Monday, August 31, 2015

A Dog Days Month Digest


Oh yeah, these have been the dog days of summer.  Hot, sultry, heavy ... yes, even near waters blue.  The two ancient little air conditioners and the whirring fans have done their best to keep the humidity at bay as we hunkered down inside.  And though the fog has a habit of rolling in from both east and west coasts of this little seaside town, there were few dreary moments around here in August.  

Here's what's played out ~ 

i've trekked ...
back and forth to our old stomping grounds in New York for a couple of delightful weddings ... and a very fun supposed-to-be-a-surprise birthday brunch!  It was kinda weird to be back on our old turf again ... I felt like I belonged, yet not really.  And it was a bit surreal to glimpse our old house one more time ... even as we quickly realized that it's not our home anymore, that someone else has claimed that oh-so-familiar dwelling place as their own.

My eyes brimmed a few times, just a bit, as we drove down familiar roads.  I'm caught in that odd no man's land, determined to look forward to the bright unknown vistas ahead, even as I cradle great heaps of cherished memories close to my heart.  


i panicked ...
when I lost both the Creekside blog and this brand new space in the process of getting lindastoll.net up and running.  Perhaps panic would be an understatement?  How 'bout terror?!  My frantic prayers shot right up to heaven and God graciously connected me with one real smart cookie from GoDaddy.com who saved the day.  I must have aged another 60 years in a few short minutes.    

I'd love to find a Blogger guru who can do some occasional design work / glitch management.  Can you guide me to someone who'll save my sanity?


i discovered ... 
that you can tighten your tummy simply by sitting at your desk!

This is every desk-dweller's dream come true!  And these little exercises really work.  Wow!  Who would have guessed that you can tone up while glued to your chair, focused on that ever-present screen?

Core Reach - Sit at the edge of a chair, knees bent at a 90 degree angle.  Lean upper body to the right, lowering hand toward floor {keep rear on chair.}  Pause, return to start and repeat on left side.  Continue 1 minute.

Spinal Twist - Sit at the edge of a chair, knees bent at a 90 degree angle and arms crossed at shoulder height.  Twist upper torso to the right; hold for 15 seconds.  Return to start and repeat on left side.  Continue for 1 minute.
The Burst Workout by Sean Foy, MA.


i'm drooling ... 
over the inspirational, homey living spaces at the glorious Vintage Whites Blog.  The rooms meld together my deep fondness for well-worn furnishings, random flea market finds ... and wide open white spaces.  If I could design my house from scratch, this is what it would look like.


i snapped ... 
this shot of the kiddos on our adventurous little Adirondack hike, a scant half hour before someone aroused a nest of angry bees that swarmed and stung more than one fleeing, screaming family member.  Before yet another fearless adventurer got her big ol' foot wedged under a rock in a rapidly flowing stream.  And before one weary little traveler finally pronounced, 'this is the worst day ever!'



What was YOUR absolute best moment this month?

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Be sure you don't miss a single post as we start the next leg of our journey together in this brand new space!  I'd love for you to click the subscribe button at the top of the page before you leave.

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Hanging out with 
Emily  .  Leigh  .  Kelly  .  Crystal  .  Holley  .  Lyli

44 comments:

  1. Hi Linda! I had to chuckle at your honesty with the grandkids. Some days have hidden treasures, peeking out behind beestings and creek rocks.

    I wondered where you went! Now I read that you had blog problems, I'm so sorry! No wonder you were a petunia-pincher!! My blog is hosted by DreamHost. They take care of any glitches for me, which have been few, but when they happen are panic-inducing. They don't design though. A blog friend of mine suggested that if I wanted design help, I should cruise blogs that I like the looks of, and see if they credit a designer. Most of them will, and you can go from there.

    I hope those breezes will start bringing you a little relief. September is coming with it's own brand of weather!
    So good to see you again :)
    Ceil

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    1. I had to recover from all that anxiety laden tech-overload! AARRGGHH!

      Nothing drains creative energy quicker ... yet on the other hand, I'm learning to shut everything down and go live my life. I so easily get tethered to these screens.

      You encourage me. Plain and simple, Ceil.

      Have a good one ...

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  2. Hi Linda, don't worry about the blog ,. Give yourselfsome time friend I think you will settle in fine. Just as Ceil suggested you can find some one online too.

    GREAT excercise tips you have shared too.

    Otherwise linda,how are you?

    Hope you are adjusting well to your new home?

    Loads of Blessings to you

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    1. Yes, yes, Ifeoma. I'm trying to give myself some grace on this whole blogging thing. Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

      Thanks for asking ... I am adjusting, gratefully. God is good and because He never changes, He seems to be even more solid and strong and present when so much that's familiar switches gears.

      You're a sweetie for caring ...

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  3. Love this BURST workout idea Linda! Thanks for sharing

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  4. Love the picture of the kiddos. It should be in a magazine.

    Oh, I know that scary feeling when you think you've messed up your blog forever. That happens to me periodically and I have to remember I'm clinging too tightly to it. ha. Glad you got your problems solved!

