Okay, my friend Ann and I share many things—a love of books, of cooking, shopping local, and the beach.
But Ann doesn’t care if you spell her name with or without an E.
This is where we part company. I like for my name to be spelled correctly. If you leave out the E of my name, I feel like you’re talking about a whole different person. Ann doesn’t get hung up like that. It’s one of the things I love about her—she’s organized but not obsessive, particular when it matters but easy-going, too.
Anne (did you see what I did there?) taught our youngest son when he was in the third grade, so I’ve known her a long time. But, since she joined our book club, I’ve had the chance to deepen our friendship. I’m so glad.
Traditional Trip
Celebrate!
The Boyds celebrate holidays in style! They incorporate games and come up with signature drinks to mark the occasion. Celebrating birthdays is a big deal with them.
During the pandemic, her kids threw her a surprise birthday brunch. Just look at these beautiful pictures of it! (Note how her name is spelled! Henceforth she has no E!)
Her Favorite Reads
Ann and I love to read and we love to read and we love to talk, which makes us ideal Book Club participants. Except sometimes our talking isn’t about the books. You know how that goes.
In no particular order here are Ann’s favorite books…
♥ The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
♥ Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
♥ Educated by Tara Westover
♥ Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
♥ The Bible (by God!)
♥ Vanishing Grace by Philip Yancey
♥ Any book by Pat Conroy (especially The Prince of Tides)
♥ Southernmost by Silas House
♥ All Elin Hilderbrand and Liane Moriarty books
♥ The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren
♥ The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
♥ One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Her Top Ten List
♥ Soundtrack to The Big Chill (which is technically not just ONE song, but I’m going to let it slide)♥ Soundtrack to Hamilton (again with the soundtracks)
♥ “Brown-Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
♥ “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
♥ “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
♥ “Amazing Grace”
♥ “Because He Lives”
♥ All Elton John songs (for a teacher, she doesn’t follow instructions well, now does she? I distinctly said her top ten SONGS)
♥ “He Walks with Me” (“In the Garden”)
Temptations Await!
Ann’s family knows how to enjoy their best life. I love the way they go all-out for celebrating birthdays. What fun!
Of course, every celebration requires some yummy food. Ann has collected some fabulous recipes. Be on the lookout in an upcoming post.
How do you celebrate birthdays? At my house, like at Ann’s, the birthday boy/girl gets to choose their favorite meal, including a homemade cake (unless you’re KB1 and prefer Jell-O or pie. I know. Weird.)
Let us know in the comments!
Tracey Buchanan
You’re so right!
Brenda McElroy
Love this emphasis on celebration! Life is too short and sometimes too hard not to celebrate those we love! 🎉❤️
Ann Boyd
Tracey, you are quite the talented writer! You can make anyone’s life seem exciting! In defense of my “soundtracks” (verses just picking one song) it was tough to pick just one, as these songs get me through my long walks with my pups and used to get me through my runs! Too hard to pick just one song!
Tracey Buchanan
Thanks, Ann! You are easy to write about! And, I get the soundtracks–I’m the same way!