Thursday, June 24, 2021

4 Somethings * Early Summertime Gathering

Well hello again, my summertime friends!

Here we go with our monthly round-up, wrap-up, tying-up-loose-ends gathering.  Thanks to all of you who've taken the time in recent weeks to subscribe / resubscribe.  {If you were a subscriber before this month, you'll need to subscribe again.  Sorry.  Here's why.}

A special welcome to those I haven't yet officially met either in person or online!

As I run down the list of subscribers, I'm guessing about 1/3 of you are new to me and I'm so excited that you've chosen to make visits to this little community a part of your online routine.  Life is busy and our inboxes are always too full, so please know that I consider your companionship an honor and will endeavor to make your presence around this virtual table worth your time.

If you're reading the posts via email, please do click on the title of the post and head on over to the website for the full experience of interacting in {or reading} the comment section that follows each post.

That's where the good stuff is.

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SOMETHING LOVED

Right up top, I'm going to remind you that this is not one of those cool homekeeping blogs.  But every once in a while we go there.  Like today, when I'm sharing my new favorite dish.  It's been my go-to crowd pleaser this month and the best part is that it only has three basic ingredients - 

1.  Pasta

2.  Lemons

3.  Butter

That's my kind of recipe!  I've used four different kinds of pasta, whatever's been on the shelf.  It makes a huge bowl and I've had it hot and cold, plain or with shrimp or chicken, blueberries or dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, and fresh snipped parsley or oregano from my little kitchen garden.

Ina Garten's Lemon Capellini?  Simple outstanding.

Hint - use about half the butter ... or maybe just a bit more.


SOMETHING READ


Historian, author, and Stage 4 cancer survivor Kate Bowler has written 7 Prayers For Uncertain Times ...

When I've Run Out of Words

When I Feel All Alone

When I Am Running on Fumes

When I Feel Anxious

When I Need Just a Minute

When I Can't Sleep

When I Feel Powerless

Click here to get your free download.  Because sometimes sitting with someone else's conversation with God is exactly what we need when we can't quite string our own words together.


SOMETHINGS TREASURED

















SOMETHING AHEAD

Um ... well ... I've got very little planned.  After a whirlwind month, a July with a whole lot of empty boxes on the calendar sounds sublime.  I'm ok with a little bit of space, a stack of books, some quiet, and an extra nap or two.

All is well and there are some golden memories to savor and friends to re-connect with.  God is good and I am beyond grateful for a summertime with far fewer restrictions than a year ago.

And thanks, Melanie, for the beautiful shell picture you took!
Linda



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visiting with
Heather  .  Richella  .  Lisa  .  Jeanne

60 comments:

  1. What a terrific post! Lots of love in those photos. And I'm a big fan of the butter/pasta/lemon recipe. I do my own version -- I've never seen Ina's (it's good with egg noodles too) -- those ingredients (I like loads of lemon) and I always add fresh thyme and basil and parm cheese. Sometimes I'll throw in shrimp or capers if I have them. It's so good! Have a wonderful July.

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    1. Jeanie, hi ... thanks for kicking off our conversation! And I knew I couldn't be the only one to grab hold of this kind of easy, convenient, flexible recipe! I'm hooked on that bright lemon flavor ... and the best combo was the one with the blueberries.

      ;-}

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  2. Sea glass! One thing I miss from my time in Liberia is hunting for sea glass. Such a relaxing hobby. My July be blessed as you relax and rest.

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  3. ❤️ a peek into your world. It looks wonderful!

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  4. How the lovely photos made my day, Linda. Thanks! Put your feet up with a good book and just relax, my friend.
    Blessings!

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    1. That's exactly what I'm going to do right now! I hope this week has been an encouraging one for you ...

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  5. Wonderful photos! Sounds like you've had a great month. I like a clear calendar after a busy time, too.

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  6. I'm imagining the backstory of each photo, Linda. The jumping teenager has me stumped though, unless she's a cheerleader practicing to stay in top form! : ) The last half of August into early September will be our time to kick back with some books--I hope. My stack of must-reads is getting a bit unwieldy!

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    1. My 15 year old grandgirl Kate was literally jumping for joy, just because she could! I want to be like her when I grow up ...

      ;-}

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  7. I'm always excited when I see that you have a new post up! I love seeing all these photos of things you treasure. I can understand why you treasure them all. Sounds like you're having a delightful summer. Isn't it much more fun than last summer? I'm enjoying my newest grandchild. He was at my house this afternoon. It's so nice to finally have one that lives nearby!

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    1. Oh it must be so much fun to have him close by! Enjoy every cuddle moment. How blessed he is to have you to love him, Lisa ...

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  8. Thanks for the Lemon Capellini recipe. Cute pictures! Enjoy your reading time!

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  9. Fabulous post Linda! Loved everything about it! Looking forward to the Kate Bowler download!

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    1. Oh, these prayers are rich, meaningful, and real. An honor to pray alongside with her heartfelt writings ...

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  10. That is one awesome fistfull of seaglass! So thankful your new platform is working well for you.

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    1. Thinking about you and your family with the wedding in sight!

