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Hey All ~
This week's PORCH has been growing by the hour. As I pull this edition together, one after another delightful link magically comes my way, just begging to be shared.
I brewed a gallon of sweet tea in the bright sunshine yesterday ... if you were here, I'd invite you to pour yourself an icy glass and grab me one, too, since I'm not too mobile these days. Settle into a comfy chair and put your pretty little pedicured feet up. We've got so much to talk about!
But first things first.
Friday, June 3rd, is National Doughnut Day. Click here to find your freebies.
And this first week of June overflows with family milestones ... my daughters, parents, and in-laws all married within seven days of each other. Fortunately, not in the same year. 😉
We're stepping into summertime and the weeks ahead will unleash peak season here on the Cape ... gorgeous water views, bumper to bumper traffic, spacious ocean beaches, jam-packed restaurants, endless miles of sandy lanes, galleries, bike trails, and shops to explore. And long lines everywhere.
You'll find us on the back porch ... or sneaking out at odd hours, hoping to avoid the madness. Before we know it, autumn will be here and it'll be far too quiet once again.
🍩
- Oh! These adorable jarcuteries ... grab these cute little jars and get creative. Your guests will be highly impressed ... and you'll just smile because it was so simple and fun to pull off.
- I forwarded this priceless piece to my two oldest granddaughters. Where was this brilliant weaver of wisdom 49 years ago?!
- When you've got a sprained ankle, you end up chair-bound with far too much time on your hands. Always late to the party, I'm finally learning how to take a selfie. Why, I have no idea. It's not a good shot and I'm looking a bit green around the gills. The subject is, after all, almost 67, and not wearing a shred of make-up. But at least I updated my bio even if the picture is far from perfect. I'll try again another day.
- Kate Bowler's Joyfully Mediocre Summer Blessing Series is a free mid-week goodie. A true breath of fresh air breezes right to your inbox.
- It's the beginning of the month and that means a fresh load of E-Book Deals for you to scroll through. I'm amazed at the hidden gems that keep popping up from our favorite authors ... and re-discovering favorite titles we've talked about along the way.
Click here to scroll through the deals. 🎯 = the newest listed titles.
Many of the book listings have a Send a Free Sample button which gives you a peek inside. Collect a bunch on your phone or reader and you can enjoy browsing next time you've got 10 minutes to kill. No need to buy a thing.
And yes, thank you very much, if you shop on Amazon after arriving via links on my website, I may make a small financial profit at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting my work!
- Check out Debby Hudson's Celebrating Summer Art Prompts! She writes, 'Creativity is my retreat. It’s my release and my self-care. This summer, I’m inviting you to join me. I’ve created a list of prompts for you to show your creative side. The only rule is to use the prompt to spur your creativity. Photography (smart phones welcome!), writing, painting, drawing, stitching, cooking…..unleash your creativity. Share your art on Instagram (please tag me @debby.mch), post on my Facebook page, or on your blog.'
Lisa Sharon Harper - $4.99
June 3rd is my daughter, Tami's, birthday so no doughnuts that day. She can't eat them (distorted taste as a long-haul COVID "gift") and I don't ever eat them. But cheers to all who do and then exercise them all away! Summer is finally hitting us here and I'm out on my bike. At 69 just not as long or as often. But at least the surgeon who is doing my back surgery in 2 weeks said to keep cycling and staying active. Now THAT I can and plan to do! I hope you are recovering from the ankle issue. Have a great weekend Linda.
ReplyDeleteBack surgery? Oh no. But you can't keep a good man down and you've worked hard to keep healthy and strong. Pedal on, friend ...
DeleteOH, Linda, my introvert self shudders to think of those summer crowds! YOU, will probably make the most of it and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
It is fun to have lots of people around for a season. Just don't make me wait in any line too long! Patience is not always a virtue for me ...
Deletehad not seen Jarcuteries before. How cute! Andd have not had ice tea yet but you reminded me and off I go to make some! Hope you ankle heals soon!
ReplyDeleteOne of summertime's treats - sun-brewed sweet tea. I've got some mint growing wild ... thanks for the nudge to go snip a bunch to toss in the pitcher. Yum.
DeleteYou always share the most unique ideas, Linda. I so appreciate it! I sure hope your ankle is healing quickly and in time to take those marvelous summer strolls along the beach. I do envy you living on the Cape; it's one of the most gorgeous places on earth. Have a wonderful weekend! (And I think you took a great selfie!)
ReplyDeleteOh that 'unique ideas' kindness really touches me today, Martha. I try to go with the flow as the Spirit leads. I seldom plan a post ahead anymore. If it comes, it comes, ya' know?
DeleteThanks for the encouragement.
June 3rd is my husband's birthday, I'll have to tell him to get him a free donut (or two!).
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a better gift. Be sure to get one or two for yourself! Enjoy ...
DeleteWow—- Lex and Brooke look like teenagers???? Andrew’s sunglasses made me chuckle. He is too young for cataract surgery.
ReplyDeleteLoved The Commonplace post. I want to send #4 to my sons even though they are out of school for decades. The author Of Commomplace is genuinely funny and this article fits so well with your last post: Why We're Required to Find Beauty.
Thanks for all the insights
Tsh is superb, isn't she ... very thought-provoking and original in her writings. And yes, the five oldest are teenagers now. And Brooke will be next spring. Can you believe it? They're all incredible in their own unique ways. God has done more than we've asked or imagined and is still on the move. Your prayers along the way made a difference.
Deletexo
Sprained ankle!? Oh, no! Healing prayers my friend! May you be up and mobile again very soon!
