Fun fact that will make sense later in my comment: I just in the last week learned that the human brain only has the capacity to keep track of the basic rhythms of life for 10 people. And as for wider 'acquaintance only' numbers? 150 people. Your brain can only really socialize with 160 people.
Trigger warning: infant loss.
.
.
.
So my treasures this week all revolve around essentially making it through burying my sister's baby girl and still standing afterwards.
It was incredibly triggering of old & new trauma in a whole bunch of ways but the fact that I have yet to go catatonic is in fact a massive win.
I definitely felt heaven close.
Nobody tells you about how many other things still need to be taken care of after the funeral & I'm used to being the person who helps my grieving loved ones in the emotional/intellectual sense & not so much the actual physical/logistical sense so that's been.... hard.
I am still in the process of trying to figure out how to pick up my boring less fast paced life again, but the temptation to overfunction for an unsustainable time is blunted from what it definitely could be.
AND! My dad's sister who attended the burial but that I haven't had an in depth conversation with in years reached out afterwards and we have a lunch date set for Tuesday to catch up. As someone who struggles feeling guilty I don't have the capacity to sustain as many relationships as I have family (literally. I come from a huge family & so does my husband) being guilted by my grandmother for not being the one to always initiate contact is something of a hot button for me so to have her own daughter reach out in a bid for connection fed my heart.
Hello, all! I’m a long-time Lil’ Swipe, first-time Big Swipe (what do paid subscribers call themselves lol), and first-time commenter. Just saying hello, and thank you to Erin for providing this space. I’ve been in a super tender place for 7ish years now with my faith/worldview and I need community of people who can relate. I have a feeling this is a good place to start. I’m going to try and put myself out there and actually engage a little despite my fear of Being Perceived On the Internet (enneagram 4 here!!).
So right now, my treasure is knowing that I’m not alone ❤️
Do you love reading? Do you love being happy? Do you love love? If you answered yes to those questions, I need you to know that my new favorite author Sarah Adams has the cutest little novels and you’re missing them in your life. I think some of them are on Kindle Unlimited!
The best part is that she makes aesthetic reels for each book so you get a vibe preview without any spoilers. If you’re into it, check them out! If not, that’s cool too 🤠
Hi friends. Coming to you live from the nursery glider rocking the baby who I bragged about sleeping last week. 😅 I was going to comment earlier today but then the SCOTUS ruling came out and I’ve just been trying to be tender with myself the rest of the day instead.
Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? Let down my guard and tell the people how I feel a second?
After taking many months off after starting Mercy Seat, I was trying to figure out why. And I think I landed on it this last week. Community is very hard for me in almost every way. My RDS* is so strong, I automatically fill in a narrative of all the ways and reasons no one would ever want to connect with me. I’m also in such a crisis of faith that I don’t know what I believe anymore, or even if I do at all, but I’ve played the part at church for my whole life so now I don’t know exactly who I am. I often feel like eating my lunch in the proverbial bathroom than to risk sitting at a lunch table where I don’t fit in or people don’t like me. Even online, it is hard. I’m honestly not sure why I’m sharing this, other than that I just feel like I’m supposed to.
Treasures:
🦷 My oldest lost his first tooth yesterday. He was very excited for a tooth fairy visit and I had fun making it special for him.
🪴 I shared my backyard garden on my IG this week simply in an effort to share something that brings me joy, and so many friends told me how much they enjoyed it and asked me to keep doing updates as things grow.
🔊 My almost 2yo has been screaming a lot for months (he is speech delayed), but this week I feel like we’ve had a breakthrough on connecting with him during his meltdowns and helping him co-regulate and express himself more calmly. This is huge for me because I get auditory overstimulation so easily.
🏅 Prizes for any of you who read this whole comment.
*RDS is Rejection Sensitive Disphoria. The tldr version is that I’ll just make up reasons people are mad at me or don’t like me, even when I’ve been given no indication of that. Or I’ll misread a social cue and think someone is upset with me. It’s very common in people who are neurodivergent (I have ADHD).
I have been reading all of the comments for a few weeks, but haven't posted my own treasures (and turds) in a bit, so it feels nice to be back. 😊
🗺 Y'all were so encouraging about my trip to Europe last month, so I wanted to mention that it was really awesome. Had a few disappointments along the way (our photoshoot got canceled bc our photographer got Covid + got a nasty head cold on my birthday) also I learned a LOT about myself and how my husband and I travel together (like, we need to rest for a few hours every afternoon 😂). But overall, the trip was really special. 🥰
👑 But my biggest treasure is that when we were in London we got to see SIX on West End, and it was MAGICAL. I am very into British history and weirdly know so much about the Tudors, but I was not ready for how much this DELIGHTED me. If you don't know the premise, all 6 of Henry VIII's wives form a Spice Girl-esque girl group and the show is more concert than traditional musical, and it is so freaking fun. Especially if you love the "let's correct history and smash some patriarchy" kinda vibes. Also, they do a race-inclusive *and* size-inclusive casting (so not just a bunch of thin white girls!) - it's brilliant. I've been listening to it non-stop and probably will keep listening to it all weekend. 😂 Here's a taste if you're intrigued! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTP_PiU4k_4
🫖 My other treasure is that I bought 100g of Earl Grey tea in London (having no idea how much tea that actually is 😂), so I've been drinking that every morning (and will be for the next few months haha).
