“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” — J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Just when I was losing patience with the warmth of Fall in Georgia, we crunch on leaves and acorns alike. Hallelujah, it is finally Fall! Granted, our afternoons are still a bit balmy, but that just means we can enjoy that perfect Iced Coffee a little longer, right?
There are so many things to love about Autumn, and I plan to enjoy every last one, cliche or not. (Except the PSL, I confess I am no longer a fan of sweet coffee. I know, sad. I truly love the taste of strong black coffee, even though it is pretty much the khaki pants of the coffee shop menu.)
Last month we made our third annual pilgrimage to the Blue Ridge Mountains for brisk air and heaps of fresh apples and it did not disappoint. Seventeen members of our family packed into a large cabin with creaky floors and space to rest. For three sublime days we enjoyed big breakfasts, massive cups of coffee, and apple picking in flannel shirts. Nothing brings a deep sigh like the mountains. I may however, have gone a little overboard on the pumpkins, apples, and squashes. As in, our girls don’t even ask what kind of fruit we have anymore, they know– it’s apples. Apples for weeks.
Before we jump in, thank you to all who entered the Simmering in the Kitchen Giveaway. Laura B. was the winner and has been notified. We should do that again sometime, it was fun!
This weeks’ good stuff is a hodgepodge of wonderful.
1. The writings of Christine Willard, whom I found when I heard her husband, Timothy Willard speak at Allume a couple of years ago. They both have a rare lyrical way with words which draw me in every time. These are two people who hold both the beauty and pain of life in this world with gentle, reverent hands and it springs forth with a clear picture of just how deep their art goes. Writing like that draws me deeper, to know God more fully and to know what it is He has called me to do.
2. My new favorite Instagram feed: @LifeCreative. A “faith-based community of creatives who passionately blend home, art, and family,” Life Creative is a sunny spot I currently frequent. We all need to be reminded that though mothering and creating can be a tricky juggling act, it is entirely doable. I’m certain you will find a bit of beauty there.
3. The Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach Podcast. Seriously, where has this been all my life? They are short (usually under ten minutes) segments which is a perfect jumpstart to writing time.
4. The #Shoeboxrecipienttakeover hashtag on Twitter. I simply adore the mission and ministry of Operation Christmas Child and all that they do to share love and hope through the OCC boxes each year. If you need to be reminded that these boxes are going to actual faces, check out the fun little party over on twitter featuring stories from past recipients. Also, find some fresh ideas for packing your Operation Christmas Child Shoebox here.
5. Betrayal Hurts and That’s Okay by Caitlin Lieder– I regularly enjoy the words this dear one writes and this piece on forgiveness and betrayal is no different.
“…forgiveness doesn’t mean trust or reconciliation… it means sacrifice. When I forgive this person, I sacrifice my own desire for compensation and justification. Her sin against me has already been justified on the cross and I cannot hold it over her.”
Friends, I hope you have a refreshing weekend heavy on all that is life-giving and free of anything too soul-sucking, (ahem Facebook, I’m looking at you.)
I would love to hear what your favorite finds were this week!
Did you get your free copy of Simmer: Six Seasonal Soups & the Stories that Inspired them, yet? Get it here!
Thank you, Cynthia. We have apples upon apples at our home too. Just yesterday, my pastor’s wife was telling me about this couple in our church whom she thought I’d like to meet – Timothy and Christine Willard. Thank you for sending me to their sites, along with introducing me to @lifecreative and Ann Kroeker. I enjoyed chatting with you for a bit last week. Your writing and your site serve as encouraging examples for me as I try to find my writing way ❤
Hi Renee, It was so great to see you again last week.
And I’m glad you said hello here because I forgot to send you that resource from Denise Hughes! http://denisejhughes.com/passport-to-prose/ This has given me several great tools.
Oh and how neat that the Willards are in your neck of the woods. I’m sure they would love to meet you.
I’m so happy to be included as part of the good stuff you’ve rounded up–and to know that you and I are connecting on the subject of writing! I hope your writing life flourishes, Cynthia, as you gather and encourage people in this space.
Of course, Ann! So happy to have found your helpful words, thank you for the encouragement and for stopping by to say hello.