• Start Here
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Table
    • Together at the Table
    • Food and Such
      • Beverages
      • Bread
      • Breakfast
      • Main Dishes
      • Vegetables & Sides
      • Soups
      • Desserts
  • Writing
    • On Family
  • Happy Designs
  • Connect
    • For You
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Happy Go Stuckey

Tethering Grace & Togetherness

What I learned in March

March 30, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 20 Comments

March was something of a month of stripping away. When March began, I had high hopes and lofty goals. But, it took us a solid two weeks to not feel like we were perpetually jet-lagged due to the time change– (I know what are we, a bunch of newborn babies??!)

In March I didn’t write like I wanted to, read like I wanted to, get up early like I wanted to, or exercise like I wanted to. Life just happened and kept right on happening. But even in the absence of the rhythms we may hold dear, the days were still quite meaningful and often still very full of wonder.

In March I….

  • was given this piece of fancy footwear and the frustrating, “avoid the cardio for 6 weeks,” from a Doctor who cared very little that I would miss my 1 year anniversary of going from episodic-exercise-girl to can’t-wait-to-get-to-the-gym girl. She’s still in here somewhere, hanging out on the weight machines and counting down the days.
  • learned that I will always love Fairytales, especially Cinderella. We saw Cinderella about a week ago, and I LOVED every minute of it. Having only ever seen the animated version, there were so many elements of this story that came alive for me for the very first time. I appreciate Disney’s care with the story itself and how they told it in such an exquisite way. Go see it!!!!
  • I realized afresh that you absolutely, always need your parents. Something scary happened with one of our family members this week, (they are doing much better now!) and I immediately called my Mom & Dad. They listened as I gave them the emotional details and then I sat on my kitchen floor and listened to them. All at once I was seven years old again and looking for words of comfort. I’ll never outgrow that.

What I’m loving lately–

  • Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Fearless.  Okay. This blush is fantastic. Ever since Tiffany mentioned it, I have been wanting to give it a try– and it seriously does stay on that long! Many cosmetic products say 12 hr. or 18 hr. wear but what they mean is, “somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 minutes.” Not this one, it STAYS! And, you only need a tiny bit. And don’t let the “clay” part scare you, it goes on just like regular powder blush, but apparently it is solar-baked or something– I know, so FANCY, right?!!
  • StitchFix. Yes, I drank the Stitchfix kool-aid. IMG_3670I heard so many good things and it was time to test it out. Shopping is really only fun when you actually find what you’re looking for, right?

I am not super-picky, but I don’t enjoy spending all day looking for an item and striking out, especially if that whole time I’ve been trying to entertain kiddos and keep the little darlings from disappearing into multiple clothing racks.

So, I’m trying the online route. I have heard amazing reports from others who have used the Stitchfix service and this month I tried it for the first time! I’ll be honest, my first fix was slightly disappointing, but I did come away with the prettiest textured, grey cardigan and I cannot wait to wear it again!

What’s that? You want to see it? Hmmm… ok, here it is!

IMG_3700
I love how light and airy it is, perfect for all those warm days we are about to have. The quality far exceeded my expectations– even for a cardigan wearing girl like myself. (Sorry for the Squinty-Spring-Sunshine-Eyes)

Sadly, I sent everything else back because it wasn’t right for one reason or another. Okay, so “loving” may be a strong verb. But I have high hopes that this time next month, I’ll be loving it even more. I have heard the more feedback you give, the better your next fix will be. And I certainly did LOVE all the little touches Stitchfix provides. The cost is $20.00 per fix which applies as credit to whatever you buy and free shipping either way! Not to mention the sweet note from my stylist and the style suggestion cards they send. Such FUN.

IMG_3672 If you are at all interested in trying StitchFix, I recommend you give it a shot! You go online and fill out this extensive style profile that really helps them know “who” you are and what you like. Another thing I did was create a style Pinterest board, and then they get the link to it to assist them in knowing what I like. If you DO decide to try Stitchfix, will you consider using my referral code? Click HERE to hop over there! They give credit when we share the Stitchfix love with others. <3 Also, I definitely want to know if you have tried it in the past and what you thought!

Well that about wraps up my March! I’m linking up with Emily over at Chatting at the Sky and Leigh Kramer sharing what we learned and what we are in to! What about you? What did you learn this month?

Check out all my other “What I Learned” posts here.

Real Moms Need Grace
On scowling at the mirror and who might be watching.

Comments

  1. Kendra says

    March 30, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I am so with you on always needing your parents. Even if I go weeks without seeing them sometimes, I need to know they are just a call or text away. I tried Stitch Fix almost two years ago and really liked th experience as well as the clothes they sent me; unfortunately it’s too pricey for me to make it a regular thing (I just can’t bring myself to spend that much money on clothes).

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Hi Kendra! So glad you stopped by from Emily’s. I know a day might come when my mom & dad are NOT just a call away so I’m grateful for every time I call and they answer. Every cheesy movie I watch with my dad and every cup of coffee I drink with my mom are all gifts!

      Reply
  2. Kendra says

    March 30, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I am so with you on always needing your parents. Even if I go weeks without seeing them sometimes, I need to know they are just a call or text away. I tried Stitch Fix almost two years ago and really liked th experience as well as the clothes they sent me; unfortunately it’s too pricey for me to make it a regular thing (I just can’t bring myself to spend that much money on clothes).