A turd:
I had this whole thing typed up, and then a spontaneous work meeting was called and we got big news (our boss is resigning), so the rest of the day has been a bit of a doozy. 😳😬
BUT I hope I have sufficiently convinced you to listen to SIX and I will see you all in the comments! 💕
I randomly heard one of the songs from Six and was beyond delighted when I realized what the show was about. Thanks for sharing your Europe trip with us on IG, it was so fun to follow along on your adventures.
I'm sitting at Discount Tires because I blew a tire yesterday when I hit a curb turning into my own driveway. Then I was informed that I needed to replace the whole set or it would mess with my fancy Subaru transmission. There goes the money from the two extra shifts I worked this month.
I am just so sad about the SCOTUS decision. Somehow knowing it was coming didn't make it any easier. The Supreme Court has given up all pretense of impartiality. So many people will die as a result, and the Republican party will call it a victory. None of the dystopian novels prepared for this.
Treasures
- All my friends decided to have babies at the same time, and all babies are now present and accounted for. I have some big/weird feelings about some of it, but very thankful for safe arrivals and skilled interventions.
- I finished Under the Banner of Heaven last night. It's heavy but so good. Andrew Garfield is fantastic and also has the most Mormon face in Hollywood.
- Is the military industrial complex bad? Yes. Did that stop me from climbing into the danger zone? Absolutely not. I saw Top Gun: Maverick on Tuesday after watching the original for the first time a couple of weekends ago and I completely understand why the Navy got so many new recruits out of the deal. Also very excited for the next Mission Impossible movie. Tom Cruise is a problematic individual and also very good at his job.
Hello new friends! The Internet (tm) has made me very nervous to comment but I'm trying to use my powers of verbal nonsense for good, not evil.
In response to tweets:
1. There IS a Beyonce/Lady Gaga collab; it's called "Telephone" and it's BREATHTAKING (I know y'all know)
2. I live in Denver, and our largest arena was purchased a few years ago by Ball, as in the canning company. Name one other canning company. I'll wait. Morton and Ball are fully monopolizing my quaint farmhouse dreams.
3. Our pastor recently preached a sermon on the prodigal son and the dual meanings of the word prodigious - it's one of those words that has two opposite meanings. One the one hand, it means generously abundant, and on the other it means lacking. "Prodigious" applies to both the father and the son in the story, and I like to think it applies to us, too. Most of us have seasons of life where we can give abundantly, and most of us have times where we are in deep need, and sometimes we are experiencing both at once. I very much liked how he connected that story not just to the ways in which we are lacking (which, in my experience, is the most common interpretation) but also the way Christ calls us to generosity with grace.
I will for sure try and find that sermon; thanks for sharing. If you haven't read it, I would check out Henry Nowen's book on the Prodigal Son. It's beautiful; it really changed the way I view the story and how I understand God's love for me. Highly recommend!
The only other canning company I know might be called Magic. Well, I have a very old Magic brand mason jar from my grandma, otherwise, Ball all the way lol
Happy Friday friends! It’s been a rainy week here in New Jersey this week, but the sun is finally out in time for my “Summer Friday” from work. Really looking forward to my “me” day, and finally getting in to the chiropractor. My belly is big enough now that I had to give up tummy sleeping for side sleeping, and it’s just wrecking havoc on me.
This week is a big milestone for me. 20 weeks pregnant a.k.a half way there 😊 It’s been such a challenging ride, but I think I’m letting go of anxiety little by little, and the excitement of meeting our three years in the making miracle is creeping in. If anyone is in the “waiting” right now, I am praying for you constantly.
Wanted to share two TikToks of this wonderful man’s wedding vows to his husband. I’ve watched it three times, and it keeps me laughing and sobbing.
I’m usually pretty quiet in here.....but read all the comments 😊. I just thought I’d share that I FINALLY booked a therapist 🙌🏻. I’m 47 and unpacking a lot and decided it’s time to get serious. I’m very, very nervous, but excited at the same time 💙
Oh man. I have no time to go see Top Gun right now, but I want to do that!
Swipes - It is one million degrees and our sprinklers are busted so the garden is dying - but I don't even care! In spite of working 50+ hours, last weekend we moved the last of our stuff to the new house. This week the fence guys finished the new fence - and calmed down the angry neighbor. I managed to find enough mason jars - not glasses, mind you, but whatever- to share a toast with our friends who helped us haul over our full size freezer and washer dryer set. Blessings on their heads - and backs! Treasures:
🏡 We are home.
🍓 We celebrated the solstice/official start of summer with strawberry shortcake.
🔨 And this is an aside, but as we've been looking up a bunch of repair and diy videos, the Algorithm has been showing me lots of women with repair shows, which I love. All these gals busting out the saws and nail guns and impact drivers and building stuff. Title IX changed the world, y'all. My generation was the first one that didn't have to take home economics classes, but not a single female student ever set foot in the wood/metal/auto shop on campus. https://youtu.be/NPNZlXJ7XPc
Off to another bonkers workday! Look forward to seeing you all in the comments.
