The Cirlce: February 2016

It's Valentines party time thanks to Kiki and The Circle link up!!!! We're all making mailboxes and then we'll take turns visiting everyone's blog to leave a little valentine behind.

It's second grade all over again. Except, now we're adults and we've only got words to offer each other. There won't be any flavored tootsie rolls or pencils from the teacher. We won't find any cookie crumbs lurking in the bottom of our little mail box. I'm not bringing rice crispie treats wrapped in pink plastic wrap and there won't be any apple juice to wash all the sugar down with.

The very best thing hasn't disappeared though! We're still celebrating each other and we're still taking a minute to explain WHY.

Happy Valentines, friends!!!!

The Circle: January 2016

Last time I took part in Kiki's link up, it was July and I let a bunch of FB quizzes introduce me. This time around, the theme for The Circle is to make a goal and inspiration moodboard for 2016. I had a lot of fun going through my pictures to come up with illustrations for some things I want to make sure that I do this year.

One Word: My word for 2016 is behold. Basically, this word is a constant reminder that I want my life to be centered around beholding God in all things and at all times.

Stay In God's Word: A big part in this business of beholding is consistent Bible reading. I'm currently taking one hour to read through Scripture first thing every morning. Along with this habit, comes the need for purposeful prayer and regular communion with other Christians. I'll be writing more about each of those topics over the next few weeks.

Travel: If the opportunity comes at all, I want to follow Alice's advice and "See everything and do everything they say to do. You can rest when you get home." 2015 held quite a few opportunities to travel including two trips to SC. This is half hope and half pep talk.

Let The Music Play: I've been embracing music more like I used to and I forgot how much I love it. I'm going to be sharing playlists every once in a while here too.

Write And Write Some More: I decided to write a book this year. It's going to be a novel and my goal is to use it to communicate the feelings of "home" that my Mom's parents and their house hold for me. I haven't played with fiction in years. It's going to be TOUGH, but tough is good.

Remember Julia: I went from knowing nothing other than her status as "a famous cook"  to being completely smitten with and inspired by Julia Child. In November 2014 I read her book "My Life in France" which fed my curiosity about France (created by F. Scott Fitzgerald) as well as my passion for cooking for anyone willing to let me put food on the table. In November 2015 I read "As Always, Julia" where I learned about her dedication to language studies, Paul's heart for gardening, and Avis's stick-to-itiveness when it came to getting Child's cookbook published. Basically: I want to spend an hour a day on French and remember to make the most of every circumstance. Have a bunch of free time? Use it wisely, who knows what might come of your efforts. You might be moving? Keep the garden up as if you'll be there for a hundred years. The business of accomplishing ____ is tough? Don't give up! 

Go For Walks: I love walking and I've been doing much less of it lately. I want to change that.

There you have it, seven goals and inspirations I'm carrying close as 2016 descends upon us!!! Things are off to a great start and I can't wait to tell you more about why that is.

Are you linking up with Kiki?

What are some goals and inspirations you have for 2016?

The Circle: July 2015

I never know what to say in these introductions that I haven't already said before! Today, we're going to do this FB quiz style. 

Before we get going, I'll tell those of you who are new around here the basics:

My name is Victoria (after my Great Aunt). I'm 24, but 25 is creeping up quick. I became a Christian at 9 and it's the most important thing about my life. I love summer and fall. I'm an ENFJ that really enjoys getting to know people, photography, gardening, cooking, and everything to do with words (except when it comes to deciding if there is supposed to be a double consonant or not). 

If I was a man I'd look like this:

The type of coffee that reflects my morning personality is this:

The summer cookout I should prepare is a:

 

If I was a Smithsonian Museum I would be the:

My dog personality is: 

If I was a day of the week I would be:

And there you have it! They're not wrong with the day of the week (I love Mondays, mostly), the Smithsonian (I love American history), the Burger Bar (if I go out to eat, I almost always order a burger), or the Espresso (I settle into mornings after I've had a minute to myself). The man thing cracked me up and German Shepherds are my least favorite dog, but that's okay!

