What's saving my life this summer

being fully present to the ones closest to my heart & right in front of my nose

‘First things first: I will hear absolutely no talk of “summer being over” or “late summer” or “the end of summer.” NO THANK YOU ABSOLUTELY NOT. It is still squarely, delightfully mid-summer according to me.’
- Shauna Niequist

Wow, friends, I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to be with you again!

Thanks for waiting around for me to show up. Thanks to those who’ve taken a chance on subscribing when you had no idea what was coming next. Thanks for being the kind of community that gives grace and space with no unspoken pressure to return to business as usual when life is anything but routine.

I am so delighted to drop in and reconnect right in the middle of what might end up being one of our busiest, most joyful summers ever. Camp in the Adirondacks. Our oldest granddaughter’s wedding. My sister’s house being built just a few miles away. Extra days here and there with one grandkiddo or another.

These are the good old days and I’m not going to miss a second of all the joyful, magical chaos that’s become the summer of 2024. So without a whole lot of thoughtful planning, here’s a few beneficial life-saving choices that are working for me ...

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SNIPPING FLOWERS
When we’re home, I grab the clippers and snip whatever’s blooming around the yard and replenish the chippy old creamer with fresh blossoms. My little kitchen windowsill has never been so pretty.

BLOGGING SABBATICAL
Deciding not to write while on a family vacation might seem to be a no-brainer to some, but for those of us who find blogging to be an invaluable part of our weekly rhythm, this is a big one. I’ve gotta tell you I’ve missed being here. But I loved being fully present with my family even more. No regrets.

SHUTTERED LAPTOP
I wasn’t going to bring the laptop up to Camp because I knew it’d be tempting to open it up and that would quickly lead to writing again. But my husband thought it’d be a good idea to carry it along … maybe we’d catch some of the Olympics? Maybe we’d need it for some reason?

The good news is that the laptop gathered dust for weeks as she sat idly on a shelf, minding her own business and wishing we had just let her stay back home where she belonged.

ICEBOX DESSERTS
Freezer space is short but when Marie Callender’s Lemon Meringue Pie goes on sale I buy two if I can. They’re a perfect grab-n-go when you need a last minute icy, sweet, tart treat to bring somewhere. The secret is to barely thaw it before slicing and serving.

And this Oreo Icebox Cake is on my list of goodies to try. It looks super easy and since there’s usually Oreos in our pantry and Cool Whip in the freezer, it won’t be long ‘til she graces our dessert plates, too.

PACKING LIST
I swear by this tear-off, check-the-boxes list. A number of you bought it when I played personal shopper last Christmas. There’s enough pages for even the most adventuresome traveler. If you ever pack a suitcase, this will become your BFF.

GRIEVING WELL
And yes, we’re remembering the ones we love who are no longer coming to family picnics, beach days, and weddings. We talk about Mom and Dad, little Tyler and sweet Jessica so very often. We laugh, we cry, we miss them deeply. Especially now.

Some of us like to believe that they are looking down on us and celebrating with us. They’d tell us not to be sad, they’d tell us how thrilled they are to be with Jesus, and how they can’t wait for us to come and join the happy throng. I can’t help believing that they’re overjoyed at our joys.

And we realize yet again that sorrow and celebration and remembrance all somehow co-mingle very well together. Especially when we don’t pretend all is well or deny the reality that hits shattered hearts during these difficult anniversary seasons.

Wear water-proof mascara, pass the tissues, make new memories, take the snapshots, give lots of hugs, tell the stories, cry freely.

God knows. He cares. He is faithful.

Linda