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    1. Our online spaces sure do become an inticate part of who we are. Your gentle reminder to hold ALL that we possess with open hands is well spoken, Lisa. For our every word, our very breath, is only by His grace, isn't it ...

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  5. I'm with Lisa above, Linda. Love that photo you took of your grandkids! You captured quite the amazing shot, my friend. And I love that you are giving us updates on how your heart is healing and finding that your new nest must be best for this time in your life. I'm sure I would have trouble letting go too, but you have so much to grab on to in your new space--both here in cyberspace and there in your new home on the coast. I also love that blog you mentioned, though I couldn't do more than one room in all whites, I think. I just love color too much to go all the way with the rest of my house. But it truly is beautiful, tranquil and inviting. I'll keep you in my prayers about the transition, the technology stuff that sends us all into panic mode at times, and that your heart continues to heal over your papa's recent passing. Love ya!

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    1. So very grateful for His presence through all the changes, planned and very unexpected! You've been a terrific prayer warrior in my life, Beth. Please know that I am praying for you as you look to the future in your own ministry.

      You bring so much to the table ... online and in person. I'm privileged that I've gotten to experience your wise spirit in both places!

      ;-}

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  6. I love this Linda! Spending time with the old yet knowing that the new beckons you. Hanging with family with for me is always so restorative. And how about those desk exercises for the core? I so love coming here to join you and learn from you. I actually linked up with Emily for the fist time today because looking back helps in the process of looking forward. Hugs dear friend.

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    1. Mary, you're absolutely right! Looking back can inform us, teach us lessons, make us a bit wiser. As long as we don't linger so long that we miss what's right in front of our noses!

      I'm headed over to read your words, friend! Always!

      ;-}

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  7. Go Daddy is the best. Always there, and very helpful! I hope that wasn't your foot that got lodged - oh, my, well the picture is a keeper, anyway, LOL - glad you all made it home safe! Thanks for the desk workout tips! I spend a lot of time at a desk and try to stand up every 20 minutes. I've looked at stand up desks and are still considering some that allow you to stand or sit. Movement is key! So glad you've been out celebrating. You haven't been gone that long, letting go takes time, my friend :) Love you.

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    1. No ... you won't catch me leaping from rock to rock over a raging stream, June! That's just not gonna happen in this lifetime!

      I like what you said about movement being key. I was taking more breaks than usual this morning, taking care of household chores in between online visits and taking care of business. The little breaks are good, aren't they?

      ;-}

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  8. I love your new space, my friend! Your header is fantastic. So happy for you. I think when my contract is up Candace Creates will be changed to my full name as well.
    I must have that book! Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to look into it. Exercise at my desk: I'm in :).
    The picture of the kids is adorable. If I had a dime for every time one of mine said "this is the worst day ever" I would be a millionaire... Much love!

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    1. I agree about the names, Candace. Our names don't change {usually} and I think I'm more likely to remember a name than a descriptive title.

      Old age creeping in? Yikes ... hope not!

      ;-}

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  9. My absolute best part of the month was the week long visit from my grandson. While i was so stinking busy i didn't get a chance to spend the time with him i wanted to, I did get to take him to a baseball game. Watching his sheer joy in LabRats and his comic relief lightened my load.

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    1. Yay! Let's hear it for an evening at the ball field, the park, the beach, the fair, the backyard. So very much fun! Glad you had those moments, Bill ...

      ;-}

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  10. Winter on the cape will be interesting for you. It is beautiful on the sea shore...the cape almost always gets the brunt of the winter storms here in MA. Last year, more fell in Boston though....so we will see. When the warm weather comes around again you will feel as if you are in heaven and will never want to live anyplace else. And, October....there is no place else to be in October than in New England. it is the prettiest place ever.

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    1. I love the winters here. The fall, the spring. Anything off season. But please ... less snow than last year! I hear the Farmer's Almanac's forecast is not exactly pleasant for the coming winter.

      I'll leave it in the hands of the Creator!

      ;-}

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  11. So glad your blogs were rescued! That would strike terror into anyone's heart! Do you live in the Adirondacks? My dad lives in Saratoga. Beautiful country. So different from Texas! :-)

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    1. We just moved to Cape Cod in Massachusetts 7 weeks ago from 3 hours south of the Adirondacks, Betsy. We've been vacationing at a Christian camp in the Adirondacks for years with our family. It's where I met my husband when I was 16, and where my mom went when she was just 18. My husband volunteers there throughout the year, too.

      It's in our blood!

      campofthewoods.org

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  12. Sounds like quite a month for you!

    My best moment? Well, I haven't had it yet - there are still five and a half hours left in August for me.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/08/your-dying-spouse-50-listening-to-doubt.html

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    1. I've spied your best moments as you've published one life-changing hit after another, man.

      Keep on going ...

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  13. Linda,
    Fabulous photo of your grandkids...sorry about the bee sting...it sounds like the beginning of a short story there...thanks for sharing the chair stretches...now I need to remember them :-) Continuing to pray God blesses you and you give yourself grace as you transition and grieve...I need to get your address as I've been wanting to send you a note..snail mail :-)

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    1. God speaks through you to me, Dolly. He uses you to remind me to embrace the grace, to allow myself space to grieve, to move ahead at a pace that honors Him and speaks to the depth of the impact of all the changes that have ricocheted at me this year.

