What are you writing these days?

'I've always believed in the therapeutic value of writing.  At a very early age, I realized that I think better with a pen in my hand.  I'm not a journal keeper, but for most of my life I've been a champion notetaker, documenting everything ... The scratch of a Pilot Precise V5 roller pen feels pleasingly analog in a relentlessly digital world, as if I were knitting something - and in a way I am.  The physical act knits concepts together in my memory and makes them part of a whole.

The cool thing is, research backs this up: Studies reveal that when we write things down by hand, we're better able to recall that info later.  And as both devoted diary keepers and brilliant novelists know, writing helps knit ourselves back together, too ... If we read to know the world, we write to know ourselves.  When we put our experiences down on paper, we make meaning out of them, and when we share them, we invite others to not only feel what we felt but find themselves in our stories.'

Liz Vaccariello

*

I've always found satisfaction in putting pen to paper.  All those jumbled up bits and pieces swirling 'round my brain somehow begin to make sense when seen in black and white.  Random thoughts magically come together, ideas and images join forces, thoughts and plans and brainstorms happily rub shoulders, relieved to find themselves as kindred spirits heading in the same direction.  

And if the process unfolds well, a spark may slowly ignite something of value or become a tool that keeps life moving down the right track.

For years I journaled until I found it cumbersome, repetitive, and depressing.  But I find writing out prayers to be a powerful experience.  And grateful to have 35 years of notes scrawled in the margins of my Bible.

I do love a shopping list on the back of an envelope, a to-do list on the left side of my desk, a good quality wall calendar.

The convenience of texting has gotten in the way of hand written notes and cards.  I'm trying to head back to that gracious, old-fashioned kind of correspondence.  You, too?

These days I'm toting around one of those stenographer's pads to keep ministry thoughts, notes, plans in one place.  Actually the one I'm using right now was my Mom's, who never met a notepad she didn't love.

And you already know that blogging's in my blood.  I'm sure I never would have made it through the hard transitions and deep grieving and that awful season of covid without its faithful rhythm and the community that's emerged from it.

Thank You, Jesus.

Along the way, a few people have encouraged me to write a book, but I can't even imagine.  The stress of it all!  Ugh.  Writing brings me life and hope and satisfaction.  Heading toward any kind of publication would drain me dry.

So ... what are you writing this week?  If you've got samples or links, I'd love for you to share with the rest of us.  What's working for you just might prime the pump for the next person.

Cute steno pads.

These black pens.

And those cheerful ones.

This is one gorgeous planner.

Which To Do List grabs your attention?

A white board on the side of the fridge is an essential.

This brand new morning & evening gratitude journal is a beauty.

A Lang kitchen calendar makes a yearly appearance on my Christmas wish list.

Linda

Thanks to those of you who support my work by using the Amazon links here to do your regular shopping.  No extra cost to you, ever!

shout-outs to these faithful blog hosts
Paula & Jeanne & Lisa

Porch #105 * Please answer at least 1 question

thank you for sharing this with your

friends, fans, & followers

PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
 gentle conversation  
calming snapshots
uplifting linkage
occasional surprises

Good breezy afternoon from the porch.  The winds are blowing hard and it feels almost tropical which is kind of odd since we're here in New England.  The calendar says it's summer yet whiffs of fall somehow seem present.  We're left wondering whether to reach for a sweatshirt or open every window wide.  Go figure.

I seldom ask God why questions anymore.  I'm guessing because I've seen Him so faithful.  Found security in leaning into the fact that He never changes like shifting shadows.  Have come to implicitly trust His character and His lovingkindness and His justice.  Experienced those mercies that blossom fresh every morning.

Don't get me wrong.  There's much about life I can't begin to understand.  And evil that I don't want to comprehend.  Who can even begin to figure out what's going on these days?  Yet there's a peace that comes in releasing all we can't control, fix, or maneuver.  

Which is just about everything.  And everyone around me. 

Why questions take us in circles.  They leave us hanging.  They go no place productive.  They tend to easily become whiney and demanding and especially tiresome to unfortunate bystanders who find themselves held hostage by their hand-wringing companions.

But I do like the what questions when talking with God.  They are laced with a positive expectancy.  Like what are You trying to teach me?  What are You inviting me to?  What miracles are You going to unleash in this mess here and that disaster over there?

