What I’ve Learned & Loved Lately (Fall Edition.)

I’ve always enjoyed linking up with Emily Freeman for What We Learned. This is our first quarterly recap rather than monthly.

So let’s jump right in shall we? These range from the sentimental to the serious with a little silly mixed in there as well. (I’d love for you to stick around and tell me what you have recently learned in the comments!)

I have discovered that it is my goal for everyone to be completely cozy– forever and ever, amen. I see this when I shop for gifts. I always choose chunky cable-knit blankets and soft wooly socks and great big mugs to fill with something hot to drink. Cozy is my love language and I want that for everyone else as well. I think I have the need to nurture.

Fall is my heart’s most favorite season. I truly love Thanksgiving and all the cozy (see above) that comes as part of the lovely, weather-changing, territory. Autumn is always a mix of being content right where I am and a tad of past-homesickness.

I know that making a home, building it from the inside out, is a gentle process and not one that can be rushed. I also know it doesn’t come easily for all of us. I wrote more about that here: Brown Sugar Lattes & Finding Home.

Audible is a life-saver. At the beginning of the summer, I began re-reading through the Harry Potter series, one right after the other. I soon realized how many pages (3,407 to be exact,) that was, so I signed up for the free audible trial. Well, I finished the series in a few months but I cannot seem to release my audio book membership. Audible allows me to ‘read’ while I clean, exercise, drive, cook or whatever– and I’m zooming through great books which is nice.

When I’m not in a podcast mood, being told a great story by a captivating narrator is just my cup of tea. I’m not certain we ever outgrow the need to be read to. (P.S. Jim Dale is the most excellent narrator of the Harry Potter series. Trust me.) Audible has a current offer where you get TWO free audio books instead of one.

Sometimes silence truly is golden; other times we need only listen a bit louder. I am a slow processor. Sloths at the DMV in Zootopia- slow. There have been many moments in the last three months that I have found myself with very few helpful words about the world around me. At times I fought back the urge to say something just to avoid being silent. It is noble to be able to offer words that heal, but it is not less than to simply be a good listener. We could all do with a bit more full-faced listening, I believe. Good listening leads to better understanding.

I finished my first E-book and I didn’t die. Simmer: Six Seasonal Soups & the Stories that Inspired them is one of my favorite parts of this Fall. It is the happy result of many a roux in the sweltering Georgia summer, but I’m jazzed to be able to give it to you.

My lessons learned range from the technical to the downright heart-wrenching. But may I just share one with you? If you’re holding onto something, consider opening your hands– offer it up freely.

If you’ve always had the deep desire to do that thing, whatever it is— to go on that mission trip, start that creative business, adopt that baby whose face you’ve never seen but you see clearly in your heart– whatever it is. Don’t wait to be asked by anyone but God. Start taking steps to give it away, that part of yourself that keeps popping up. Because that thing? It was carved on your soul for a reason. Don’t wait too long, dear friend.

I’d love to tell you more and gift you with a copy here.

 

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What I’m Watching: 

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, because of course. I still have the final season/ episode to go and I’m dragging it out. I have thoughts, but I’m keeping them to my little self for now.

Poldark. Have you watched this on PBS? If so, we need to chat. Right now it’s causing me all kinds of emotional trauma.

What I’m Reading: 

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay (perhaps my favorite Reay book yet.)

The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (The Wingfeather Saga)

Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

She Reads Truth Advent 2016: Christ was Born for This– (You may subscribe online and have the daily devotions sent to your email.)

Just Finished:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (We also need to discuss this one. Big time.) As well as books 1-7, WHEW!

A Christmas Carol  by Charles Dickens

What I’m Cooking in the Blue House Kitchen: 

This Green Salad with Apples and Cider Vinaigrette. Add grilled chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey and boom! It’s been my new favorite lunch.

This simple, Paleo Chicken Salad. Quick to throw together with a Rotisserie Chicken and a cup of salad greens.

 

I’d love to hear what you are loving & learning lately. Or, head on over to Emily’s place and see what others have learned.