This past weekend was wonderful!
I successfully taught line dancing to a group for the first time, at my church community group’s chili cook-off. I was nervous about it, but everything went great! I also baked pumpkin cakes (and will share more about them in another post).
I went to Murfreesboro and got in touch with my inner band nerd at Contest of Champions, along with my best friend from college and her husband!
This show (by Brentwood High School) was about being lost in the woods and totally revolved around a flutist. For that reason, it goes on my list of top ten favorite marching shows of all time. :)
I visited the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Cheekwood on my way out of Nashville. I’m so glad I did – it was beautiful!
Then I came home with my new armchair! I saw it at HomeGoods (which we don’t have) last time I was in Nashville, decided against it, then couldn’t stop thinking about it. So Debra picked it up for me. It looks perfect in my living room and I look forward to many happy hours of reading in it this winter.
It reclines, too! :)
The Healing Path by Dan Allender
This is a deeply encouraging book about hope, embracing life, and how God draws us closer to Himself. It encompasses what I want to be and believe right now. I highlighted three pages’ worth of quotes! My friend Kaye recommended it to me, and now several of my friends are reading it.
Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart
A charming memoir by a woman who worked at Tiffany in New York for one summer of college – the summer of 1945, when WWII ended. I love first-person accounts of historic periods, and it was great to read about NYC back when everyone had a lot more class. :)
Such A Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
This volume of Jen Lancaster’s memoirs is about losing weight (and also growing up a little in the process). You can always count on Jen to keep it real and hilarious! I only have two more of her books left to read, so I hope she’s working on a new one.
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
This YA novel is deeper than it appears. It’s about a society in which most people have a personal fairy that gives them a specific ability. Charlie believes that her good-parking fairy is ruining her life, and will stop at nothing to get rid of it. It’s lighthearted, but also raises discussions about faith, personal rights, the grass being greener on the other side, etc.
Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
This sequel is even better than Rampant – I don’t know how to do it justice. I was riveted. 5 stars. I’m also devastated that the final book isn’t in the works yet, because there’s so much to tie up!
When He Leaves by Kari West and Noelle Quinn
This book made me feel more understood than any other divorce/crisis recovery book I’ve read. These ladies – both of whom have Been There – have said everything I could say on the subject. What really sets it apart is the assumption that you love God and are committed to Him, and you gave everything you had to your marriage. It doesn’t say that you ought to be questioning yourself and probably should have tried harder (the way other books, and people, do). It reminds you that God loves you, has delivered you, and has amazing things in store for you. It provides SO MUCH hope, comfort, and even laughs. I can’t recommend it enough!
Books for October: 6
2010 year to date: 58
A friend loaned me the first Brandon Sanderson Wheel of Time book (I still haven’t read it), so that may be the only book I read next month because they’re so insanely long. We’ll see.
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(Gandalf and pumpkin, 2003)
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Also, Happy Reformation Day (because my Presbyterian card might get pulled if I don’t mention it). :)
Add a Comment + Posted in: fall
No matter what season the calendar shows, in your life it is spring – time for a new beginning. This season you and God are forming a weather-tight fortress made from whatever is available and profitable…Some memories still prick when you go in and out and about your work. But you are safe here, and secure. And never forget – you are loved.
…You are safe because now you are responsible for yourself. You are no longer living under the influence of an unloving mate. Why he left isn’t as important now as living in a way that is consistent with your character and what you know is true. You are safe because you have kept your dignity, your reputation, and your spirit. Through it all, you have not allowed evil to destroy your soul or take away your desire to live.
…You are safe when you rely on the people who love you and on the power of God. You no longer apologize for the intelligence or personality with which you are endowed, nor the discernment and resilience you’ve shown. You are protected by the boundaries you have clearly drawn between yourself and toxic people. You are safe because the past cannot control you.
– Kari West and Noelle Quinn
I’ve been attending a weekly yoga class for three years. I recommend yoga to everyone. My teacher focuses on toning and relaxation, so the class isn’t strenuous. It’s been wonderful for my overall health, and has made me more flexible than I’ve ever been.
My favorite part of class is the last ten or fifteen minutes, when we have a guided relaxation of the whole body. (I always do feet-up-the-wall pose, which is a great stretch and has a lot of benefits.) Sometime over the last few months, I decided that during relaxation time, I was missing a perfect prayer opportunity. I should be thanking God for my healthy body. It was a good idea, but then I started to feel guilty if I didn’t do it. Then I decided it would be even better to pray for friends’ needs during that time. Eventually, I realized what I was doing, and I had to laugh at the fact that I could turn an OFFICIAL relaxation time into an item on my spiritual to-do list. I felt like God was laughing too, in a friendly way. Because sometimes it really is okay JUST TO RELAX.