🍂

Jesus specialized in asking the hard questions.  They were often simply spoken but they weren't easy for people to answer because their response had the potential to turn their lives inside out.  And those kind of conversations can be incredibly unsettling because who might I be if I said a completely sold out, unfettered yes to Him? 

Click here to read Do You Want to Be Well?  

🍂

As we gradually transition into autumn, I find myself leaning forward to hear your stories, pick your brains, and glean from your wisdom.  Not because I'm nosy and intrusive but because the older I get, the more I find myself curious and inquisitive.  

The upcoming end of a season is a liminal space, the perfect time to figure out what's going on inside our heads and hearts, an opportunity to re-evaluate our commitments and calendars.  Done well, with a bit of time and space around us and in the company of God and those who can help us discern, this can be a gently-paced, stress-less process of discovery and renewal ... as opposed to the typical frantic mad dash scenario that comes crashing in after Labor Day. 

🍂 

I do love asking what questions.  (Some people relish this and others wish I'd simply go away.) 

Like what saved your life this summer?   What have you been dreaming of?  Creating?  And what are you embracing and anticipating?

What Scripture has captured your heart?  What's your biggest fear?  Your deepest passion?  What's making you sad?  

What's stirring inside your soul?  What do you miss ... and what are you completely done with?

Let's talk.  I promise to listen well and not get all bossy with you.  And if you have questions for me, I'll try to answer them.  
Linda

P.S. #1
In last week's edition of PORCH, Victor asked the million dollar question - 'What do you prefer?  Books or ice cream?'  I told him I'd put it to a vote here.

P.S. #2
* Subscribers, as always you can click on the title to take you over to the comment section.  OR hit REPLY to email your thoughts.  OR text if you'd like.  I will post your email or text remarks using your first initial only.

subscribe here 

to get PORCH
+

 occasional essays
+

 the monthly BOOKBAG 

in your email inbox

🍂

 I happily share my work on these bloggers' websites - 
Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa

On Marshmallows, Mushrooms, and Monotasking

🍄

'It's amazing how many marshmallows there are,' I enthused as Tim and I tromped over the damp woodchipped lawn.  I had just kicked a great big mushroom right off its hinges as we headed off for a morning walk.

I caught myself.  'MUSHROOMS!,' I shouted, 'MUSHROOMS!'  And started laughing as he rolled his eyes.

He's gotten used this.  Those closest to me have.  They might patiently wait for me to figure out the missing word, ignore my misnomer, or decide to fill in the blank.  If I say, 'you know, ol' what's his name' or 'what's her face' they're usually able to track with me.  

Kind of like a game of charades.  But this is no game.  And it doesn't end after a 20 minute round or two.

🍄

Before the month ends, there'll be more candles than ever on my cake.  68 is looming and I don't mind telling you that I'm not a big fan of the aging process.  Physically, mentally.  Truth be told, from time to time it unsettles me.  A whole lot.

YET ...

God hasn't given us a spirit of fear.  But power, love, and a sound mind. 
(2 Timothy 1:7)

Plus a sense of humor.  And the capacity to re-invent ourselves, pivot a bit, and prepare for unknown transitions ahead, knowing with confidence that He's already written the rest of our own uniquely personal story.

🍄

Let's face it.  We're all dying daily.  We don't like to hear that, but it's our reality as human beings.  Yet it serves no healthy or holy purpose dwelling on worst case scenarios or getting caught up in the downward spiral of 'what if this' and 'what if that.'

For awhile, I've quietly claimed the desire to live a 'no regrets' lifestyle so that when all is said and done, I can be at peace knowing that I did the best I could do at the time.  For me, that's required the hard work of relinquishing dreams, confessions of sin, changes of attitude, the giving of forgiveness, ability to say 'sorry, no, thanks,' embracing new habits, increased attention to strengthening my faith and my health.  

And now in this season, to gracefully re-invent how I do life, making some major tweaks to well-worn, deeply ingrained routines that don't serve me well anymore.

My goal is to become increasingly mindful and attentive to the conversation, situation, or task right in front of me.

🍄

That brings me to monotasking.

I'm embracing it.  Aiming to bring my full attention to one conversation at a time.  Finishing one task at a time.  Reading one book at a time.  Straightening one room before moving to the next.  Batching blogging stuff, bill paying, or information seeking and then shutting down the computer.

