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Happy Go Stuckey

Tethering Grace & Togetherness

What I Learned in April

April 28, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 22 Comments

Sharing-2Well, hello there last few days of April! Hooray for taxes being done and the end of the school year just around the corner– Here are a few random and fun things I learned this month– ending with a little” what I’m into” list. Thanks for stopping by!

1. I learned several Creative Basics. If you visit me here or on Instagram you may have noticed I have been a little “graphic happy” this month. Well, during the month of April, I took the coolest daily course on building and making social media art! Most of what you saw me posting was my homework– although because we were on vacation in April, I had to play catch up quite a bit. This 30-day challenge with Crystal Stine was totally amazing and 100% helpful. By the way, if you haven’t met Crystal Stine– hop on over here to visit her lovely space. She writes encouragement with sincerity and candor and I always enjoy her words. AND, big news– over here you can order the kindle book, Creative Basics: 30 Days to Awesome Social Media Art. If you are a blogger who would love to learn a few savvy tools for your graphics toolbox, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing this book. The raddest thing is, (yes I just said raddest) since the challenges are broken up over 30 days, this is completely doable on a busy schedule. Thank you so much, Crystal for sharing some of your super-duper smartypants knowledge with us!

2. I realized I have become Lorelai Gilmore. No, I have not literally become the fast-talking, coffee-consuming mom with fabulous hair. I’ve been re-watching Gilmore Girls (again, for about the 17th time in my life) and I SO enjoy the clever banter in that small fictitious town more than I ever have. Except now, instead of feeling that I identify with Rory, (the daughter, for those of you who have not had the pleasure) all of a sudden, I’m watching the show from Lorelai’s perspective. Now instead of being all excited when Rory finally meets Jess, I’m thinking… “Just you wait, missy… here come’s trouble.” If you have never watched Gilmore Girls and you have any sort of affinity for small towns, witty dialogue or any type of caffeine– you should really check it out. I cannot guarantee that your husband will be on board though. It’s not really a “guy” show. But there is backwards-baseball cap wearing moody-broody Luke– and who doesn’t love him?

3. The Michael Hyatt 20 minute nap. Y’all. I have never been a mid-day napper and if I ever did take a nap, I felt awful for the remainder of the day. Well. As it turns out, I was doing it all wrong. Last month I heard several people mention how they take a 20 minute conscious rest time/ nap every afternoon. Michael Hyatt wrote this article on the how’s and why’s of a proper power nap, and this month I finally tried it for myself following all the protocols set forth in the article. I really did have the most marked burst of energy for the rest of the day/ evening. AND, here’s the kicker– I didn’t even fall asleep completely. (Even if you work in an office, try eating your lunch in half the time and then closing your eyes for the other half.)

4. I learned my personality type. Well, sort of. I finally took the Myers-Briggs type test, and much to my surprise (and I’ll be honest– dismay) I was given the ENFJ type. E. As in “Extrovert.” I used to really believe I was an extrovert but in the last couple of years I feel as though I have swung the other way– as in I NEED quiet, alone time every day to recharge. (see #3) I love people but I also love being alone. My E/I numbers were only 2 points apart so I took another test, and I scored right down the middle in every single category. Basically, I either have a random, multiple personality- personality type, OR I don’t know.

What I’m Reading: Nobody’s Cuter than You, Bittersweet, and Anne of Avonlea  (Apparently this month I’m all about feel-good books!)

What I’m into: This weather. It’s gorgeous and crisp and sunny and I want to make all the salads in the world and cook everything on the grill from now until September.

What I’m watching: Madame Secretary, Person of Interest, Castle (have you heard of this one? A friend introduced us to it and it’s such a fun show about a crime novel writer (Him) and a Cop (Her) and how they solve crimes together.)

What I’m wearing: Flip Flops, Sandals, white jeans and this shirt from my 2nd StitchFix box which is the perfect light, airy top to welcome Spring. I am so happy I tried Stitchfix again this month, my box was much better AND I had a little referral credit to spend, so fun. If you’re thinking about trying them, let me know what you think!

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Let’s Share What We Learned in April.

**Several compensated links present for Amazon and Stitchfix. This only means that these companies thank me for sharing their products with you. Please know I would never link out to anything I wouldn’t whole heartedly recommend to you and have already tried myself.**
Blackened Tilapia with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
Stitch Fix Review (#2!)

Comments

  1. emily freeman says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:11 am

    So fun! Thanks for sharing – I’ve been curious about Castle. Now I’ll have to check it out.

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Emily! I love this linkup so much– it’s not only fun but it helps me pay attention to what I’m actually learning during the month. Hope you like Castle! <3

      Reply
  2. emily freeman says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:11 am

    So fun! Thanks for sharing – I’ve been curious about Castle. Now I’ll have to check it out.

