It reminds me of how far my daughter and I have risen. It reminds me of how incredibly blessed we are.

Fourteen years ago I lost my husband to an unexpected heart attack. In a moment, our lives were forever changed. He was my lobster. My best friend. We promised each other forever and I wholeheartedly loved him. After his passing, we were embraced by family and friends. My daughter’s school and dance community extended words of encouragement and love. We will forever be grateful for that outpouring love.

On the first anniversary of his passing, I wrote and posted the following “Pearls of Wisdom” on Facebook. Wisdom should be shared. Stories should be shared.

Pearls of Wisdom

  • Tell your spouse and kids how much they mean to you. Hold them close.
  • Love and laugh with your kids.
  • Meet with an attorney and have a comprehensive estate plan drafted. If you have kids select a guardian.
  • Become an Organ Donor. Make your wishes known to your family.
  • Review your Life Insurance Policy and Beneficiaries.
  • Share the location of your passwords and legal documents with those closest to you.
  • Take time for your friends.
  • Re-evaluate what is taking priority in your life. Nothing is more important than family.
  • Pray and trust that God has a divine plan for you. This plan may not always be what you have in mind. That’s ok too. There is something to be said about the road less traveled.

Our story has infinite plot twists that are best discussed over a strong cup of coffee. Such details are not for a blog, but a close friend. I share our story not for sympathy. All of us have experienced loss at some point in our lives. I share our story so others will be inspired to live a less cluttered and complicated life. My story has many chapters that have ended and countless yet to be written. I am excited to see where this year will take us.

—Jenn

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CLOSED – Classic Coffee House ☕️

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Dearest Coffee House Connoisseur,

It is with great sadness that I must update this post. Graham’s 318 coffee shop has permanently shuttered its doors and brewed its final cup of coffee on April 28, 2024. Their sister shop Graham’s Chocolate remains open.

Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream
302 S. 3rd St., Geneva, IL 60134

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Winter weather advisory has lifted and the roads are cleared. Is there a better way than to spend a balmy 10 degree afternoon than at a local coffee shop?

Graham’s 318 is located in the stunning historic town of Geneva, Illinois. It’s bustling this afternoon with families drinking hot chocolate and friends catching up. There are conversations of upcoming schedules; crying toddlers; card games; and a blogger attempting to write her latest masterpiece. Giggle. Seating is cozy and abundant. Hardwood floors and the fragrance of fresh brewed coffee and delectable treats permeate throughout. Graham’s is sheer perfection.

Cheers! ☕️

  —Jenn

Graham’s 318 Coffee House
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