Listen I don’t want to salt-splain any of you, but if you aren’t using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, you’re wrong. (I know I technically live like an hour from the morton salt mine but I don’t care). Salt is important to me. Jacobsen salt is also delicious.
Y’all. We bought a Purple mattress. It’s amazing. I have slept so well. We live near a warehouse so we got one with a cosmetic issue for 40% off. I COULD NOT EVEN TELL YOU WHAT THE COSMETIC ISSUE IS. It’s a dream.
I was offered the opportunity to become salaried at my job (yay!) starting in December because of how budgets go. I’m excited! It just feels like such a big scary Adult™️ thing to do.
It has been a crazy week so that’s all I can give. I hope you all have a lovely Friday! Wish me luck next week as I try to make croissants for my husband’s birthday. 🫠
Shelby, I also came here to say that Diamond Kosher Salt is the best salt! 👏 I didn't think it would be a game-changer (or that I would even notice), but HELLO.
Also, I have been eyeing the Purple mattress for years and I am SO glad it is amazing for you! And 40% off?? The dream.
And congrats on moving to salary!!!! That is huge. 🥳
Shelby! Ok, we will be mattress shopping VERY SOON and Purple is on our list - do they have factories all o er the country? How do I get a discount? And GOOD FOR YOU for becoming salaried - they don't want to lose you, you're integral to their company now! Happy Birthday to Trevor!!
For croissants make sure to build in the chill time as I have found with that they always turn out delicious. And I made this twice this past year and my family loves it. https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/croissant-bread/
Oh trust me - the last time I made croissants was in culinary school and it kicked my a** 😂😂 cold butter is the key to flakey layers!! But I’m glad you think highly of Sally’s recipe - I was debating between hers and claire’s from the NY cooking!
Happy Friday! It's been a bit of a chaotic week, I was supposed to house sit for a friend all week, but her departure kept getting delayed, so it only ended up being two nights which is ultimately easier but also a struggle to adjust my plans daily.
✨ Treasures✨
🎤 Tuesday's Bible Binge Elective was such a delight, and I will for sure be watching the replay again this weekend!
📚 I read When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord. It's a fun read, the main character is musical theater obsessed, and I enjoyed the enemies to lovers romance. I'm reading Anna K Away and loving it more than the first one. The last 1/3 of Anna K was just long for me.
🎓 Two of my college friends are coming this weekend, and I'm excited to see them and excited that they're coming to me; we've met up over the years at everyone else's homes, so it's fun to have them at mine finally. The real treasure is that one girl messed up her calendar and couldn't come. That feels mean to type, but when we met up last summer, things with her were awkward, and I struggled with knowing how honest to be about my faith reconsiderations and if she would reject me as a friend and person of faith. All that to say, I'm just excited to have a fun weekend and not deal with all that.
Looking forward to catching up with you in the comments!
The Librarian Is In the NYPL podcast had an episode on it that convinced me to give it a try. There's plenty of teen drama/angsty but it doesn't feel quite as fluffy as other teen novels.
Hey, everyone! It’s been months since I’ve even clicked the “comments” button and I’ve missed this!
💩 There have been some significant turds since I’ve been on. My Nana died. My youngest brother is dealing with some shit in a way that’s been so heavy for my parents. I’m losing my dream job because the family I work for is moving across the country (and I want to stay in GA near my family).
✨ And also some beautiful treasures. My niece turned one! I’ve started decorating my house (finally). I’ve landed two part time jobs with sweet families.
And if you need some summer watching recs, I’ve really enjoyed these:
💖 Heartstopper (Netflix)
☀️ Fire Island (Hulu)
🌷 The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime)
🌼 Set It Up (Netflix)
🌸 Love, Victor (Hulu)
Most of those are also great for Pride month!
I’m very happy to be back, and hope you all have the loveliest weekend available to you 😘
I'm sorry about your Nana and the loss of your dream job. Glad you've had some good shows to keep you company. The only one I've seen is Set it Up; but I've heard Heartstopper is lovely.
This week held a lot of treasures and a rather significant turd:
⭐️my company is considering moving to a 4 day work week and now that it’s been mentioned I NEEEEEED it to happen. I also got to see an old friend from high school I haven’t seen in 10 years and that was really sweet.
💩A turd, however, was yesterday when on the phone with my mother, I encouraged her to use someone’s preferred pronouns because of basic human decency, and she started crying and said she never should have let me go to college because “that’s where it all went wrong” and “I used to be such a good Christian”. So, that’s been stinging.
⭐️I did, however, just finish Book Lovers by Emily Henry and 10/10 would recommend! It was amazing. Has anyone else read this one? I have a book club meeting about it tomorrow and I’m sooooo excited
So sorry to hear about your conversation with your mom. I’ve unfortunately had a few like that with my mom, too. There is something comforting about knowing there are others navigating this, although I wish none of us had to. 🤍
I am trying to find a new job an four day work week is up there in wishes so good luck!
One of the hardest things I've had to do this year is set uncommunicated boundaries with my parents. It's lead to more joy but also sadness. So sorry you had to go through this and you showing more love to people is the exact opposite <3
BOOK LOVERS is now MAJORITY of my personality. Nora forever. I am her and her sister is my sister. But now my sister wants to read it and I am not ready for that amount of vulnerability into my mind.