I'd love to hear your answers if you take any of the quizzes. Or, if you're better at introductions than I am, I'd love to hear all about who you are! In the meantime, I'm linking up with Kiki for The Circle. 

The Circle: Summer Staples

Summer is my absolute favorite season!!!! I love everything about it...When Kiki announced that The Circle would be all about our summer staples, I knew that my list would have to include these things that I've documented over past summers:

* Planting Day

* Ice Cream

* Geocaching - Bonus points if it's a new city!

* Tending My Cutting Garden

* Harvesting Vegetables

* Summer Reading - Ever since I discovered them, my list almost always includes something by Packer and something by Fitzgerald. Check out this year's list HERE.

* Beach Days - Bonus points if my west coast self makes it to the east coast!

The list could go on and on! It's so very easy for me to settle in and bounce from one joy to the next during the time of year when the sun warms my skin and brings the earth to life all around me. I'm so glad God created summer!

What are some of your summer staples?

Something Else Entirely

It's been a week since my last post. The silence didn't happen on purpose. I wasn't any busier than normal. I have all kinds of post ideas planned out. I've got sticky notes and scraps of paper and journal entries of inspiration pieces.  It's something else entirely.

Last Sunday, I had the morning to myself. I picked up my Bible and read the sections marked for that day. I read a booklet on Psalm 73. I poured myself out to God as I came to the end of another journal. And then I just sat outside enjoying the sun. I heard birds and a church bell. If I listened close enough, I even heard the creek. When I had enough of the silence, I picked up a book of essays by EB White that I've been going through every now and then. I read an entry from Autumn 1947 that was titled "Death of A Pig". You read that right. White found the death of a pig worth writing about and I sat on my patio nearly 70 years later reading about it. What's even more surprising, is that I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much, that I shared passages of it with my family when they got home later that afternoon.

As I sat on my back patio reading about the death of a pig, I had thoughts of the dead rabbit that one of our cats brought that morning and the mouse that was discovered running through the garage the night before. I thought about turning 25 in six months. I thought of the Jimmy Stewart Biography and the broccoli salad that both reminded me of the passing of time. And the thought that keeps coming to mind came again: Blogging is ruining my writing.

Blogging requires a certain type of writing. Every post can't be an essay or no one will want to read. When I sit down to write, I find the blogging format coming out in my writing and it actually makes me sad. I really enjoy everything about blogging, but every now and then the idea of freeing myself from its constraints becomes very tempting. That's when blogging breaks happen. I usually plan them, announce them, and resolve to enjoy them. This week, I just didn't blog. The silence here came as a result of a stirring in my soul. I want to write with the skill of men like EB White. I want to leave behind pieces that are written so well that 70 years later, people will still want to read them.

This blog was born out of a desire for me to leave behind a record of God's grace in my life. The words came from the year that I spent pouring over a Bible with a pencil in my hand when I was 14.

Through * For * By

Through God. For God's Glory. By His Grace.

It may be my journey, but it's for Him. When I write, I want people to see God. I want people to read my words and find their soul awakened to His grace in their life. When we see that God is before all things, it becomes clear that all things exist for His glory.

Blogging may leave me discouraged at times, but I always come back around. I follow the rules and try to write on a variety of topics. As I come out of this week of silence, I don't know if it will lead to more silence, but I do know that it has given me a chance to reflect on the purpose of this space once again.

Link up with Kiki to share the meaning behind your blog's name!

Does blogging impact the writing you do outside of blogging?

Whose writing inspires you?

The Circle: A Letter To Your Past Self

16 year old Victoria

When Kiki announced this month's theme for The Circle, I remembered that I had done a post like this before. I went through the archives and found the letter that my 22 year old self wrote to my 16 year old self. Here it is:

"Victoria, don't ever think you have life all figured out. It's not going to look like you thought it would and that's okay. Pressing into God is good. He mainly wants to know you and you to know Him. That's your identity. Nothing else really matters. Don't wear yourself out trying to do it ALL. Just live to treasure God the way Christ did. Along the way, help who you can learn to do this too.

