My four things post typically goes live on a Thursday, but with a lot happening in the world, it felt appropriate to press pause on posting content online. I hope that this blog will be a source of encouragement and inspiration to those who read it; that it will be a reprieve from the brokenness of this world in a small way.
Here are my four things for the week – A year of travel, tiny perfect things, being an artist, and book covers.
what I’m reading
I followed along as Ashley of @underthesycamore shared her family’s year-long adventure to 20 countries. It was so fun to see where they were, to watch her children blossom in foreign environments, and to read her stories of people and places. While I prefer to stay in nice accommodations over youth hostels, I take a very similar approach to travel as Ashley and her family. I enjoy venturing off the beaten path, prize meeting people more than seeing an attraction, and seek out experiences that go beyond what a large tour group can offer. I love the things that can be learned about other people, cultures, and yourself through travel. I believe it’s enriching in a way that few other things are.
So, I knew I would love the book about their adventure, I’ve Never Been Here Before. I’ve been reading it while waiting at appointments , and it’s so good! Ashley is a good storyteller and focuses on the good things in this world.
what I’m watching
I’ve had the movie Map of Tiny Perfect Things on my watchlist for a long time, but for some reason, I didn’t have high hopes for it. The other night, though, I was in the mood for an unknown movie, hoping to find a gem, and came back to this on my watchlist. It turned out to be a gem. It’s a quirky movie, but it’s so well written, and the heart of the movie is beautiful. It’s about noticing the serendipitous moments in life and so much more. I don’t want to give it all away, so I’ll leave it at that.
what I’m loving
“You are an artist. Your life is a work of art. The way you live, is art. The way you love, is art. The way to fill and decorate your home, is art. The way you dress, is art. The way you pray and meditate and dream, is art. May you treat your life as sacred art.” – Nikki Warne @walktheearthwriter
what I’m working on
I have been back to working on my next book this week. I’m reviewing the manuscript for edits and corrections, and we’re also working on the cover. I received the comps (sample covers) late last week and have been making a few tweaks to my favorite. I can’t wait until we have a finalized cover so I can share it with you.
A couple of hints – Paint is (naturally) involved, and it will predominantly display my signature color palette.
What are you reading, watching, loving, and working on?
12 Responses
Thank you for your continuing posts; I have been inspired and encouraged to explore my gifts, talents and interests in new ways!
💫
You are inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you for pausing and showing respect for the lives lost and affected by this horrific week in our country. We’ve all been affected by the evil and brokenness in some way shape or form. Our country/world is in desperate need of a Savior…Jesus. You are the only blogger I’ve read thus far, that has acknowleged anything happened. 😭 My heart has been so grieved and heavy.
Praying for those family, friends, children,schools, and ministry experiencing great and unspeakable loss. Your post today dwells on beauty…something I am always drawn to, but especially this week. I think it is a way to heal and reflect His goodness, truth, and beauty in my little part of the world.
I agree with you 100% JC. Thank you for your heartfelt response.
I did look for your blog post yesterday, however I appreciate your conscientious pause. I am loving my art journey and continued learning; I am working on a quilt that has been on my mind for years and although it is simple, I love it and it is as wonderful as I imagined.
Reading “I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen” By Kate Strickler and really enjoying it !
Watching ” The Great British Baking Show” I catch up on the latest episode on the weekends, it’s something that I look forward to after a busy week.
Working on- I just ordered supplies to try embroidery. I have seen such cute sayings that you can embroider on the collar of a sweatshirt and I feel that this is a good place to start. I’m actually excited about trying something new !
Loving- It’s marching band season ! It’s my 6th year as a band mom ( 1 kid graduated, 1 still in band) and love the energy that the kids have for their performances, it’s exhausting but fun !
Have a great weekend !
Thanks for sharing your four things with me! I love GBBS, too. I’m waiting for the current season to end and then I’ll binge the whole thing. 🙂
My older brother was in marching band and I loved the competitions. It sounds like it might be boring, but they are really impressive! He was in a band that was top in the mid-Atlantic region, so we were able to see some of the best high school bands in the nations. I miss it!
Yes…I also agree with JC’s comments. Marian, thank you for giving us a resting spot. A spot where we can see beauty and peace and hope for a better future. It has been a hard week.
Thank you for being respectful. Beauty and creativity always help me in times like this but this feels so different. I’ve never felt so hopeless for our nation.
Thank you, Marian.
Well it’s football season so there’s that. I have to tell you I miss Deebo Samuel (wish he could come back). I’m finishing up a handbuilding clay class and I sooo enjoyed it. Also working on making some Halloween cards for my far flung offspring. THanks for sharing again this week.