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Beth's avatar

Matthew Pierce is a national treasure, if for no other reason than that he has taken on the important work of trolling James Dobson and John Piper.

You guys, there are no cats on the planet who want to be loved more than the scrappy, mangey, scarred-up stray toms. They're lovers, not fighters. They're not here by choice, but the world is a hard place and you've gotta be tough if you're gonna make it out on the street. Really they just want a few pets and a lap to sit in and maybe a window to watch birds out of that will also make a sunny patch on the floor. Imagine all of the above said by a cartoon cat with a tough Jersey accent and a smoker's cough. This message is brought to you by the absolutely pathetic "feral" feline specimen I saw at work today, who after meowing persistently enough to convince me to crack open the cat trap, proceeded to shove his whole self into my hand for pets.

Everything is on fire, but this book is a delight: https://www.amazon.com/Marvellous-Light-Last-Binding/dp/1250831792/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=dKopj&pf_rd_p=bbb6bbd8-d236-47cb-b42f-734cb0cacc1f&pf_rd_r=49P92SKG76VQKNH9WKTC&pd_rd_r=a7e9b064-90b4-4baf-bb0c-121ef6315415&pd_rd_wg=kBKGW&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi

I picked it up at the library, LOVED it, and am now eagerly awaiting the next installment due out in November. There are some on-screen sexy times, so viewer discretion is advised.

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Anne EB's avatar

The past few weeks have been an onslaught in the lives of my people and me:

My mama had a semi-emergent hysterectomy that got more complicated than it was expected to be.

My work team has been decimated by family medical issues and so we’ve all been stressed and in and out and trying to stay on top of things.

My research/practice area is maternal and child health policy, and as you can imagine, it’s been a heavy few weeks there. And led to having to run most important presentation of my career past university media relations in case any press questions about Roe came up. (The presentation/report was on the economic impact of women in Alabama, it wasn’t likely, but wasn’t out of the question that it would come up)

My dearest friend and her sweet fiancé stayed with us for a few days while her mother had brain surgery (y’all, medicine is truly miraculous. After a decade of a major Parkinson’s tremor, her Irish mom can now serve herself tea again.)

So yeah, it’s been an up and down and sideways few weeks, with so many big feelings.

But now I’m sitting on the porch at the beach condo waiting for my Olive and June manicure to dry before wandering over to the Hangout Music Festival (which my husband and I rapidly became too old for 😂) and I will not be replying to emails or picking up the phone until Tuesday.

All that to say, I’m thankful for internet places like this one that keep me company during late nights and early mornings, whether I’m posting or not!

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Dawn's avatar

What a roller coaster! Glad you get a good long weekend to recoup. What color did you choose?

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Anne EB's avatar

I went with BP with a coat of exclamation point on top!

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Dawn's avatar

Nice!

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Katie's avatar

Happy Friday! Usually a comment lurker but have a question today. I am not the person in the Swipe Up+ asking about career change but I did just quit my job without a Plan B and am facing lots of uncertainty. It’s a long story but over the past few months I’ve felt so burned out with work to the point it was affecting my health. When they announced pay cuts a few weeks ago, I realized I never really liked my job (that I’d done for 7! years) and didn’t want to do it for less money. So here I am - resigned last Friday and they told me not to finish out my two weeks on Tuesday.

I know I’m privileged to take time off right now and spend time looking for the perfect fit. And while I’m in this period I want to intentionally spend time each day working on my heart. So my question is if anyone has a recommendation for a good devotional during this season of transition? My heart feels bitter/hardened by the burn out but also tender - if that makes sense.

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Steph's avatar

I quit my corporate job two months ago for the same reasons and it’s the best decision I’ve made for myself! Currently nannying while I figure out next steps. So, solidarity!🙌🏼

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Katie's avatar

Have you had any luck figuring out next steps? I’m excited for some time off and time to reset a lot of areas of my life, but am afraid I’ll start panicking a bit when I have to start dipping into savings!

I actually had my first instance of small talk today where I was asked what I do for a living…and I was like “well I actually just quit my job”. Felt weird to acknowledge to a stranger!

