Things I Love (February 2023)
Lord of the Rings, Uilleann Pipes, Quiet Houses, Shabbat Shalom
Today I want to share some things I love with you. This is a little snapshot of this busy season of my life, and it is a reminder to myself to be grateful for the beauty in it. So, in no particular order, here are a few things I love:
The Lord of the Rings
I finished reading it while eating a dark chocolate caramel cookie with red walnuts made for me by my dear friend, Susan. This memory will always be associated with the sweet joy of finishing the trilogy. I loved the whole grand story, the luminous characters, the quotes that will stay with me forever. And I now get to join the club, because half of my children and my husband talk about this book ALL the time. They inspired me to read it, and I am so glad I did.
Peace Like a River (by Leif Enger)
I don’t know what is going to happen. I’m midway through this truly beautiful novel. Recommended to me by Sarah Clarkson through her inspired book of reading lists, Book Girl. It is a story that sort of wells up inside me. I love the language and the way it all unfolds. I’m glad I knew nothing about it before I started because the story is beautiful and sad and inspiring and surprising. I instinctively trust the author, and I love that feeling.
Uilleann Pipes in the house
My husband, Randy ordered a custom set from Tim Benson last summer, and it came today! It is the most beautiful instrument we have ever seen. He is assembling it for the first time as I type this. Videos to come!
A Sabbath Rest
We celebrate a Shabbat of sorts sundown Friday through Sundown on Saturday. I look forward to settling into rest, maybe finishing a novel, eating easy food, and taking a break from the things that normally consume my mind. I love the way Sabbath offers a way to rest, reflect, and reset.
Quiet houses
I have been going over to my friend Michelle’s house one day a week while she is at work to finish my book. Being there is like being at the best coffee shop in the world. All you can drink tea, soft lamplight, my choice of music, no distracting chatter. Knowing that the stillness isnt going to break is a gift that I will never again take for granted after living in such close quarters with all my little people. Quiet houses are wonderful. I wouldn’t want to live in one. At least not right now. But I have truly enjoyed borrowing this perfect quiet cabin in the woods one day a week.
What are some things you love? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Sending you the first sighting of a robin and a crocus pushing up from the ground (another thing I love),
Mackenzie
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