I literally loved every single minute of that book!! I laughed, I cringed, and was angry. But mostly I laughed. I have never liked a set of characters more in any book I’ve ever read. The banter was amazing. I think I will also be making it a part of my personality as well.
And thank you, boundries are definitely something I need to get better at, especially with my family, but this week really brought that the light even more so will be working on those over the next few months
You must read book lovers. It’s a really chocolate milkshake of a book, and by that I mean I was enthralled and enjoyed every single minute much like my experience of drinking a chocolate milkshake
So, last week I posted that one of my kids came home with a fever and TURNS OUT, it was covid. Even though I'm fairly certain he had it 5 months ago. But whatever. This has been our 4th quarantine/isolation in 11 months, so that's fun. I also tested positive for the second time (had Delta last summer). Thankfully everyone is truly fine, Jesus is a Mucinex, we can finally schedule vaccines for the 3 littles, and Lord willing, everyone will go back to daycare and work on Monday.
During this isolation time I:
- watched all of The Summer I Turned Pretty (any other boy moms want to talk about how this made them feel things??)
- caught up on Ms. Marvel (so good!)
- finished Obi-Wan Kenobi (father figures with beards are my kryptonite)
- started watching Reservation Dogs (Taika Waititi produces no wrongs)
- have been reading through Memphis as part of my Reading Everybody Black reading challenge (honestly not sure how I feel about this one because it has a dark plot point including child sexual assault)
While I was group texting my gal pals about my Obi Wan crush, we also dicussed backwards ball caps, and my friend sent me this old TikTok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WkELxhgxjA
Not gonna lie. This week was a lot in terms of new details coming out about Uvalde, the January 6 hearings, SCOTUS decisions, and personal stuff (covid, finding out a friends' baby was in the NICU, etc.). Sometimes I find it very hard to be hopeful. BUT, I just remember I have access to peace that passes all understanding, that literally makes 0 sense in this world, and that is something to cling to.
"Sometimes I find it very hard to be hopeful. BUT, I just remember I have access to peace that passes all understanding, that literally makes 0 sense in this world, and that is something to cling to" Thank you, this is the reminder that I needed today ❤
Fun fact that will make sense later in my comment: I just in the last week learned that the human brain only has the capacity to keep track of the basic rhythms of life for 10 people. And as for wider 'acquaintance only' numbers? 150 people. Your brain can only really socialize with 160 people.
Trigger warning: infant loss.
.
.
.
So my treasures this week all revolve around essentially making it through burying my sister's baby girl and still standing afterwards.
It was incredibly triggering of old & new trauma in a whole bunch of ways but the fact that I have yet to go catatonic is in fact a massive win.
I definitely felt heaven close.
Nobody tells you about how many other things still need to be taken care of after the funeral & I'm used to being the person who helps my grieving loved ones in the emotional/intellectual sense & not so much the actual physical/logistical sense so that's been.... hard.
I am still in the process of trying to figure out how to pick up my boring less fast paced life again, but the temptation to overfunction for an unsustainable time is blunted from what it definitely could be.
AND! My dad's sister who attended the burial but that I haven't had an in depth conversation with in years reached out afterwards and we have a lunch date set for Tuesday to catch up. As someone who struggles feeling guilty I don't have the capacity to sustain as many relationships as I have family (literally. I come from a huge family & so does my husband) being guilted by my grandmother for not being the one to always initiate contact is something of a hot button for me so to have her own daughter reach out in a bid for connection fed my heart.
Hello, all! I’m a long-time Lil’ Swipe, first-time Big Swipe (what do paid subscribers call themselves lol), and first-time commenter. Just saying hello, and thank you to Erin for providing this space. I’ve been in a super tender place for 7ish years now with my faith/worldview and I need community of people who can relate. I have a feeling this is a good place to start. I’m going to try and put myself out there and actually engage a little despite my fear of Being Perceived On the Internet (enneagram 4 here!!).
So right now, my treasure is knowing that I’m not alone ❤️
Hi lil swipes! Do I have a treasure for you.
Do you love reading? Do you love being happy? Do you love love? If you answered yes to those questions, I need you to know that my new favorite author Sarah Adams has the cutest little novels and you’re missing them in your life. I think some of them are on Kindle Unlimited!
The best part is that she makes aesthetic reels for each book so you get a vibe preview without any spoilers. If you’re into it, check them out! If not, that’s cool too 🤠
The Off-Limits Rule https://www.instagram.com/reel/CT92WT8g2W3/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
The Temporary Roomie
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVxxfyIg7LV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
The Cheat Sheet
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSpTXxhAwyL/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Hi friends. Coming to you live from the nursery glider rocking the baby who I bragged about sleeping last week. 😅 I was going to comment earlier today but then the SCOTUS ruling came out and I’ve just been trying to be tender with myself the rest of the day instead.
Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? Let down my guard and tell the people how I feel a second?
