Sunday, November 29, 2015

November Gratitudes


*  beach walks ...



November felt like September around here
not every day, but more than our fair share  
we seize & embrace the radiant days

*  simply Thanksgiving ...

plain white Corelle dishes & mugs
rarely used silverplate utensils
paper napkins from the Christmas Tree Shop
an old lace tablecloth

*  delightful surprise ...

 the Out of Sorts ~ Sarah's Synchroblog post was a great big hit around here
imagine my joy when Sarah Bessey included my post in her list of favorites



*  the mantel ...







sea glass & little white pumpkins
dried flowers & driftwood & shells
an ancestor's spice chest & juniper springs & red berries
I just can't stop adding yet one more layer to the mantel



*  remembering Tyler ...

our daughter Jenn, her husband Barry, and the kids


sharing gratitudes with
  Emily  *  Leigh  *  Anita  *  Kelly  *  Holley
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56 comments:

  1. Tai EastNovember 29, 2015 at 10:03 PM

    Beautiful post and beautiful family, Linda! Thanks so much for sharing, Love! GOD bless you! :-)

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 7:20 AM

      Blessings on you, too, Tai, as we head into this beloved Advent season!

      Delete
  2. OhmydearestsNovember 30, 2015 at 1:06 AM

    so much beauty in your life, Linda! hope you have a wonderful December!

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 7:21 AM

      I . just . can't . believe . December starts tomorrow!

      Delete
  3. Bill (cycleguy)November 30, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    We have one of those types of months also Linda. More warm days than not. Unfortunately, my schedule did not cooperate so I could ride. But a beautiful month it was. Thanks for sharing some of your "other" life.

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 7:22 AM

      Yeah, my husband didn't get to do much riding either, Bill. By the time he finishes work, it's just about dark out ... at a little after 4 in the afternoon! Let's hear it for a beautiful Saturday or two in the days ahead!

      Delete
  4. UnknownNovember 30, 2015 at 9:01 AM

    Thanks popping over to my site, Linda. I LOVE your Thanksgiving place settings.

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      Good to meet you, Shannan!

      When it comes to celebrating, sometimes simplest is best ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  5. Katy JacksonNovember 30, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    Beautiful post and photos. Your mantel is so lovely.

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  6. Lisa notes...November 30, 2015 at 9:51 AM

    You have so many beautiful things and places and people in your life, Linda. A blessed woman. Thanks for sharing them here with us. Remembering Tyler with you all...

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 10:42 AM

      Yes, Lisa, I sure do count my blessings. God continues to be gracious to us, even in sorrow and loss.

      I love Him so ...

      Delete
  7. Michele MorinNovember 30, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    Love your sea glass, and this glimpse of your family! Blessings!

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 10:42 AM

      You're kind, Michele. So grateful you're a part of this community!

      Delete
  8. luluNovember 30, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    What a beautiful story of your daughter and her family embracing Tyler into their family--knowing what was ahead. My Christian counselor friend I spoke of--she was the director of a Louisiana Bethany agency--it is a small world in the family of God!
    Beautiful Pictures!
    Blessings, Friend!

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 10:24 AM

      Praising God for the way He connects us in a myriad of winsome and wise ways, Lulu. Thanks for your kind words, friend ...

      Delete
  9. AndrewNovember 30, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    What a lovely post, Linda. Thank you for sharing the blessings in your life.

    You are a blessing in mine.

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/11/your-dying-spouse-89-hard-day.html

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  10. BethNovember 30, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Linda, the story of your daughter and her family... of Tyler... was so very touching. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs to you, friend. I do miss you. xoxo
    Oh...very cool that you were mentioned on Sarah Bessey's site too.

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 10:43 AM

      You've been so supportive this year, Beth ... thank you for being there.

      I miss you, too ... and hope you're doing ok.

      Delete
  11. Lois FlowersNovember 30, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    Linda, your grandson Andrew's comment in the article about not knowing how long we have to live ... wow! That's powerful. I agree with Lulu ... it's a beautiful story about a beautiful family. Swallowing down lumps after reading it this morning ... :-)

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 10:45 AM

      I'm amazed at how wise and perceptive kids are ...

      Swallowing lumps? Oh yes. Often, my friend.

      Delete
  12. blestbutstrestNovember 30, 2015 at 11:35 AM

    I love the seashells and fall foliage mixed together. We have a huge collection of sand dollars (I looped ribbons through the keyhole and use them for Christmas decorations :) ).

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 11:38 AM

      What a cool idea for those sand dollars, Anita! I'm with you ... I love nature's gifts all melded together during the change of seasons ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  13. TrudyNovember 30, 2015 at 1:34 PM

    Thank you for sharing all these gratitudes, Linda. I'm sure it's not easy in the midst of loss of your dad and your grandchild. The story of Tyler's adoption is so moving. He was so blessed to have a family who loved him so much. And your family was blessed, too, with the love and smiles he brought into your lives. May God give each of you strength and peace as you grieve.

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 3:37 PM

      Trudy ... thanks for your encouraging words this afternoon. You've blessed me so ...

