Author Archives: hbhodges

2022 Edition Another book tag. This one was originally created by Ariel Bissett on YouTube and she and her cohost recently released it on their podcast, Books Unbound. It is designed to get us thinking about our reading expectations for the next few months and make some goals that can hopefully be completed by theContinue reading “The End of the Year Book Tag”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 12 July 2022. I’ve been a stay-at-home parent on and off for a little over eight years and I feel like I’ve finally come to terms with it. My journey began with the maternity leave of my first child. When that meager three months was over, I wanted to go backContinue reading “Making Peace with Staying at Home”

I got a few new books recently and I think they are so pretty, inside and out. I haven’t read them most of them so I can’t attest to how beautiful the writing or story is, but I sure hope they brighten my reading days. I hope “Bird Cottage” is a cozy and comforting read,Continue reading “Book Beauty”

2022 Edition This post is all about books. Specifically the books I’ve read this year, 2022, between January and June. I’m not sure where the questions originally came from — a “tag” is meant to be posted, shared, and reposted with people answering the questions in their own way. I don’t know if the questionsContinue reading “The Mid-Year Reflection Book Tag”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 25 May 2022. Most of the time when I read I want to escape: to go on an adventure, to be thrilled and satisfied. Other times (and I am often unaware of this craving), I need a book that makes me think–a book that perhaps asks more questions than it answers,Continue reading “12 Mindful Books for Reading and Reflecting”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 14 December 2021. I’m lucky enough that I’ve never had much problem dancing to the beat of my own drum. Lucky because I believe it’s a good skill to have — to be fine on my own, to have other people look at me oddly, or to be questioned, and feelContinue reading “Finding Value”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 1 November 2021. Hobbies are generally good. They are fun, pleasant escapes from the drudgery of necessary tasks. They are often a creative outlet, something we can be proud of. Or they are simply relaxing, a needed balance to the stress of our lives. But what about when the hobby itselfContinue reading “Has Your Hobby Become an Obsession?”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 29 September 2021. No matter how much quality time we’re getting outside, some more wouldn’t hurt. Many studies show spending time outdoors improves the health of our mind and bodies. And since we have to eat everyday, why not link our outside-time along with meals? Al fresco dining isn’t as comfortableContinue reading “Eat Outside More: Here’s How”

This article originally appeared on moreloveletters.com 8 September 2021. I am a parent working at home with three children aged seven and younger. I rarely have days where I know exactly how many productive hours I will have. I’ve tried the Bullet Journal and really like many aspects of it, but found it hard to keep upContinue reading “My “Dailies” Setup: Diary Pages for Gentle Self-Encouragement”

Mainly because I can’t grasp that the internet is a place to be. You want to know why you won’t find me online? Do I explain my experience as an internet user? Do I defend my diversion to social media? Do I share my opinions disparaging having an “online presence” and the unattainable “fully developedContinue reading “Why You Won’t Find Me Online”