The secret is completing the next right thing before moving on to the next right thing.

*  An old fashioned paper checklist is my life saver these days.  There's great satisfaction in listing every must-do (small and big) and then crossing off one item after another, knowing that I'm not wasting time trying to remember something that's totally slipped my over-crowded mind.

*  Silencing my phone and keeping it out of sight is starting to keep me from endless random surfing which I swear has short-circuited my brain.

I used to be able to multi-task with the best of them.  It's not my preference anymore.  And most days there's no need to.  Accepting this reality has lifted remaining self-expectations to juggle a whole bunch of balls at the same time.  And in this new process, my body is calming, my brain is clearing, and my soul is more attentive to hearing the still small Voice of the One I rely on and love best of all.  

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30:15

It's like God is using my need to leave multi-tasking mastery behind so that I can become the best version of my soon-to-be 68 year old self.  And able to focus on what I've always loved best ... meaningful one-on-one conversations.  Reaching out and listening well and responding in ways that will bring some kind of encouragement to the soul right in front of my nose. 

And yes, continuing to write something (hopefully) of value and connect with you right here in this space.

Read more about monotasking here.  These days #4 - #6 hit home for me.

When all is said and done, there's no one-size-fits-all to the aging process (or anything else for that matter).  I'd love to hear what's working for you ... or what you've learned by watching others a few steps ahead of where you find yourself.
Linda

photo by Christopher Gawel

Porch #96 * Blogger, This One's For You

 PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits

📬

subscribe here to get PORCH
+

 occasional essays
+

 the monthly BOOKBAG 

THIS WEEK

re: Porch #95 *
A Serendipitous Snapshot Sampler

Lois FlowersJune 12, 2023 at 10:31 AM

Good morning, Linda! This past weekend I took Molly to summer college orientation and visited a dear friend where we used to live in Arkansas. Still processing all the thoughts and feels from all of that! I love your photos ... for me, right now, they feel like a quiet invitation to find ways to lighten my own blogging load this summer. I hope you have a wonderful week, friend.

1. 
   Linda StollJune 13, 2023 at 8:39 AM

   College orientation. Can you even ...?
   
   I like how you framed the summer 'blogging load.' It's a loaded phrase, no pun intended. It's interesting to see the wide variety of responses ... drop out, pare down, forge ahead as usual. Or maybe do something completely different in these online spaces we call home.
   
   It'd be refreshing NOT to do business as usual, wouldn't it ...
   😉

2. *
   

   So dear blogging friends, what do you really want to do with summer?  Do you feel an inner pressure to keep your tried and true routine going?  Or maybe you've been dreaming up something completely out-of-the-box for your online presence?

3. Are you craving a break from your posting schedule but fear losing your readers and that hard-won momentum in building community?

4. Feeling a bit crispy around the edges, at a loss when it comes to producing something fresh or innovative?  

5. Are you bored with blogging?  Or do you feel God stretching and growing you because of your time online?

6. And if you're not a blogger but you love FB or Insta or any kind of online social, are you considering any summertime choices, changes, or challenges?

7. Let's talk.  Because there's no one size that fits all.  Yet it's always good for us to know what we value and how we want to invest our sometimes limited time and energy, especially as we're barreling into a brand new season.  I can't wait to hear what you're considering.
   Linda

P.S.
Would you take two minutes and tell me what you'd like to see around here the next few months?  (And what you wouldn't).  I think I know where we're headed but your needs are important to me, ok?  It'd mean a lot to hear your thoughts.  Thanks!

1. 📬
   
   Click here for more blog talk.
   
   Did you catch this week's hefty 3 Historical Novels + A Whole Lot More?
   
   Thanks to Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa & Dee & Joanne

My Sister & I Don't See Eye to Eye on Family Gatherings

Summertime opens its doors wide for get-togethers, gatherings, reunions, and all manner of crowd pleasers.

We're no exception in this neck of the woods.

I completely avoid the word entertaining.  Yuck.  No one's trying to impress anyone around here.  We just want everyone to kick off their shoes {toss them in the big wicker basket so grandma doesn't trip}, relax, and enjoy whatever's happening.

I love it.

But this introvert learned long ago that not only do I need to have clean sheets on the beds and extra food in the fridge, but I do well to ready my soul for the joy-filled noise and ceaseless activity and all manner of good times that are to come.