      Delete
  14. Crystal StormsNovember 30, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    Beautiful, Linda. I love your sea glass, which go beautifully with white pumpkins. I spent this past weekend with my feet in the sand, listening to the waves crash on the shore. Always grateful for a walk on the beach. : )

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    1. Linda StollNovember 30, 2015 at 5:42 PM

      So glad you could have that lovely gift of a quiet walk on the beach, Crystal ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  15. Leigh KramerNovember 30, 2015 at 11:32 PM

    Your mantel looks so pretty, Linda! And what a heartbreaking yet beautiful story about Tyler. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  16. UnknownDecember 1, 2015 at 7:52 AM

    I think my comment just disappeared :(. Let's try it again. Sorry if I post twice... How wonderful for Sarah to share your words! I remember loving that post here. Your mantel is fantastic! I love the beachy accents. I must find a way to retire at the beach. It's my happy place. The picture of Tyler and his family is absolutely beautiful. Seeing his little face always tugs at my heart. Much love to you and yours this upcoming Christmas season, my friend!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 1, 2015 at 7:58 AM

      Thanks for ignoring the glitches and persevering one more time to leave your sweet words, Candace! The comment thingy's been a little wonky the last day or so.

      ;-{

      Enjoy your last week of blogging before your break, my friend! I'm still figuring out if I it would be good for me to bow out for a week or two. This Christmas will be very quiet and still as it is, and while I relish all that, too much disconnection's not good for me at this point ...

      Delete
  17. Mary GeisenDecember 1, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    I love the simplicity that radiates through your pictures and your words. It makes me sigh with happiness. You remind me of one of my friends who has such an eye for decorating and doesn't make it something that is intricate but simple and pretty. Thank you for sharing your gratitude!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 10:04 AM

      That you're happy when you're here makes me happy, too!

      And oh yes, Mary, there's just so MUCH to be grateful for ... especially those simple little things that we often don't take the time to appreciate. I'm in the learning curve, friend ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  18. Jeanne TakenakaDecember 1, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    Linda, you have surrounded yourself with beauty, and I love all those things you're grateful for. Your pictures are lovely. Even just looking at them brushed a bit of "Ahhhh!" across my spirit. Thanks for sharing this today. :)

    I'm your neighbor over at Purposeful Faith today!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 10:05 AM

      Hi neighbor! How fun that you've dropped in ... and how seldom that seems to happen in these link-ups. I so appreciate it!

      And I love that there's a bit of 'ahhh' going on for you here, Jeanne. We need every bit of that we can grab hold of during this way-too-busy season.

      ;-}

      Delete
  19. TessaDecember 1, 2015 at 3:09 PM

    This is a wonderful way of looking back at the month, through the lens of gratitude. Thank you for sharing! I love seeing what others are grateful for.

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:09 AM

      I hear you, Tessa ... seeing what others are thankful for can spur us on to greater gratitude in our own hearts and lives. Thanks for your input today!

      Delete
  20. mehaDecember 1, 2015 at 3:45 PM

    I LOVE seaglass. I never can find them though.

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:10 AM

      Oh I know, Meha ... those little gems are harder and harder to find with the advent of so much plastic. Bummer, huh?

      ;-{

      Delete
  21. Dolly@SoulstopsDecember 1, 2015 at 4:29 PM

    Linda,
    Enjoyed your photos...praying God continues to comfort Jenn and her family and you over Tyler's absence...((hugs))

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:11 AM

      Yes, yes to experiencing His peace, His hope, His comfort. Thanks, Dolly, for your continued prayers. You're such a faithful prayer warrior, girl ... I thank God for you!

      Delete
  22. hudsoncrafted@gmail.comDecember 1, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    I think my camera would get caught up taking lots of pictures of all the lovelies on your mantle. Perfect for My Still Sunday class! And many congratulations on making Sarah's fave list. Well done, you!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:12 AM

      It's fun to capture what's right in front of our noses, isn't it?

      ;-}

      Delete
  23. Inspired By JuneDecember 1, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    My your November was filled with all sorts of wonderful memories and blessings! Thank you for sharing. I'm always inspired when I visit here, my friend.

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:13 AM

      And I'm always inspired by the beauty and gentleness that your lens captures that you share with us at your place, June. Always so lovely ...

      ;-}

      Delete
  24. Valerie SiscoDecember 2, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Hi Linda,
    I'm loving these photos! (More please!) The table setting is so lovely and how wonderful to be included in Sarah Bessey's list of favorites! :) I pray this holiday season brings you peace after a difficult and eventful year . . . so grateful to be along with you on this journey!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 11:14 AM

      The china and crystal are still packed.

      ;-{

      Maybe next year? Or maybe I'll just use the Corelle again since we can so easily toss them in the dishwasher.

      I like easy!

      ;-}

      Delete
  25. BomiDecember 2, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Blessings to you, dear Linda! This post is very heart warming ~ Thank you for being you:)! I am thankful for you! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Happy December:)! Sending a lot of love your way today and always:)

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    1. Linda StollDecember 2, 2015 at 10:12 PM

      So good to see you again, Bomi! And a happy December to you!

      ;-}

      Delete
  26. Alecia SimerskyDecember 2, 2015 at 12:04 PM

    So much beauty here...where to begin? Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season.

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  27. Mona's PicturesqueDecember 3, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    Beautiful Linda. I'm happy to see your November looks so happy and light. Have a good December and wishing you a merry Christmas already :)

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    1. Linda StollDecember 4, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      And the loveliest of Christmases to you, Mona! Thank you for dropping by ...

      Delete
  28. JonathanDecember 4, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    Love all the glass and the mantle. The Arnold's glass is such a fitting touch of Cape Cod!

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    1. Linda StollDecember 5, 2015 at 11:01 AM

      Arnold's. Like everything else around here, closed for the season.

      Boo-hoo ...

      ;-{

      ;-{

      Delete

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