Daybook
June
Outside my window: Clear blue skies and a front lawn that’s looking tidy and green, just as I like. My husband has worked really hard over the last year or so to get the sprinklers working just right, and now we’re enjoying the payoff.
Listening to: The glass installation guys working in the bathroom. We’re getting out shower glass put in place, the final step in our bathroom renovation!
Clothing myself in: pink Madras shorts, and a short-sleeved white sweater tee.
Talking with my husband about this book: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, M.D.. Derek listened to it on audiobook, then ordered a paper copy. He’s convinced me to read it too. We’d both rather focus on preventive care as we get older as much as possible over reacting to things as they come. This book has some good information on how to do that.
In my own reading:
Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine Pohl: 4 stars
Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry (novel) 5 stars
Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong (memoir): 5 stars. My Amazon Review….I couldn't put this book down once I opened it. I loved Wong's writing style, which is infused with humor and raw honesty. The author is a poet, and her lyrical use of language shines through in the pages of this memoir, which is both heartbreaking and hopeful. I'm excited to read more of her work after reading this book.
The Singing Bowl by Malcolm Guite (poetry): 5 stars
Thinking and thinking: about the documentary, Shiny Happy People. It’s about the Duggar family and the organization that shaped many of their beliefs, IBLF. I remember watching 19 Kids and Counting, mostly out of fascination. At the time when the show aired, I mostly thought they seemed really sweet, if a bit weird. I had no idea what was really happening. The recent uncovering over the past years involving their oldest son and the abuse that happened made me really sad about what the girls went through. Though I didn’t grow up in a large, or as strict of a family as the Duggars, some of the ideas of evangelical fundamentalism mentioned in the documentary sounded quite familiar to teachings I learned in my growing-up years. Some of those ideas were not only wrong but dangerous. It has taken a long time to disentangle myself from them. Really, I’m still sorting through what I believe. I’m glad these things are being talked about. It might be embarrassing, but it’s necessary, and it’s about time.
Pondering: “A good rule to remember for life is that when it comes to plastic surgery and sushi, never be attracted by a bargain.” —Graham Norton : )
Carefully Cultivating Rhythm: I’m easing into summer and enjoying the rhythm of my days. The weather is already hot here in central Washington, so I get up early to make sure I get in some yoga and a walk before the day heats up.
Creating By Hand: I’ve been picking up my cross-stitch project occasionally. Unfortunately, my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, so I make a lot of mistakes. Either I’ll need to get some stronger glasses, or I’ll need to find something a little easier on my eyes.
Learning lessons in: Trusting God. He never fails to amaze me with his goodness.
Keeping house: My attention has gone to the gardens lately. I found a huge ant colony in a wooden planter on our back patio. I got rid of all the potting soil and the planter in an attempt to remove them from anywhere near my house. Hopefully, they’re gone now. Last summer, the ants were a problem, so I’m glad I found where they were coming from.
To be fit and happy: Yoga, walking, golf.
Giving thanks: my husband and I get to go pick up our son from Portland, where he’s been attending college, in a week! I can’t wait to see him!
Living the Liturgy: Yesterday was Trinity Sunday. I like thinking about God being three in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I need all three.
Planning for the week ahead: I’d like to get some good writing days in. My goal is to finish my current novel in progress by October. It’s doable if I stick to the plan.
*Thank you to Elizabeth Foss, writer at In the Heart of My Home, for the inspiration and format behind this daybook.
---
This newsletter occasionally contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on and buy through one of these links, I do receive a small percentage at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
Quick Links:
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you: may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.