I need to build in quiet spaces before, during, and after.

💌

This works for me:
I clear my calendar.
I purposely create a large margin of white space around myself a week or so before everyone starts arriving.  I say 'no thanks' to meetings, activities, and appointments that don't need my attendance or involvement.

I pull back online. 
I might do a bit of writing but you won't find me running around.  I'll see you later.

I stock the cupboards well ahead of time.  

Amazon and Walmart have become my grocery free-delivery go-to's.  The final shopping trip will pretty much be fresh produce, meat, breads, and dairy, enough to get us through the first few days.  After that, all bets are off and the kids can figure out what they want to do next.

I clear away unnecessary tchotchkes from counters and tables.
We need every spare inch of space we can find.

I save the heavy duty cleaning for after everyone has departed.
My philosophy has morphed into 'why clean twice.'  Yes, the bathroom is scrubbed and the sheets are fresh but any other cleaning comes after the last car has departed.

I let everyone around me roll up their sleeves in the kitchen.
I used to think I had to be in charge of each meal.  No more.  Everyone around here is a whole lot more capable than I am.  I let them do their thing.  And no one arrives at the door empty-handed.  I'm not that gracious.

I find pockets of solitude in the midst of it all.
I'll sneak away for a little quiet time.  Or head to my room for a bit of an afternoon breather.  No one needs to have me around every second.  I've yet to hear, 'where's Grandma, I miss her so much.'

I leave myself plenty of quiet space after.
My husband and I join forces for a huge cleaning marathon when all is done.  The kitchen, laundry, floors, and bathrooms get attacked with all our might.  Before the last car is 'round the corner.

And then we nap.  Sit and quietly process all the joy and madness.  And then nap some more.

💌

But {of course} my sister completely disagrees:

I get ready for family gatherings totally opposite than my sister. 

My calendar is not cleared, it is packed with activity until the last minute, otherwise I will find I have those "forgotten" things to do while people are here or I am at their house. 

I spend days and nights cleaning before a group arrives, so everything is clean.  Once they leave, I wash sheets and towels, but I don't rush to clean anything else - it can wait. 

I agree that everyone can bring food and help set up and clean up.  They have more energy than me anyway! 

I don't take alone time when everyone is here.  I don't want to miss one minute.  It is noisy, at times chaotic, but I will catch Linda's eye across the room and we smile, happy to have everyone together, remembering past reunions and realizing that we are now the older generation.  I look around the room, thank God for everyone there - with all our differences and all our struggles - then I walk into the bathroom, close the door and cry for those family members missing or who are in heaven. 

When I return to the room, I catch Linda's eye and we hug - though so different from each other, we don't need words to understand the meaning of family.

💌

If you're planning any kind of event, enjoy the whole shebang, no matter how you make it happen.  No one will notice the dust bunnies in the corner or cobwebs draped here and there.  And if they do, well that's another story.  Relax, be a kid again, and create fresh memories.  For these are the good old days.

Linda

Porch #87 * Too Many Files Open?

PORCH 
🌞

a Christ-centered
iron-sharpening-iron
weekend newsletter

gentle conversation & calming snapshots
 uplifting linkage & occasional surprises

for those who delight in doing life
 in the company of kindred spirits

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
1 Corinthians 13:12

Hey All ~

Last week my doctor and I chatted about those fuzzy moments when we can't quite find the right name or the exact word we're searching for.  

We laughed as he observed, 'too many files open.'  The guy hit the nail on the head.

I find this a mildly frustrating part of the aging process and am fortunate enough to have people in my life who'll give me an extra few seconds or gently toss the missing terminology my way.

There's a million and ten things that clog those brainwaves.

The irritating demands of technology.  Our numbing addiction to scrolling and clicking and skimming.  Far too many irons in the fire or fingers in every available pie.  Tasks that remain undone, must-dos that are ignored, real life piles that take up sweet white space in our homes. 

Stress from the news of the day.  Family drama or trauma.  Unfinished business that relentlessly sloshes around within.  And yes, the aging process.

I don't know what opened files intrude in your day to day life.  But if this is a challenge for you, I sure would like to hear what's taking up valuable bandwidth in your brain.  And what you do to close those files down, simplify your schedule, and quiet your life.

Let's compare notes.