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Hi Kendra! So glad you stopped by from Emily’s. I know a day might come when my mom & dad are NOT just a call away so I’m grateful for every time I call and they answer. Every cheesy movie I watch with my dad and every cup of coffee I drink with my mom are all gifts!

      Reply
  3. Linda@Creekside says

    March 31, 2015 at 10:06 am

    So fun to drop in and say hi … hanging out at Emily’s and Leigh’s with you!

    ;-}

    Reply
  4. Linda@Creekside says

    March 31, 2015 at 10:06 am

    So fun to drop in and say hi … hanging out at Emily’s and Leigh’s with you!

    ;-}

    Reply
  5. Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com says

    March 31, 2015 at 11:38 am

    I want to see that Cinderella movie. It’s on my hit list.

    So lovely to “meet you” through Emily’s linkup today!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Hi Lyli! Glad you dropped in! I hope you make it to Cinderella soon– I’m convinced the theatre is worth every penny for this one!

      Reply
  6. Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com says

    March 31, 2015 at 11:38 am

    I want to see that Cinderella movie. It’s on my hit list.

    So lovely to “meet you” through Emily’s linkup today!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Hi Lyli! Glad you dropped in! I hope you make it to Cinderella soon– I’m convinced the theatre is worth every penny for this one!

      Reply
  7. Ashley Brooks (@BrooksEditorial) says

    March 31, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    It was my first month with StitchFix, too! I have an 8-month-old at home, so hitting the mall isn’t exactly convenient these days. I loved how easy it was, but my box was full of near-misses. A textured cardigan was my only keeper, too (though not the same one). I think I’ll give them a try every few months when I need specific pieces. I just can’t get on board with getting a box of clothes I *might* like and don’t actually need every month!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      I agree Ashley, I’m far more interested in doing an occasional box as needed than a regular shipment. I enjoyed reading your March post too– and I think we must have the exact same closet contents: cozy sweaters and anything with stripes. Both are in abundance in my closet! Hope you find your 1920’s Historical Fiction, I would love to find one as well. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Ashley Brooks (@BrooksEditorial) says

    March 31, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    It was my first month with StitchFix, too! I have an 8-month-old at home, so hitting the mall isn’t exactly convenient these days. I loved how easy it was, but my box was full of near-misses. A textured cardigan was my only keeper, too (though not the same one). I think I’ll give them a try every few months when I need specific pieces. I just can’t get on board with getting a box of clothes I *might* like and don’t actually need every month!

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 1, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      I agree Ashley, I’m far more interested in doing an occasional box as needed than a regular shipment. I enjoyed reading your March post too– and I think we must have the exact same closet contents: cozy sweaters and anything with stripes. Both are in abundance in my closet! Hope you find your 1920’s Historical Fiction, I would love to find one as well. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  9. happygostuckey says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Thank you!!!
    I keep wearing it! HA!

    Reply
  10. happygostuckey says

    April 1, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Thank you!!!
    I keep wearing it! HA!

    Reply
  11. Lee says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:40 am

    I so connected with what you said about not doing things or accomplishing things like you wanted, but still being able to recognize that they days are meaningful. I feel like that perfectly describes my last few months, in which my plans for growth and progress and improvement just haven’t turned out like I had hoped…and yet it has still been a beautiful last few months. All about perspective, right??

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 14, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Yes, totally, Lee! So . very. true. And thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  12. Lee says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:40 am

    I so connected with what you said about not doing things or accomplishing things like you wanted, but still being able to recognize that they days are meaningful. I feel like that perfectly describes my last few months, in which my plans for growth and progress and improvement just haven’t turned out like I had hoped…and yet it has still been a beautiful last few months. All about perspective, right??

    Reply
    • happygostuckey says

      April 14, 2015 at 11:15 am

      Yes, totally, Lee! So . very. true. And thank you for stopping by!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe and receive a Free copy of “Simmer: Six soup recipes and the Stories that Inspired Them.”

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

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.

Instagram

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.) 🎄🕯❤️✨
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

Featured Posts

On Waiting & Moving

(And a Recipe for Italian Tortellini Soup) Later this month, our family will celebrate the 10th … [ Read More ]

Five Good Things

Hi. How are you, really? If you're anything like me-- you have moments of complete gratefulness for … [ Read More ]

Winter Favorites

(and why it matters to pay attention to the little things.) "For you are the sunshine-maker in … [ Read More ]

Loving Lately in November

"...all creation's revealing his majesty. We're invited to join with all nature in manifold witness … [ Read More ]

Feasting & Foraging (free for the weekend!) 🍊🌿

I wrote a book, called Feasting & Foraging, and I would like to tell you why. About a year … [ Read More ]

Miss Something?

Please be kind and give proper credit if you share! © Cynthia M. Stuckey. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered or sold.

Privacy Policy

Full privacy policy may be found HERE.

Want each post to magically appear in your email box?

Your personal information is safe and will never be shared.

Cynthia@happygostuckey.com
xo Cynthia
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Books
  • Table
  • Writing
  • Happy Designs
  • Connect

© 2021 · Pretty Creative WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design