What I Learned:
This summer, in the midst of the long pool days and the front porch nights, I read ALOT. As in, more books than I usually read in 6 months. I’ve consumed a mostly-fiction diet these last few months and mainly stuck with good, solid stories I knew wouldn’t let me down– and through them all I have learned a glaring truth.
Good literature is substantial and never in a hurry. Good stories are luxurious.
Not one time all summer did I wish the author would hurry through her words. I enjoyed the long road of story-telling and story-receiving we were on together.
I think that in the very best books, there is an ever-present sense of the author’s love for the characters and excitement for us as we discover them. Truly, as you read the best stories you find that the author has taken their time and not just in the merciless editing process; but also in the loving discovery of who the characters are. What they want to tell us through their story. In this world of quick online publishing, immediate gratification, and sudden approval or disapproval– I LOVE that someone has written this “for me” over many months and years, in solitude.
And it teaches me things about my own writing.
It truly makes me wonder why we must always make things for immediate sharing, publishing, and production.
I think we need to screw up in solitude a whole lot more.
I think we need to write more that no one ever sees so that what we do offer the world, is our very best.
Not for them– but for us and for the One who made us, Who created us to create.
Anyway. I’m okay with not having all the answers. But I’m thinking about it. And listening. And reading whatever is good, and becoming comfortable with myself when I decide to put down a book I’m not loving.
What I’m Loving Lately:
- These square prints from Parabo Press. I love being pleasantly surprised when I try a new company, and my recent interaction with Parabo Press was a delight. I had a coupon to try a set of 25 square prints for free, and I ordered a bunch of pictures from our past Disney trips. I’m planning to make a banner out of them to hang in the girls’ room. The paper is lush and thick and the packaging was so fun. If you would like a set for yourself, use this referral coupon: CBZJJD and you will pay only shipping on a set of 25 4inch prints! (Note: I upgraded to the 5 inch prints and paid a few dollars, but the 4 inch prints are free.)
- This sautéed corn recipe which I shared on Instagram last week. The basil is coming in like gangbusters around our little Blue House garden!
- No longer being in my first year of homeschooling or my first year of teaching literature. It feels good to have struggled with all the new for an entire year and to have come away learning a few things. For most of last year, I struggled with one or more portions of our new normal. This year, it feels broken in like that sweatshirt from college. I like broken in. On to different challenges and to making new mistakes. (but maybe not as many?)
Your turn! What did you learn & love this summer?
Want to see what others learned this summer? I’m linking up with Emily Freeman to share what we learned— Would love to have you there!
Hey Neighbor … yep, good stories are luxurious. For sure.
I just haven’t found the right one for this summer. Still looking …
;-}
Hey Linda! Thank you for stopping by! I actually just tried to comment on your own post, but it keeps eating my comment. 🙁 So I shall leave it here if thats ok with you! Hopefully it doesn’t pop up several times!
“Hi Linda! In all honesty, I identify with your journey here! I’ve been on a fitness/ wellness path for more than two years and the results have been slooooow and at times, barely leaning towards improvement. It can be frustrating but any movement in the right direction is to be celebrated. Thanks for sharing your heart transparently here. –Cynthia”
Hi Cynthia!
Yes…love how you put it…screw up in solitude! It’s not a product but a process!!
Hey Bethann! Love that, process over product. Thanks for stopping by!
I would love to hear what your favorite books were from this summer! Enjoyed your blog today, and that corn looks so delicious.
Also, lovely photos!
Thank you Melissa!
Ok, so… I started the summer with What Alice Forgot, because after I read “Where’d You Go Bernadette” someone recommended Alice. I enjoyed it, perhaps more than Bernadette. But the end of Alice had me on pins and needles so then I picked up an old favorite– the Harry Potter series. Because when all else fails, I know those books will be happy and substantial. 🙂 So I read books 1-4.
I also dabbled a little with Anne of Avonlea but then decided to start over with Anne of Green Gables first because it’s been a long time.
And The Lake House– have you heard of that one? I actually haven’t finished it yet but I’m completely hooked.
I have “All the Light We Cannot See” on my stack but haven’t gotten to it yet.
Thank you for asking! <3
That corn looks so good! I’ve read some good novels lately too, just not as many as you. I usually fall asleep five pages in, but I kind of like the slow pace as it has allowed me to really soak up the author’s work. And, yes, more writing in solitude. I’ve been forced to do this over the past few months with young ones at home all day, and it’s been GOOD. Thanks for sharing your lessons!
Haha! Oh yes. I’m a habitual one page before I fall asleep girl.
Last year, we transitioned to both kiddos in preschool/ half day K5 to homeschooling– so I get the having littles at home thing. It’s a constant search for stolen moments to write, but I never regret when I do. What have you read lately? I love to hear new recommendations!
Thanks for stopping by, Lauren!
–Cynthia
Found your blog through Emily’s link-up and can’t wait to peek around more! Love your insights on writing slow.
Hi Aimee! Glad to meet you. I peeked at your site too, and can I just say– we must be soul sisters, because our fern studded porches are very much the same! And I really like the name, Middle Mercies– lovely.
Happy to find you and thanks for saying hello! –Cynthia