After taking many months off after starting Mercy Seat, I was trying to figure out why. And I think I landed on it this last week. Community is very hard for me in almost every way. My RDS* is so strong, I automatically fill in a narrative of all the ways and reasons no one would ever want to connect with me. I’m also in such a crisis of faith that I don’t know what I believe anymore, or even if I do at all, but I’ve played the part at church for my whole life so now I don’t know exactly who I am. I often feel like eating my lunch in the proverbial bathroom than to risk sitting at a lunch table where I don’t fit in or people don’t like me. Even online, it is hard. I’m honestly not sure why I’m sharing this, other than that I just feel like I’m supposed to.
Treasures:
🦷 My oldest lost his first tooth yesterday. He was very excited for a tooth fairy visit and I had fun making it special for him.
🪴 I shared my backyard garden on my IG this week simply in an effort to share something that brings me joy, and so many friends told me how much they enjoyed it and asked me to keep doing updates as things grow.
🔊 My almost 2yo has been screaming a lot for months (he is speech delayed), but this week I feel like we’ve had a breakthrough on connecting with him during his meltdowns and helping him co-regulate and express himself more calmly. This is huge for me because I get auditory overstimulation so easily.
🏅 Prizes for any of you who read this whole comment.
*RDS is Rejection Sensitive Disphoria. The tldr version is that I’ll just make up reasons people are mad at me or don’t like me, even when I’ve been given no indication of that. Or I’ll misread a social cue and think someone is upset with me. It’s very common in people who are neurodivergent (I have ADHD).
Oh. My. Gosh. Thank you for explaining/sharing the term RDS, I do this too!
I’m glad it was helpful! Once I started learning about it I was like 🤯
You are welcome at this lunch table. A lot of us have had/are having crisis of faith. We live in the messy middle.
Thank you, Dawn! 🤍
Happy Friday friends!
I have been reading all of the comments for a few weeks, but haven't posted my own treasures (and turds) in a bit, so it feels nice to be back. 😊
🗺 Y'all were so encouraging about my trip to Europe last month, so I wanted to mention that it was really awesome. Had a few disappointments along the way (our photoshoot got canceled bc our photographer got Covid + got a nasty head cold on my birthday) also I learned a LOT about myself and how my husband and I travel together (like, we need to rest for a few hours every afternoon 😂). But overall, the trip was really special. 🥰
👑 But my biggest treasure is that when we were in London we got to see SIX on West End, and it was MAGICAL. I am very into British history and weirdly know so much about the Tudors, but I was not ready for how much this DELIGHTED me. If you don't know the premise, all 6 of Henry VIII's wives form a Spice Girl-esque girl group and the show is more concert than traditional musical, and it is so freaking fun. Especially if you love the "let's correct history and smash some patriarchy" kinda vibes. Also, they do a race-inclusive *and* size-inclusive casting (so not just a bunch of thin white girls!) - it's brilliant. I've been listening to it non-stop and probably will keep listening to it all weekend. 😂 Here's a taste if you're intrigued! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTP_PiU4k_4
🫖 My other treasure is that I bought 100g of Earl Grey tea in London (having no idea how much tea that actually is 😂), so I've been drinking that every morning (and will be for the next few months haha).
A turd:
I had this whole thing typed up, and then a spontaneous work meeting was called and we got big news (our boss is resigning), so the rest of the day has been a bit of a doozy. 😳😬
BUT I hope I have sufficiently convinced you to listen to SIX and I will see you all in the comments! 💕
I randomly heard one of the songs from Six and was beyond delighted when I realized what the show was about. Thanks for sharing your Europe trip with us on IG, it was so fun to follow along on your adventures.
An afternoon rest is *essential* while traveling. And I wanna see Six!
https://caitlinhmallery.substack.com/p/faithful-care-of-emotional-wounds?r=es1i2&s=w&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Just out here in the wilds of Montana, where it is not hot and flooding is a distinct possibility. Gah, weather.
Biggest treasure is my 18 month learning to yell “internet” whenever her show (Puffin Rock) quits streaming. You learn big words from older siblings!
Also, my oldest is learning about classical composers and giving them modern nicknames, JS (Bach), Beat (Beethoven ) QZ (Qantz).
I'm sitting at Discount Tires because I blew a tire yesterday when I hit a curb turning into my own driveway. Then I was informed that I needed to replace the whole set or it would mess with my fancy Subaru transmission. There goes the money from the two extra shifts I worked this month.
I am just so sad about the SCOTUS decision. Somehow knowing it was coming didn't make it any easier. The Supreme Court has given up all pretense of impartiality. So many people will die as a result, and the Republican party will call it a victory. None of the dystopian novels prepared for this.
Treasures
- All my friends decided to have babies at the same time, and all babies are now present and accounted for. I have some big/weird feelings about some of it, but very thankful for safe arrivals and skilled interventions.
- I finished Under the Banner of Heaven last night. It's heavy but so good. Andrew Garfield is fantastic and also has the most Mormon face in Hollywood.
- Is the military industrial complex bad? Yes. Did that stop me from climbing into the danger zone? Absolutely not. I saw Top Gun: Maverick on Tuesday after watching the original for the first time a couple of weekends ago and I completely understand why the Navy got so many new recruits out of the deal. Also very excited for the next Mission Impossible movie. Tom Cruise is a problematic individual and also very good at his job.