Remember this sentence and the next few years won't be so bad:

'The life of the godly is not a straight line to glory, but they do get there...all along this hazardous, twisted road that doesn't let you see very far ahead there are frequent signs that say, 'The best is yet to come.'...all the perplexing turns in your life lately are not dead-end streets. In all the setbacks of your life as a believer God is plotting for your joy.'

(This comes from a very influential sermon series on the book of Ruth that John Piper preached.)

Just so you know, I preach this to my 22 year old self almost daily"

At 24, I stand by these words! I'm still preaching them to myself very regularly. A lot is happening in this crazy world we live in. As I keep setting my hope in God, my 16 year old self and my 22 year old self are there reminding me of God's faithfulness and grace and sufficiency! Some things never change!

Let's link up with Kiki and Robyn!!!

The Circle: Never Have I Ever...

December 21, 2014

This month's theme for The Circle is "Never Have I Ever..."! Leave it to Kiki and Amanda to come up with a theme this awesome. :) Seriously...When Kiki announced it, I knew it was going to be one of my favorites! I can't wait to read all of your posts.

It took me a little while to come up with my list. I tried to think of things that wouldn't be on yours...We'll see how I did!

Never Have I Ever...

Been to Panera Bread - I really want to, there just aren't any near where I live or shop. Someday.

Made potato salad - It's sort of intimidating. I do want to give it a go though!

Worn heels any higher than 2 inches - At 5' 7", I don't need any more help in the height department.

Done an actual cartwheel - I have tried and tried and tried, broken a toe, and been shown up by my Mom and Aunt Claudia in the process. It's just not meant to be.

Painted my fingernails bright red - When I was 4 or 5 my Aunt Claudia refused to paint them that color and told me that it wasn't good. 20 years later, I still can't bring myself to do it. 

Fallen off of a horse - I've ridden horses a fair amount throughout most of my life and I'm hoping this stays a never have I ever FOREVER.

Managed to get to the bottom of who God is - This is by far my favorite thing on the list because it's what I get to spend eternity basking in!

So...Do we have any of these things in common?

What never have YOU ever? Link up with Kiki and Amanda or comment below!

PS - The picture I included is one from our recent trip! On the 21st, we had a big family get together at my Aunt Alice's house. SOME of the cousins gathered around to take a "we're rolling grape leaves" picture. I'll just be sneaking pictures into posts for a while! :)

The Circle: Christmas Wish Lists

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CONFESSION: I used this wish list graphic in a Currently post a few months ago! It contains some "wishy" items, some "gotta have it" items, and one item that has already been taken care of.  

* Classic Trench Coat - I've loved these coats ever since I was a little girl! I don't know how practical they are where I live since it's always either super hot or super cold, but this is a WISH list. 

* Donut Pan - This is a for real gift idea for me. I would put this thing to some serious use! 

* Milk Frother - I hear that Nespresso machines are amazing. I don't have room in my kitchen for the machine and I don't really have one for this either, but again, this is a WISH list. 

* Slippers - Another real gift idea. My current slippers have all seen better days. A nice pair of slippers would great.

* Knife - My Mom picked up one of these knifes at Wal-Mart four summers ago. It became my FAVORITE knife, but I need a replacement! (NOTE: After a trip to Costco, this item has since been taken off my list.) 

* Display Box -  Another real gift idea. I've heard Hobby Lobby has these and I think they are gorgeous! I love keeping things that I use often out so that I can get to them easily. I'm always looking for cute 

options to keep them contained. 

What's on your wish list this year?

Be sure to link up with Kiki so that we can all see your posts! 

 

The Circle: November

I'm so excited to announce that I get to co-host this month's The Circle link up with Kiki!!!

