Tag: reading

Banned

Kristine Binder

Today, I wandered into Half Price Books—just to browse, of course. While I was there, I pulled “The Color Purple” off the shelf, and a young woman (younger than me, probably late 20s) noticed and asked me about it. That little question sparked the most incredible conversation.
She and her friend, who was also carrying a stack of books, showed me a list of banned books on their phone. They’d made it their mission to read through the ones they hadn’t read—or were supposed to read in high school but didn’t—and were buying books to share among their circle of friends. I told her I had just posted yesterday about adding banned books I hadn’t read to my reading list, and her face lit up. She said so many of their coworkers and friends were doing the same thing—as small acts of resistance and education
And this… this is the power of books. The importance of reading. The strength of community. Books teach us, challenge us, remind us of who we are and who we can be.
So, I’ll ask: What are you reading? What’s on your list? Have you read any banned books recently? What banned books have you read that you would recommend to others? And how will you resist today?
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

75

Kristine Binder

75
HARD?
Yeah, that’s just not my vibe. I mean, who’s got time to hit the gym twice a day? And don’t even get me started on chugging a gallon of water without access to a bathroom all day. It’s like setting yourself up for dehydration disaster.
Sure, I dig non-fiction reads, but my brain craves a good fiction fix too. Variety keeps it sharp, you know? And sticking to a diet with zero cheats? Nah, I’m all about balance. That kind of rigidity just breeds other unhealthy habits.
So, I decided to craft my own version of a 75-day challenge, something a bit more sassy and serene for the upcoming summer. Starting March 4th, ending May 18, a week before Memorial Day, I will be all about embracing a lifestyle that’s both fabulous, fit and chill.
The stuff on my list? Well, they’re things I aim to do every day anyway, but sometimes life gets in the way. So here is the Sassy and Serene list:
*Work out: 10,000 steps & 15 minutes of weights every day
*Diet: Prioritize protein and greens
*Read: Read a book before bed rather than scrolling
*Water: Drinking enough water so that “things” are clear-ish
*Breathing: 5 minutes of breath work each day
*Connection: Reaching out to a friend off socials once a week
*Alcohol: Beverage choice based on personal preference rather than societal influence.
*Rest: Prioritize rest and sleeping
*Self Talk: Talk to ourselves as we talk to a best friend – Supportive and Straightforward
*Progress: Feelings and Fit. How does the body feel and how do the clothes fit?
By putting it out there for everyone to see, I’m holding myself accountable. Plus, it’d be awesome if some of you joined in too!
Ready to strut into summer with a whole new level of sass and serenity? Count me in, and I hope you’re on board too! Let’s make this summer one to remember.
Peace.
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Books

Kristine Binder

As a mother, there are certain values and passions you hope to instill in your children. For me, one of those values has always been a love of reading. I’ve often said no to candies and toys, but never to books. I can not ever say not to a book! Seeing my kids immerse themselves in the world of literature has been a dream come true, and recently, I’ve had the immense pleasure of rediscovering my own love of reading alongside them.
The other day, I overheard a conversation between two of my daughters. They were enthusiastically discussing a book series they had both started reading. As I listened to them talk about the characters and the plot twists, I couldn’t help but be transported back in time to when they were kids. Back then, they used to argue over who got to read a particular book first, each eagerly waiting for their turn. It was a beautiful chaos of sibling rivalry driven by a shared love for stories. Fighting over a book? A teacher mom’s dream come true!
What warmed my heart even more was when their brother chimed in and expressed his interest in the same book series. It was as if a new chapter had begun in our family’s love affair with books. The joy and camaraderie they found in discussing their latest reading interests was a testament to the enduring power of stories to bring people together.
Fostering a love of reading in my children was always a goal of mine. I wanted them to experience the magic of getting lost in a good book, to feel the excitement of turning each page, and to understand the endless possibilities that books offer. To see them not only embrace reading but also pass it on to each other fills my heart.
Now that my kids are all grown up and continue to share their love of books and reading, my momma heart is full. It’s a reminder that the values we instill in our children can endure and shape their lives well into adulthood. Knowing that they will carry this love for books with them throughout their lives is a source of immense pride and joy for me.
So, to all the parents out there who hope to foster a love of reading in their children, keep at it. Encourage them to explore new worlds through the pages of a book, and share your own passion for reading with them. You never know how far that love for books will take them and how it might bring your family closer together.
Peace, 
#tutulady
#forwardisapace