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Emily! I love this linkup so much– it’s not only fun but it helps me pay attention to what I’m actually learning during the month. Hope you like Castle! <3

      Reply
  3. hopeful50 says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    A light, great, fun post – just what I needed this morning after two, yes two, car repair bills!!!! Thanks for the smiles!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      Oh, Susan! I’m so sorry. That is no fun at all. And I certainly agree with what you said on your post about this link up causing you to remember what you learn and pay attention– me too! I love the exercise of taking mental notes of it all. Hope you have no more repair bill surprises next month!

      Reply
  4. hopeful50 says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    A light, great, fun post – just what I needed this morning after two, yes two, car repair bills!!!! Thanks for the smiles!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      Oh, Susan! I’m so sorry. That is no fun at all. And I certainly agree with what you said on your post about this link up causing you to remember what you learn and pay attention– me too! I love the exercise of taking mental notes of it all. Hope you have no more repair bill surprises next month!

      Reply
  5. Victoria says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    I’m here for the link up!

    I think it’s funny that you’ve become Lorelai!!!

    20 minute naps are MAGIC! My driver’s ed teacher taught me that in high school and I’ve never stopped thanking him! 🙂

    I’m also an ENFJ!!!! 🙂 Those tests are pretty right on. It’s amazing what I’ve learned about other people whenever I read their results. It always makes perfect sense!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Victoria! So glad to have “met” you! Ok I did not know that about “Dressage”– I honestly didn’t even realize that was a word– so interesting. Also, I recently (about 6 months ago) starting discovering the same things about essential oils too. I’m still skeptical here and there but we have enjoyed seeing some really neat results when using them. Especially one for immunity/ germ killing, that’s a lifesaver with little ones. I’m glad I’m not the only one who took a while to hop on that wagon though. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Victoria says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    I’m here for the link up!

    I think it’s funny that you’ve become Lorelai!!!

    20 minute naps are MAGIC! My driver’s ed teacher taught me that in high school and I’ve never stopped thanking him! 🙂

    I’m also an ENFJ!!!! 🙂 Those tests are pretty right on. It’s amazing what I’ve learned about other people whenever I read their results. It always makes perfect sense!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Victoria! So glad to have “met” you! Ok I did not know that about “Dressage”– I honestly didn’t even realize that was a word– so interesting. Also, I recently (about 6 months ago) starting discovering the same things about essential oils too. I’m still skeptical here and there but we have enjoyed seeing some really neat results when using them. Especially one for immunity/ germ killing, that’s a lifesaver with little ones. I’m glad I’m not the only one who took a while to hop on that wagon though. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  7. Ashley Wells says

    April 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I’m watching through Gilmore Girls right now and LOVING IT! Although, for me, it is my first time through.

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Fun, Ashley! It’s definitely one of those shows that is every bit as enjoyable subsequent times through, but I would love to watch it again “for the first time.” Enjoy and thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  8. Ashley Wells says

    April 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    I’m watching through Gilmore Girls right now and LOVING IT! Although, for me, it is my first time through.

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 30, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Fun, Ashley! It’s definitely one of those shows that is every bit as enjoyable subsequent times through, but I would love to watch it again “for the first time.” Enjoy and thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  9. Kristin Hill Taylor says

    April 30, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    Ah, I just finished Gilmore Girls for the first time. I love, love, loved it! I thought the ending was nearly perfect.

    And I’m nearly split down the middle extrovert/introvert too with a few more points in the E side. So I get you. 🙂

    Oh, and adding Castle to my watch list.

    Reply
  10. Kristin Hill Taylor says

    April 30, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    Ah, I just finished Gilmore Girls for the first time. I love, love, loved it! I thought the ending was nearly perfect.

    And I’m nearly split down the middle extrovert/introvert too with a few more points in the E side. So I get you. 🙂

    Oh, and adding Castle to my watch list.

    Reply
  11. thisquiethour says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    I’v e been wanting to read “nobody’s cuter than you” — who wouldn’t want to read a book with a title like that lol–any good so far?

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      May 1, 2015 at 10:08 am

      It’s really good. Funny and lighthearted. Check it out! 🙂

      Reply
  12. thisquiethour says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:37 pm

    I’v e been wanting to read “nobody’s cuter than you” — who wouldn’t want to read a book with a title like that lol–any good so far?

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      May 1, 2015 at 10:08 am

      It’s really good. Funny and lighthearted. Check it out! 🙂

      Reply

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Hey There!

I'm Cynthia and I'm so glad you're here. I am an introvert with an extrovert's love of gathering people together. I love good books and capturing moments. Whether you visit me here or on my own front porch, I'll be the one holding the Iced Coffee for us both.

