At the end of every month, I happily pull together life's most recent personal bits and pieces ... the snapshots, the links, the discoveries, the resources, all the stuff I'd want to yak about if we could put our feet up and linger together over a cup of coffee.
If this is the first time we've met, I'm so glad you've stopped in! You can subscribe here to get this newsletter {and my other writings} in your inbox. And yes, if there's anything here worth sharing with those in your world, please do.
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the braids
One of my few claims to fame is the heavy thick hair I've passed down to my daughters and their kids. {My dad used to say I needed to walk through a door sideways because of my unkempt, wild-child mane.} But these girls' rich gorgeous colors have nothing to do with me and everything to do with their ancestors on the other side of the family.
I only wish I had looked this good when I was in my teens ... and late 30s.
the song
During the last month or so, I've found myself singing 3 words repeatedly. Every good thing, every good thing. A simple sacrifice of praise for the smallest of God's favors in the midst of life's continued unexpected twists and turns. I finally checked out You Tube to find out exactly what's been overflowing from my heart at the most random moments ...
the crunch
The bag of bland store-bought almonds weren't cutting it with me, so I found this recipe for Honey Glazed Almonds. Don't forget the sea salt. Too fabulously scrumptiously addictive.
the reads
I've read / skimmed through hundreds of posts this month and hands down these are the absolute must-reads I've been waiting to pass along to you. Bookmark, share, do whatever you can with these gems.
Alia Joy
Beth Moore
Anne Wright
Debra Fileta
Anne Bogel
Tony Morgan
and this oh-so-necessary 15 minute podcast
Emily Freeman
the wandering
the wandering
A few months after experiencing what felt like a ton of bricks cascading onto my foot, I am happy that I am now out and about, walking without limping, exploring odd little paths and abandoned shorelines and neighborhood trails. Spring's late late late arrival only makes every outdoor pilgrimage even sweeter.
the porch
The back porch is in its final stages of construction, but unfinished ceiling and trim work couldn't keep me from starting to introduce two new pieces of furniture to a bunch of much loved tables, chairs, plants, magazines, candles, throws, and pillows relocated from just about every room of the house.
Before long, I'll be sharing more about the emergence of my new favorite place to hang out.
the clients
Nothing makes this counselor's heart soar like an unexpected serendipitous note from a former client. Three women connected with me last week to let me know the gratitudes of a steady journey forward, rekindled married love, and a fresh start after a tumultuous divorce. I praise God for His merciful, healing grace ... and the powerful imprint these treasured women have left on my heart.
and just because ...
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Misplaced Focus
In Which This Certainly Was
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Oh, Linda! Your photography!
ReplyDeleteIf only there were a way for me to blog with only words . . .
I'm looking at this as a growth point, so thanks for the inspiration!
Well, thanks! Most of the photos I use on the blog come from my 4 year old phone ... in this post, unsplash.com provided the header, my daughter took the braids shot, and the nuts came from the recipe link.
DeleteUnsplash.com and Pexels.com are fabulous places to find photos. My attribution to them is found at the bottom of the blog where the disclaimers and affiliate info is found.
Sounds like a very diverse but good month.
ReplyDeleteHe's keeping me steady. It is well with my soul ...
DeleteYes, lovely header photo. I wondered if it was from Unsplash. (I think you know I have photos there too which feeds one of my creative appetites) Our Trader Joe's is not a short drive so I go there on a very limited basis so I was especially glad to see the link to favorites there. Also, seems I missed that Emily podcast and will be looking it up soon.
ReplyDeleteAs always, much to graze on here. Thanks, Linda.
Oh I love that you've grazed today, Debby. What a cool word to describe lingering, ingesting, all without haste ...
DeleteAnd I'm happy to share your link at Unsplash here!
https://unsplash.com/@dhudson_creative
You're one talented woman ...
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It's always great when someone whose life you touched comes back to say thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove your photos! And I'm so happy for you about your porch. I don't have one, but instead of a porch, I go to the lake.
Thanks for the reading suggestions. (I see we read some of the same writer's works!)
Oh that's so cool that we're tracking on some of the same authors. Superb stuff this month, for sure ...
DeleteAnd yes to saying thank you. Keeping in touch. Letting someone know that all is well. What a lovely gift to give another.
Love this, and the song's one of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteI'm going out of May alive, and with a few laughs, some of which are collected here:
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2018/05/your-dying-spouse-479-not-very-good-at.html
A few laughs, huh?
DeleteYou never fail to surprise, man ...
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What a beautiful post, My Friend! Absolutely heart warming! Glad the foot is better. Thankfully, I never had to slow down with mine!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I can't remember the details, but I'm guessing you were doing something healthy and athletic when you got your injury, Lulu.
DeleteUnlike some of us who are just plain curious and not too terribly cautious
http://www.lindastoll.net/2018/03/here-goes-my-monthly-newsletter.html
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You're blessed to have thick hair! Mine has always been thin, and, unfortunately, my sons inherited my hair genes rather than my husband's.
