Be joyful always ...
in everything give thanks.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16 & 18 -
Today's offering? Nothing terribly profound, particularly noteworthy, or earth shattering. Yet how very good it is to rejoice in the dailyness of those simple grace moments that bring a smile, a tug of gratitude.
Like these 4 ...
The Star
'Let's get a picture of our toes!,' I enthused, corralling my blue-hoofed family members together.
'Let's put our heels together and make a star with our feet!,' the littlest one joyfully shouted back.
And we did.
The Leggings
One of my favorite springtime activities is to sort through my odd assortment of accumulated clothes, pulling aside the tired, the frayed, the stained, the baggy and saggy, the unattactive, the way-past-their-prime. Items that are still presentable get donated, the rest trashed.
This year's project was to pull together a new collection of pants / capris / shorts / leggings in 3 basic colors - gray, black, denim. So no matter what top I choose to wear, I can mix and match without too much thought.
* sigh *
This is where the fun stops and the frustration begins. Finding pants that fit well and feel great is not a task for the faint of heart. It's always a daunting challenge. Know what I mean?
My favorite purchase when all was said and done? These fit-absolutely-perfect comfy leggings to wear under big shirts, long flowy jackets, cozy sweatshirts, my one lone dress. Wonderful tucked into winter boots and easy with favorite summer sandals.
Love.
The Blooms
Stubbornly sprouting up through the driveway gravel and valiantly emerging from the sandy dirt, lily of the valley makes its everlasting presence known year after year, more often than not in the oddest places.
I hear my grandmother carried a bouquet of these not-so-fragile beauties for her wedding way back in the day. No wonder I love gathering these fragrant blossoms.
The Selfies
I'm a sucker for fabulous chocolate, bunches of flowers, a sweet little something tucked into a pretty gift bag. But I can't think of a better gift to receive than unexpected pictures of your favorite people having a good time somewhere.
Let's compare notes and share your favorite just-plain-fun moments ...
*
having fun with
LOVE this post and especially love your pictures. You are quite the photographer! I have found one brand of pants I absolutely love---think I now have 4 pair of them! When you find something that works---wear them!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Yep ... I found wonderful pants at Chicos a few years ago and ended up with every color I could get my hands on. Some from the store, but most NWT on Ebay.
Delete;-}
My philosophy? When you find something that fits, stock up. 'Cause chances are it might be awhile 'til that happens again.
It is important to find joy in the little things. I love the star and the matching nail polish!
ReplyDeleteIt was serendipitous. What are the odds we'd all be sporting the same shade?
Delete;-}
Just reading your post today, Linda, made my heart glad. There is so much joy to be had in the simplest of things! And I adore the photos, too - all those winning smiles brightened my day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yep, they're winners, alright!
Delete;-}
Glad your heart's been made glad here today, Martha ...
I so need to get some leggings. I hate shopping for pants. Just today I was shopping for shorts (that is a TAD easier) but still couldn't find anything that fit just right. I finally settled on a pair but only because I was too lazy to keep searching. :)
ReplyDeleteYikes.
DeleteIt's almost as bad as shopping for a bathing suit.
But not quite ...
;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteWith recuperating from surgery, lately there haven't been as many just plain fun moments. Thank you for letting me sit in on your fun :) I think God delights when we find joy in simple places!! I always appreciate a good selfie because I absolutely stink at them lol.
Blessings,
Bev xx
You've modeled such strength in continuing to write and be present in the blogging community, Bev. Even as your body's been healing, you've been an encouragement wherever you go.
DeleteMay picking up your pen continue to give you hope and a rhythm to each day.
Bless you, girl!
Given that it is THAT stubborn and resilient, I feel called to grow some lily of the valley. And I love the foot stars! I never would have thought of that!
ReplyDeleteResilient, yes. But also talented, thoughtful, charming, and godly.
DeleteMy pleasure to rub shoulders with you, dear Michele ...
;-}
Love the star feet! Such joy in all these activities, which is what God wants for us, isn't it? I don't like taking selfies. My neck always looks really wrinkled up and my nose spread wide across my face. :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the selfies, Lynn. The few times I've dared go there I've cracked myself up looking just-too-weird.
DeleteDelete.
;-}
That star is adorable, Linda! And thanks for reminding me about Lands End ... I'm in a similar boat when it comes to finding pants that fit. Those leggings look so comfy, especially the waistband. Thanks for spreading the joy, my friend!
ReplyDeleteComfy. Yes. I couldn't be happier!
DeleteLands' End and LL Bean are super for classics that last forever. I'm a fan ...
