Happy Friday! Happy first newsletter to those newly following along - it makes me smile so big to see your emails/names appear. This week felt kind of long, anyone else? Not in a bad way, but in a way that makes me look forward to a weekend recharge. I can’t wait to hear what resonated with you this week and anything that you’d like to read about in the future. Please drop me a note with any thoughts!
Three Things that Made the World Beautiful Last Week
This bread recipe made my world beautiful last week. Simple, effective, and all around made me smile. Sourdough-ish looking with more of a traditional bread taste - no starter necessary!
Vacation/trip planning has me looking forward to all that’s to come and celebrate in 2024! Blocking my work calendar for a trip or wedding always feels like a confetti popper in my brain. Serotonin level = high!
Spending a sunny weekend around our neighborhood was good for the soul. There’s so much beauty in enjoying where our feet are. We hit some new local spots, some I’d definitely return to.
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Conversation: The “To Be Read” Pile
Currently, I’m working with two TBR piles. One is my list of library holds on Libby, and the other, a physical stack in my room. If you’re a reader, you likely relate and can visualize your own TBR lists/piles.
These piles have many feelings associated with them. I think of the excitement, hope, eagerness to learn, and accomplishment I will feel when I make it through the pile/list. I also feel like I’ll never fully get through the pile or I’m worried a book won’t live up to my expectations. Either way, it’s a long list and there are so many books to be read and discovered!!
But let’s be real, it’s a lot… There’s an unspoken pressure to cross the books off the list while balancing everything else going on in life. Better yet, the physical pile of books I have on my dresser are makeshift decor at this point. They stare at me every single day when I wake up and go to bed. I keep them out so they remain relevant as if I’ll get to them soon. I’m always left feeling a touch unsatisfied when finishing a book because I know I have so many more to read. Is this making you feel stressed yet?
Somehow (no clue how this happens?!?!) more books show up on the pile and the virtual list. Maybe that means I’m becoming a book nerd? Sound off in the comments.
I felt this way upon finishing my last binge read. I know it sounds silly, but it really is just a big ol’ metaphor for life.
No, I will never read all of the books that I find interesting. No, I don’t need to read anything on a deadline (this isn’t school - this is leisure reading). No, I don’t have to read every single recommendation given to me. Greater yet, no, I can’t do it all and that is okay.
Yes, books can be enjoyed slowly and be cherished in the moment. And yes, books can be decor if you want (even the ones you bought to actually read). How beautiful it is to have a pile of words and thoughts to look forward to! How lucky are we.
But more importantly, we often give energy to things in a way that is so out of perspective it hurts. Silly books, silly lists, and it’s all blown out of proportion because we forget that life is not a race and we all “read” at our own pace and in our own time. We can keep refocusing it for what it actually is! Hopefully you are able to find some time to slow down and take in the moments as they come next week.
What’s your version of the TBR pile that is taking up brain space? If you are a reader, do you also go through something similar? I’m so curious!!
Creative Corner
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Notes:
pops of color | light | bold | simple moments
A Prayer to Share
Come Holy Spirit - give us the grace to see things as you intend.
May we always keep perspective and fully enjoy the moments as they come. Help us to make time in our busy schedules for enjoyment and rest.
Amen.
Cheers to an intentional and gloriously full weekend ahead! Eyes and hearts up!
Thank you for being here, friend! Please subscribe to my weekly collections and if you feel so inclined, pledge for a future subscription. Go make the world beautiful (!!)
xo - Cam