See the world through a child’s eyes. ❤️

What if, just for a moment, we could see the world through the eyes of a child again?

Children have a beautiful way of finding joy in the simplest things. They are curious. They ask questions. They notice things we often overlook.

As we grow older, life gets busy. We have responsibilities, routines, and so many things competing for our attention. We can become so focused on getting through the day that we forget to simply experience it.

Maybe that’s why it’s worth looking at life through a child’s eyes every once in a while.

A book can become an adventure. A visit to the library can become an exciting discovery. A conversation can teach us something new. Even an ordinary day can hold a moment of wonder if we slow down enough to notice it.

Children don’t need everything to be perfect to find something to smile about.

Perhaps we could learn from that.

We don’t have to become children again. We just need to hold onto some of what makes childhood special: curiosity, imagination, openness, and the willingness to see something wonderful in the ordinary.

Life moves quickly. But if we slow down, maybe we’ll realize just how much we’ve been missing.

Maybe growing older isn’t about losing our sense of wonder. Maybe it’s about learning how to find it again.

When was the last time you looked at something through the eyes of a child?

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Patti Gaustad Procopi, author

Some authors collect stories. @Patti Gaustad Procopi lived them.

“I am an army brat and so appropriately I was born on an army post,” she writes. Over the next 26 years she moved 15 times, attended schools on three different continents, and college on two. After earning a degree in history and literature, she returned to Frankfurt, Germany — her father’s last duty station — before marrying and settling in Virginia with her husband Greg.

She’s been pretty stationary since, though she did go back to Germany for four more years. Together they raised three daughters in a beautiful rural community, with plenty of dogs, cats, and a family of Osprey that still live on the creek in their backyard.

For 32 years, Patti worked for two history museums. That background in history shows up on every page she writes. When she’s not writing, she gardens, does yoga, photographs birds, and volunteers as a raptor rescuer for a wildlife rehab facility. “Life is never dull.”

And her books prove it.

“Some of Her Books”

Letters from Yorktown: An American Fight for Freedom

From her years in museums, Patti brings us history you can feel. Letters from Yorktown digs into one of America’s defining moments with the kind of detail only someone who’s spent decades around artifacts and archives could give you. Perfect if you love historical fiction with heart and real stakes.

I’ll Get By

This one follows the quiet, everyday kind of resilience. The cover says it all: two silhouettes on a bench, cherry blossoms falling. It’s about getting through, holding on, and finding light in ordinary moments. A softer, more reflective side of Patti’s storytelling.

The Murderer You Know: A Podcast Mystery

A gripping podcast-style mystery where trust is dangerous and the killer might be closer than you think. Atmospheric, twisty, and impossible to put down.

This is Patti in full thriller mode. A true-crime podcast host starts investigating, and the case gets personal fast. Every interview, every handshake, could be hiding something. If you binge murder podcasts at 1am, this is your next read.

Why I’m spotlighting her for Books And More 1818

Because Patti writes books that make us talk.

Her history work makes us ask questions about the past. Her mystery makes us ask who we can trust. And her quieter stories remind us to check in on each other.

She’s lived on three continents, worked in museums for 32 years, and now writes the kind of books you want to discuss over coffee. That’s exactly what this community is about.

Which of these 3 would you pick up first: historical, heartfelt, or twisty mystery? Drop it in the comments and tell me why.

Born in London, England, to a family of Jewish refugees who had fled Hitler’s Europe, I was eight when my parents divorced, forcing my mom to leave London. My mother followed her parents, who had already relocated to New York. From the day she left, I wrote letters to her at least once a week, making writing an integral part of my life. After eight long years, I finally arrived in New York at sixteen, fulfilling my childhood dream of living with my mother.

I graduated with honors from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Creative Writing. Over the years, I’ve had articles and stories published in various publications, including the Metropolitan Diary, the Connecticut Section of the New York Times, Fig Tree Lit, andResponse: A Contemporary Review.

My two novels, Circumference of Silence (released in July 2021) and Hannah Bloom: Dream Juggler (released in December 2025), were both published by Black Rose Writing, an independent press in Texas.

My husband and I now reside on the ocean in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. As a full-time writer, I’m currently working on my next book, Semi-Detached. The book explores the life of a woman obsessed with piecing together her family’s history before and after World War II, examining the impact of these events on her own life.

Jacquie Herz

Showing appreciation

has become a rare embrace,

yet kindness still has the power

to brighten any place.