      ;-}

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  11. You can't beat a recipe with just a handful of ingredients! Looks like you had plenty to treasure this month.

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    1. Yep, who has time {or focus!} for a million and a half ingredients!

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  12. I agree, a slightly less busy July with a stack of books would be ideal! Enjoy your summer.

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    1. I know you're enjoying your family, too ... and Chik-Fil-A!

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  13. LOVE your photos! I use "Hello Fresh" as my current meal plan. They have several pasta dishes with chicken and lemon. The zest gives it the extra zing!
    Blessings!

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    1. Hello Fresh sounds good right about now. I'm having trouble coming up with suppers these days ...

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  14. It sounds and looks, like you're having a great summer, Linda! Enjoyed your post :) Have a blessed week, my friend.

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  15. I enjoyed your photos and your update. It looks like it's been a good month. June has been very busy for me too and I am definitely looking forward to a more restful July!

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    1. I see you're back writing again! Heading over there right now! You've been missed. Or maybe I've somehow missed you?!

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  16. Thanks for the link to the prayers. Look forward to reading those. Great photos (as always) - I so enjoying visiting here!! And thanks for the recipe. My kind of meal, for sure!! Here's to a great month ahead!

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    1. Jennifer, yes, the prayers are such a blessing.

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  17. Love your lemon pasta salad Linda - it has a "perky" flavor! Loved the pictures and having everyone together!

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  18. Thanks for sharing the prayers. I'm a Kate Bowler fan. That recipe sounds yummy!

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    1. Isn't she so inspirational and very much present and perceptive?

      When she speaks it gives me cause for pause.

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  19. I love that you shared your Something Treasured as a series of gorgeous photos! Each captures a wonderful moment to be treasured and I'm sure there are delightful stories behind each.

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    1. Sometimes there are no words, ya' know? Snapshots capture what's caught my attention or spoken to my heart.

      Best therapy ever!

      Thanks for your kind thoughts, Kym ...

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  20. Well, Linda, I thought I sent in a comment but it doesn’t seem to have worked so I’ll try again. The lemon pasta recipe sounds delicious. My Molly would love it for sure, especially with the full amount of butter. 😊 I’m glad June was full of wonderful memories for you, and I hope July is just as full of naps, books and empty calendar squares.

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    1. Thanks for trying again, Lois. Technological glitches won't keep friends from connecting!

      I see your own 4 Somethings post is up ... here I come ...

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  21. I loved all the wonderful pictures and that simple recipe sounds a winner in my book. I love pasta's and I love lemons. I love your "something" treasured. I hope that you have a wonderful week. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  22. I agree that reading others words and prayers to God can be just what we need when we're struggling. Thank you for the reminder!

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    1. It gives the phrase, 'please lead us in prayer' a fresh meaning, doesn't it.

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  23. Going through your post always comforts me, your pictures, your words, all show your love for the Lord. Blessings to you.

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    1. Betty, your words are such an affirmation today. I praise God that you sense the comfort of His presence here.

      All glory to Him.

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  24. Linda,
    I re subscribed so hopefully I'm in your system. Joining you today from the link-up at Jeanne's place. Love the pics of something treasured. Empty blocks on a July calendar sounds wonderful. A good book and a nap sound lovely -- enjoy! As always, I enjoy reading your posts!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. Yep, you're in, friend!

      You come bearing joy today ... always a blessing to connect with you.

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  25. I read Kate Bowler's book, "Everything Happens For a Reason" and will need to check out her 7 prayers.

    Thanks for the visit. I'm pleasantly surprised by how many tea companies have S'mores tea blends. Dessert by Deb's Fireside S'mores had a slight smoky note due to the lapsang souchong tea. It made an excellent latte!

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    1. You continue to introduce me to a whole world of tea, Margie ... I'm still a Lipton girl, born and bred, but I'm fascinated as you expand my borders!

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  26. Ahhh, Linda. I loved reading your words and your photos of Somethings Loved. It looks like it was a wonderful month for you! I'm so glad you have empty blocks on your July calendar. that's truly a blessing and something to look forward to!

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    1. Welcome back to blogging, Jeanne! You picked the perfect time of year to take an extended break and I admire you for doing so ...

      I hope you feel refreshed, renewed, and encouraged.

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  27. Oooh Linda, I love Ina’s recipes, but I haven’t tried that one!! Thank you for the inspiration, as I will definitely be checking that out. Your photos are beautiful. Happy 4th of July weekend. ❤️πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ’™

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    1. And you, my friend, have an incredible Black Raspberry Whipped Sensation Pie going on
      https://www.kittyskozykitchen.com/2021/06/black-raspberry-whipped-sensation-pie.html

      I can't wait to make this creation! Looks phenomenal ... and not too terribly complex.

      ;-}

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  28. Your Something Ahead sounds glorious... stacks of books and naps - where do I sign up?! Thanks for linking!

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    1. And thank YOU for giving your fans and followers a platform for sharing the good things God is doing in our lives, Heather ...

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  29. Great photos and content, Linda. You had me at the first simple recipie for pasta. I'm a pasta girl through and through!

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