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happygostuckey

Some of the rhythms we took up in ‘20 we will co Some of the rhythms we took up in ‘20 we will continue to sigh into in ‘21.
Baking sourdough, watching it bubble and rise and fill our BlueHouse with the scent of a good, long, posture of patience— I absolutely need a second serving of this.
While we wait, and whatever it is that we wait for— may the space between be made sweeter by the knowledge that we never wait alone.
You can’t tell by their joy, but the day I snapp You can’t tell by their joy, but the day I snapped this photo was somewhat of a regular day.

What looks like a winter beach vacation was actually the tail-end of a masked lunch stop in the middle of a pandemic road trip.

This sparkling moment of sun-splashed fun was sandwiched between brutal conversations about regular life, especially the hard parts.

And this is how it is. 
These bits of life that we never see coming, they are enveloped between all that makes us tired, weary, sighing pilgrims in a world that was never really meant to be hospitable in the first place.

This photo reminds me to look again at our year, our season, our circumstances.

To look a second and third time.
To keep looking as long as it takes to see that the joy of our right now isn’t gone, it just might be hiding in the shadow of all that’s hard.

Brokenness is never vague. And we don’t have to search very long to see it both within ourselves and around us.
Sometimes the weight of that fact is crushing.
And then, sometimes it reminds us even more clearly of the light shining in darkness.

Joy is an act of defiance against despair and I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling rather defiant at the moment.✨✨✨✨

@hopewriters #hopewriterlife 
#feastingandforaging #hopelenses #getaftergrateful
Endurance can feel like standing still. Especially Endurance can feel like standing still. Especially if what we’re called to be about is the same as yesterday and last month. 
It’s difficult to meet each day with the same fervor and joy for what we are called to do, especially when at present, the progress seems small and immeasurable. 
But even then, perhaps especially so — our faithfulness matters.

When we cannot yet see the other side, the light at the end of this particularly long tunnel, we begin again.

Not because we will always wake with fresh energies and bright, sparkling hope for what comes next, friend. But because the God of Endurance (Romans 15:5) dwells within us.

“It is the grace of endurance granted to you by the God of endurance that provides you with everything you need to continue to be what he calls you to be and do what he calls you to do between this moment and the moment when you cross over to the other side. When difficulty exposes the weakness of your resolve and the limits of your strength, you do not have to panic, because He will endure even in this moments when you don’t feel able to do so yourself.” — Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies

#hopewriterlife
Stuckey, party of two. Always ready to run out for Stuckey, party of two. Always ready to run out for paper towels... especially if the store is in convenient proximity to a quick date for croissants and dirty chai for two. Love my forever coffee companion even more at the start of this new year. Wherever he’s going, I’m riding shotgun.
We have learned... The inestimable value of a goo We have learned...

The inestimable value of a good camp chair, for they have been used for everything from soccer benches and coffee dates to theatre seats and church pews.

What our neighborhood streets can offer in the way of an outing—from the colors of spring to the sparkle of Christmas.

To hold plans with the loosest hands possible.

To rejoice in things found. Time. Margin. ...and enough toilet paper to share with a neighbor.

To give grace and accept it for ourselves.

The hilarious joy of a group text complete with “have you seen this meme yet?” 

To pivot. And then pivot again.

To find more joy in candlelight closer to home, instead of the bright lights of traveled cities.

To perfect our pizza dough recipe and truly learn to prefer it over dinner out.

To work with yeast and flour again and again— until the message of waiting for something really good dusted our apron fronts and kitchen floors.

And in our house, we learned how to be unexpectedly unemployed. We learned how to honor that new found space with needed grief and desired hope. How to be grateful for true friends who prayed with us, held questions with us, and hoped with us. We were reminded of our true identity and that it will never rest in a job. 

In a year in which we’ve all lost quite a lot, you and I have been given so much as well. Some of what we’ve lost we have learned to be without. Some, we won’t go looking for again.

In 525,600 minutes and in all the things, found and lost and found again— there is far and away more to be grateful for.

And we choose joy.

✨Happy New Year, dear friends!✨
Not rushing too quickly into a new year over here. Not rushing too quickly into a new year over here. Though the one in our rear view window is one we wouldn’t choose to repeat, still it was one full of God’s nearness.

One day I’ll write it all down.
But for now I’ll just say,
we were not alone. 🕯
“Once in our world, a Stable had something in it “Once in our world, a Stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.”
C.S.Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia

Joy to the World, friends.
Behold. The most apropos Christmas Eve 2020 desser Behold. The most apropos Christmas Eve 2020 dessert ever. Made from a wonky gingerbread cake that did not cooperate.
We shall not go quietly into 2021.
We will fight back with beauty and joy and candles... and fresh whipped cream made by an eleven year old with sparkly green eyes. 🎄❤️✨
Merry Christmas from the Fam! { 👉🏻 swipe for Merry Christmas from the Fam! { 👉🏻 swipe for Stuckeys in their natural habitat.) 🎄🕯❤️✨
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