Linda

I'd absolutely love for you to SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa - thanks.

Bless your weekend ~

Linda 

Porch #76 * 15 Mid-Winter Life Savers

  PORCH
a soft place to land
a calm weekend haven
a gentle pause from life's busyness
so we may experience
the tender lovingkindness of Jesus
as we do life together
in community

Winter seems to drag on forever here on Cape Cod.  More often than not, it's damp, chilly, and windy.  It seldom snows and a gray haze wraps itself around us like a big ol' quilt ... the heavy cloud-shrouded skies, the mighty churn of the ocean, the darkened shingled houses, the dormant trees, the roadways. 

It gets dark early and spring takes her own sweet time in making a brief but glorious arrival before summer saunters in like she owns the place.  Year round residents are few and prone to hunker down somewhere cozy rather than be out and about.  Not that there's a whole lot of anything open to go to anyway.  

It's easy to become a hermit 'round these parts, to have your lovely solitude erode into gloomy isolation. Yet there's no place else I'd rather be.  When the blue sky makes an appearance, we stream outdoors and celebrate every bit of it.  We breathe in the fresh, salty air and thank God for the simple blessing of real live golden sunshine and any warm breeze He sends our way.

All that to say here's my mid-winter life savers.  Get cozy and hunker on down with me, friends, and browse and explore to your heart's content.

💌

1.  candle
Most mornings, I light a candle after coming downstairs.  The warm scent of Woodwick Vanilla Bean smells luscious but not overpowering as it crackles away.  And in this peaceful morning ritual, I often quietly sing the chorus of this song.
SHOP HERE

2.  calendar
I didn't set up my wall calendar 'til last week.  Bad idea.  Every time I wanted to know what was going on I had to sift through a whole bunch of bits and pieces of scrap paper looking for what I should have already known.  My favorite calendar saved the day when she finally arrived.  If you look at your calendar 10x a day like I do, Lang's gorgeous works of art are worth every cent.  
SHOP HERE

3.  white board
If it wasn't bad enough that I had no calendar, my white board bit the dust last month as well.  Ours holds a place of honor on the fridge and it's always been a steady lifeline, simply because if something's not written down, I'll forget it.  Daily to-dos, our weekly schedule, things I don't want to nag about that need attention.  Few things are more satisfying than swiping away a task after finishing it off.  I was so relieved when my new one arrived.  Life could return to normal again.
SHOP HERE

4.  ministry
I've found my sweet spot as a co-leader of a Stephen Ministry at church.  The team of care givers that God continues to pull together is awesome.  If your church is looking for a more organized, effective way to reach out to people who need care, this just might fit the bill.  The training is awesome, the hearts of people who both give and receive care are beautiful.  I can't say enough.
LEARN MORE

5.  movies
One of the many things we missed during covid was the simple joy of going to the movies.  It looks like we're finally back in business again ... and one of the local theaters is only $6.50 on Tuesdays.

Top Gun: Maverick

The Fablemans

Avatar: The Way of Water

A Man Called Otto

6.  wreaths
I recently scooped up two faux forsythia wreaths at T.J. Maxx, one for each door.  I was more than glad to take down the dried up pine wreaths and put these beauties up yesterday.  Springtime wreaths in January?  I couldn't imagine waiting another day.  These make me smile.
SHOP SIMILAR

7.  seasoning
I'm a huge fan of Everything Bagel seasoning.  I sprinkle it generously on all kinds of food - hard boiled eggs, sweet potatoes, tuna salad, avocados, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, whatever.  You, too?
SHOP HERE

8.  starfish
No, I'm not talking about the spiny ocean dweller.  Lands' End Starfish pants/leggings/jeans/shorts are my wardrobe staples.  Think comfy, stretchy, excellent quality ... and there's always a sale going on.  I'm the biggest fan ever as my body continues to change.  (Emily Freeman's gracious game-changing Wear Better Pants podcast episode comes to mind.)  
SHOP HERE

9.  freezer
There might only be two of us these days, but you'll still find me whipping up big batches of spaghetti sauce, chicken soup, chili, pot roast, sausage tortellini soup, biscuits, shortbread.  It's a good nudge to invite a few people over for a meal ... or to keep the freezer stocked for (most) days when I don't feel like cooking.  The secret is to freeze your culinary goodies flat in bags, not use bulky containers that take over limited freezer space.
SHOP HERE

