A few things I learned during my comment-fast:
1. As soon as I typed the words “I’m closing my comments during Lent”, I instantly regretted it and wondered if I’d be able to hold out for forty days. I knew it would change blogging for me. I knew it would help to clarify the ‘medium’ of blogging—that it would solidify in my mind the fact that this medium is not neutral. It conveys certain information better than others. It favors short inspirational blurbs and beautiful photographs. There are temptations lurking everywhere but especially those that threaten to steal our time. Time that might be better spent with our ‘in-the-flesh’ family and friends or reading a great book or serving our neighbor. I developed a healthy ‘detachment’ during the Lenten season that enabled me to step back and regroup. That said, I still love this community. I still love to write.
2. Who knew that with the closing of comments would come a curious case of writer’s block? Apparently your feedback motivates and inspires me to write—and without it, I don’t seem to be bringing my A game. So, I’m glad you’re back. I’ve missed your encouragement. Maybe I’ll get my ‘mojo’ back.
3. I have used the ‘extra’ time I’ve had productively. Be patient as I readjust and try to hang on to the balance and priorities I nurtured during Lent. Inevitably something suffers when we try to ‘do it all’.
4. This ‘fast’ of sorts helped to set the rhythm for Lent and even if just in a teeny way, was a good exercise in denial of the flesh. The flesh wants to be gratified…..instantly……in every way. And sometimes just the smallest denial is enough to gain momentum against its onslaught. Do I think I became more ‘spiritual’ because of this. Absolutely not. If anything, I became more keenly aware of how weak and undisciplined I can be. Thanks be to God that He has given salvation to us freely through faith in Christ. When I am weak, He is strong.
In other news, I decided to forego the expensive and generic senior pictures/senior announcements and do it on my own. I did a little photo shoot with Taylor and got some great pics to use for his open house invitations and his announcements……
this one’s my favorite
this one’s my favorite
I’ve also been FRETTING over paint colors for a week. I’m still not exactly sure what I’m choosing…..but when I go to Lowe’s at 7 am, I’m sure I’ll pick the right cabinet/wall/ceiling colors for my kitchen. By the time you read this, it’ll be too late for you to help me but I’ll be sure to show you the progress!
One more thing. We are going to the Midwest Homeschooling Convention later this week. I’m so excited to hear Susan Wise Bauer, Jim Weiss, Jay Wile, Mark Hamby and others. Do you have any advice for me? Have you ever been or better yet, are you gonna be there? Are there any other speakers that I must hear?
So now it’s your turn. If you’ve never introduced yourself before, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re an ‘old friend’, then reassure me that I can make it through this week; I’m having some painting done in my kitchen, going to Cincinnati for the homeschooling convention, and my two teenagers are going to prom this Saturday!!!
yeah! oh yeah! i can speak! and i’m the first! (it’s gonna be a good week!) š
i missed you here, my friend.
the second shot is breath-taking. i don’t know if it’s that you are fantastic with the camera, or if it’s that he’s so handsome?! either way or both, great photo.
see you soon, miss edie.
I am glad we are back too~
Susan Bauer…I love her book AND I live in the Cincy area….I almost went to that convention to hear some speakers. We could of met!!!!
However, my daughter has a sleepover thingy with her AHG group…have fun!!!
sandy toe
The pictures of your son are amazing-when mine our seniors, you are hired! (The oldest is eight, so you have plenty of time to think about it…)
Glad I can comment-I started following you after you changed to “no comments” and I didn’t know it was for lent! I thought you didn’t know how to fix it-because once I did that, and needed someone to show me how to fix it…
LOL
I’ve been reading a long for a while I guess-40 days!?
I think my mojo is hangin’ with your mojo. So when your’s comes back, send mine home! I love the photos of Taylor! Word of Advice: It is easy to become overwhelmed at a homeschool conference…just take what you need…do not try to do everything! Can’t wait to hear about it!~xoxo~
So glad these comments are open so I can tell you how fabulous you are–and in this case, a fabulous photographer. Beautiful pictures!
Oh Edie, I’ve missed you. Those pictures of Taylor are so great, he looks like a hottie! You were wise to do it yourself and make them more personalized. I am most likely going to be in Utah when Susan Wise Bauer speaks at the LDS homeschool convention on June 6th, I’m totally excited about it. I can’t wait to see your cabinets.
