(along with a smattering of this and that)
The back-to-school ads are starting back up already. Like seeing Christmas displays on the heels on Halloween discounts, I’m feeling pushed in a direction I’m not ready to go.
Please just let me go to the park in peace!
We have two full weeks left of July!
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| La la la…I can’t hear you, Target ads! |
In other news (and subsets of my mind), the votes are in and you’ve decided.
You do know that this series will be deeply humbling for me, right? I’m serious. If you’re my sister Yvonne, click away right now!
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| The view, more or less, from my computer right now. |
Let’s just say I’ve got my work cut out, but still I am extremely excited. Already I’m seeing big improvements, in other less visually-scandalous areas.
More on that come Monday soonish, in Part I of this (deeply humbling) series.
(I am nothing if not honest about my limited time for blogging lately.)
Last but not least…
I’d like to leave you in peace. ☺
That’s one of the biggest goals I have for this blog—that of giving my readers a sense of peace—because there is so much disturbing news out there.
Always and always there’s disturbing news!
Plus there’s so many real demands on a busy mom’s time, that I really don’t want to be wasting yours. Personally, I’ve had to be merciless in filling out my schedule. I have to pick and choose the very best options, because otherwise (and unfortunately this is the default setting) I end up with troubled thoughts and a crowded heart.
I don’t can’t watch the news on TV. Instead, I glance at all the headlines and then take my concerns to Our Lady in prayer.
And Facecrack? Egads, I love and I hate it. On the one hand, it’s great for staying in touch and for finding support from like-minded friends. On the other hand, though, it takes its toll on my inner peace! I am at the mercy of what people choose to post and too often, all that scrolling leaves me drained.
That said…
Here are some of the activities bring me joy. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but that’s good because I don’t wish to exhaust you!
(Frantic calls to the fire marshall notwithstanding.)
2. Spend time with your teens; they’re really great people.
3. Pet a puppy.
4. Find your creative spark.
(Besides taking pictures, I like to listen to music and read really good books.)
And finally…
5. Spend quality time with little people. They’ll give you peace (and exercise), guaranteed!
It’s an innocence thing.
It’s what works for me.
Great pictures. Your little guy is just so cute!
Finding my creative spark is what keeps me going. I've taken my photography to the next level, and specialize in newborns, maternity and birth. I am also an affiliated photographer with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and it feels me with such a sense of purpose. It is difficult work but I am *so* glad I am able/allowed to do it. It is a privilege. I'm sending all but the 16 year old and year old to school. First time since 1999 I'll have kids anywhere but home or college. It will be an adjustment but it was put before us at exactly the right time and while it will be a HUGE change for our family I am looking forward to it, it will be an adventure for sure. I am hoping/praying that I can get a hold on my house, my health (physical and mental) and happiness, same with the kids. The last two years have been so hard on all of us, we need a change. Although some things will stay the same. One graduates from University of Dallas and one starts 😀 and the other continues his adventures at A&M. Someday you should come to a Click Away conference, they are so.much.fun!
Great photo bomb by Linda!
Facecrack! Yes, that's what it is! I tried to take a break from it recently and I just couldn't make myself do it. Then, we got a computer virus (thanks be to God) and I HAD to take a break for a few days. I felt SOOO much better! I realized what a downer it always was and I've finally broken my habit now that the computer is working again. If I do happen to go on, I recognize the negativity right away and am not longer tempted to keep scrolling. I'd cancel my account except that I need it to keep connected to certain groups. Plus I figure I'll want an account once my kids are old enough to be on it.
I do not get involved in deep discussions through Facebook. It is a great way to keep up with my nieces and nephews, my son in Morocco etc…I get the most out of the private support groups for example, one for moms of mentally ill teens, another for newborn photographers, another for moms f cadets at A&M…..and I get news I would never get anywhere else. It came through today that one of my high school classmates daughter is in her final hours in her battle with cancer. Without Facebook there is no way I'd know that or be able to pray for her and her family. I won't let it suck me in with debates etc….I just cant, it isn't good for me on so many levels.
I had such a busy weekend, but I wanted to comment on your Facecrack "crack." I told you I deleted my account years ago. It was just too negative, AND time-consuming. I recently created a new account with a version of my name (because if you log back into your old account all your friends and all that news is still there waiting for you — ugh!) because I wanted to check something I could not see without an account. I've not added one friend, or made one status update, but it's very tempting. I know what it does to me though and I shall call it "the devil." 😉