Royal Reads - 6.30.21 - Never Unfriended

I'm going back several years for this book, but it has been on my mind lately.  Never Unfriended by Lisa Jo Baker is on my all-time favorite list.  I first read the book on my own.  Then I did the coordinating study--We Saved You a Seat--with a group of friends.  

When I was in Texas last month, I saw my copy of this book and almost pulled it out of the box, but knew I just didn't have anywhere to keep it here at the farm, so I left it.  I've been kicking myself ever since.  There are so many great quotes and takeaways in it!  I tend to look at others' friend circles and wish I had one like that, when, in fact, I have my own circle--we all do.  

One nice thing about the book and the study is that you can do each of them individually without having read the other.  Many of the ladies I did the study with had never read the book, they only watched the videos that went with the study.  Those videos, by the way, were awesome!  I would recommend you get the leader kit that includes those if you are facilitating the study!

The group I was a part of did it on facebook.  I would post the video each week and we would all meet on the group page to discuss.  Some of the ladies had never met in person or seen each others faces until we had dinner after we finished the book.  I am technologically disadvantaged so I didn't want to venture into zoom or facebook live at that point.  Needless to say, this was several years before the pandemic.  LOL.

I actually bought the teen version first, thinking I would lead a bible study with one of my girls and a few of her friends.  Then I figured I'd better read the book first.  After that, I decided I didn't really want to lead a group of teens, but would love to hear some other women's opinions.  I was shocked by the response and number of women who actually showed up online each week--back when that wasn't really a thing yet.  With some studies, you grow close as a group.  We didn't build lasting friendships in ours, but each woman said it helped them in their current friendships.  

Never Unfriended is a not just another book about friendship.  It's about going first.  It's about courage.  It's about loving the people God has given you and not the people you think you want.  I think it's a must-read for all women--whether on your own or in a group setting.  In fact, I think I'm going to dig it out of that box the next time I'm in Texas--it's definitely worth reading again.  

Royal Reads 6.23.21...Wrapped in Rain

Every now and then I find an author that I just can't get enough of.  Charles Martin is one of those.  I read Wrapped in Rain last year, but was reminded of it again the other day and wanted to share it with you.  

There are 3 main characters--4 if you count Miss Ella who is dead but who's influence is what drives Tucker.  Each of them has trauma and grief in their past and each has dealt with it in a different way.

One of the things I love about this author is his way of weaving Jesus into his books subtly, in a loving and graceful way that I think makes God proud.  It brings a hope to his stories that wouldn't be there without it.  

Charles Martin has written SO many more books--one of which was made into a movie--The Mountain Between Us.  One of my other favorites by him (which was also the first I read) is When Crickets Cry.  Others I enjoyed were Water From My Heart, Send Down the Rain, Long Way Gone and Chasing Fireflies. 

I do hope he decides to write a sequel to Wrapped in Rain because there are more stories to tell within the characters' lives.  

Have you read any of his books?  Which was your favorite?

Matching Socks

I remember when my girls were little and wanted to help with laundry (yes, it was a very loooonnng time ago).  Part of me was happy they wanted to help, but the other part sighed heavily under my breath.  Their "help" meant that it would take 2-3 times as long.

That memory flashed in my head this morning as I brought a basket of Granny's laundry into her room.  She was eager to help--which doesn't happen often.  Her doctor and home health nurses have all said she needs to have chores to help make her feel useful.  Now, the first time I tried to get her to help me fold a basket of towels, the conversation went like this:

Me: "Granny, can you help me fold these towels?"

Granny: "Why?"

Me: "Well, first of all, because we need to get them put away before they get wrinkly.  Secondly, your doctor said folding laundry would be good for you."

Granny: "You can tell that doctor he can come over here and fold it himself!"

SMH! 

Sometimes I just leave a basket of towels sitting on the coffee table in the living room and after a few days, she gets tired of seeing it and starts folding it.  But she's never really happy to do it, so I was a little surprised she seemed excited when she saw the basket today.

She started folding a pajama shirt methodically and neatly, but she tried to put it away without the bottoms.  Then she couldn't remember which drawer it went in.  Next, she grabbed some mismatched socks and tried to put them away, opening and closing drawers, looking for the one she had just tried to put her jammies in. 

When my girls were little, I always worried about breaking their spirit when I corrected them.  I'm sure they would tell you I was--and still am--too critical.  With Granny, I felt like I was walking that same tight wire except I wasn't worried about breaking her spirit, I just didn't want to embarrass her.  

So, I dug into the basket and pulled out all the socks and put them on the bed while she was throwing a dryer sheet away in the bathroom.  She came back and immediately started matching socks.  I tried to slow down on her hanging clothes and pajamas so that we would finish about the same time.  

Watching her search for the mate to the sock in her hand once again reminded me of my girls doing the same thing.  She felt proud she had accomplished something today--she just didn't jump up and down saying, "I did it!  I did it!" like the girls did.