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Steph's avatar

Not yet! I’m planning on nannying through the fall.

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Dawn's avatar

It does make sense, and I bet getting some good rest and listening to your heart will do a world of good. I don't know any devotionals specifically for this situation, but Jesus is a good One to hang out with when you have a burned out/bitter/tender heart. Praying you find a great next job!

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Katie's avatar

Thank you! 🤗

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Heidi's avatar

Howdy howdy howdy! I was supposed to go to Taos, New Mexico with a friend this weekend, but Taos is dealing with wildfires, so earlier this week we pivoted to Steamboat Springs, up in the mountains. But in the Colorado Rockies there's a winter storm warning - a foot of snow on the passes we'd need to cross to get there. So last night we cancelled our trip altogether. I'm bummed because I was looking forward to spending time with my friend, but! Unexpected alone time in my house! It's chilly, cloudy and kind of misty in Denver today, which is my favorite weather, and there's nothing I need to do! I'm planning to read a novel all day and eat all the great snacks I bought yesterday for our trip.

Denver weather is weird, y'all. Yesterday it was in the nineties, and we're supposed to get five inches of snow tonight. We covered all our plants, and I said goodbye to all the irises I passed on my way to take the kids to school.

I'm off to find my slippers and fill up the hot water kettle. Have a great weekend!

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Dawn's avatar

I'm so sorry about your trip. 😔 I hope you and your snacks have a cozy time of it, though I know it's not the same.

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

I saw there was a winter storm in CO and I couldn’t believe it!!! So late in May?! Enjoy your alone time 💗

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Heidi's avatar

They *say* we can plant it tomatoes etc. after Mother's Day, but after living her for 20+ years, I've finally wised up. Nothing tender goes in the ground until Memorial Day weekend at the soonest. May is crazy here!

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Jackie's avatar

I thought Florida had the craziest weather. I’m so sorry about your trip and your plant babies!

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Emma Garwood's avatar

Holt moly, I am so sorry about your irises and your canceled trip. :( What crazy weather!

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Elisabeth Kensinger's avatar

Many much needed laughs today! That muppet video was *chef’s kiss*. And on the more serious side, as the mom of a trans kiddo, thanks for the wise words from the pastor. Yeah, May has definitely kicked my butt- we had a high school graduation for aforementioned kiddo so it’s May on steroids! Graduation was Saturday, so since extended family left, I’ve just been kind of in a little puddle for the last couple of days… hoping for a full return to life before driving to Maine🎉🎉🎉 with my youngest kiddo next week- he has had an incredibly challenging freshman year of high school after a lifetime of homeschool, and I’m looking forward to a week to just hang out, eat seafood and ice cream, walk the beach, take obligatory Instagram photos of my toes in the sand, and watch him jump around in ridiculously cold surf!

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Dawn's avatar

Congrats on surviving May! And graduating a kid! Hope your week is cram packed with ice cream and other goodness.

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Katherine's avatar

The muppets / dirty dancing tweet is giving me life right now....I will be watching on repeat!

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Wendy G's avatar

The Dirty Dancing video to the Muppets song almost made me spit out my coffee. 🤣

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Sarah Hadley's avatar

Happy Friday! Quick question: Does anybody know if the person who does Owl! At The Library on Twitter is also on Instagram? I’m not on Twitter anymore, but I love their quirky brain so much and want it in my life!

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Elisabeth Kensinger's avatar

I’ve looked and couldn’t find anything, but would also love to know!!

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Jackie's avatar

Following because I need to know too!

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Heidi's avatar

Same here!

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Amanda C's avatar

I want to have fun things to share, but this week my dad very unexpectedly got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and doesn’t have much time left. He’s the heart of the family and my kids’ favorite person, and I am in complete shock.

Does anyone have any advice or resources for talking to children about sickness and death? Especially when it’s about one of their people? Ages range from four years old up to 11…Any help would be so much appreciated.

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Carissa's avatar

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Prayers for your family.

