Hey, my friends!
I don't know about you, but I just can't quite wrap my head and heart around the fact that autumn is already one week old.
But so it is and it was well worth the wait. Warm, golden days intersecting with breezy, cool nights just perfect for sleeping deep. Pot roast, spaghetti sauce, or chili bubbling away in the kitchen. Fleecy vests pairing up with flip flops. Long walks in the neighborhood, on the bike path, at the beach.
Oh so fine.
This month sent us off on a bit of a family road trip from Massachusetts to Kentucky and back again all in five days. We cheered our oldest granddaughter and her great uncle {who she hadn't seen in 15 years} as they ran a race to raise money for missions, took in The Ark for a day {don't miss the buffet!}, visited the homestead and graveside of my husband's parents, had a blast at an afternoon mini-family reunion {complete with the tradition of huge bowls of homemade vanilla ice cream}, grabbed a few hours at Niagara Falls, and checked out every pool and hot tub we could find along the way.
And I'm so excited to announce our Fall Book Club selection will be Anne Bogel's serendipitous I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life. We'll kick off our discussion in just a few weeks! I have one copy to give to a randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on this Loose Ends post by this Friday, October 4th, 9 am {eastern, US only, please}.
Grab a hot cup of tea and your favorite quilt, put your feet up, and read on ...
*
DOWNTON ABBEY
The final stop for the Exhibition will be in Asheville, North Carolina. If you're a Downton fan and you can get there, don't miss out on the adventure!
3 OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAKE ME SMILE
1. Marriage counselor / coach / blogger Beth Steffaniak is resurrecting her Sloppy Joe Time videos and I couldn't be happier. If you're ready for spot-on personal stories mixed with wisdom and humor, you'll love her. This video's a favorite of mine ... the need for us women to cultivate healthy relationships with our girlfriends and not demand / depend on deep heart-to-heart conversations from our husbands every minute of their lives. 2. Our friend Adam 'The Listening Life' McHugh is doing the keynote address at The Introverted Believer: Finding Solidarity In Their Solitude Conference next April In Illinois. A conference that doesn't overwhelm and exhaust introverts and send them heading for their rooms at the first possible moment? I'm guessing this might be a first.
3. Don't you just love this fresh new idea of sharing food with those in need? Check out Little Free Pantry ... Feeding Neighbors, Nourishing Neighborhoods. This might be the outreach you've been dreaming of.
MUST - READ LINKS
Lois Flowers
David B. Feldman, Ph.D.
Pam Ecrement
Emily Freeman
Steve Austin
Joshua Becker
Susan M. Pfeil
Ruth Haley Barton
Amy Spencer
Maija Kappler
ON GRIEVING WELL &
RETURNING TO WORK
ETC.
*
you'll find me on Tuesday's
at
Mary's
ON GRIEVING WELL &
RETURNING TO WORK
After a bereavement sabbatical following the loss of my beloved niece Jessica, I'm re-opening the doors to my counseling office, The Nest.
I can't begin to say enough about the GriefShare support groups and their top shelf videos and superb workbook. I've recommended them to clients in the past, but now I'm personally benefiting from attending a local group this fall.
It's one thing to know something in your head, but it's a whole other thing to experience it in your heart. If you're grieving the loss of someone dear like I have been, please take advantage of one of these Christ-centered healing communities.
Find one near you.
Find one near you.
Meanwhile, my husband rolled up his sleeves and pulled together a lovely new entrance way for my clients ... complete with shiplap on the walls and a much improved staircase. A little shopping therapy allowed me to scoop up some pretty decor that's the icing on the cake. Yes, you still have to walk through the garage, but the welcome mat is out again.
Click here to find out more about the counseling services I offer.
I'm just all kinds of excited about our next Book Club read ... Anne Bogel's I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life. One of my favorite books from last year, this slim little volume is sheer delight ... and we'll be kicking off a 6 session discussion beginning, Friday, October 18th!
Curling up with this little treasure is like sharing conversation with friends over our mutual affection for books. Anne is smart and fun and has an exquisite flair for writing. Over time, she has accumulated a vast knowledge of a number of genres and knows how to pull her reader in and get you excited about the reading life.
She chats about her life long love affair with books, the serendipity of living next door to the library, how books seem to find their perfect reader. She drops hints on organizing your shelves to suit you best ... and admits 'bookshelf envy.' She talks about her one day stint as a bookshop seller, and clarifies why it's not a great idea to be 'book bossy.' And along the way she drops the names of a number of titles that'll have you enlarging your own must-read list.
I've got one copy to give away to someone who comments on this Loose Ends post by this Friday, October 4th at 9 am {eastern, US only}! Mark your calendars and spread the word to your bookish friends.
Hardcover - $7.20!
Kindle - $6.84
FALL BOOK CLUB & GIVEAWAY!