Cackled at 'the most Mormon face in Hollywood' because you're completely right. It all makes sense now 🤣
He should add "The Most Mormon Face in Hollywood" as a line to all hos bios. 😆
Somewhere in the first couple of episodes it suddenly hit me that this was the most obvious casting choice ever.
Hello new friends! The Internet (tm) has made me very nervous to comment but I'm trying to use my powers of verbal nonsense for good, not evil.
In response to tweets:
1. There IS a Beyonce/Lady Gaga collab; it's called "Telephone" and it's BREATHTAKING (I know y'all know)
2. I live in Denver, and our largest arena was purchased a few years ago by Ball, as in the canning company. Name one other canning company. I'll wait. Morton and Ball are fully monopolizing my quaint farmhouse dreams.
3. Our pastor recently preached a sermon on the prodigal son and the dual meanings of the word prodigious - it's one of those words that has two opposite meanings. One the one hand, it means generously abundant, and on the other it means lacking. "Prodigious" applies to both the father and the son in the story, and I like to think it applies to us, too. Most of us have seasons of life where we can give abundantly, and most of us have times where we are in deep need, and sometimes we are experiencing both at once. I very much liked how he connected that story not just to the ways in which we are lacking (which, in my experience, is the most common interpretation) but also the way Christ calls us to generosity with grace.
I will for sure try and find that sermon; thanks for sharing. If you haven't read it, I would check out Henry Nowen's book on the Prodigal Son. It's beautiful; it really changed the way I view the story and how I understand God's love for me. Highly recommend!
The only other canning company I know might be called Magic. Well, I have a very old Magic brand mason jar from my grandma, otherwise, Ball all the way lol
Oh do you have a link for that sermon, 'cause I love that!
Listen: that requires me to remember when he said that 😂
The pastor is Hal Chorpenning at Plymouth UCC in Fort Collins, CO if anyone is interested!
Happy Friday friends! It’s been a rainy week here in New Jersey this week, but the sun is finally out in time for my “Summer Friday” from work. Really looking forward to my “me” day, and finally getting in to the chiropractor. My belly is big enough now that I had to give up tummy sleeping for side sleeping, and it’s just wrecking havoc on me.
This week is a big milestone for me. 20 weeks pregnant a.k.a half way there 😊 It’s been such a challenging ride, but I think I’m letting go of anxiety little by little, and the excitement of meeting our three years in the making miracle is creeping in. If anyone is in the “waiting” right now, I am praying for you constantly.
Wanted to share two TikToks of this wonderful man’s wedding vows to his husband. I’ve watched it three times, and it keeps me laughing and sobbing.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdotyuCc/?k=1
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdotnsjt/?k=1
Those vows were a delight!!
Congrats on making it to 20! And oh, those sweet vows!
Yay for half way there! Your little miracle is soon going to be in your arms and so very loved.
Thank you so much for sharing that video! I laughed and cried and now desperately want to be their friend!
I’m usually pretty quiet in here.....but read all the comments 😊. I just thought I’d share that I FINALLY booked a therapist 🙌🏻. I’m 47 and unpacking a lot and decided it’s time to get serious. I’m very, very nervous, but excited at the same time 💙
Yay! This is so great! And remember, you may need to try a few therapists to find the right fit. So if it isn't amazing right away, don't give up.
Katherine, you are amazing! So proud of you for doing the hard work and making the appointment.
Thank you so much 💙
Yes, Katherine! This is a GREAT treasure!
Oh man. I have no time to go see Top Gun right now, but I want to do that!
Swipes - It is one million degrees and our sprinklers are busted so the garden is dying - but I don't even care! In spite of working 50+ hours, last weekend we moved the last of our stuff to the new house. This week the fence guys finished the new fence - and calmed down the angry neighbor. I managed to find enough mason jars - not glasses, mind you, but whatever- to share a toast with our friends who helped us haul over our full size freezer and washer dryer set. Blessings on their heads - and backs! Treasures:
🏡 We are home.
🍓 We celebrated the solstice/official start of summer with strawberry shortcake.
💻 Almost all of my internet time has been for client work or house/move-related work, but I bumped into this thread and thought it was interesting https://mobile.twitter.com/culturaltutor/status/1539993488120479747
🏘This too. I love tiny rural towns. I grew up in a rural area and there is a lot of character and resiliencethere.
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/21/1102040236/rural-america-photography-rural-indexing-project
🔨 And this is an aside, but as we've been looking up a bunch of repair and diy videos, the Algorithm has been showing me lots of women with repair shows, which I love. All these gals busting out the saws and nail guns and impact drivers and building stuff. Title IX changed the world, y'all. My generation was the first one that didn't have to take home economics classes, but not a single female student ever set foot in the wood/metal/auto shop on campus. https://youtu.be/NPNZlXJ7XPc
Off to another bonkers workday! Look forward to seeing you all in the comments.
You are home. What a treasure. Hooray for you!!
You will have this soon!
I CANNOT WAIT!
Listen I don’t want to salt-splain any of you, but if you aren’t using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, you’re wrong. (I know I technically live like an hour from the morton salt mine but I don’t care). Salt is important to me. Jacobsen salt is also delicious.