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Angela's avatar

I am so sorry to hear this. I participated in a training some years ago about working with kids experiencing grief and loss. They provided a lot of great resources. I’ll try and find the full list but there was a guide for adults called Life & Loss (Goldman), for kids they had When Dinosaurs Die (Laurie & Marc Brown) and The Memory Box (Rowland). I’ve also seen a lot of people recommend the Invisible String and I believe there are activity books that go along with that. I have to do some deep cleaning today so I’ll come back if I can find the list.

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Dawn's avatar

I am so sorry! 💔

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

Amanda I’m so sorry!

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Emma Garwood's avatar

Oh, I am so sorry!

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Melissa's avatar

Oh Amanda I am so very sorry. My dad just suddenly passed last month and we are still in shock and grief

My kids are 8 and 11 and so we just told them honestly and answered any questions and cried with them.

I don’t have any resources to suggest, I’m so very sorry! My heart just breaks for your family. I will be praying for you all

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Dawn's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss, too! 💔

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Heidi's avatar

I'm so sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your family as you make this journey. As far as resources, Beth Silvers just did a set of stories on Instagram about talking to kids about tragedy (in the context of the buffalo shootings) that might get you started. I think it's saved as a highlight @pantsuitpolitics.

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Other Things Called Love's avatar

The Matthew Pierce line where he ends with "because fresh air" truly got me through the last week. I have laughed so much at his writing. Now my husband and I are starting to quote him often, and I love it.

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Eliza Barger's avatar

Happy Friday! I am in the best mood today despite waking up at 5:30 for no reason at all.

My StL visit went surprisingly well and it was so good to see my grandparents. I only really argued with my mom once when she told me I shouldn't be tired bc I hadn't worked that day...ma'am I'm allowed to be tired at 10pm!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My pastor's 5yo Bea and I became best buds when I loved with them because I'd always snuggle her so whenever she doesn't see me for a week I always get the biggest hug. She about jumped out of her car into my arms Wednesday night. Living with them 2019-2020 has been the biggest blessing!

📷 The AUA this week was wild! I watched the replay last night and was laughing out loud so many times!

📚 Anne Bogel's summer reading guide comes out Monday and the book club unboxing last night was delightful! I just love being with book people & saw a few familiar names in the chat which is fun❤ I will be placing loads of library holds today! Don't mind me trying to get books before the patrons, lol.

🧵 I need some new pillows to help off set my dark couch, so I've been messing around with some scrap quilts and such. It's been fun to dip my toe in something new and just see what happens.

Alright, that's all from me! See you in the comments

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

Something I cannot stand is when older people make comments about me being tired. Just leave me alone and let me go to bed at 8:45pm!

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Emma Garwood's avatar

re: the comment from your mom - whaaaaaat?

This AUA was the first one I have missed in a while - looking forward to the audio drop :)

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Eliza Barger's avatar

Right?!?! First of all, rude, but second it's a running joke with basically everyone who knows me that I'm a grandma and go to bed early

I never watch them live (because I'm in bed early), I thought I had missed the window for the crowdcast replay but it was still up last night. I'm sad I missed the live chat!

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Jackie's avatar

“Ma’am I’m allowed to be tired at 10pm!” AMEN.

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Laura's avatar

My husband saw me reading that Matthew Pierce article and he raised his fist and shouted "Butts for women!" likesome kind of suffragette 🤣

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Dawn's avatar

Ha! 🤣

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Beth's avatar

I’m now hearing this as in the voice of Mrs. Banks from Mary Poppins. “Butts for women! Stepping time!”

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Laura's avatar

I'm pretty sure Mrs. Banks was his inspiration 🤣

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Dawn's avatar

Yes! Lol

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

Good morning, swipes!!!

That video of the little boy upset about having a sister had me rolling!!! Also, the only reason anyone needs to be on Twitter is so you can follow Matthew Pierce.

