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Lisa Blair's avatar

Aww sweet memories, rest, relaxation mixed with loss, grief, and busy schedules. I appreciate your summary, Linda, "All shaken up, stirred together, and encased in God's steadying lovingkindness." Yes!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Without His faithful love, we'd just have to leave it at 'all shaken up.' I'm so grateful He doesn't abandon us during the hard seasons ...

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

It's been 28 years since I've been to Bermuda. The striking blue water hasn't changed! Lovely photos. May you keep catching your breath from the fullness of life this summer!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Fullness has been taking on a more positive, richer meaning. Focusing on that mindset keeps me from feeling stressed or overwhelmed by busy schedules. We keep on learning, don't we, friend ...

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Laura B.'s avatar

Oh my goodness, Bermuda looks breathtaking! Congrats to the lovely couple. It always seems like everything happens at once and I have found the busy times to be the food for the spirit, but it’s not until there is quiet and space that I am able to let it feed. Enjoy the moments, dear one!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh, this is so beautifully spoken, Laura - 'I have found the busy times to be the food for the spirit, but it’s not until there is quiet and space that I am able to let it feed.'

Gorgeous.

Welcome home!

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Laura B.'s avatar

Thank you, Linda. 😊

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Jennifer Smith's avatar

Bermuda has been on our "bucket list" for so long...and now I remember why! Your photos have moved it to the top of said list! Perhaps the perfect trip for my husband's "big" birthday later this year!! Beautiful couple as well. All the sweetest wishes to them as they get married!!

I'm headed out of town later this week and just "ordered" several books from your list "Books for Foodies" that I will pick up at the library later....and I will be set for good reading while I'm away. Thanks for those suggestions. So many caught my attention. Have a wonderful Memorial Day Monday!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Don't you just love a whole slew of highly anticipated titles waiting at the library for you? Bliss.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

My wife had a bridal shower

cool enough to raise the dead.

From a small and hand-built tower

friends poured beer over her head

as she was led by the hand

with a blindfold on her eyes

and thus made to understand

that there would be a big surprise

to set the tone for years to come,

married to the likes of me,

not quite yet a drunken bum,

but that depends on what you see

when beer in each hand represents

a balanced life in all intents.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Barb and my sister would have a great time chatting - M arrived at her shower stuffed in a rather large bag and carried down half a flight of stairs, yelling threats at her perpetrators. Good times.

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Amy Johnson's avatar

Your Bermuda photos look amazing! Oh, the color on that rooster! Love it!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I picked the most colorful shots to share ... the architecture was amazing.

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Lois Flowers's avatar

Linda, that photo of you with your granddaughters is priceless. And yep, Maycember pretty much sums up what's been going on around here too. There have been happy times, a lot of good work and some unexpected developments. I'm looking forward to a bit slower pace after the first week in June.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Even having one day with a slow, quiet pace is a huge boost right now, isn't it. I hope today is one of those for you, friend.

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Donna Bucher's avatar

Such gorgeous photos, Linda! And they so well capture your moments. I love the way you are leaning into the whirlwind, not stiffening against it. Much like the waves of the ocean, when we lean into the wave it washes over us, but when we stand rigid against it, we get battered and often knocked down. I like to think of that when challenges and hardships seem to overwhelm me, or when life's blessed abundance becomes too much to handle!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh this is so good, Donna. A perfect description - leaning in to what is true rather than stiffening up in denial. The older I get, the more I'm learning to bend and pivot and adjust. I only wish I had learned this earlier in life. I sure appreciate your lovely way of putting this practice into clear cut, inviting words, friend.

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veronica lee's avatar

Linda, your words and images beautifully captured life's whirlwind moments. I especially loved the snapshots of Bermuda and the bridal shower. Your ability to find beauty in the mundane is inspiring. Thank you for sharing these glimpses into your rich and full life. Wishing you continued blessings and cherished memories ahead.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

'finding beauty in the mundane'

I like the way you put that, Veronica. So true, so fulfilling, so fun.

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Jeanie Croope's avatar

What a wonderful step into your life! These photos are gems -- beautiful family and a joyous occasion. A trip to Bermuda -- it looks fantastic! What a treat this is!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

It was a treat for sure. So grateful ...

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Cindy's Book Corner's avatar

Love all the pictures!!!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Cindy, thanks! Happy weekend to you.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Wow, Linda--May was quite the month of making memories for you! Beautiful ones too. I can picture you soaking in the sun and stunning scenery of Bermuda, the laughter, hugs, pride, and camaraderie of the bridal shower. Now comes the time to grow those memories: "A pleasure is full grown only when it is remembered" (C. S. Lewis). (I just happened to use that quote on my own post this week! 😁)

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh I do love a good C. S. Lewis quote, Nancy. His words ... always rich and thought-provoking.

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nancyaruegg.com's avatar

Agreed!

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Jean Wise's avatar

May can be crazy but your photos of Bermuda - never been there - brought a moment of peace and delight.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Yes, it's a lovely place to visit, the colors of water, sky, homes, and crafts are splendid indeed. It was a wonderful, quiet anniversary celebration.

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Gloria Lockett's avatar

Linda, it looks like we all love the photos of you and your granddaughters. Thanks for sharing snippets of your full life. It's always great to enjoy those special moments even when we sometimes have to experience pain as well. Life is like that, isn't it? By the way, we are moving to Ohio in the next few months to be closer to our three grands. Sending blessings your way.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Wow. A big move. How wonderful to be near the kiddos and not have to think about traveling long distances. I am so happy for you.

And since I saw your name, I've been thinking about those couple of years we had together back at PBU/Cairn. I couldn't have gotten through grad school without your kind, wise, calm demeanor ... or those lovely breaths of fresh air at your home.

I wish you well. Please keep dropping by around here when you can, ok?

ox

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Trudy's avatar

Such beautiful photos and memories, Linda! I especially love the photo of you and your granddaughters. :) Also the rooster. And you know I always love your sea glass. :) I have a decorative jar of all kinds of shells in our bathroom I once got at a garage sale. There is one piece of sea glass in it that often reminds me of you. :) Love and blessings of rest and relaxation in the coming days!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh that's sweet, Trudy ... the next time I see a jar filled with shells and glass I'll be thinking of your lovely story. You are such an encourager and I'm so grateful you're in my life.

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Kate's avatar

Love the vivid colours in the photos and imagery of the fullness of life. Savour and exhale!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I'm taking your advice, Kate, for sure ... savoring and exhaling all this fullness of life. The years go by too quickly not to.

Thanks for taking the time to chat today. So happy that you're here.

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