Saturday, May 22, 2021

4 Very Late Spring Things


A happy very late spring to you, friend!  

After being practically tethered to our abodes for over a year, many of us readers / writers / bloggers / creators / online aficionados are unplugging and heading out and about for some fresh air, rediscovering the people, places, and things that we've sorely missed.  

Most of us are feeling stronger and healthier than we have in a long while.  We're tentatively embracing new adventures and surprise opportunities.  We're contemplating if what was familiar way back when is still as necessary as we always assumed it was ... all while we slowly release what can never be reclaimed.  And grieving all we lost along the way.

Truth be told, most of us will admit that we're not quite who we were all those months ago.  Something has shifted, evolved, or changed gears.  And maybe that could end up being a very good thing.

'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' 
{Romans 8:28}.


I flew higher than a kite this month and it just might end up being the highlight of the year!  A few pics are here.  And my memories?  Breathless and sweet.

And now ... 4 Somethings for May.  You're letting me know that this monthly offering is one of your favorite reads around here.  I'm glad.

SOMETHING LOVED
BEFORE

AFTER

What happens when you spend a weekend at your new house pulling out tons of pachysandra that's surreptitiously crept in from the woods over the years and taken full control of the front yard?

You discover a real-life secret garden.  

The whole sundial, splendid decorative base unearthed, not just the tippy-top that had somehow managed to poke through the overgrowth.  And a carefully laid slate walkway that wends its way over to a little coy pond edged with stacked stone.

And that's exactly what my oldest daughter and her two ambitious girls did.  I can't wait to hear what they discover next.  Hopefully there'll be no poison ivy ruining the party like the first go-round.


SOME BOOKISH POSTS READ

The Better Samaritan Summer 2021 Book Roundup
Christianity Today

How (Not) to Write in a Pandemic
Jennifer Ryan

twirl cover reveal
Emily Lex

Reading Is Up During the Pandemic. That's Good for Christians.
Karen Swallow Prior

My Summer 2021 Reading List
Sarah Geringer

7 Books for Your Pastoral Care Library
Kelli B. Trujillo

16 Books to Strengthen Your Marriage
Me!


SOMETHING TREASURED


SOMETHING AHEAD

Outdoors.  That's the name of the game right now.  While the sun shines and the breezes blow and the humidity hasn't discovered our address.

An incredibly brisk walk with an athletic friend.

Weeding.  Planting.  Mulching.  Watering.  Re-potting.  Fertilizing.  Photographing.  Relocating.  Pruning.  Harvesting.

Indulging in fried lobster with my sister.

Napping in the hammock at the edge of the woods.

Eating ice cream.  Salted caramel with lots of chocolate chips ... or chocolate overloaded with chunks of peanut butter.

Sitting at the beach, catching up on May with a beach buddy.

Our oldest granddaughter's graduation party in Annapolis.  Yes, we will party hardy.

Church under the big tents.

Walking the beach in solitude, gathering sea glass and shells and driftwood along the way.

Walking the beach with six grandchildren, gathering sea glass and shells and driftwood along the way.

Grateful for every minute of it all ~
Linda

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46 comments:

  1. Our weather kicked into high gear this weekend with temps in the 80s. Yeah!!! Next week is to be more of the same. After a cold winter, a very wet April and May we finally hit the heat. It has been to finally get out and ride. Not much yard work to do since i don't have time and Jo doesn't have the inkling. So I cut and weed eat but it is nice to be out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, we've got the warmth, too. Such bliss and appreciation for this time of year. God is good to have given us the seasons!

      Preach your heart out today, friend ...

      Delete
  2. Feels like summer here this weekend and we’re spending as much time as possible outside in the backyard! Such a joy and mental health support.

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    Replies
    1. You hit the nail on the head, Linda -->'Such a joy and mental health support.' I'm encouraged that God will use all His creation to bring us all to better strength and hope after what's been for so many, a long night of the soul.

      So good to see you again ...

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  3. Did you know my grand-father invented the luminous sundial so you can tell the time at night? He also discovered the East Pole. Still looking for the Western one but the earth keeps moving round.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spring is here, that pretty season,
    and today is just a gorgeous day,
    so I wonder what's the reason
    that Internet just goes away
    for a while, like noon to evening
    (and it just took three days' break),
    leaving me in truth believing
    that I made a bad mistake
    in choosing landline ISP
    (the wirelessed are doing fine);
    so really, friend, is it just me
    or does giddiness of fair springtime
    affect the phone-lines (now, don't scoff)
    into up and taking some time off?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe the internet goes away because it just KNOWS that we've spent WAY too much time absorbed in its every, worn out invitation to spend more and more and more time therein.

