(and why it matters to pay attention to the little things.)
“For you are the sunshine-maker in your family and if you get dismal, there is no fair weather.”
Marmee to Meg in Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
The Camellias are blooming in the backyard. We enjoyed both dinner in front of a crackling fire and grilling outside in short sleeves, all within a matter of days. It must be February in Georgia.
I don’t know about you, but this time of year can seem tedious and longer than winter in Narnia. Especially if you happen to be in a season of waiting. Often when we are waiting, the object of our wait can become bigger than all the things we already hold in our laps. Good things. Things that are life-giving gifts. I believe in naming those things, even if the practice seems small and unhelpful.
To me, it is helpful. To make a list of the good things that aren’t necessarily things– helps me to wait well.
So here’s my little list of small things that I’m making bigger– by paying them the attention they deserve.
Good Things on the Internet
Never Believe Anything Bad about God episode 111 of The Next Right Thing podcast
Sarah Sandel on Instagram. I met Sarah through the wonder of the internet and have adored her voice — especially her hashtag #agraciouslight — Both have brought me joy lately.
Good Gifts Worth Counting
Seeing a video of my mom ringing the “completion with radiation” bell yesterday. Many of you know she has been going through cancer treatment these last few months. I am grateful for beyond words for the way she is being healed.
Celebrating a newly minted Eight-year old in our house. This morning Facebook reminded me that we brought her home from the hospital eight years ago Thursday. What a gift she is.
In the BlueHouse Kitchen
This Citrus Avocado Salad with Orange Vinaigrette is reminding me that there is something to love about every single month, even the dreary ones. A tiny splurge on Cara Cara oranges to mix in with clementines made it a bowl full of bright, vitamin-C filled goodness. (Note: I added roasted chicken for protein and was out of tahini so I also subbed this dressing — always delicious.)
On my Nightstand
Last month I finished my first complete unabridged read through of Little Women, and I believe it’s the new book that I will read regularly, forever and ever, amen.
I’m nearly finished with the fifth Louise Penny book.
I also just added The Things We Cannot Say to my Audible queue after several trusted friends recommended it. And my mom recently gave me this book with her high praise and approval.
And this is the current read aloud for the girls and I each morning. So far, we’re all truly enjoying it though it is making us long for an extended trip To England.
Really, I need a reading vacation. I love hearing suggestions of how people find time to read– so if you have any tips, please share!
Some News about Simmer
If you received an email with this post, then you’ve likely already received your free copy of Simmer: Six Soups & the Stories that Inspired Them. If not, click here to get your copy of the book.
Simmer is available still and will be through the end of winter. Once spring comes, it will slide quietly over to Amazon. Want to grab yours before it disappears?
Here’s a quote from Simmer,
We make the soup for hungry people and we feed our souls as we feed their stomachs. We stand willing to go make huge differences out there, knowing that it may be that we will make decades of seemingly small differences in here. We do the things we are given and we do them well. We keep our eyes on our own motives and we do not worry about theirs.
We stay in our own lane, and we love the lane we are in.
— Simmer- Six Seasonal Soups & the Stories that Inspired Them
Painting on my deck in the sunshine.
That sounds like the perfect way to spend an in-between seasons day.