I met Kiki earlier this year and we have become great friends. She teaches pre-school and she has a serious knack for taking pictures of everyday things in ways that make them look beautiful. She is also the brains behind The Circle which happens to be one of my favorite link ups!

The theme this month is to share 5-10 of your essentials. What things make you you?
 

1. Reformation Study Bible - I received this Bible when I graduated from high school and it is something that plays a HUGE part in my life.

2. Walking and Photography - I snapped this shot during a walk on Cape Cod. Wherever I go there are two things that I always do: find a walking route and take pictures of things that catch my eye.

3. Reading - My favorite genres are literary fiction, mysteries, and auto biographies/biographies. I especially love reading outside.

4. Gardening - Thanks to Julie I use these gloves. Thanks to Alice I use steak knives. Thanks to both of them, my Mom, and my Grandma I have come to love growing flowers and vegetables.

5. Baking - My favorite room in every house is the kitchen. Cinnamon Biscuits are one of my go-to recipes.

6. Bags - I picked up this purse when I was supposed to be Christmas shopping a few years ago. I didn't "need" it, but it was THE perfect bag. I'm always carrying things for other people and I have quite a few essentials (remember THIS post?).

7.  Family Time - It's no secret, I love people. I love pulling out a board game and some snacks and spending time playing games with my friends and family.

So, what are the circles of YOUR life? I hope you'll join us by linking up!!!!

The Circle: October

When Kiki announced that this month's theme for The Circle would be BOOK related, I knew it was going to be a lot of fun! I've read a lot of great books this year and I'm excited to find out what all of you have been reading as well!

I don't expect you to read every word of this post. I decided to provide some short reviews so that you could know more about any book that caught your eye!

-Book of The Year-

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Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin // It's no secret...I loved this book! If you're looking for a step-by-step guide as to HOW TO study the Bible, this is your ticket. I want everyone that I know to read it. This is by far the most helpful book that I have ever read on Bible study and it has changed my entire approach to my daily time in God's Word.

-Just Finished-

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Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck // Robuck is famous for her fictional biographies. As far as I can tell, she does her homework very well and tries hard to tie in as many pieces of reality as are available. I picked up this book because it seemed perfect for fall and I've really wanted to know more about the Fitzgeralds and specifically, Zelda. This book was moving and eye opening. Tragedy and suffering can accomplish so much and for this couple, the accomplishment came out in words.

By Searching by Isobel Kuhn // This is Isobel's autobiography and it covers her life through her late teens and into her 20's. Raised Christian, she spent much of this time trying to determine whether or not she was going to live by faith. I love hearing about people's journeys, especially after they've come out on the other side of the tough stuff. She turned 20 in 1921. I kept having to remind myself that this woman was facing the world when she did. Paired with the other books I've been reading, this book has opened my eyes to the way things were for "everyday" people back then.

-Currently-

via / via

An Autobiography by Agatha Christie // Christie was born in 1890. For all you Downton fans, that puts her right around the age of Lady Mary! This book has been fantastic. It reads like an eyewitness account of life in the early 1900's. It's less about Agatha and more about everything that was going on around her. Writers will love it because she talks a lot about her influences as a writer.

Save Me the Waltz by Zelda Fitzgerald // I am a huge F. Scott Fitzgerald fan. After reading Robuck's book I knew I had to read Zelda's novel too. I didn't plan to spend my fall reading about women of the early 1900's, but that's the way it worked out and I'm intrigued. I have been taking my time with Zelda's work mainly because I don't want it to end. 

 -Up Next-

Something from THIS list.

-Childhood Favorites-

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Good Morning, Muffin Mouse by Lawrence Di Fiori // If I remember the story correctly, my Mom saw to it that we had several copies of this book. We read it everyday and sometimes several times a day. I'm sure she'll comment with some of the lines...I remember enjoying it because things were orderly and predictable and sure. As it happens, mornings are pretty much my favorite. 

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White // This is the very first chapter book that I ever read. I was in 2nd grade and filled with excitement as I set out to read a book that so many had read before me. I related to Fern and have always looked back on this book and her story with fondness. 

