Feeling very, very grateful for some of the personal changes I’ve made since November of last year, which I’ve mentioned briefly. Here’s what’s been transformative for my mental health: vitamins, caffeine awareness, an increase of sleep, and “doing” something when I feel my anxiety flare. Last month I added to the mix, “step back from social media”. Friends, the difference this has made in my life has been grand and so meaningful. I have removed the app from my iPhone. The amount of Q U I E T this change has gifted me has been grand. I don’t feel quite so tired mentally, and I find myself having more bandwidth to process hard things. Also, my comparison / contemplation “glasses” have fallen off. Glory.
Bookmarking the link to this essay, which I’m reading in small portions.
Thinking less and doing more. I’m specifically “doing” outside: walking, playing, saying YES to last minute road trips. Over the weekend we drove to Pittsburgh to visit the Anthropologie Home Outlet, then stayed overnight. I was a little saddened over how many Anthro pieces were noticeably damaged. It was fun to see their furniture in all it’s colorful glory! We did buy a new couch (just from another company), so stay tuned for that reveal :)
Noticing buds on tree branches! Bright green and dusty maroon. It’s beautiful.
Smelling dribbles of dirt in our home, tracked inside by my four little friends. They have been playing outside so much! Mud kitchen, swings, bike riding, baby stroller-pushing, and playing with Bauer the dog. Yesterday afternoon we ended school after 90 minutes of table learning and they eagerly rushed outside to play. This was after spending the morning playing outside, too. So far I’ve been close enough to shoo them right back outside to rinse off, but all mothers know this isn’t always the case (nervous laugh).
Loving the lyrics of this song by Steffany Gretzinger.
Enjoying a quick nap on the couch in between playing outside in the afternoon sun and starting dinner.
Wishing for patience as we wait for our new couch to arrive. Ha!
Reading (still) through this book, “A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael” by Elisabeth Elliot. Today I picked up another library book, “Get Out of Your Head” by Jennie Allen.
Cooking some really great recipes this week. Tonight we had baked sweet potatoes with a creamy Italian sausage (plus mushrooms and peas) topping. Yesterday we had a cheesesteak skillet (with ground beef & bell peppers). It was fantastic! Later this week we’ll have this cheesy, sun-dried tomato sauce with zucchini noodles (add chicken). I had been in a major cooking rut and asked some of my girlfriends what they’re loving these days. Best idea ever… they shared some great recipes.
Making time for a creative project. I’m turning a piece of Marigold’s artwork into an embroidery project… and I really love how it’s coming about. Above is a teaser photo.
Praying for beauty that comes from my inner self as I possess a gentle and quiet spirit, “which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
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Your turn! What are some responses you’d give? What are you listening to? What are you slowly (or quickly) reading through? How is spring “showing up” in your neighborhood?
xx, Maggie
Good to see your sweet face Maggie, and your FAMILY! Everyone is looking happy and content and that is a great accomplishment for a busy Mom!
Love you,
Grambarb
Aww, thank you so much Grambarb! We are a happy, blessed family. Do you have any upcoming plans that you’re looking forward to? xx
I’m also feeling in a cooking rut. Do your kids all eat what you cook for dinner or do you have some sides that you regularly include for those who may not be enthusiastic? My oldest would probably eat just about anything we would serve, but my younger 2 are extremely picky and always have been. They see a vegetable and recoil or either throw it to the floor. It’s not like I don’t serve them all the time in a thousand different ways.
Hi Cara! Well… I don’t make anything new once I’ve put dinner on the table, but I do include something I know they’ll each eat so they’re fed. My take is they’re young and developing their tastebuds and preferences so I want to be kind (yet lead them) with their meals. But they can’t say “yuck” or “i don’t like”, and if they don’t try at least one bite then they go to bed :} xx
Love this! You seem so at peace! I love new recipes so I can’t wait to look these up! I’m currently reading Upstairs at the White House. It’s about the lives of the presidents and First Ladies during their stay in the White House, written from one of the staff’s viewpoint. Interesting so far! I love your colorful stitch!! I know nothing about stitching, but how do you get that big fluffy yarn to go through the fabric!?! Ha!
Always enjoy your updates!!!
Christie
Christie, I think I’ve heard of that book. It does sound interesting! For the thicker yarn I laid it on top and then used a different, thinner piece to tack it down. If that makes sense. :) thanks for commenting!
LOVE Anthropologie! What a fun adventure to go to the Home Outlet….even if the pieces were a little worse for the wear. Also, I have “You Are My Hiding Place.” It’s a compilation of Amy Carmichael devotionals, and it has been a balm for my soul on countless occasions❤️
Oh, this is amazing to hear! Thanks for sharing, Meredith! How did you first hear of Amy Carmichael?
xoxo
I made the sun dried tomato sauce with chicken and pasta, my husband loved it but said he is glad I didn’t ruin it with zucchini noodles after looking at the recipe ;-) <3 <3 <3 what your doing lately!
Erin — haha! Love his honesty. Baking the zoodles definitely made us enjoy them more. Consider making them? :)