Friday Pondering

Happy Friday friends!

I hope you have had a grand week.  I have been spending a lot of time at school... at least it feels like it.  This is a busy time of year, with three major holidays back to back.  It is all good and a lot fun, though I am happy to have the afternoon off today.

Recently while catching up with my favorite blogs I happened upon a couple of writers addressing thoughts of closing down.  At least one mentioned  needing fresh inspiration.  It hit home.  I've posted a few times of my own struggles with my writing.  Needing "fresh inspiration"  put a face on my own endeavor to put something of substance worth sharing here on my pages.

Do you ever go back and read your past posts?  I think I've ask this question before.  Last night while searching for something I thought I had posted, I found myself reading back through  several months of posts.   As I read, I remembered the joy I found in writing, and hearing back from you.   As I revisited many of your comments I realized how much I learned through your kind and wise words.  Sometimes one must go back to go forward.

Though I continue to seek  that "fresh inspiration", I still feel this is a very happy place to be.   And, you are the ones who make it so. 

Sending you wishes for the best week-end ever!

Wednesday's Book Talk

"Don't quit, and don't give up.  The reward is just around the corner.  And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still, small voice.  Know that God has been there from the beginning -- and he will be there until the end."

Are you a fan of HGTV's Fixer Upper? 

I am not a big fan of TV,  but I am hooked on watching Joanna and Chip Gaines find homes needing some love and watching them breathe new life into them.    I'm pretty sure I didn't find "Fixer Upper" until the end of their second season, so while everyone else was eagerly awaiting a new season, I was catching up.  I couldn't get enough of this charming couple.   I even convinced my husband to watch an episode... now, he is the one turning on the television Tuesday evenings to watch reruns.

If you are a fan of the show,  you are going to want to pick-up of copy of their book, The Magnolia Story.   When you open the cover you step into their love story and journey from its beginning to where they are now.  When you read the last page I believe you will have a greater appreciation for their success.  

 I love the way this book is written.  The language is simple, it is easy to follow, and the voices are honest.  I think my favorite thing about this book is they joyfully acknowledge their faith and God's presence in their life, relationship, family and success.  I find this refreshing.

If I had not been a fan before I read this book, I would be now.

Tonight I'm settling in to finish The Light Between Oceans.  It is November's selection 
for both of my book groups.  What are you reading?

Happy reading friends!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' "

                                                                                                           Jeremiah 29:11

First Impressions

“He was a man of black and white.  

And she was color. 

All the color he had.” 

I am going to begin with saying I loved
A Man Called Ove.

You know the cliche' "You can't judge a book by it's cover", Ove (pronounce Oo-veh) is proof you can't judge a man at first meeting.  Ove is a grump, a bit off-putting.  He doesn't like change.  And.... he is anything but politically correct.

Ove has seen loss.  Everything he holds dear is tragically taken away, including the one person who saw past the shell into Ove's soul.  His only desire is to be reunited with his Sonja.  And yes, he has a plan.  He painstakingly sets up his departure only to be interrupted by his new neighbors.   Soon Ove's solitary existence is reluctantly taken over by a delightfully eclectic cast of characters and a cat.

Despite Ove's hard exterior I adored him from the very beginning.
  I hope you do as well. 

Do you trust your first impressions? 

I am currently reading....

My first impression?

Love it!

Happy Reading....

Thanks for the Memories!

Sigh! 

The sun has set on my last day of summer vacation. 

This has been one of the best summers.  
I don't know about you, but sometimes I work so hard at trying to make everything perfect, to keep everything picked-up and running on time, I forget to have fun.  And, I probably make everyone around me miserable. This year, I decided to sit back and enjoy the mess.  What I learned is, well, it is the best.

Here are a few scenes from my messy wonderful summer.

There were kitchen creations.

Help was always welcome

when creating sweet masterpieces.

Roger and I celebrated 36 years.

Sometimes we chased fire trucks,

because,  someone loves fire trucks.

Naps were a must.

Evenings were spent at the pool swimming
and just being cute.

There were surprises parked around every corner.

 There was the occasional impromptu game of 

monster bowling in the kitchen.

And, if you lost your shoes....

check on the stool.  
Seriously?  Where else might they be?

On a sad note.
We said goodbye to our children's dog,
I loving called the Diva.

Sweet Raven is greatly missed.

Summer is over. 
 The toys have been put away, and
the silence is deafening.
Oh, the memories!

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer.
And a great Labor Day weekend.

Autumn.... we are awaiting your arrival!