;-}
It was fun bumping into you over at Emily's too! Haha, I share your love with leggings. I JUST discovered them. Where have they been all my life? ;)
ReplyDeleteI hear ya' ... I'm long done with clothes that don't feel good on my body.
Delete;-}
That star picture with their feet is adorable! I enjoyed your post. I'm glad we could connect through Emily's link-up. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heidi. I'm glad you're here today!
DeleteLove the star! Lately my moments are taking family walks or hearing my girls giggling together. :)
ReplyDeleteGiggling. Yep.
DeleteDon't you love when you get to join them?
;-}
I just adore these end of month posts. It is helpful in getting to know our online friends!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya', Susan. These monthly reviews are easy to read, lots of fun, and often eye-opening!
DeleteThis is one of those times when blogging brings a great sense of community, isn't it ...
Love this list! I feel you on sorting through clothes!! I'm pregnant for the first time and did some major putting away of non maternity clothes!!
ReplyDeleteEvery woman either loves or hates going through her clothes! No matter what our stage in life, we've all gotta go there ...
DeleteI'm glad you're here today, Kailey. Welcome!
Thank you for the smiles today, Linda. :) I love the star! According to one of your replies, it wasn't even planned that you all had on blue nail polish. Wow! And whoever thought of the star must be a creative soul. :) My grand-daughters say leggings are so comfortable, but I haven't dared to wear them. I guess I worry they won't look good on me... Anyway, I love that you encourage us to "rejoice in the dailyness of those simple grace moments that bring a smile, a tug of gratitude." Love and hugs to you!
ReplyDelete8 year olds are geniuses.
DeletePure and simple!
Leggings? With the right top and the right occasion, I think just about anyone can wear leggings well.
Even if it's just in the privacy of your own home.
I say go for it!
;-}
I love the "star" idea! Who knew that such cute family feet could accomplish such a feat! Arr! Arr! Sorry for the corny humor! But I truly loved that idea and I love your cute leggings! They look great on you and love my comfy leggings too! Oh and I've always loved Lily of the Valley! I wish that was what popped up all around my neck of the woods, but then I'd be sinning by "envying" your prime real estate again! ha! And don't those grand kiddos look like they are having fun?! But who wouldn't have a grand time spending time in your company, dear Linda! You are such a sweetheart in so many way!
ReplyDeleteFEAT = FEET!
Delete;-}
You're too fun. And always so generous in your verbal hugs and affirmations. Right back atcha, friend ...
U R A STAR
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
U R too kind ...
DeleteSolid choice on the black and gray leggings. I own several in each colour, and one or the other goes with every dress I own. Bonus: with leggings (and maybe a bolero), sundresses are suddenly also winter wear.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the thumbs up, Christina! I'm feeling like leggings have become a wardrobe staple ... who woulda guessed?
DeleteLinda, I so loved this post - it made me smile, and groan a little with the thought of finding pants that fit (I 'chase' my size around and, overall, usually wear pants that are either too tight or too loose! sigh@!). Thanks for spreading joy my way!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad this all made you smile, Sandra!
DeleteIt's so hard to find the right fit, I know I know. But I'm finding it's worth the effort to only buy investment clothes that make you smile when you put them on.
;-}
I love the star feet and am totally stealing that idea! :)
ReplyDeleteCool!
Delete;-}
This is so much fun to read!! Brand of leggings that fit as well as you describe, please!! Fun for me in May has included a college graduation and later a high school graduation in TN that involved great times with the whole family not only eating and going to ceremonies, but also gathering around bonfires and big tables to play fun games until later than we all should have stayed up! It also included starting to edit my book, getting the cover photo completed (So excited about it), and starting to have evenings on the deck to read and enjoy the "not too hot or humid" temps. Have a great weekend, my friend!
ReplyDeleteFamily bonfires are the best. Especially when there are s'mores ... the kind where you use Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of a boring old graham cracker.
DeleteYum!
The link to the Lands' End leggings is in the post. Who ever guessed that pants could provide such bliss.
;-}
And I can't wait to see your book, to have it in my hand, friend.
Really.
Linda, I love your fun moments! Those flowers are so pretty. And, those leggings. And, pictures of your people having fun. Yes! Agreed. -- My favorite fun moment lately -- Hmm...time to sit on the porch today. I've not had time to sit and read in so long. Praise God for summertime. Hope you have a great summer, friend. ((hug))
ReplyDeleteDear Brenda ... I hope some day to have a little screened in porch to sit on. With a stack of books and a cold drink nearby.
DeleteBut before turning those pages? A nap!
;-}
These are wonderful, Linda! Looks like your summer is off to a great start!
ReplyDeleteAlways something to be grateful for, isn't there, friend.
DeleteMany things, truth be told ...