Glad your comments are open again. So excited to see the prom pictures… oh the joy of being a teenager and the anxiety of being a mom of a teenager… Yikes.
Well, Taylor’s pictures are amazing. He is such a cutie even if he is family. Sis, I can’t wait to see your kitchen and cabinets and prom pictures….Have a great week, have fun on your trip and come back and enjoy your kids growing up before your eyes. I wish I could see them for the prom. Love ya!
I LOVE the senior pictures of your son and even though I’d have flown down there to do it for free [just for the adventure] I can’t fault ya for taking it on yourself. You did a bangup job and he should be proud!! š
In other news, we missed commenting too. At least, I did. But for all the reasons you said and more, I am sure it was a good thing for you and I am so impressed you were diligent enough to keep at it. One of these days I will return to celebrating Lent as I did when I was a child. It was always special to me. But I think since we go to a church now that doesn’t…I’ve fallen away from that, and honestly, I really miss it.
OPkay- first off, glad your back and by the qualityy of your posts during Lent- it didn’t feel like you lost your A game, in fact I thought you kicked it up a notch. š Second- WOW those shots of your son are stunning- love the second one! But of course the guitar ones are so personal. š
Next – your week sounds like SOOOO much fun. Have a great time- wish I was doing any of those things. We are meeting with builders this week- we’re thinking a new build might be the way to go judging by the houses we’ve seen so far…
So glad to have you back! I have missed being able to drop you a line here and there, but have enjoyed reading all your posts. Sounds like you have a big week ahead, but you are always busy so I am sure you will pull it off without a problem. Can’t wait to see what you pick for kitchen colors, and I totally agree with your decision to take Taylor’s pictures yourself. They turned out FANTASTIC!!
Glad to have you back! Im still here š
I want to hear how you celebrated Resurrection Sunday!
Wish I was on that side of the country to go with you to the conference. I have heard CD’s of them speak and ahve the books š Should be VERY good. I am gearing up towards teaching highschool and keeping transcripts…VERY VERY easy to get overwelmed at a homeschooling conference. I would say don’t buy anything. I have been blessed to not have enough money to get there, eat etc AND buy the stuff I see–so I just make a wish-list. I watch others BUY everything that interests them….I have been many the recipient of these impulse buys later when they don’t work out. That said, I always bring a list of what I want and how much it “normally: is so I can find it used…..Not the only way to do it, but what works for me š
OOH I also want to see your cabinets!! Then I want you to come and paint mine! Or hold my baby and chase my toddler while I paint mine….Nah I want you to paint š
I love the pictures of Taylor for his announcements/invites. Feels so much more personal and artsy š
We’re here! Welcome back!
Hi Edie!
Fabulous photos, not that I’m surprised. I agree with you on that favorite shot of Taylor; he looks like a perfect mix of cool teen and sweet son.
You certainly have a busy week ahead. I’m hoping to see photos of your kitchen, as well as the kids all dressed up for prom.
-Michelle
P.S. We’re really enjoying Taylor’s music!
Awww, glad the comments are back. Great pics, and can’t wait to see the kitchen progress. Have a great week!
I turned my comments off during lent and missed everyone also. I missed commenting on your blog also.
Your pictures are awesome.
Cynthia
Hi Edie,
I am new to your blog; and just enjoy your writing so much. You give fantastic spiritual inspiration, and although my children have flown the nest, I can’t help but reflect back and wish I would have homeschooled my babies, my son and I just talked of it the other day, and he even said he thinks he would have been better off. So kudos to you for making the right decision for your babies. Great photography on the Senior pics!
Teresa
I can’t wait to see your new paint colors…and your pictures of your son are wonderful!
I am so glad you are back! I love the pictures! I think they are better than professional pictures. You could be the professional! I hope the kitchen redo isn’t too stressful!
Your son is gorgeous! And you’ve got some great photog skillz.
I just picked out a new paint color myself, for the master suite. It’s called Tantalizing Teal and I can’t wait to get it done!
I’m so proud of you for keeping your 40 days commentless.
That said, I’m excited to be able to comment again, lol.
My two cents:
I like the second shot. It’s beautiful.
And I like Mark Hamby. Our Pastor has been involved with the LEAH conventions here in NY (last year he was actually keynote) so I’ve been interested in the people who have spoken and I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hamby.