Y’all. We bought a Purple mattress. It’s amazing. I have slept so well. We live near a warehouse so we got one with a cosmetic issue for 40% off. I COULD NOT EVEN TELL YOU WHAT THE COSMETIC ISSUE IS. It’s a dream.
I was offered the opportunity to become salaried at my job (yay!) starting in December because of how budgets go. I’m excited! It just feels like such a big scary Adult™️ thing to do.
It has been a crazy week so that’s all I can give. I hope you all have a lovely Friday! Wish me luck next week as I try to make croissants for my husband’s birthday. 🫠
Yay for a salary and a new mattress! I've always wanted to try making croissants - I hope they go well!
I have wanted to used Diamond for so long but have no idea where to even buy it?! It’s not in any stores where I live.
Congrats on the new mattress and job update! And best of luck on 🥐🥐!
I always buy mine on Amazon! ☺️
Shelby, I also came here to say that Diamond Kosher Salt is the best salt! 👏 I didn't think it would be a game-changer (or that I would even notice), but HELLO.
Also, I have been eyeing the Purple mattress for years and I am SO glad it is amazing for you! And 40% off?? The dream.
And congrats on moving to salary!!!! That is huge. 🥳
Shelby! Ok, we will be mattress shopping VERY SOON and Purple is on our list - do they have factories all o er the country? How do I get a discount? And GOOD FOR YOU for becoming salaried - they don't want to lose you, you're integral to their company now! Happy Birthday to Trevor!!
I’m assuming you didn’t become a serial killer this week, so you’re doing amazing! 😄
Carissa this is an excellent perspective, lol
Ha! Carissa, I got pretty dang close!
Congrats on your new salaried status!
Thank you!!!
Congrats on becoming salaried!
For croissants make sure to build in the chill time as I have found with that they always turn out delicious. And I made this twice this past year and my family loves it. https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/croissant-bread/
I will have to try this recipe!
Oh trust me - the last time I made croissants was in culinary school and it kicked my a** 😂😂 cold butter is the key to flakey layers!! But I’m glad you think highly of Sally’s recipe - I was debating between hers and claire’s from the NY cooking!
I second this, Sally's was the one I used, her instructions were really clear and it worked great!
Ahh, I am so glad you love your new mattress! Also, getting to go salaried, that's amazing! Congratulations!
I love Diamond Crystal, but our Costco stopped carrying it and now I can't find it anywhere 😭
I made croissants once and they were a lot of work but also amazing. Best of luck!
Melanie, I get mine on amazon! $12 and we've had it since February and are barely halfway through. Go forth and be salty! 😘 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011BPMUK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8658KMA6K9T0BS5D6V8
Yes! Thank you, that's what I need to do!
Thank you!
BOO TO UR COSTCO! I got mine at our Kroger and Winco!
Last time I made croissants was in 2016 and they were pain au chocolat and it took me like six tries lol. HERE IS TO ATTEMPTING 🥂
You've got this!!! And happy birthday to Trevor!
Happy Friday! It's been a bit of a chaotic week, I was supposed to house sit for a friend all week, but her departure kept getting delayed, so it only ended up being two nights which is ultimately easier but also a struggle to adjust my plans daily.
✨ Treasures✨
🎤 Tuesday's Bible Binge Elective was such a delight, and I will for sure be watching the replay again this weekend!
📚 I read When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord. It's a fun read, the main character is musical theater obsessed, and I enjoyed the enemies to lovers romance. I'm reading Anna K Away and loving it more than the first one. The last 1/3 of Anna K was just long for me.
🎓 Two of my college friends are coming this weekend, and I'm excited to see them and excited that they're coming to me; we've met up over the years at everyone else's homes, so it's fun to have them at mine finally. The real treasure is that one girl messed up her calendar and couldn't come. That feels mean to type, but when we met up last summer, things with her were awkward, and I struggled with knowing how honest to be about my faith reconsiderations and if she would reject me as a friend and person of faith. All that to say, I'm just excited to have a fun weekend and not deal with all that.
Looking forward to catching up with you in the comments!
I totally understand about feeling relief about the dynamics being easier this weekend. Hope you have the best time!
Just checked When You Get The Chance out, thanks for the recommendation!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!
Okay, I keep seeing Anna K on our shelves and I'm so curious about it! I read Anna Karenina last year and had mixed feelings.
The Librarian Is In the NYPL podcast had an episode on it that convinced me to give it a try. There's plenty of teen drama/angsty but it doesn't feel quite as fluffy as other teen novels.
Hey, everyone! It’s been months since I’ve even clicked the “comments” button and I’ve missed this!
💩 There have been some significant turds since I’ve been on. My Nana died. My youngest brother is dealing with some shit in a way that’s been so heavy for my parents. I’m losing my dream job because the family I work for is moving across the country (and I want to stay in GA near my family).
✨ And also some beautiful treasures. My niece turned one! I’ve started decorating my house (finally). I’ve landed two part time jobs with sweet families.
And if you need some summer watching recs, I’ve really enjoyed these:
💖 Heartstopper (Netflix)
☀️ Fire Island (Hulu)
🌷 The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime)
🌼 Set It Up (Netflix)
🌸 Love, Victor (Hulu)
Most of those are also great for Pride month!