Many times in caring for Granny, I feel I am parenting a toddler again.  I would never say this aloud to her but there is such a balancing act that happens on a daily basis!  It's hard to not "parent" a determined103 year old, who needs it but doesn't think she does--even harder than a strong-willed 3 year old.  

The toddler/preschool years were not my favorites, so I find it ironic that I'm re-living them.  Some days I feel like it's a second chance for me to get it right this time and not be impatient and harsh.  Other days, I question why God would call me to this when I am so totally ill-equipped for the job.  

But, just like I am thankful for the sweet moments of parenting my girls, I'm thankful for the sweet moments in caring for Granny.  I'm learning to live in the moment--because you never know what the next will be.  I'm learning to pick my battles and let things go more often than holding tight to them.  

I don't always get it right, but I will keep trying--just like Granny methodically matching her socks and putting them in the right drawers.  

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...6.20.21

It's been a busy week here at the farm!  Granny celebrated her 103rd birthday and the week was all about her! Here are a few other favorite things from this week:

Hobby Lobby

My family makes fun of me, but HL really is my happy place.  I could probably spend half a day in there.  On Thursday, I talked Brian and Caroline into dropping me off while they went to Academy and Home Depot.  Caroline decided to enter the chosen land with me instead, but I did warn her that she was not allowed to rain on my parade.  Instead, she added several things to my cart.  I only had @30 minutes this time because we had lots of errands to run, but I was able to find the cutest plates and decorations for Granny's birthday.  Do you have a store that you can never seem to get enough of?  

Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard

Y'ALL!  I found my treat for the summer of 2021!  Have you tasted the Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard from Dairy Queen yet?  I was hesitant.  I like mint, but was worried it might be too much.  I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't--and there were lots of cookies in it!  There isn't a DQ close to me, so this will take some planning, but I will definitely be having another this summer!

Wagon-full of Wood

I convinced Brian to cut some wood for me this week.  First of all, let me say, I'm sure I could cut the wood myself if he would show me how to work the saw, but he's worried I will cut an arm off.  Anyway, he cut some blocks and some branches down and now I have a wagon of possibilities.  I opened an Etsy shop this week and am trying to figure out how to put some of my photos on canvas to list on there, along with some creations from the wood.  Every time I look at the pile, I feel a breath of fresh air.  Creativity brings me life, but I often let myself get worked up about making something perfect so I don't start a project.  Do you ever do that?  It's silly, but it's a real thing.  Hopefully I will take the plunge this week and  get some things listed.  As much as I like being creative, I'd also like to find a way to bring in some extra income while I'm here with Granny.  Wish me luck!

Family

One of my favorite things about living here at the farm is being so close to family.  Brian's family has always included me like one of their own.  Did you know that Granny is actually Brian's grandmother and not mine?  His aunt and cousin live here on the farm so I see and talk to them frequently.  His other cousins visit often.  This past weekend my mother-in-law and father-in-law came as well.  I'm sad that we've moved further from them, but always enjoy our time together here.  My side of the family is all spread out over the country, so I've missed being close to people who KNOW me and have no problem telling me my gray hair looks bad or that I need to simmer down.  

With today being Father's Day, I thought a lot about my dad.  He would be so happy for me.  He grew up on a farm and while he didn't like it much and got out as fast as he could, he liked the fact that I loved chickens and that Hope loved to ride and that we loved our dogs so much.  He might have cringed in heaven when he saw that we got a cat, but I think he would be smiling to see me in a slower pace of life. I truly think I was made to live in a small town, on a piece of land and not caring about going out in public without makeup.  Getting to be with family more often, makes all of that even better.

I'm looking forward to a little bit of a slower week and then more friends will be arriving on Friday to stay with us for the weekend.  Until next time, here are a few of my favorite pics from the week with that #farmcharm:

We had some beautiful sunrises this week

It seems like every few weeks, random flowers pop up in Granny's yard that I never remember seeing before--and they are always pretty

She loves to put her hands in the soil

Who needs a bone when you have random wood laying around?

Hunter on point (for some reason, the family calls him Teeny now and he won't come to Hunny anymore for me

Flynn enjoying a catnap in Gran's chair

This hydrangea has been slow to bloom, but is huge

We had a few mosquito-free nights and I loved sitting outside with family

Caroline is acclimating Flynn to the outdoors--cracks me up too see him on a leash

Why did the chicken put her head through a fence? Yes, she can pull it back out

The birthday girl 

All of the cards and goodies that came in the mail this week--SO much love was sent!

My first raisin pie

Photo cred to my cousin Diane for this great shot

Another of Diane's shots--Gran liked us singing happy birthday to her

I see the moon and the moon sees me

Royal Reads 6.16.21 - The Rosie Project

I love me a good quirky book!  The Rosie Project by Graeme Simpson was one of the first in this type of genre I read.  The book tells the story of Don Tillman, an amazingly smart geneticist who decides it's time to find a wife.  In true scientific mode, he devises a questionnaire to weed out all the women he would not want to marry.  When he meets Rosie, he tries to check her off in a box, but finds that love is a bit more difficult than that.  

