78 Comments
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Paula's avatar

Hi Linda, I'm happy to see you on one of your on against. What a grand time at camp. Your husband was "brave" to do hand stands and flips with your grand son. I'd keel right over, but I'd do it too. Lol.

Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month Sweet friend. I'm so happy you're here.

Linda Stoll's avatar

Well, my hat's off to you, Paula, at even the thought of doing any kind of hand stand or flip! You go, girl!

Jean Wise's avatar

good to read your words again - lots of wisdom here. Yes it is the balance between getting away and the comfort of home. I have learned to love them both. so glad you are having a relaxing summer break. I have a good John Denver story - in college for a while I dated a guy from Baltimore. We went to his home one weekend and took the train up to Washington DC and Georgetown area. We stopped at a small coffee shop. There were probably 6 of us in the place when the guitarist began to play. We listened and really enjoyed him. He causally mentioned he wrote a song just released by Peter Paul and Mary - Leaving on a jet plane. then played his version. It was so cool. It wasn't until later that year when he started to make it big that we realized we had a private concert by John Denver! such a good memory.

Linda Stoll's avatar

This just might be the best John Denver story we've enjoyed here this week. An intimate concert just for you guys. Such a beautiful memory, a lovely legacy.

Wow, Jean!

Jean Wise's avatar

I loved Peter Paul and Mary so much during high school and into college so that is why when he mentioned he wrote that song, I could remember this experience. What a memory!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Mary from Peter, Paul, and Mary brushed right by me as she made her way into the auditorium at the college I went to. She had a fur coat on.

Jean Wise's avatar

so cool. We are almost celebrities being so close to celebrities. LOL

Amy Johnson's avatar

Such a beautiful tribute to home. That's nice you have a place like that to vacation and create such lovely memories.

Linda Stoll's avatar

Amy, thanks!

veronica lee's avatar

Welcome home, Linda! I love how you describe the gift of home. Reading this reminds me of what home should feel like. Sadly, because of my neighbors, I sometimes dread walking back through the door. I’m trusting God for His peace and asking you to keep me in prayer.

Blessings!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Yes, Veronica, you've mentioned the neighbors before. That certainly sounds unsettling for sure. Is it the type of situation where music or white noise would muffle the sound or is it beyond that?

I'm so sorry. Home should be a haven. May God's peace override whatever you are dealing with. And may He make a way for this hardship to be solved.

Jennifer Smith's avatar

Welcome home! Sure hope that granddad is not hurting too much after those stunts!:) Savor the rhythm of home....and all the joy that is summer!! And happy Fourth of July wishes to you!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Ol' Granddad just can't say no to a request to get a little crazy, to try to keep up with the kids who are half a century + years younger. I kind of keep my fingers crossed when he does stupid.

Worse case scenarios tend to dance in my head, ya' know?!

Lisa notes's avatar

I pulled up Back Home Again on YouTube after reading your post. I was a huge John Denver fan back in the day and listened to that whole album over and over, including that song. Listening to it just now feels like coming home again...so apropos with your post. ❤️ (And how can I still remember the lyrics after all these years gone by, yet I can't remember what I sat down to do on the computer? ha)

Linda Stoll's avatar

Another John Denver fan! I'm smiling picturing you head on over to You Tube to see him in action again, Lisa.

And oh yes. I'm absolutely with you on remembering all the songs, all the hymns, all the verses from way back in the day.

But why did I just come upstairs?

Lisa notes's avatar

You really got me going down a rabbit hole this afternoon, Linda. I started listening to that whole album again, loving every song and singing (almost) every word! The memories came flooding back from my youth.

Linda Stoll's avatar

Aw! That's so cool! A perfect way to redeem this summertime heated humidity - stay inside, visit old friends, and sing.

Jeanie Croope's avatar

Rick and I were just talking about how some of the things that we cherish most about travels aren't the monuments we visited or the long-awaited attraction but the surprise or the little moments. I adore the photo of the kids on the beach. This looks like a wonderful spot -- but home is wonderful too. I'm at the lake now for more or less two or three months with only occasional forays home. But then, lake is also kind of home!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Jeanie, I love your lake cottage posts so much. Reading your stories is such an authentic slice of summer, such a warm down home feel. What a huge gift to have a little place with so much charm and so many stories.

Enjoy this lovely season, friend.

Pam Richardson's avatar

Home, there is no better place this side of heaven! We have been John Denver fans since the early 70’s We saw him in concert at least 12 times. Back Home Again is a favorite. I am happy that Take Me Home Country Roads has been adopted by the U.S soccer team during the World Cup. Loved your post and Happy 4th and Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸

Linda Stoll's avatar

I'm loving how this conversation is bringing John Denver fans to the table! 12 concerts is certainly a record (no pun intended!). You must have so many sweet memories, Pam. Thanks for sharing with us today.

Happy 4th, friend. Stay cool!

Lynn J Simpson's avatar

Yes, it is such a blessing to have a home to relax, refresh and restore!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Maybe more and more as time goes by ...

Cheryl's avatar

Love that song so much! In fact, I love just about anything by John Denver. He is one of my husband's favorites, and oh, my. I will never forget the day he died and how hard it hit us. We had "Annie's Song" played at our wedding. You brought back a ton of precious memories tonight. Sounds like you are having a wonderful summer. I loved this post and being able to catch up with you. May God continue to bless you and Tim!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh yes, I bet you're a John Denver fan, Cheryl! And how beautiful to have Annie's Song at your wedding. Bliss.

I hope that your summer has been healthy and happy so far. Thanks for stopping by to chat.

Ellen Keesling's avatar

"This is the space God uses to anchor, to give us a sense of place, an offering of restorative rest and reset." I just returned from a quick flight back to Minnesota, filled with gatherings and conversations and the little rituals that I love so dearly. Minnesota will always be one home for me, but Montana is truly where I recharge before setting out again. So glad you had this time with family, Linda!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Minnesota and Montana. Wow. Places I've never been to and probably won't ever get to visit. Yet isn't it awesome to be able to share heart to heart over the miles. So grateful that we get to connect with each other, Ellen.

And happy for you to have had those 'gatherings and conversations and the little rituals.' God is so good.

Barbara's avatar

A delightful, happy post! Treasure! Your experiences and outlook had me smiling all the way through!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Delightful and happy. Thanks, Barbara. That's where I want to be!

Leslie's avatar

I so needed this reminder, Linda! Getting ready for a full house for the next month and you encouraged me to take a deep breath, enjoy another cup of coffee and be present in the silence. 💛

Linda Stoll's avatar

Leslie, thanks for letting me know - not only about the words here but that this IS A MONTH for you. I'm praying you through VBS, girl. I know God is going to use your deep love for Him, your superb organizational skills, and all that delightful energy to help you lead well.

xo

Kristin's avatar

And a wonderful week it was!!!

Linda Stoll's avatar

Best week ever!

xo

Karen Anderson's avatar

You are blessed and so is your family.

Linda Stoll's avatar

Karen, yes. He has been good.

Amanda Fowler's avatar

What a beautiful Summer! So glad you're getting to slow a bit and enjoy things.

Linda Stoll's avatar

I love a whole bunch of days with nothing on the calendar, don't you?