I’m very happy to be back, and hope you all have the loveliest weekend available to you 😘
I'm sorry about your Nana and the loss of your dream job. Glad you've had some good shows to keep you company. The only one I've seen is Set it Up; but I've heard Heartstopper is lovely.
I’ve been recommending Heartstopper to everyone who will listen. So fantastic! Thanks for the other rece, I need a new show!
Such good recs, thank you!
Ahh, I'm so excited to watch Heartstopper!
Gahh it’s the sweetest, most wholesome little love story. Have I watched it more than five times? Maybe 💖
This week held a lot of treasures and a rather significant turd:
⭐️my company is considering moving to a 4 day work week and now that it’s been mentioned I NEEEEEED it to happen. I also got to see an old friend from high school I haven’t seen in 10 years and that was really sweet.
💩A turd, however, was yesterday when on the phone with my mother, I encouraged her to use someone’s preferred pronouns because of basic human decency, and she started crying and said she never should have let me go to college because “that’s where it all went wrong” and “I used to be such a good Christian”. So, that’s been stinging.
⭐️I did, however, just finish Book Lovers by Emily Henry and 10/10 would recommend! It was amazing. Has anyone else read this one? I have a book club meeting about it tomorrow and I’m sooooo excited
I'm sorry about that mom conversation. I know that sadness. Kudos for setting boundaries though. And hooray for a good book! It's on my list too
So sorry to hear about your conversation with your mom. I’ve unfortunately had a few like that with my mom, too. There is something comforting about knowing there are others navigating this, although I wish none of us had to. 🤍
So sorry about your talk with you mother, but hooray for Book Lovers!
Book Lovers is a delight! I'm already ready for a reread ❤
I'm sorry your mom responded that way, that's such a hard conversation to have.
I am trying to find a new job an four day work week is up there in wishes so good luck!
One of the hardest things I've had to do this year is set uncommunicated boundaries with my parents. It's lead to more joy but also sadness. So sorry you had to go through this and you showing more love to people is the exact opposite <3
BOOK LOVERS is now MAJORITY of my personality. Nora forever. I am her and her sister is my sister. But now my sister wants to read it and I am not ready for that amount of vulnerability into my mind.
Well I a, glad it just came through on my library holds
I literally loved every single minute of that book!! I laughed, I cringed, and was angry. But mostly I laughed. I have never liked a set of characters more in any book I’ve ever read. The banter was amazing. I think I will also be making it a part of my personality as well.
And thank you, boundries are definitely something I need to get better at, especially with my family, but this week really brought that the light even more so will be working on those over the next few months
Ugh, sounds like conversations with my mom. I'm so sorry ♥
A 4 day work week is my dream! I really hope your company goes for it!!
Thank you for the solidarity 🖤
I’m sorry about the response from your mom. You are doing the good work.
And now I want to read Book Lovers!
You must read book lovers. It’s a really chocolate milkshake of a book, and by that I mean I was enthralled and enjoyed every single minute much like my experience of drinking a chocolate milkshake
😂😂 I love a chocolate milkshake! Adding it to my list!!
Oof, that is a tough phone call...
But I am going to get Book Lovers from the library very soon and I am excited!!!
Yes I hope you love it!
So, last week I posted that one of my kids came home with a fever and TURNS OUT, it was covid. Even though I'm fairly certain he had it 5 months ago. But whatever. This has been our 4th quarantine/isolation in 11 months, so that's fun. I also tested positive for the second time (had Delta last summer). Thankfully everyone is truly fine, Jesus is a Mucinex, we can finally schedule vaccines for the 3 littles, and Lord willing, everyone will go back to daycare and work on Monday.
During this isolation time I:
- watched all of The Summer I Turned Pretty (any other boy moms want to talk about how this made them feel things??)
- caught up on Ms. Marvel (so good!)
- finished Obi-Wan Kenobi (father figures with beards are my kryptonite)
- started watching Reservation Dogs (Taika Waititi produces no wrongs)
- have been reading through Memphis as part of my Reading Everybody Black reading challenge (honestly not sure how I feel about this one because it has a dark plot point including child sexual assault)
While I was group texting my gal pals about my Obi Wan crush, we also dicussed backwards ball caps, and my friend sent me this old TikTok: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WkELxhgxjA
Not gonna lie. This week was a lot in terms of new details coming out about Uvalde, the January 6 hearings, SCOTUS decisions, and personal stuff (covid, finding out a friends' baby was in the NICU, etc.). Sometimes I find it very hard to be hopeful. BUT, I just remember I have access to peace that passes all understanding, that literally makes 0 sense in this world, and that is something to cling to.
That IS something to cling to. Hope you all feel better soon.
Ms. Marvel - SO SO GOOD!
"Sometimes I find it very hard to be hopeful. BUT, I just remember I have access to peace that passes all understanding, that literally makes 0 sense in this world, and that is something to cling to" Thank you, this is the reminder that I needed today ❤
That is something to cling to. Amen 💛
(Also blazed through The Summer I Turned Pretty and Team Jeremiah for life!)