The Face on the Milk Carton by Carolyn B. Cooney // This is the very first series that I got HOOKED on. I was in 5th grade when I found this book in the library and realized that Cooney had a whole shelf of books to work my way through. Shortly after that, it showed up on TV. I got my friends into the series and then my Mom and years later she even bought a copy of the last installment of the series when it was realized. I've tried to read that last book several times, but I never actually have because I don't want the series to be "over"! 

-Deserted Island-

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The Reformation Study Bible // This is my closest companion and I couldn't imagine being on a deserted island without it! I'd probably spend a lot of time in the Psalms and Ruth and Isaiah and Ephesians. Deserted island or not, somethings don't really change. 

-Favorite Author-

One last author that deserves attention is Mary Higgins Clark. She is by far my favorite author. She is famous for writing mysteries that are intriguing, challenging, and clean. My favorites are "Remember Me", "A Mount Vernon Love Story" and "Kitchen Privileges: A Memoir". Honestly, any of her books are enjoyable! 

I'd love to hear about your favorite books and authors!

Be sure to link up with Kiki and her co-host Anne for this month's edition of The Circle.

The Circle: Fall Favorites

When Kiki announced this month's theme, I was super excited! Aside from summer, fall is my favorite season. Today is the day we all talk about why we love it so much.

The DRINKS:This fall, I've been drinking Irish breakfast tea. It won't be long and I'll be whipping up salted caramel mochas and ordering hazelnut mochas at coffee shops. 

BUCKET LIST ITEM: I'd love to make a trip to my favorite orchard/pumpkin patch/corn maze.

RECIPE: The ginger cookies that Carol taught me how to make during my time in Massachusetts. They are soft and chewy and packed with flavor. I love them! 

CANDY OR PSL: Candy for sure! I didn't even like pumpkin pie until a few years ago. I'm just not into pumpkin everything. I AM into snickers and reeses's and candy corn with peanuts. 

The SCENTS: I've always loved Yankee Candle's fall line. Some of my favorites are: Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Cider, and Banana Nut Bread. Anything warm and spicy, really. 

The HOLIDAYS: Thanksgiving is by far my favorite fall holiday. It is one of the hardest in that it always makes me miss my Grandma, but I love being in the kitchen with my Mom and having my sister join us for the last few years has been special too. The memories, the cooking, the food, the games, and the question of whether or not there will be snow are the best! 

I'd love to hear about your favorite fall things!

If you're here because of the link up, be sure to let me know you stopped by. :)

The Circle: What's In My Bag

Kiki and Meg are hosting The Circle this month! If you haven't heard, they're doing a "what's in your bag" theme this time around.

Today you get a candid look into my bag. I'm a big bag full of stuff kind of person. I have a main purse, but I have back ups for different activities and outfits. This means that everything isn't always transferred from one bag to the next. Today's look shows that there are several things missing.

My "go-to" bag. Macy's Christmas Sale 2012

I emptied my purse this morning and found...

* a waterbottle

* a clean pair of socks (on long drives after a day of sandals I'm ready for something on my feet)

* my sunglasses case that my Mom and I made together (I try so hard to be crafty...)

* the black pouch is what I keep my cellphone in

* my purse hanger (I found this in the gift section of a little sandwich shop and it's GREAT)

* chapstick, hair clips, thumbdrive, paint chip, and a quarter

* pen, grocery lists, sticky notes, and movie stubs (apparently screen 6 is where it's at?!?!)

* my keys: keychain was my Grandma's, my brother gave me the dog tag piece in South Dakota last February, and the ribbon is so that I can always find them wherever they end up in my bag

* my wallet 

When I bought this purse I knew I wanted a crossbody strap AND a short strap. I had a picture in my head of what I hoped it would look like and this was IT. When I saw the little sparrow on the front, the deal was sealed - it's my favorite thing about this bag!

What's in YOUR bag?

PS - There are still TWO days to enter my Coconut Oil GIVEAWAY!!! Click HERE to enter!