Curling up with this little treasure is like sharing conversation with friends over our mutual affection for books. Anne is smart and fun and has an exquisite flair for writing. Over time, she has accumulated a vast knowledge of a number of genres and knows how to pull her reader in and get you excited about the reading life.
She chats about her life long love affair with books, the serendipity of living next door to the library, how books seem to find their perfect reader. She drops hints on organizing your shelves to suit you best ... and admits 'bookshelf envy.' She talks about her one day stint as a bookshop seller, and clarifies why it's not a great idea to be 'book bossy.' And along the way she drops the names of a number of titles that'll have you enlarging your own must-read list.
I've got one copy to give away to someone who comments on this Loose Ends post by this Friday, October 4th at 9 am {eastern, US only}! Mark your calendars and spread the word to your bookish friends.
Hardcover - $7.20!
Kindle - $6.84
ETC.
If you missed my JUMBO early fall edition of The Bookbag, it's right here. And I had such a good time pulling together the photos for #MyCozyFallHome mini-series which is right over there. Bloggers, I'd love to have you share your absolute best post from September ... please do link up!
October, here we come ~
Linda
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and 3 Surprising Reasons You Shouldn't Forget
On the Porch * Medical School,
Depression, and Re-upholstering Furniture >>
On the Porch * Medical School,
Depression, and Re-upholstering Furniture >>
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you'll find me on Tuesday's
at
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Sounds like a busy, fun month! My son and d-i-l and grandson went to the Ark last month and loved it. I would LOVE to see that Downton exhibit--I think it's coming close enough to visit, if I can find someone to go with me.
ReplyDeleteIt's still feeling quite hot and summery here. I'm hoping cooler weather rolls in before long.
I love the free little pantry idea.
Your entry looks very inviting!
No need to enter me in the book giveaway: I read it earlier this year. I think I still have it in the house--will have to check.
I wrote a wrap-up post for September here: https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/09/29/end-of-september-musings/
Barbara, hi! I will admit that I dragged my husband to the Downton Abbey Exhibition ... and to the movie. He went fairly cheerfully although the show has never been his thing.
DeleteTrue love = when there's only 3 men on a bus full of avid Downton Abbey fans and your husband is 1 of them.
;-}
You had a tremendously busy and, for the most part, fulfilling month! Rock on sistah - Anne's book is AMAZING - almost as amazing as her podcast. I would say it is but her podcast is like tops. :) Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, yes! Anne is incredible ... book, podcast, blog! So warm and approachable and savvy. I'm such a fan.
DeleteAnd I'm really glad you're here.
;-}
Why is it the women in your Downton Abbey selection don't have faces? They have faces on TV!
ReplyDeleteI dreamed a dream in time gone by ... that one day one of my books will be in your reading selection. Dream on!!!
God bless.
Faces! THAT'S funny!
DeleteI'd be happy to review one of your books, Victor ... please feel free to send me a copy ...
Gonna go in search of my copy of Anne's good book. It will be fun to land here for discussion in October!
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm off to watch that video of Beth's!
Thanks for all you do here--so inviting and fun!
We're going to love talking about her book! I'm so glad you're in, Michele. You always bring such important insights to the table ...
DeleteSo nice to visit with you today, Linda, and to hear about your adventures! So thankful God is sending joy into your life after such sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Cheryl ...
DeleteAlways.
Linda, I'm so excited about the new book club adventure! I'll surely join in.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed hearing about all you have been doing during the month of September - family fun and memories can't be beat.
Blessings, my friend!
I'm so glad you're in for the Book Club, Martha! You're such a faithful participant ...
Delete;-}
Summer's over, I'm still here,
ReplyDeletebut the days are getting grim,
but grieve me not, don't shed a tear
for I still intend to win.
I am here where I belong
in a place where glory's found,
and there's no time for dismal song
in a life where grace abounds.
I have learned that love is lived,
and not given like a treat
that to worship's to forgive
every enemy we meet.
And even though our lives be fleeting
every moment's worth completing.
It's a reflective day for you, isn't it, friend ...
DeleteI hope it's been a good one, filled with moments of hope and purpose.
Bless you.
Sounds like you've had lots of fun this month! I'm hoping to go and see the Downton Abbey movie soon and I've heard it's very good. Also I already have the book for the book club this time and I read it earlier this year so I'll be interested to join in the discussion and read others' thoughts. I'm glad the Griefshare group has been helpful too and that you have had some space to reflect and process it all.
ReplyDeleteYay! I love that everyone's digging out their copies and getting ready to roll. So much fun!
DeleteI'd be interested in your take on Downton Abbey since you live on that side of the 'pond.' I always feel closer to my ancestors when I watch an episode ...
Go figure.
;-}
I truly enjoyed your post today! Checking out the link to the Introverted Believer conference. Thank you Linda for this super interesting post. Sharing on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with your friends, Sarah! I love when people take that extra step ... I feel so blessed.