ReplyDeleteYour porch sounds like it will be wonderful. Love that quilt.
I enjoyed perusing several of the links - especially liked the one about ways to help.
Glad your foot is better!
Where did you see those hats? I love hats and wish they were worn more than they are these days.
Yes, aren't those hats wonderful? I took a few snapshots while walking through downtown Annapolis, MD with a few of my tribe on our quest to find the restaurant that serves only stuffed baked potatoes.
DeleteYum. That was a very good day!
And thanks for sharing what's happening here with your gang, Barbara!
Deletehttps://barbarah.wordpress.com/2018/06/02/laudable-linkage-209/
I'm appreciative, for sure ...
Since we live so far from each other, I love getting these glimpses of your life. FUN!
ReplyDeleteI never knew you read Nicholas Sparks. How does he understand loving relationships so well?
I may try those honey almonds.
See ya real soon
I can't wait to see you! Tuesday can't come soon enough.
DeleteYay!
You'll love the almonds. Promise. And, sadly, Nicholas Sparks got divorced a few years ago. I just heard.
Love still happens.
A wonderful month, indeed, Linda! And oh, those braids! What I wouldn't give to have thick hair like theirs. Luckily for my son and daughter, they inherited thick hair from their dad's side of the family.
ReplyDeleteAnd I so enjoyed your gorgeous photos, too. Enjoy those summer walks and discoveries.
Blessings!
Martha, thanks. Such fun to pull together all the loose ends of life and share with y'all.
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I love seeing that thick hair! I thought I had heard every comment about thick hair possible, but yours was new to me. :) I'm grateful to have thick hair too, although I still curse it from time to time.
ReplyDeleteIt's served us well, yes?
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I agree with the others that you have a lovely header. love all the photo and all that you gathered here. I didn't know that song and definitely will download it. love the words. Fun post to read tonight. Thanks for the uplift!
ReplyDeleteGathered. Yes, that's an apt word, Jean. I am a gatherer.
DeleteI'm glad you leave here uplifted. Love when God does that for us through each other ...
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What a delightful visit, my friend! Your back porch is so inviting!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're ever in this neck of the woods ...
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I enjoyed reading your monthly recap, Linda, and the photos are amazing! I really like the song too- it's a new one for me and I love the story of how God led you to it!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love when He plants yet another song in your heart?
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I love when the perfect lyric gets caught in my head.
ReplyDeleteHappy June!
Brooke, I absolutely hear what you're saying ...
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I love your sweet ponderings each month. Your photos always draw me in too. You chose some great posts to read and I love everything that Emily Freeman does and her new podcast feeds my soul. So glad you are out walking and enjoying the beauty. Thank you for linking up.
ReplyDeleteReaders ... be sure to check out Mary's new link-up, gifted to her by Jennifer Dukes Lee
Deletehttp://marygeisen.com/the-story-continues/
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Loved reading your newsletter! Your daughters' braids are adorable. I had 3 sons (and now 3 grandsons), so I never got to do hair! I have a tiny Wordpress blog, but I would love to highlight some of my favorite writers like you have done. I love the idea of women blessing and helping other women.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, the whole idea of blessing each other through our blogs, encouraging one another daily, rings true.
DeleteI'm so glad you found our happy gathering this morning. Welcome!
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It's been a very busy month, has it not? I love that bird-house. It looks quite comfortable.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It's certainly been well-lived in over the years ...
DeleteThose are the best places to be, aren't they. The lived-in, kinda shabby chic abodes.
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Linda, this is a lovely post in so many ways. And now I am going to pour myself another cup of coffee and enjoy the shared reads. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, thanks for letting me know you found something lovely here today ... and that you've chosen to linger longer.
DeleteIt means so much.
Bless you!
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So glad you are out and about walking better Linda! And thank you for sharing those reads. I did read Beth Moore's post and needed to read the encouraging words regarding letting go of Instagram. That bird house is delightful too! I hope to have a similar one that I can gaze at daily.
ReplyDeleteBeth Moore's letter was a powerful, stunningly articulated piece. No one says it better.
DeleteShe's written several in recent months that have packed a punch and gone viral in the process.
No wonder she is so beloved ...
Linda, visiting with you today was like finding treasure! I just felt so much joy as I was reading your post and I found myself smiling the entire time. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out the honey glazed almond recipe! Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs and blessings, Lovely! :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, finding you 'around town' again was a treasure in and of itself this morning! So glad to see you back again. What a gift of light you are, Tai ...
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I love it when people connect with us and let us know that we had a positive influence in their lives! That happened with me this week, too!.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it such a blessing?
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Hi Linda, I'm new to your blog. Stopping in from Billy's where I was tour neighbor. I like your photos and other sweet elementsyou shared in this post. Your girls do havelovely hair. Live the braids. Good to have met you.
ReplyDeleteYou've made my day! I'm so glad you're here, Tiffiney ...
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