ReplyDeleteA bit stronger each day! I can't wait to be out puttering around and walking and all that good stuff. Thanks for those healing prayers. I hope you're doing well!
DeleteSo many books to read. Can I buy my own AMAZON books through your website for you to get credit? How does this affect the author's royalties?
ReplyDeletePraying for your quick and total healing.
God bless.
Glad to see you, Victor ...
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate anniversaries - with a family reunion! Thank you for all the wonderful book recommendations (and for noting the new ones you added this round). May you continue to experience the Lord's grace as you heal, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThe whole e-book deal thing continues to evolve. It hit me this week that I needed to let people know which titles are the latest to be posted. Who wants to scroll through 150 titles?! Glad you're enjoying the recommendations. I appreciate hearing that Lisa. Please help me spread the word!
DeleteI'd love a glass of iced cold sweet tea!
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed Kate Bowler's writings and podcasts so I've signed up for her Summer blessings.
Thanks for the visit!
I always click right on to Kate's email when I see her in my inbox on those mornings. She's an incredibly inspirational and vibrant woman and her joy shines through the heartache, doesn't it. I'm glad you'll be reading along with me, Margie ...
DeleteI hope the sprained ankle mends soon, Linda. I can’t imagine dealing with the crowds all summer, that makes your porch an inviting place of peace and calm. I love the jarcuterie idea.
ReplyDeleteI've got the jars and some fun bamboo toothpicks in my cart, Pam ... what a fun idea to do with the kids ... or have them do it on their own! Love the idea of pulling these together at the last minute with whatever's available. Too fabulous!
DeleteJarcuteries sound like perfect picnic appetizers!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to put the kids to work on these. I know they'll love creating odd and interesting combinations ...
DeleteI love sitting on the porch with you. It feels comfortable and easy. The jarcuteries are adorable. What will they think of next? And I loved Tsh’s article about graduation. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love you being here, Mary. I hope you're faring well as we finish up the first half of 2022.
DeleteI put out water for the cows
ReplyDelete(does this sound quite strange?)
for it really seems that now's
the time they're thirsty on the range.
They drift across the dry plateau
for shade and sustenance,
and whatever could we do
but give a kind abundance
of water for the moms and calves,
and that weird little bull.
We cannot do the job by halves,
and so each trough is full
of fresh liquid, cold and clear...
but no, not gonna share my beer;
Yep, probably a brilliant idea not to be sharing your liquid refreshment with the bovines, friend ...
DeleteHappy anniversary to the Stoll clan! The wedding anniversaries of our three children plus our own all happen in less than a month, spanning July-August. When everyone can gather, we celebrate with a special dinner, sometime during that time period. We're so blessed that our sons and daughter chose delightful spouses whose company we also enjoy!
ReplyDeleteA special dinner celebration sounds lovely. And yes, we're thankful for the delightful company of our daughter's husbands who we are happy to call 'sons.'
DeleteSo many celebrations! I love the jar idea! Don't they look yummy?! Great art ideas from Debby too! Sorry about the ankle ... at least you have a lovely porch to rest on! Thanks for inviting the rest of us! 💕
ReplyDeleteBarbara onehopefulyear.com
Debby's creative ideas always come at the right time, don't they ...
DeleteAnd your creative writing always calms and centers me, friend ...
Oh I do hope your ankle is healing nicely. Bless your heart! I can just see me now trying to hobble around. I get so impatient real easy these days. LOL! Aren't those little jarcuteries the cutest and such an easy treat. I need to gather up some small jars and make a batch for some of my retired friends soon. I hope your June will be perfect. ENJOY life to the fullest dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI ordered my jars last week and can't wait til they come! Too much fun! I'd love to see what you whip up for your friends, Cindy ... please share pics!
DeleteIt seems your blog has slightly changed how a Wordpress person enters their name to comment and I must have failed at it recently. I don't often check to see if my comments appear but I did recently. When I didn't see it I wanted to let you know how appreciative I am of your support and encouragement. I do so appreciate your blog and have snapped up a couple of those bargain E-books too!
ReplyDelete* subscriber email response
HI! And thanks for that Word Press info. I'm guessing that others are having the same problem ... hopefully someone, somewhere will figure all that tech stuff out. You know it won't be me!
DeleteThanks for connecting out via email. I really appreciate you.
Considering how booked up the hotel are, I think the Rockies are going to be extremely busy this year! It is wonderful to see people traveling again, but I am glad a 4 hour drive on an off season day takes me to these same quiet trails that people travel far and wide to see. I look forward to more glimpses of your Cape coming up this summer!
ReplyDeleteThe Rockies. Wow. I've never been to your part of the country, Lynn ... except via your gorgeous photographs which always make me feel transported there. Beautiful.
DeleteI see such joy & contentment in your photos. I needed a smile this morning,
ReplyDelete#TellHisStory 6
Yep, Barb, smiles are here. I hope you left a bit happier. And I you've left me a clue today about who you are and how I can contact you! That makes ME smile!
DeleteAs always loving joining you on the porch today for some sweet tea, I'll bring you a glass too 😉 What a wonderful moth of celebrations you and your family have. I did not know that June 3rd was National Doughnut day, Oh dear I have such a weakness for doughnuts (specifically maple).
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
I love that your new monthly link-up has a Sweet Tea logo, Paula! It was a pleasure to share three posts. I hope it goes well for yu!
DeleteWhat a big month you've had Linda! Thank you for sharing ☺️
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jennifer
Yep, big could be one word for it all ...
Delete