DeleteThis one is especially chocked full of good stuff. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're liking it, Debby ...
DeleteMore than one sitting needed here, yes?
;-}
I've always wanted to read Anne's book{s}. A tight budget has required pulling in the purse strings for a bit. Your blog is such a breath of fresh air. I enjoy it very much. Glad to hear of your progress over the past month.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, hi! The great thing about Book Clubs around here is that you DON'T have to buy the book ... I simply put a quote or two on the table and everyone jumps on in and chats.
DeleteNo book needed. Promise!
;-}
Linda, you have had a very busy month. I would love to see the exhibit, you are the second blogger that I read who has been. I will be getting Anne’s book and I hope to join the discussion. Can you believe October begins tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad you'll be part of the Book Club, Pam!
DeleteYippee!
;-}
It sounds like you had an interesting, rejuvenation getaway, Linda. Much needed, too, I'm sure. I love your pic and the background. :) Also your remodeled entryway. Great links, too. I know I won't make it, but that Introvert conference sounds appealing. I loved The Listening Life. The book for the new study sounds interesting. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI won't make the conference either, but you're right, Trudy, it sounds appealing on lots of levels.
DeleteI hope someone around here will go and let us know all about it.
Loved this post and yes (!!) to flip flops and fleece vests :) It's the best way to hold onto one season and still enjoy the next! I have not read the book and am so glad you recommended it. Definitely going to check it out. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll join us for the conversations, Joanne ... would love for you to share your perspective!
DeleteSo much good stuff here, Linda. As usual, per these monthly collections of yours. Which seem to be coming faster and faster these days ... or is it just me? :-) Thanks so much for sharing my post ... I'm glad to get it "out there" without having to do it myself! And I'm loving Emily Freeman's insights about the "second question" ... to be heard is such a gift. xo
ReplyDeleteLois, your post was brave and vulnerable and presented in ways that are appropriate. No need to blush!
DeleteI'm guessing that you'll never know the number of women that will be impacted by your story.
Truth be told, you're not the only one.
Period.
There's lots going on for the Stoll's, isn't there?! I'm glad to hear you guys got to support your granddaughter and get in a little vacation time to boot! And I love the Downton Abbey dresses! So intricate and beautiful! I want to see the movie so bad, but Gary's not a fan and neither are many of my girlfriends. So I may just have to go see it on my own! Lol! I'm glad to see you've got a new entrance with my fave--shiplap--no less! So very cute and inviting, Linda! And thank you so much for highlighting my videos. I really appreciate the shout out! I'm a little late to the party, but was traveling to see my grandson this past weekend, so I was a bit distracted--in the very best possible way! Hugs and prayers to you and your family as I'm sure there is no deadline on when grieving ends.
ReplyDeleteWell, if we could shrink the miles, I'd head off to the movie with you, my friend. I'm up for a 2nd viewing already. So much detail and nuance that you catch the 2nd {and 3rd} time around, ya' know?
DeleteI'm so glad you got to spend time with the little guy. I bet you're over the moon. Will you share some snapshots soon?
Hope so ...
;-}
It's still 97 degrees here. :( Waiting for fall to come in more than just theory. I still haven't visited the Ark but would like to one day. Glad you had a full and fun trip, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI love Anne's book. I'm glad to see it's your choice!
As always, I love your Loose Ends posts!
97!
DeleteUGH.
I'm grateful for the seasons. I hope your autumn comes soon, my southern friend ...
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Anne's book. Your reading life challenges and motivates me!
Linda, what a fun post. It sounds like you've had a month filled with much joy. And, how wonderful that you are ready to put out your shingle again. I'm certain God will use you mightily!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how joy can co-mingle with sorrow? I never cease to be amazed at how God created us ...
DeleteI'm glad you dropped in today, Jeanne.
;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteFall definitely hasn't come to the South. Going to be in the 90's today - oy! I long for cool breezes and colorful leaves. Sounds like you had a fun traveling adventure. I love Beth's Messy Marriage blog and her revived SJT! Thanks for the recommended links, I've checked out a few. Fall blessings and send some cool temps our way, please!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Yep, Beth's marriage blog has consistently offered solid, biblical insight on marriage for years! She's one of the few bloggers I've met in person and she's the real deal.
Delete;-)
LOVE your photos! Fall is MIA here in the South!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Before you know it, you'll be sporting a big pair of mittens, girl!
DeleteVisiting here is like opening up a present. There is such a treat inside whenever I visit.
ReplyDeleteI love Downton Abbey and saw the movie the first weekend it was out. Sooo good! I wish I had known you were near me when you visited The Ark. I love about 45 minutes away. I hope to get there sometime soon. Thanks for sharing your Loose Ends. The next book club sounds like a good one.
45 minutes!!!!
DeleteTruth be told, I did think of how I could meet up with you and another blogging friend but the schedule was packed with people and events.
I'm sorry ...
;-(