#AtoZChallenge: Weekend Reads IV – F is for Fieri, Falling in Love, and Focus

stormtrooper wings 2018 to fly antique store — F is for Flying, too.

One of the best parts of writing is reading.

AtoZ2019F I haven’t done these in a while, so I’m glad the A to Z Challenge is providing that chance. When I find a read that makes me want to tell a story, I stash it on a spreadsheet. All I had to do for this one was grab a few that had F words in them.

(Luckily, I didn’t have any that had THAT F word in them.)

I’ve had a good smattering of fresh new bloggage to read this week.

I’ve also been able to visit old friends. Today, I’ll visit Greenville, S.C., for an email conference. It’s called Unspam. Isn’t that cool? I’m so exhausted. I don’t remember my last day off. But I’m so excited about this. I’m going to learn so much.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the A to F challenge, at least!

lasagna lede — When the moon hits your eye like a cardboard box of Italian food stuffs from Aldi, that’s amore.

Guy Fieri’s Fire-Roasted Lasagna Is A Powerful Tribute To His Late Sister

Candace, of Country Living

This dish says care and love. Fieri, the American restaurateur, dedicates this recipe to his sister, Morgan, who died of cancer. Her peaceful influence in his life today is a big reason he slows down and enjoys the moment, acts with a touch more kindness.

She’s also why he has that ‘namaste’ tattoo stretching from his wrist to his elbow—and why, if he could show you any recipe from his new cookbook, Guy Fieri Family Food, it’d be that fire-roasted vegetable lasagna he made his sister at every family gathering, year after year. – Candace

Don’t Fall in Love While Abroad

Naomi, of Elephant Journal

The best places in the world, you take a bit with you. And you also leave a bit of yourself behind. I’ve felt that way so many places. Charleston. Cancun. Punta Cana. Nashville. You’ll love how this post is structured. I won’t spoil it!

It’s going to suck when you realize a five hour time difference feels like a whole lot more when you can’t ever seem to both be free at the same time, or he doesn’t turn up for a Skype call, or she always seems to be out with friends, at the library, the gym, out to dinner—living a life that doesn’t involve you. – Naomi

Year Three: Focus on the Marvelous

Amy, of Life is Messy, Life is Marvelous

This post will tie wonderfully with Candace’s on Guy Fieri and his sister. Amy takes a moment to remember the influence her father had on her, and his sage advice: Focus on the marvelous in life. What lessons have you learned from loved ones?

As a child of this man and my mother, I watched him focus on providing for and raising four children. But even when times were tough for us, he always insisted that we count our blessings. If we complained about anything, we often heard, “This too shall pass,” or, “Nothing that time and distance won’t take care of.” – Amy

Have any great reads for the weekend? What did you like about any of these reads? Share your thoughts here.