Welcome back to PORCH,
your go-to weekend companion.
your go-to weekend companion.
Embrace community.
Discover a fresh perspective.
Grow your faith in Christ.
Get unstuck.
Share your story.
Discover a fresh perspective.
Grow your faith in Christ.
Get unstuck.
Share your story.
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A long-ago-far-away friend texted me this winsome watercolor sketch on a particularly bad day recently. I'm a sucker for old aqua canning jars overflowing with loosely arranged, brightly colored blooms. I found my heart lighter in the hours that followed.
Let's hear it for old friends. The new ones, too. In person. Or the online kind.
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i could watch her paint all day long
this sign for my wanna-be wildflower patch
create your own unique palette
create your own anxiety / depression / sad list {before you need it}
#16
summer colors
#17
summer book
summer book
#19
flip flops
#21watermelon
#26
picnic blanket
picnic blanket
#30
favorite summer dessert
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* Did you catch this week's Let's Read! post? Mine never showed up in my inbox. I hope yours did. Check your spam / junk folder if this happens, ok?
* Don't Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, & Bring More Joy to Your Life was our first 2021 Book Club Selection! Click here to watch author Anne Bogel's lovely trailer and find out why this slim volume has become a re-read for me. If you pick up only one book this summer, maybe this will be it?
* The Martha Manual: (How to Do Almost Everything) is on sale for $1.99. Need to know how to bathe a cat? Fold a flag? Build a campfire? From organizing and fixing to growing and hosting, tag sales and tool boxes, this is a HUGE, gorgeous home care encyclopedia that you literally can carry in your pocket. Love this.
May the colors of God's sublime creation brighten your weekend ~
Linda
P.S.
Thank you for your faithful prayers for Mom and our family and the kind, empathetic words you've offered. These months have been intense, sorrowful, and endless. Heaven continues to beckon her homeward. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
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visiting
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wildflower artist unknown
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Lovely post
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend to you!
Deletegreat post. Loved the article you linked to about creating an anxiety list before you need it. super info and love the photos. You gave me a wonderful morning break today. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a fabulous idea about doing that kind of list before you need it? So brilliant. I'm thinking of doing one and tucking it away for those blue seasons that come here and there.
DeleteContinuing to pray
ReplyDeleteLikewise.
DeleteAlso a Huge fan of the blue jars!
DeleteI have a sticker with that sketch of flowers in a canning jar. Somehow there is such beauty of flowers in a blue canning jar. I put fake flowers from Dollar Tree in my canning jars since I like to enjoy them a bit longer.🙂
ReplyDeleteOh that's so funny that you have a sticker of that same sketch. Sounds like it's popular these days!
DeleteThanks for inviting us into your summer with your sweet photos from the prompts. That watermelon! I've saved the article re: anxiety (I'm close to pro 😉) and downloaded the Martha book from your link. Keeping you and yours in my heart. - Debby
ReplyDeleteWell, thank YOU for the prompts! I didn't do anything creative, just unearthed some old shots ... but even that was fun to pull together. I'm finding blogging to be one of those choices that's 'saving my life' right now. Grateful.
DeleteThis post made my heart feel lighter!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad, Lauren. This makes me smile ...
DeleteMy kitchen is full of blue Mason jars. I love them too!
ReplyDeleteJust picturing this, Amy ... and smiling, too!
DeleteI love the aqua jars -- it's "easier" to paint flowers in them because the water color is already there! Love the prompts and your interpretations. And I know how hard it is with your mom at this stage. Sending hugs for your own strength.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your empathy, Jeanie ... and those hugs, too.
DeleteWhat a sweet sketch and thoughtful gift! I thought the idea of making an anxiety/depression list was kind of odd until I saw the article. Very good, practical advice!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful idea to empower ourselves to name what works for us well ahead of when we'll need it. We best know what calms, strengthens, and re-calibrates us. Love this!
DeleteWe have two of those aqua Ball jars that belonged to my husband's grandmother. Now why haven't I thought to put flowers in them?! Thank you, Linda, for the inspiration in that lovely watercolor!
ReplyDeleteThat bubbled aqua glass makes those blooms sing!
DeleteI appreciate spending time on the porch with you. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend.
DeleteLove this porch time dear Linda. Your pictures are wonderful and reminds me to count my blessings in life. That water color is beautiful. Thinking of you, your family and your mom. I know that this can be totally draining. Praise the Lord for the little outlets of life that He gives us when we need refreshment. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteA great reminder, Cindy, to understand those little outlets that are ours to claim and use well. May the Spirit guide us to those healing, strengthening gifts.
DeleteYour colorful photos make my heart lighter, Linda. 🥰 Thank you! I really like the insightful article on anxiety/depression. I was going to ask you how your mom is doing, but I see she still lingers here. Yes, Jesus, come quickly! How is your ankle? Love and blessings of strength and peace for each day in these stressful times!
ReplyDeleteHey Trudy, it's good to see you again. And yes, wasn't that a great article? I always get a bit of a thrill when I come across a resource that most of us can benefit from. And thanks for those prayers during these final lingering days ... so grateful for that strength and peace that's from Him alone.
DeleteYes, old friends and new friends are all welcome. I made a new in-person friend a week ago and it was delightful! The watermelon is so cute. I have a cousin who carves a cute watermelon every year for July 4; wouldn't it be a surprise if I walked in with one like this! But it won't happen. lol. Continuing to pray for you and your mom, Linda.
ReplyDeleteA new in-person friend is a gift indeed. Their arrival is usually a surprise, not often planned. And isn't it interesting that someone we thought we'd click with doesn't quite happen ... 'cause God has someone else 'round the corner. A blessing, indeed.
DeleteI always enjoy your "porch" posts.
ReplyDeleteLoved the wonderful photos too.
Hugs and blessings, Linda.
And I always enjoy popping in at your place and sitting with your beautiful snapshots, too, Veronica. Sometimes few words are needed, yes?
DeleteYes indeed, my dear friend.
DeleteBeautiful post filled with beautiful blessings! The Martha Manual sounds like a great stocking stuffer! Praying for your family and mother during this challenging time!
ReplyDeleteYep, and Martha is still on sale even as we speak. It looks to be not only an incredible steal, but a truly helpful guidebook.
DeleteThe penguin watermelon is too cute! I'll have to check out if my local library has "Don't overthink it". Thanks for sharing the "If/Then" list. It's just what I needed this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit. I couldn't believe that the teacups were only a quarter each! What a steal!
I'm with you, Margie! At twenty-five cents, good for you for scooping those babies up and taking them home.
DeleteLinda, I love the aqua Ball jars. I have three of them and love to place zinnias and sunflowers in them. I always enjoy visiting your porch, dear one!
ReplyDeleteThat's on my to-do list in my head for today, Pam - go snip more flowers and bring them inside where I can appreciate their random beauty. I'm guessing your cottage is filled with pretty blooms right about now ...
DeleteI appreciate the winsome watercolor sketch, Linda! And thank you for all of the book recommendations!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
DeleteHow do you find so much time to read? Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Hey Victor. The books I recommend are from authors I appreciate, titles read over time, and all the book talk we've had around here for years. My world has been well-enlarged by this community. Nope, I haven't read each one, but yes, I'm having a ball keeping the list updated. I hope there's not any clunkers in there!
DeleteAnd for all you Victor fans, here's the link to his Father Ignatius books!
Deletehttp://timeforreflections.blogspot.com/2022/06/father-ignatius-novels.html