10.  devotions
This year I'm using a Bible reading plan.  It's designed to take the reader through the Old Testament and the New Testament in two years, and the Psalms and Proverbs four times.  I'm staying focused but when I miss a day, no worries.  God is not a harsh taskmaster, but a loving Father full of grace, gently inviting us into a deeper, more vibrant relationship.  
THE PLAN

11.  organizing
It's like winter was made for sorting and re-organizing our stuff.  I feel free-er and lighter when I know what I actually have and decide on the perfect place for it to be stored.  And there's something satisfying in shedding excess stuff that we simply don't use or care about anymore.  
BAG A DAY

12.  caring bridge
Two dear longtime friends are each walking through cancer's dark valley.  My heart breaks for their pain and their families' grief.  But I'm grateful for the loving online communities that let them know they're not alone.  Please pray for Heather and for Brent.  
THE WEBSITE

13.  books
I'm moving slowly through my TBR list.  I did a detour to dive into Prince Harry's memoir.  And Bonnie Gray's Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest is waiting patiently in the wings (thank you, Carole).
MY TBR LIST 

14.  the blues scrapbook
I pulled together these mid-winter snapshots a year ago.  Best therapy ever.
ENJOY SCRAPBOOK

15.  blogging
I've been blogging since way back in February of 2008.  I can't begin to tell you how my faith in Christ has deepened because of the conversations we've shared.  I'm grateful for the meaningful ways you've nudged me out of my worn-out comfort zone, enlarged my borders, and clarified my worldview.  Iron truly sharpens iron, doesn't it (Proverbs 27:17).  

What's saving your life this winter?
Linda

💌

P.S.#1
Subscribers - click on today's title, scroll down, and jump right into the conversation!  Not a subscriber yet?  Click here now!  I'd love to have you join us.

P.S.#2
Thanks to bloggers Anne & Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa

P.S.#3
As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission when you do your regular Amazon shopping after clicking on their links here ... at no extra cost to you!  Thanks for continuing to support my work, friends.

Porch #72 * The December Kitchen

PORCH

a soft place to land

a calm weekend haven

a gentle pause from life's busyness

so we may experience

the tender lovingkindness of Jesus
as we do life together

in community

“What people are craving isn’t perfection.  People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home.  If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how odd.”
Shauna Niequist

☕ ☕ ☕

Hey All ~

My original intent for this edition of PORCH was to share a bunch of lovely Christmas snapshots from past years since this is often a stressful time and I thought it would be a nice respite for us all.  

But as I was pulling everything together it hit me that these days my kitchen doesn't usually look like those pics and I'm guessing yours doesn't either.  After spending an hour and a half cleaning up the kitchen last night, I shifted this weekend's theme upside down to reflect what's pretty much true.  

1.  Our December kitchens have morphed into command central, bustling hives of all kinds of frenzied activity and unorganized chaos.

2.  Yet, is it still possible for our homes to be known as welcoming havens in the midst of mixing, baking, arranging, hunting for the elusive recipe, creating, whisking, wrapping, taking out the garbage, washing, crafting, eating, checking homework, pulling food together for the food pantry and the potluck.  Coffee sloshing from our mugs, reading, stacking, folding, drying, emptying the dishwasher, and checking our phones every other minute.  Wielding rolling pins, keeping an eye on the kids and the clock, organizing, chopping, praying, re-filling the fridge, writing, cleaning, paying bills.  Broiling, scrubbing, charcuterie-ing, packing and unpacking, checking our calendars, piecing puzzles, making lists, shifting our ever-growing piles as we traipse across sticky floors.

 

What do you think?  

Can we cultivate hospitality right about now or do we have to wait til next year?  (Notice I didn't use the word entertaining which I absolutely despise.)  In the midst of relentless activity, how can we offer a warm and welcoming haven, a nurturing refuge, a hub of kindness to others?  Let's talk about what's happening in our pre-Christmas kitchens ... and our overloaded souls.

Linda

November 2023 Update

Please come visit me at Grace & Space, my new online home sweet home on Substack.  I'd love for you to join our little community there.  This week I'm playing Personal Shopper as we talk about winsome stocking stuffers, 10 exceptional books, and a bunch of out-of-the-box gift-giving suggestions!