      We're addicted!

      Delete
  5. I love the secret garden uncovered. And your bookish posts--I'm bookmarking your page so I can go back and visit every one of your links. :)

    I'm so excited at all your upcoming events. I know you will be party hardy. I'm looking forward to a different summer this year than last year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm guessing this summer will be free-er, lighter, with less panic and fear ... even as we stay aware and cautious when needed. I'm breathing a deep sigh of gratitude just thinking about it.

      Delete
  6. I love that your garden was reclaimed, Linda. What a delight! And you do have so many fun things to look forward to. Here's hoping, and praying, that Danny will be cleared to drive long distances when he goes back to the doctor on June 30. Otherwise, I'm not sure how we will be able to see the grands this summer. I'll keep thinking positively!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha, I have thought of you guys often this week and hope today finds you both peaceful and resting well. Praying that the One who knows your hearts will bless you with that family time you're craving.

      Delete
  7. Sounds like lots of great things happening! Congratulations on 45 years of marriage! To God be the glory!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Linda, such a happy post and a feel good post! Many exciting things in store for you...blessings my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, Pam ... God is making all things new in all the ways that matter most.

      Grateful.

      Delete
  9. Thank you for your wonderful encouraging post. I needed to read it today my friend. Enjoy your summer girl. Mercy, May about to be gone isn't it. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad that there was something here that encouraged your spirit today, Cindy.

      Delete
  10. Your yard looks lovely!! Congrats on all that hard work....very well rewarded:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will pass your kind thoughts on to my daughter and her gang, Jennifer!

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  11. I definitely plan to check out your links in your Something Read section. Some are quite intriguing to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good! I hope they'll supply you with some thoughtful reading, Megan ...

      Delete
  12. The verse from John is perhaps my favorite one in the whole Bible. There is something wonderful in every word. "Not as the world gives do I give to you."So uplifting! I am looking forward to spending time outside this summer too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you, Laurie. If I had to pick one verse, this would be it.

      Delete
  13. What a beautiful walkway around the sundial! So glad you‘ll be able to attend your granddaughter’s graduation party. I love your list of activities at the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. June seems to be one of the busiest months of the year. And in 2021 more than ever after so many activities and events have been put off and postponed. So happy to see that more and more plans are finally coming to careful fruition.

      Thank You, Jesus.

      Delete
  14. What a treasure that was found buried beneath all that overgrowth! Very proverbial too. Lot's of sun-filled heart days are coming for you, it sounds like, this summer. What a blessing indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gardening can be magical, can't it!

      I'm looking forward to reading your thoughtful writing and viewing your spectacular photography in the days ahead, Lynn. I'm guessing you have much to share ...

      Delete
  15. Love the sundial!

    I'm not much of a gardener, but I got some new plants in my backyard that I'm hoping will survive despite my lack of a green thumb!

    Thanks for the visit! Yes, I've also been drinking some iced tea and will likely feature them in upcoming posts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I look forward to drinking all your tea wisdom / creativity in.

      No pun intended!

      ;-}

      Delete
  16. Tendrils of summer happiness are woven through your words, Linda. Your joy is infectious!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Tendrils of summer happiness' ... oh what a pretty image, Nancy!

      ;-}

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  17. I love your secret garden, Linda! That's so exciting to find surprises beneath the weeds. :) It inspires me to search more diligently for God's hidden treasures. I hope you have a relaxing, rejuvenating summer! Love and blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're sweet, as ever, friend. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods!

      Delete
  18. The seeds are planted and, like you, I am enjoying the outdoors! That little path reminds me of a labyrinth. Blessed by you, friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your thoughts are prompting me to head off to a beautiful labyrinth next time I'm near the site a couple towns away.

      Thanks!

      Delete
  19. I am looking forward to being outside with more freedom too. That secret garden is so cool. what a find!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it neat?! They've since added some new plantings around the sundial ... they're doing a beautiful job making their house a home!

      Delete
  20. Thanks for sharing your secret garden pictures!

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  21. Linda, I love you share four somethings. I enjoyed hearing them. Blessings.
    ~Selah~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Selah.

      'To pause and reflect upon what has just been said.'

      I love that, Paula.

      Delete
  22. I love that your readers have let you know that this monthly post is one of their favorites! Yay!

    ReplyDelete