Category: Out-of-the-Ordinary

• On Turning 50: Discoveries and Delights about God, Myself, and the World

  Big birthdays provide opportunities to celebrate and reflect. In honor of turning fifty on Monday, I thought it would be fun to share with you my list of 50 discoveries and delights as I reflect on my life at this point. May they bring a smile to your face, and perhaps, a nod or two…

  aliciabrummeler

  November 14, 2020

  2020, Best of, Books to Read, Cooking, Covid, Faith, Family life, Favorites, Grad school life, Hospitality, Marriage, Middle School English, Out-of-the-Ordinary

  Best of, books to read, COVID-19, Faith, Family Relationships, Marriage, Out-of-the-Ordinary, Pandemic, Relationships, Turning 50, Zoom

• Travel Roundup Part II

  Spring is in full bloom—finally! Each time I look out the window I marvel at the transformation. A few weeks ago, the trees stood brown and bare. The blooming bulbs with their vibrant colors served as the only signal that spring was on its way. My Lily-of-the-Valley, one of my favorite blooms of spring, erupted…

  aliciabrummeler

  May 18, 2018

  Books to Read, England, Favorites, Good Reads, Out-of-the-Ordinary, Recommended Reading, To Kill a Mockingbird, Travel

  At Home in the World, Edinburgh, England, Forgans, Royal Mile, Travel

• Overnight Getaway: Backpacking within an hour of Manhattan

  All of my life I have enjoyed the outdoors. Whether it was hiking trails in Sequoia National Park with my parents and brother or walking outside with my children or dog, spending time in creation brought (and continues to bring) joy and pleasure. So with an extra day off from school and the promise of…

  aliciabrummeler

  October 1, 2017

  Backpacking, New York City, Out-of-the-Ordinary, The Christian life

  Backpacking, NYC, Out-of-the-Ordinary

• Risotto for Dinner

  I made risotto for dinner recently. Standing at the stove, patiently stirring each cupful of broth into the pot, I was reminded why this dish is a pleasure to cook. For me, risotto requires a certain mindset. It is the kind of dish I make when I want to be in the kitchen and cook.…

  aliciabrummeler

  March 15, 2016

  Cooking, Food and Hospitality, Out-of-the-Ordinary, The Christian life

  Cooking, Food, Out-of-the-Ordinary

• October Shorts

  Ever since I stumbled upon the “short” format for a blog post, I have been hooked—especially during this busy fall season when blog writing takes a back seat. So here goes. Some recommendations and a reflection. __________________________________ Earlier this month I finished Nancy Nordenson’s latest book Finding Livelihood A Progress of Work and Leisure. Nancy…

  aliciabrummeler

  October 25, 2015

  Books to Read, Out-of-the-Ordinary, The Ordinary, Work

  books to read, Food, Out-of-the-Ordinary, The Ordinary, Work and Rest

• 5 Favorites about Cruising

  I feel a tad sheepish writing this post. Last week at this time I was in Grand Turk, enjoying white sand, sunshine, blue skies, and warm temperatures, such a contrast from the snow/slush combination outside my door. I also realize how lavish this sounds. Another cruise? Two years in a row? Does it help if…

  aliciabrummeler

  March 4, 2015

  Celebrations, Favorites, Out-of-the-Ordinary, Travel

  celebrations, cruise deals, Family Relationships, Out-of-the-Ordinary, Travel

• Theater’s Mirror

  This past weekend the Theater Arts Society at The Stony Brook School performed Oscar Wilde’s play, The Ideal Husband. From wonderful acting on the part of the students, to a lovely set design and beautiful costumes that were reminiscent of a by-gone era, the play entertained and challenged. As the mother of two of the…

  aliciabrummeler

  February 11, 2015

  Art, Out-of-the-Ordinary, Theater

  actors, The Ideal Husband, theater

• NYC Fun

  Two weeks have come and gone since my last post. Bear with me, readers, as I try to write/post more regularly. My goal is to post once a week, but since the start of school l haven’t managed even that! One reason (excuse?) for not posting last weekend was because I was in New York…

  aliciabrummeler

  September 23, 2012

  New York City, Out-of-the-Ordinary

  NYC, Out-of-the-Ordinary