PPS - Have you entered the PenPal project I'm hosting with Kiki? Click HERE to sign up! 

The Circle: Throwback Thursday

When Kiki announced this month's theme for The Circle, I didn't quite know what to expect...When I found out that she was hoping we would share old pictures and links to some of our favorite posts, I was excited to go do some digging!

Today you get a flood of pictures from the early 90's (they're not dated, so that's all I can say about that) and a few from the last few years.

Doing "work" with my Ghiddu. I feel like this is a perfect picture of our times together.

With my Mom and brother at some kind of aquarium.

With my brother at the beach.

I just really liked this one...

September 2007

August 2009

February 2011

And now for a few links to some of my favorite posts from over the years...

There's No Place Like Home 2010

On Conversations Near and Far 2010

Drinking From the Fountain of Living Water 2011

Let's Go Fly A Kite   2012

Kitchen Privileges 2012

What 23 Years Looks Like 2013

The Circle: Goals

May 8, 2014

Kiki and Samantha are hosting this month's "The Circle" link up. They've decided that the theme this month is GOALS. I don't think I've set any real goals since last fall. I did very well at keeping them and I think I'm ready to start "working" on some more again.

* Learn more about growing green beans. Over the last few weeks I've planted cucumbers, sweat peas, green beans, and morning glories from seeds. I came home yesterday to find so many sprouts coming up and that makes me pretty excited!

* Continue reading through the books on my list. Goodreads is so much fun. Not only do I keep track of what I've read and what I want to read, but I also get to find out about new books and the books that my friends are reading.

* Keep writing in concentrated sessions. I started really writing this spring and I've kept it up. College was full of writing, writing, and more writing and I've missed it.

* Begin the Bible memory program that I just learned about over the weekend. It involves an index card for each book of the Bible. You write the outline of the book on one side and references to the verses you've memorized with key word prompts on the other. You go over one card every day and read a Psalm or a Proverb. At the end of the year you've gone over the whole Bible like 12 times and you've read through the Psalms and Proverbs twice (I think). This would happen alongside of whatever other study you are doing and will give you a functioning timeline of the Bible. You can add geography and dates eventually and then you'll really have a better grasp on what God's been up to over the years!

*Host a giveaway on this little space. Keep your eyes open, because I've got a couple of things up my sleeve for this summer!

* I'd love to throw at least one cook out a month over the summer. It depends on PLANS, but I love gathering people together and filling them up with good food!

What are YOUR goals right now?

The Circle: Thank You Notes

This month, Kiki and Jess are hosting The Circle link up. Kiki described this month's theme this way:

While I know that most of us are not born with the gift of comedy (ahem, me), Jess and I have also realized that it's of equal importance to write sincere thank you notes to those people and things around you that you're thankful for, too. Think of them as little notes of love or laughter. You take your pick!

I'm going the serious route...

Thank you God for knowing me and making yourself known to me. Though I have to fight to keep my eyes on You, the sight that you have given to me is precious to me. For all these things that I'm about to mention, I am grateful, because I know they are meant to point me back to you.

Thank you John Piper and Desiring God for delighting in helping others come to see and savor God. My life began to look a lot different after you taught me that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." The pursuit of God IS magnificent. Thank you.

Thank you Mom for following so hard after God. I love you! 

Thank you to my siblings for letting me be "Sissy" for all these years...I love our talks, our laughs, our games, and watching each of you grow and try things! 

Thank you BBC for taking great books and ideas and turning them into lovely series (I cannot figure out how to make that word plural). 

Thank you Twinings for making such nice tea. I've really enjoyed them over the last few years. 

Than you Blogger for making a way for people to write and connect over even the silliest things. 

Thank you God for all the variety You've put in my little world lately...I'm thinking especially of the flowers coming up in my bulb garden, the warm and sunny days, and days like today that bring a dose of rain and dreariness. 

Thank you READERS it's fun to know that you're reading along. I especially love when you comment and tell me about the place where you blog! 

