Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicolas Sparks

I just finished reading Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicolas Sparks. When I originally heard that this book was coming out, I pretty much dismissed it as something I didn't want to read. I have read many of Sparks' books to date - The Notebook (twice), Dear John, The Wedding, Bend in the Road, etc. But this new book was about a trip around the world that he and his brother took. I changed my mind about the book after I planned a 4 week with my sister. While my trip isn't around the world - it is just down to FL - it is a once in a life time adventure as my sister undergoes radiation. So I bought the book and ironically at the same time my grandmother bought the book for my sister. So upon my arrival in FL, we started the book together. Little did I know that in addition to reading about all the great places around the world, I would also be reading a memoir of Nicholas Sparks' life. The book in quite introspective and you come to love his parents, his brother and sister and his family just like he does with each turn of the page. You become so connected to the story that you begin to see yourself in the story and you begin to feel his hurts as he experienced the deaths of his mother, father and then sister. This story hits close to home because his sister has a brain tumor and while she is able to fight if off for several years (7, I think) she ends up dying very leaves behind with two small children and a husband. My sister has a brain tumor and while her prognosis is much sunnier, it definitely reminds you about what could go wrong and the pain that you could feel. But as the book reminds you, you must continue to love, trust in God and live. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore themselves, read about cities around the world, and share in a beautiful story of family, faith and love.

Cooking Light

My sister and I cooked this yummy recipe today. Most people know that I don't cook but this was quick and easy and very yummy so I had to share. We made blackened chicken and grilled avacado tacos. I was suprised at how tasty the avacados were and it is a nice twist on an old fashioned mexican dish.