Ugh, I'm just very much over America right now. I thought we were headed beyond the constant fighting and turning everything into a political statement, but I guess I was wrong. I was at Costco (my safe place) this week getting gas, and a man with a "Let's Go Brandon" tshirt was arguing with an older Black man out in the middle of everyone. I couldn't tell what was being said, but I could tell from his body language and hand gestures that they were arguing and I was so afraid of what it would escalate to. Thankfully after a few minutes they finished pumping their gas and went about their day, but I am so tired of seeing and hearing about neighbors fighting with each other. I know we will have disagreements, but do we have to get so riled up over everything.

Anyway, I commented a few times about us possibly buying a lot and after a lot of deliberation I made the executive decision to not do that. I think we are just going to stay in our baby house for a few more years and then try to move, which will allow us to save a lot more money.

I also commented a few times about a job opening up at work that I have always wanted and the time has finally come. My first interview (a phone screening) is Monday morning.... eeek! I'm trying to stay level headed about it because I know anything could happen. But if I'm not selected this time it will be a looooong time before I can move up in any capacity. So I'm praying God will give me the perfect words for my interview.

For TV treasures:

- Outer Range: we are half-way through and really intrigued. It's Yellowstone but with a Sci-Fi twist.

- Under the Banner of Heaven: a very interesting look at a double homicide within the LDS church.

- Candy: Loved it! The costume and set design were amazing!

- The Flight Attendant season 2: I kind of forgot all that happened in season 1, but it pulled me back in.

Okay, that's it. Can't wait to catch up in the comments <3

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Dawn's avatar

Excited for your job interview! 🙏

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Avery's avatar

Under the Banner of Heaven is so good! I highly recommend the book if you haven’t read it yet. Dustin Lance Black has done a brilliant job adapting it into this show

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Beth's avatar

I’m so happy to be here today.

I read the “Should Christian Women Have Butts?” piece yesterday and about cried laughing. Especially after watching all the “modesty” stories on The New Evangelicals Instagram this week, I needed that specific laugh. (I recommend that highlight, btw.)

This week has been fairly uneventful except that I am tired. We have one more week of school but then still more end of the year stuff for other things. Could we just spread out the recitals and games and field days? Do they all have to be at the end of the year?

Speaking of which, I’m volunteering at my daughter’s end of the year AR party for a bit today and she doesn’t know. I’m excited to surprise her. ❤️

I’m currently reading How to Walk Away by Katherine Center and wondering: does anyone else ever want to straight up murder fictional characters, or am I the weird one?

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Beth's avatar

Coming back to drop this link about women in country music since Anne Helen Peterson did an interview with the author of a book about it today! https://annehelen.substack.com/p/dont-get-chicked?r=1vmvu&utm_medium=ios

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Beth's avatar

This is a great article and that book looks incredible. You're Wrong About did a couple of episodes on cancel culture awhile back, including one focusing on The Chicks that was so good. As much as I now dislike Toby Keith, I have to admit that "Shoulda Been a Cowboy" is still one of my favorite country songs.

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Jackie's avatar

I wanted to murder just about everyone in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so trust me, I know how you feel.

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MJ Thach's avatar

🔥 Saw Hadestown lastnight and OH. MY. GAH. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone into a show blind but it was fantastic and reminded me that there are parts of living here I will sorely miss.

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Eliza Barger's avatar

Yay! I'm seeing it when it comes to Charlotte and I can't wait. I've only heard good things!

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Melanie S.'s avatar

Happy Friday, friends!

Not a lot to say today, it's been a pretty quiet week. We had the best time visiting our nephew and family last weekend, but I also feel guilty because the only reason we live three hours away instead of in the same town as them is because I love my job here and my sister's here. I just wish everyone I love would live in the same place!

We were supposed to go to the beach today but it's thunderstorming all day, so instead we're going to watch a double feature of ridiculous Cinderella adaptations (Sneakerella and the one with Camila Cabello).

Hope you all have the best possible weekends!

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Dawn's avatar

Cinderella during a thunderstorm sounds pretty great! Glad you got some nephew snuggles!

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Lauren White O'Brian's avatar

I really like the one with Camila Cabello, but I think mainly because of the music. Have fun!

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Shelby Livingston's avatar

That still sounds like such a magical day! Enjoy!

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