Why can’t we choose the positive

instead of dwelling on the wrong?

Why can’t we cheer each other on

and help one another grow strong?

A few sincere words of praise

can heal more than we know.

They plant a seed of hope

and give another room to grow.

Imagine a world

where encouragement led the way,

where gratitude was spoken freely

each and every day.

When we celebrate another,

our own hearts shine too.

The joy we give away

comes gently back to you.

So let us leave behind

the weight of needless blame.

Let’s build a world of gratitude,

one kind word at a time.

The way she weaves heavy themes like slavery, loyalty, and freedom into quiet moments between friends is just masterful — gentle, but it hits deep. This is historical fiction that respects its readers and trusts them with real questions.

Perfect for classrooms, family read-alouds, or anyone who wants kids to feel history, not just memorize it. Highly recommend.

a rollercoaster of highs and lows,

where sunshine can give way to storms,

and healing quietly grows.

Read more

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind the people I meet. A simple conversation can open a door to inspiration, connection, and understanding.

Through my interviews, I want to give authors, creatives, and everyday people a place to share their voices. I love learning what motivates them, what inspires their work, and the personal experiences that brought them to where they are today.

A book is more than words on a page. Behind every book is an author with a story, a passion, and a reason they felt called to share it. Behind every creative idea is a person with a journey that deserves to be heard.

My goal is to bring these conversations to life — to celebrate creativity, encourage connection, and remind us that everyone has something meaningful to share.

I hope you’ll join me as I continue discovering the stories behind the people who inspire us.

Who has a story you would love to hear?

I’ve had the pleasure of reading Judy’s books, and each one offers something special — memorable characters, emotional journeys, and stories that stay with you long after you turn the final page.

The Making of Genevieve
Judy introduces readers to a story of personal growth, identity, and the experiences that shape a woman’s life. Through Genevieve’s journey, readers are reminded that becoming who we are is often a process filled with challenges, discoveries, and unexpected moments.

Nine Days
A compelling story that explores the power of time, emotions, and the connections we make with others. Judy’s writing draws readers into the characters’ experiences and invites us to reflect on the moments that can change our lives.

Callahan’s Cottage
A heartfelt story filled with warmth, family, and the beauty of finding connection. Judy creates a world that welcomes readers in, with characters who feel real and a setting that feels like home.

Back to the Cape
A wonderful story about returning to familiar places, revisiting memories, and discovering what truly matters. Judy captures the emotions of new beginnings, reflection, and the courage it takes to move forward.

Join me for a special Substack Live conversation with Judy Lannon as we talk about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her books, her characters, and what’s next for her as an author.

📚 Substack Live Author Interview
📅 Monday, July 13
⏰ 4:30 PM EST
🔗 Join here: [ https://open.substack.com/live-stream/270309?r=5fsjg&utm_medium=ios]

I can’t wait to share this conversation with fellow book lovers!

📚 Stay tuned for our upcoming Author Spotlight Live with Judy Lannon.

Has anyone else experienced this?

It’s quite a mystery, and I’d love to solve it.

Comment

Read more

You check into a hotel late at night and request a microwave.

The front desk attendant informs you that microwaves are only available for weddings.

This is a repeat occurrence, as you’ve previously requested a microwave and received it.

The next morning, you call the front desk again and ask for a microwave, but you speak to a different person.

Within five minutes, the microwave is delivered.

What can we learn from this experience?

Thoughts 🙏

Share

I was inside when I heard a loud crash outside. A tree came down very close to my house—just inches away.

Right now, I’m still checking to see if there is any damage, but thankfully I’m safe and nothing appears obviously impacted at first glance.

It was a pretty startling moment and a reminder of how quickly things can happen during severe weather.

I’m sharing the short video below showing how close it came.

Writing has undoubtedly heightened my observational skills.

During a visit to the library, I sought assistance from the librarian regarding a specific genre of a video I desired. However, she was completely clueless and informed me that she doesn’t watch that genre. She referred me to another librarian, but she was equally uninformed. Consequently, I had to return home and research the genre myself. In my opinion, librarians need more training and resources in today’s digital age.

The pandemic has undoubtedly changed people’s willingness to learn and adapt. It’s a question that has left me pondering: what has happened to our ability to learn and grow? I encourage you to share your thoughts on this matter.

Join the chat

I’m also curious to know if anyone has read “The Intruder” by Freida McFadden. If you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book. It’s currently on my TBR list.