One of the things I loved so much about this book is that it's obvious that Don is on the autism spectrum, even though he does not realize it himself.  Remember that scene in Parenthood when Max learns that he is on the spectrum and he is surprised?  I thought of that scene a lot when reading this book.

What's even better than getting to meet and fall in love with Don and Rosie through The Rosie Project?  Finding out that Mr. Simpson wrote 2 more follow-up books: The Rosie Effect and The Rosie Result.  

These books are heartwarming and have several laugh out loud moments!  I will warn you--if you pick up one, you will want to read all of them. The good news is they are fun and easy to read.

Have you read any of these?  If so, how many stars would you give them?

*Full disclosure--I have affiliate links in this post.  I get a small percentage  when you use my link to order these books.  Drop me a note if you do that so I can profusely thank you!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...6.13.21

I need to re-vamp things bit.  I've been trying to do a Friday Faves post each week, but Fridays have just not been working for me.  My plan is to switch up to the weekend for a while and see if that's better.  If not, I will do a "Favorites" post once a month and maybe a weekly pic recap.  If you read this post regularly, would you comment and let me know how you prefer it?  Is there a day of the week that is better for you? I'm a creature of habit and like to be as consistent as possible so that is why I feel the need to change it up a bit.

While we are deciding that, here are a few of my favorite things from around here this week:

Woodworking Artist    

Y'ALL!!!  Check out this charcuterie board my friend Brad made.  Make sure to zoom in on the cardinal and look at the detail.   That is all natural wood!  He is truly an artist!  He's working up a quote for me for 2 more charcuterie boards for some recent grads in my life and a personalized cutting board for a family member getting married.  I can not wait to see them!  

To see more of his work, go to his Insta account at @mathecustomcreations.  If you have an idea, he can make it come to life--and probably add more details than you thought were possible!  I really believe that he will be famous for his artistry one day and am so glad I have discovered him now.  

You can also email him HERE. If you check him out, tell him I said Hi!

Visiting Friends

You probably noticed the gorgeous redhead in the pic with the charcuterie board.  That's Tonya.  She was one of my college roommates and I completely adore her!!!  Living up here at the farm is often lonely because I don't see many people.  In fact, other than Caroline's school counselor, I have not met anyone else here yet and it's been 10 months!  I have had several friends come visit me and have a few more scheduled in the next few months and, let me tell you, they encourage me SO much!!!

Tonya and I were pot-luck roommates.  We both prayed REALLY hard the summer before we moved in together in Kerr Hall at UNT--that God would give us a Christian roommate.  And He totally did!  We lost touch for a bit after college, but reconnected several years ago.  She brought her sweet daughter with her this past weekend to visit me and we were laughing as we were trying to explain to her that  cell phones and email were not used much when we graduated.  

Anyway...Tonya has been an amazing friend to me.  She believes in me and makes sure to tell me so.  After talking with her, I am always encouraged and reminded of the creativity God has given me.  Days with Granny are often long and tiring.  Seeing the farm through a friend's eyes revitalizes me in a way I can't express through words.  

And getting to meet her daughter was so sweet!  She loved everything about the farm and is an old soul like I was as a kid--she even gave me an idea of doing a Farm/Craft camp for teens in the future!

Everyone needs a Tonya in her life!

Easy Dinners

Cooking for Granny is interesting.  She likes most veggies, but is picky about her meat.  She doesn't like casserole-type things--everything needs to be separate.  BUT, she does love her some kielbasa.  I have started cooking one-pan meals at least once a week and we all love them.  I take whatever veggies I have on hand, slice them, toss them in olive oil and sea salt and throw them on a pan.  Then I put the kielbasa on there.  Everyone will eat this without me having to alter it for each person's preferences.  

And you know what is just as good as the meal? The fact that there are hardly any dishes to clean from it!!!  It's a win-win!!!  Do you cook any one-pan meals?  I need more recipes so send them my way if you have them!

Viola App

If you haven't tried this app, you have probably not been on social media this week.  I think I like my cartoon self better than my regular self.  Not only did it give me green eyes, but none of the gray shows in my hair-LOL!  This app really is fun.  Have you tried it? I wanna see your pic!

I will leave you with a few of the #farmcharm pics I took this week...

The Royal Chicks love watermelon!

Keeping one eye on me to make sure I wasn't trying to take her treat!

 

We snuck out to the National Cowboy Museum this week.  

Poor Caroline.  She finally gave in and posed for a pic after I asked her throughout the whole museum.

Sun setting

Even weeds are pretty up here!

Then and now.  Tonya has not aged at all!

Smiling Willow

Flynn in his window (photo cred to Audrey for this one!)

I love when the sun is a big orange ball! 

The token windmill pic of the week