Missus Bounty Basket

Over the past few years, I’ve leaned into learning new skills through books—slowly, joyfully, and with the kind of curiosity that only grows the more you feed it. From lettering and drawing to knitting and language learning, these books have been my personal tutors, each one offering a doorway into a new world. I wanted to share the ones that made a lasting impact on me: Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only share books that are either personal favorites or highly rated by trusted sources. Click the title for the link to check prices and grab your copies on Amazon. 1. Brush Lettering Made Simple by Chrystal Elizabeth This was one of my first creative guides, and it felt like an invitation to slow down and savor the rhythm of handwriting. Chrystal Elizabeth breaks down brush lettering in such an accessible, encouraging way that even the most hesitant begi...

  Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a great book — whether you’re soaking up the sun or enjoying quiet moments at home. I’ve curated a list of beautiful fiction, smart nonfiction, and inspiring gardening books by women authors that capture the vibe of warmth, curiosity, and thoughtful reflection. 

 I was in the kitchen when the thought of writing about today came into mind. Actually, today's happening started last year and a few days ago, Carlo reminded my youngest daughter to shine her shoes. Then yesterday, he mentioned that again, and the two of them started cleaning my daughter's Doc Martens . There she was standing in front of her parents, getting ready for today's event. I told her that I'd take her to the Gare Cornavin .  And so this morning, we biked our way to the bus stop, where a road repair is still underway. Then from Pont-Rouge there's the tram 15 . While in the tram, we reread the email and looking at her hair, I suggested that we buy hair clips in Migros . Afterwards, taking the bus to rue Monthoux, we were half an hour early. So then off to a café , where we ordered a too-strong for us ginger ale. She reminded me again that I was supposed to leave her at the Gare Cornavin. I smiled and crossed the street with her, leading to the hotel . We s...

This morning, I had the privilege to stay amongst the greenery while contemplating the sky. Looking up, I could see clouds of different shapes and formations. A baby, a face etc.  Then suddenly they were all gone and the blue sky was all that was left for a brief time.  I  could stay looking up at that peaceful sky the whole morning but duty calls and various errands are to be done. My to-do list was not full this time. I remember when a friend found out that I love to prepare a to-do list, she seriously told me that people who make To-do list would have Alzheimer's . I look at her in disbelief. I did not say anything. Not saying anything to keep the friendship and at the same time to avoid confrontation eventually caught up with me. I am losing my voice. Being silent for as long as I can remember would mean not disturbing anyone, or not causing any harm. Keeping quiet means calm and not voicing anything. Growing up, I believed that I was shy yet I found out that I was ...

A long time ago,  I learned to type , however, I was not at ease with the number keypads but the letters were just a breeze. Thanks to my perseverance on sleepy Saturday mornings and some typing courses my aunt gifted me. And now here I am again, typing some more and revisiting the ease and pride I feel every time my fingers hit the keypads. There must be a reason why I have learned this, there must be a reason why I like to write in English. Maybe it's not that perfect but my brain will just switch and use Uncle Sam's vocabulary. It is awesome. Now as I turn older, a word/vocabulary sometimes skips and hides and won't come out that easily, I savor the day and time when they flow easily.  I would like to type at least  3 paragraphs and let the words turn into something useful to me or to someone who might read this but what can I say or write? I'd like to inspire someone like me, a 50-something who is trying to remember what she wanted to be when she was 5 years ol...

 Life is unfolding the way it should be, which makes me look forward to what's next. It's not easy to comprehend, a challenge most of the time given my old mindset yet considering the learning and unlearning that are taking place at this moment I am welcoming the shift that's taking place.  I am not writing about my 5 things TODAY.  I am still deciding if I should continue to write at 8 p.m. There are so many things to do in so little time yet I am learning to focus and put my creative energy into important things. Yet, the question of being proactive and productive as an unemployed 50-something mother of 2 creeps in. How can I do both, how can I fully engage my being to create and be creative every day? Maybe because I am worried about being labeled as lazy. Or maybe, I should stop thinking what others might say about me and just be Me.  I have been living with fear, worry, and stress most of my life. Being too kind and too nice so that there's peace around me. Sayi...