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Jenn Warren's avatar

Any Lil Swipes headed to Winston Salem for Emily Freeman’s book launch on 3/13?

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Dawn's avatar

Erin, this is a great one! When Sheryl Lee Ralph speaks - I mean she could recite a shopping list- it is like church. And I think I was the HNY kid. I felt the fleetingness of childhood acutely. I watched several of those playlist name songs, but it is hard to top, β€œCheryl's Got Great Boobs”. πŸ˜† (Cheryl, you also have intelligence, good ideas, opinions that matter, and a soul that is beloved.)

That reminds me, anyone reading the Beaty Beat series on the Evangelical Bro Code? Lord, have mercy.

https://open.substack.com/pub/katelynbeaty/p/evangelical-bro-code-billy-graham-rule?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1vmrh

Y'all - January was all my dreams come true. Other than work, I leaned in to wintering so hard. No resolutions. Just British period pieces and PBS shows, knitting/crochet, the soup project (I made 5 kinds - all delicious), the cookie project (I planned more, but those orange cardamom ones were so good I just kept making them). I read books and listened to books and played board games and took soaky baths ( https://bathbevy.com/

) and went to bed way early. It was amazing. My one adventure to San Francisco for Fancy Nerd Weekend (afternoon tea at the Fairmont, MTT's final performance with the San Francisco Symphony, tour of Grace Cathedral) had me floating in a cloud of music and art for the final week.

Resolutions are for Groundhogs Day/Candlemas/St Brigid's Day/Imbolc. Today I bake cream puffs for the neighbors and get going on stuff. Storms are rolling in, but it still feels lighter than the Long Dark January of the soul. I just cant sort my life out on January 1st. This is the 4th year I have done this and I'm never going back. I've even toyed with writing a book about surviving January.

Anyway - happy Groundhogs Day/Candlemas/St Brigid's Day/Imbolc to those who celebrate! Looking forward to catching up in the comments.

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Melanie S.'s avatar

I would definitely read this book, your January sounds lovely!

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Dawn's avatar

Thank you for your encouragement!

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Ronda's avatar

Any plan with cream puffs involved and I’m totally in!!

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Dawn's avatar

Right? I was so scared to try making them because they seem so fancy, but they are awesome and deserve their own day!

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Rebecka's avatar

I love that you reminded Cheryl of her worth, this is why you're an awesome person! πŸ˜†

If you do write that book, I'll buy it!

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Dawn's avatar

You are so kind. 😊 And I am encouraged greatly.

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Jules Q's avatar

Last year I took January as my reflection month but it was forced because of my physical constraints. This year I did the same but *on purpose* so I’m 100% on that bandwagon. February 1st feels so fresh now! Full of energy and possibilities that post-Christmas just can’t provide. And now you’ve got me looking hard at Candlemas; I feel like the beginning of February should have its own β€œnew year celebration.” πŸ™ŒπŸ»

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Dawn's avatar

Yes! Exactly! πŸ’― Lots of agrarian cultures did think of this time as the beginning of the year, so we are in good company. Hope you have a bright and lovely "new year", Jules!

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Eliza Barger's avatar

I would absolutely read your book on surviving January!

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Dawn's avatar

Well, that is deeply encouraging! I'll think more about it. (BTW - i thought of you and Melanie when I saw the Swelce meme about libraries. Thanks for all you do!)

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Alexandria Hardy's avatar

The friend crush! YES. I saw my Derm this morning and thought (as always) - can we be friends outside of this office? Lol. Kids are off school (again) and we thankfully have a few plans (library, hair cuts, trampoline park, dinner with friends) and I am hoping to clock some quality reading time on the couch this afternoon. (Is anyone else reading CC3? I had mixed feelings about the series when I first read it but am SO glad I kept going. I am loving it so far!). Cheers to another Friday, friends!

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Melanie S.'s avatar

I have not read any Sarah J Maas yet, but so many people have recommended it that I think I should!

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Elizabeth Berget's avatar

NOT ROB THOMAS 😭😭😭

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Andrea Bass's avatar

The meme about being a sweet and friendly girl made me laugh out loud. Someone finally understands me! 🀣

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Melanie S.'s avatar

The anxiety! And the horrors!

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Melissa G's avatar

Re: Sheryl Lee Ralph.

If you haven't read her book Diva 2.0, I HIGHLY recommend it. Listen on audio, its so fantastic! She is such an icon, diva, and positive powerhouse of a human.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95312539-diva-2-0?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Yk7nXeoXuN&rank=2

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Dawn's avatar

Does she read it herself?!

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Melissa G's avatar

Yes!! I think I listened to it in about 2 days.

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Dawn's avatar

Adding to my holds! Thanks for the tip!

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Ronda's avatar

Yes her book like her is amazing

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Melissa G's avatar

It was so positive and empowering.

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Feb 2, 2024
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Melanie S.'s avatar

Best of luck with pre-algebra and then hopefully never having to think about it again!

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Dawn's avatar

I love your college plans! The -ologies are so intriguing, and I love that you are combining it with history. I just bought a new shower curtain - lovely large flower prints that go with my bathroom. Have courage!

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Feb 25, 2024
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Dawn's avatar

Im sorry about school, but good for you continuing with your studies! I just got one on Amazon. They have a LOT. Heres mine (to go with my shower matble) but there are a ton available. https://a.co/d/0zVyYHU

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