What are some things you're THANKFUL for? 

Maybe you'd like to join in the link up this month? 

The Circle: Spring Favorites

This month's link-up is hosted by Kiki and Meg. The questions are all spring related and I am excited to include some pictures that I took on a walk the other day! I look forward to spring each year because it means SUMMER IS COMING!!!

What is spring like where you live?
You never know what spring will bring where I live. In general you can expect there to be a good mix of sunshine and rain with lots of wind and deceivingly cold temperatures. Basically, it flops back and forth between feeling like almost summer and winter until June.

What's your favorite springtime accessory?
My winter coat? I am always tempted to pull out the bright colored skirts, but the truth is, it's just too cold for them! I asked my family how I should answer this question and they said gardening gloves!

Do you have any springtime traditions?
Planning my garden for the year and going outside as much as possible.

What is your favorite spring treat? 
Italian sodas, peeps, and cream pies.

Favorite spring holiday?
Easter is my favorite. We usually spend it with Ron and Julie. Julie fixes a wonderful dinner with ham, scalloped potatoes, a fancy salad, and there's usually some kind of fruit. I usually bring a dessert and we always plan on eating outside if it's not too windy or wet.



What's your favorite thing to do in the spring?
Getting my garden spots ready. I love the work of clearing out the fresh weeds, the leaves that gathered over winter, and tilling up the soil. Then comes the planting of new seeds and plants. Once all of that is done, I look forward to weeding and water and pruning, but the initial work of getting is ready each spring is definitely my favorite!


And here's bonus challenge for you over-achievers: find and capture your favorite sign of spring and tell us about the photo!

 

The Circle: A Coffee Date

I found out about another monthly link up called"The Circle" thanks to my friend Amy who is co-hosting along with Kiki this month! Apparently each month has its own theme. I'm excited to jump right in! 

*Where are you seated?*
By the window in my living room. I love coffee shops, but I'm not one to go there to work. In fact, I absolutely despise going out to eat by myself...If I'm going to a coffee shop to sit, I'll be meeting someone there!       

*What are you sipping/munching on?*

This winter, it's been hot chocolate. I'm usually a tea or latte drinker. Lately, I can't get enough of a simple mug of hot chocolate with a splash of milk and a giant marshmallow or two.

  *What you want to get off your chest first? (Feel free to be as deep as you would like.) *

 I've been thinking a lot about TIME lately. I live in a community where I pretty much know everyone that I see any given day. I've watched many of them grow old and quite a few of them begin to start their own families. I might comment on that...I'd ask you what you'd like to remember about the time you've had so far. 

I'd smile a lot because I've been a little overwhelmed by just how special the relationships I have built over the years truly are. 

After that, I'd get down to the meat. I'd ask you how you're REALLY doing. I'd love to hear about what you've been learning from God through your time in His Word.  

*If you could choose anyone (besides us of course) who would you have coffee with?*

 

Besides all of the girlfriends I have and the dead guys I'd love to meet...I'd pick:
 

John Piper - I'd just like to talk to him about life as if he was a wise man that lived next door. 

Dennis and Darlene - they're an older couple that have been a big part of my life ever since I met them quite a few years ago...I've spent a lot of time with them particularly over the last few summers. They're over 70 but I've had more midnight conversations with them during my visits than with anyone else. I haven't really seen them since fall and I've been missing them lately. 

Mary Higgins Clark - Yes, the queen of suspense. I've always wanted to meet her. Her books made me fall in love with NYC and Cape Cod. We'd talk about writing and her travels and hopefully have a good long chat about God.

*What is inspiring you lately?*

 Reading through the Bible instead of books the way that I read books (post on that here). 

The freshness of a new year.

The progress of the work being done on and in my bedroom.

Thoughts of worship, emotions, and the human mind. (You'll probably hear more about all of that here sometime.)

*What are your plans after coffee?*

I'll tidy up my spot by the window, start some laundry, and grab lunch.