      Words are in sufficient. How can I say thanks? I praise Him for your wise and gentle counsel.

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  14. P.S. My husband helps me with my blog so I'm sorry I don't know of anyone to recommend...Dan King is someone I've heard people mention

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  15. Was the birthday brunch for you, friend?

    Love that picture of your grand-kids. Just precious.

    Blog help . . . http://www.tracimichele.com/web-design/ \\ Traci has done my designs and is very much by go-to person if there are any glitches because I'm clueless with that stuff.

    Love you much.
    xoxo

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    1. It was for me ... and it was a BLAST! My girls, their girls, my friends, brunch overlooking the Hudson River? It just doesn't get better than that.

      And then I had to say 'see ya later.' And I don't know when I'll see some of them again.

      ANYWAY, a great big thanks for Traci's info. I would have given her a million bucks last week to dig me out of the mess I put myself in.

      You're the best!

      P.S. Will you be blogging again? No pressure ... but you are missed! I hope you're enjoying life without a keyboard in front of you ...

      We should all be as wise!

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    2. How wonderful that you were given a special celebration for your birthday. Happy belated birthday. :)

      You are so kind to ask about blogging. I'm not sure what the future holds for me but I don't anticipate a chance to blog any time soon. Life is full right now. Bible Study Fellowship is starting up and I will be leading a discussion group this time around and want to be fully committed to these 15 ladies. Our vow renewal is just weeks away! And then enjoying the time I have left with hubs before we have our 'see ya later' moment. I'm trusting that God will let me know when or if I am to return to the blog.

      Thanks, friend.

      p.s. Sorry that just about every comment I leave likely has some kind of spelling error. :)

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    3. I'm so delighted that you're living your life full and active! That you've kept your ears and heart open for God's leading in how you spend your time and use your giftedness has been such a life lesson for all of us who love you.

      Beth, as God brings you to mind, please know I will be praying for you as you lead these women closer to Christ. And that He will give you the most incredible vow renewal celebration.

      He is so good. And it's such a joy to do just a bit of life with you, even from afar ...

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  16. Enjoyed this post and your writing. Sorry the bees had a burst of anger, but your clip made me laugh. Hope everyone is okay, worst day ever and all. And the exercises? You bet! Gonna try those puppies. ;-)

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    1. Yeah, we do alot of laughing around here ...

      ;-}

      And I'm glad YOU'RE here, too!

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  17. I love this type of blog post from you, Linda. So much, said so succinctly! I almost had a panic attack just reading about your blog troubles ... so glad you are back up and running. :-) About glimpsing your old house and realizing someone else was making it their home ... it does produce a weird kind of ache, doesn't it? And finally, how did you know I was looking for ab exercises that don't require me to lay on the floor and somehow try to squeeze this while relaxing that? Blessings to you, my friend!

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    1. --> 'squeeze this while relaxing that.'

      Too funny, girl!

      ;-}

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  18. This is so cute! I would totally panic too if I thought I'd lost all my blogging stuff so far. I'm glad you got it all figured out! And how cute are all those kiddos? Love that you could take them on a hike!

    Your site looks awesome! So clean and fresh!

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    1. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to press the PANIC button on occasion, Lauren! Kind of fun that we're both ramping up our online spaces at the same time, huh?

      ;-}

      Love that you're here, girl ...

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  19. Linda,
    How hilarious that your grandchild called your hiking day the worst day ever! I love a truth-teller like that! But I bet some day they'll remember it as one of their best days ever for the beautiful memories you all made!

    My blog is a highly customized Blogger template by my brilliant techie friend Brittany. Next time you have trouble, email me at valerie@gracewithsilk.com and we can try to help you figure it out! She's a genius! xoxo

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    1. Oh yeah, we got some truth-tellers in the family line!

      ;-}

      3 cheers for Brittany. Everyone needs a brilliant techie girlfriend by her side. I'm keeping your offer front and center. Still some glitches around here ...

      Sigh.

      ;-}

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  20. Linda, moving forward and then going back fills my heart with so many mixed emotions. The past stomping ground that looks familiar but no longer feel like home while you put down roots and make a new home. And to do it in real life and in blog life has to be unsettling, but I'm glad it all worked out and inspired you to unplug and step away. Praying your heart settles soon in its new home. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )

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    1. You heard my heart once again, Crystal. This moving forward, going back is unsettling yet necessary, part and parcel of this rhythm of life.

      When I was back in NY this weekend it hit me hard that I wouldn't see some of these friends again for a long while. It really was hard to get my hands around that truth.

      I'm glad, so glad, that the Lord isn't going anywhere, steady as a rock, faithful as ever. I'm trusting Him with all these things ...

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  21. I know that feeling of belonging yet not belonging, that limbo, that purgatory, THAT feeling well. I have felt it each time we have moved. The one constant is the solidness of relationships formed at each place. I love that it was declared "the worst day ever" because that means that it will be one of the most memorable days ever...and hopefully it will get better with time. ;)

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