Happy Friday, everyone! I know it’s been a little quiet around here lately, but here are seven quick takes on things I’ve been reading, thinking about, and listening to this week:
image courtesy of ©Depositphotos.com / Antonuk
I’m really glad it’s Friday today, because that means tomorrow is Saturday, which means I am going to Michigan!! Which means that there will be coffee – from JP’s Coffee House. Which will make me so incredibly happy.
It also means that when I get back, there will be coffee from JP’s brewing in my kitchen. Every. Single. Morning. For like a week.
Which will also make me happy.
It’s the little things, but ooooo… you have no idea. JP’s is the best.
If you are not following Elizabeth Gilbert on Facebook, you should fix that. She posted an essay on bitterness this week that I’ve been thinking about all day. In it, she talks about something called “weathered happiness” – the kind of happiness you fight for when your innocence is lost and bitterness, for one second, looks like a viable option. It’s a happiness you choose, by remembering everything good instead of dwelling on everything that hasn’t been so great. It’s the kind of happiness I mean when I say that happiness isn’t complicated, that felicity really is a simple thing – and the kind of happiness I am personally fighting for these days.
If you’ve ever wrestled with bitterness, or even “just” (as if!) disillusionment, do check out her essay. You’ll be so glad you did.
Here’s my favorite quote. (Pardon the language if it bothers you, but really, sometimes a well-placed swear word really does say it best. )
photo courtesy of unsplash.com / Hugo Kerr
font: Janda Quick Note by Kimberly Geswein
quote from Elizabeth Gilbert’s essay, BITTERNESS, found here: https://www.facebook.com/GilbertLiz/posts/793397364075714:0
Another great read (the title was such click-bait with my fortieth birthday just over two months away): Coping With The Milestone Birthday Blues. Written in response to a letter she received from a reader looking for advice, Sara Eckel wrote a lovely letter to her younger self with some great advice:
“The great irony of worrying about the future is that I don’t think it leads to a better future,” she writes. “You make smarter decisions when you aren’t beating yourself up over things you can’t control. In fact, you will never once make a good decision out of fear. And of course, it is those daily choices that determine what our futures will be.”
Truth.
Also: I would like to state for the record that I honestly don’t remember how I found that article – but I promise you, I do not routinely or purposefully read anything on E-harmony’s blog. I only noticed the url after I’d read the article.
I thought I would mention that, just in case you were concerned that I have suddenly changed my views on internet dating. 😉
I did something this week that felt really, really brave. I very quietly started a business. It doesn’t have a name, and no one has actually noticed yet, but I am taking a step towards doing things I love, while I’m still looking for a job.
If you’re a writer, or if you know one, would you do me the hugest possible favor? Would you consider sharing this page about my new copy-editing business? Thanks!
(And for my fellow bloggers who might be interested, but aren’t really sure about the cost or the value of copy-editing help: I’m not kidding about my rates being completely negotiable. You could just tweet me a coffee; I’d consider that a fair trade!)
I had the privilege of seeing Chris Tomlin and Tenth Avenue North in concert last Friday on their “Love Ran Red” tour (hence the lack of 7QTs last weekend), and I have been hooked on this song ever since:
I am pretty sure, upon reflection, that most articles like Buzzfeed’s 22 Of The Best “Gilmore Girls” Quotes To Live Your Life By are really only truly appreciated by people who, like myself, have seen all seven seasons more than once.
Nevertheless. I was very happy to learn that I am not the only person who loved this scene. It was #15.
Lol. Doesn’t everyone think this way?
Have a great weekend!
For more Quick Takes, visit This Ain’t The Lyceum!
Jennifer
March 20, 2015Oh my gosh I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! That worrying quote is perfect and you mirror my obsession with coffee. Speaking of we NEED to get some coffee soon! I miss you! Well done! Xoxo
Happy
March 20, 2015Miss you, too, Jen! I’ll text you when I get back from Michigan, and we will set something up soon! 🙂
Lindsay
March 20, 2015I’m not a coffee girl, but I do love some Tenth Avenue North. (I also agree with you about a well-placed swear word! Look at how well it works in The Princess Bride.)
Happy
March 20, 2015True story! 🙂
Thanks for reading, Lindsay!
Heather @ Real Catholic Mom
March 21, 2015So, thank you muchly for linking to Ms. Gilbert’s article. I was so interested in reading it, I forgot I gave up FB for Lent. !! I will go back and read it tomorrow. Prolly with a cup of coffee. 🙂
Happy
March 22, 2015Haha – Heather, that’s awesome. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed your coffee, AND the read! Would love to hear your thoughts on the article!