(Molly’s Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen.)
On Wednesday mornings, Rhys and I like to stop by James’ school to visit the library. With my parent account, we can check out three books at a time, and I usually let Rhys select them, which he does in record time when he has the space to himself. He’s become a pro at checking in and checking out the books, and he loves using the little scanner to hear that satisfying beep.
Last week, I asked the librarian if she had a copy of Molly’s Pilgrim, a book I loved when I was in elementary school. She found it right away, and so I’ve been reading it to James this week. Molly’s Pilgrim, written by Barbara Cohen, is a sweet, if idealized, story of a young Russian girl spending her first Thanksgiving in the United States. As a child, I loved the short film adaptation, which earned an Academy Award in 1986. The film is dated now, but I would still love to find a copy for old times’ sake.
The book itself is sweet and simple, and set in a much earlier time. Molly, the main character, is adapting to her new life and school as the other children make fun of her accent. For a Thanksgiving lesson, Molly must make a pilgrim doll, and her mother offers to help her with the project. When Molly wakes up the next morning, she’s disappointed to discover that the doll looks nothing like the pilgrims in her school book, but is dressed like a picture of her mother as a young girl. With the help of her mother and her kind teacher, Molly eventually comes to understand that there are all kinds of pilgrims, and she impresses the class with her doll. It’s a touching story, and it’s always left an impression on me. Even now, I can’t help but tear up as I read it to James.
It was fun to share a small memory from my childhood with my young son, and I’m hoping to locate a copy of the film soon, too. Did you read Molly’s Pilgrim or see the short movie as a child?
(What I bought at the Sephora VIB sale.)
Last weekend, Sephora held its VIB sale and I took advantage of the 25% offer to stock up on my favorites and try a few new things, too. I reordered tubes of Ardency Inn mascara and Dior’s Lip Glow, and I tried Ardency Inn’s Modster eye shadow for the first time. All of these products were discounted, and then I also received a bag filled with samples.
(Samples from the sale.)
I’m the first to admit that samples can be hit-or-miss, and they only work if you will actually find them useful. But sampling products during a sale or promotion is a great way to try new products, and you might come away with a few favorites, too. I received an envelope sample of Josie Maran’s Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil in Limitless Pink, and it’s quickly become one of my new favorite lip products. I’m planning to order a full-size tube soon.
(Tote bag, cosmetic bag, and fragrance samples.)
I also received this cute tote, a cosmetics bag, and a large stack of fragrance samples with my order. I really think Sephora’s VIB sale is a great chance to try new products while you stock up on old favorites, too. Did you take advantage of the sale?
(Pretty soap from Paris.)
I spent most of this week recovering from last week, and I’m ready to feel better. We’re having some really cold weather right now, and even though it finally feels like fall, I’m already missing the warm sunshine. It looks like the cold is here to stay for a while, so I’ll make the best of it and plan to enjoy a relaxing weekend. Here are a few things that caught my attention this week.
Downton Abbey’s Season 5 starts in January, but here’s a war of words between Violet and Isobel. You can guess who wins.
A fascinating renovation of a local landmark.
When your youngest wants to stay little forever. Rhys tells me this all the time.
But it’s also okay to imagine life without kids. I always say I can’t remember life without kids.
Parents left to grieve after their Marine son’s tragic death.
And haunting images of the segregated south.
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
