Friday Thoughts: Currently
Hi, friends. How are you? I’ve been off the grid for a while (I’ll explain more below), which is why there has been a short break from recipes. But I have been anxious to check in with a Friday Thoughts post! I LOVE connecting with you in the comment threads of these posts, and with so, so much going on right now for all of us, it’s time to have a friend therapy session together, wouldn’t you say?
Today, for this Friday Thoughts post, I’m sharing what I’m up to currently (both physically and mentally). And then it’s your turn to tell me what your “current” status is!
1) Currently eating all the things.
It took a good six weeks but I finally fully healed from the gum graft surgery that kind of rocked my world. Because the surgery involved slicing the roof of my mouth to extract the tissue used for the gum graft on my front lower teeth, the healing process took a bit longer, and I was only tentatively eating soft foods at week four (I also had a few issues with parts of the graft slipping so I was on extra strict orders).
However by week six, everything had healed, and I’ve been well on my way to making up for all the lost eating time since then.
Mostly, chips.
I pray mightily I never, ever have to have that surgery again. So much compassion and respect for those of you that have had it multiple times! It was not a pleasant experience for me. Now I’m prepping to get a crown redone as a result of the domino effect that is dental work.
2) Currently listening to a lot of audiobooks.
Right now, I’m halfway through The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden; the storytelling is captivating. I just finished Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and have enjoyed talking about it and processing it with Brian and my kids who also read it (we’re watching the movie this weekend), and The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown is next.
Any favorite audiobooks to share?
3) Currently spending a lot of time with our quarantine-acquired, new-ish kunekune pigs.
I share more details about them on my @melsfauxfarm account, but they have been a fun addition to whatever you call the random hybrid lifestyle of country and suburbia we have going on.
Also, I’ve never scratched so many piggy bellies in my life. If you can’t find me, I am 100% most likely out in the pig pasture, which has become my favorite, peaceful place in all the world (except if the pigs are hungry, and then watch out) and best way to detox from the day (and chaos of the world as of late). Highly recommend kunekune pigs to all the world.
As a sidenote: we have four purebred, registered kunes. Two girls/gilts: Olivia and EmmyLou. Two boys/boars: Benny and Eddie. Three of my kids invested money from their savings in these pigs as breeding pairs. So, next year some time, we will probably be swimming in adorable piglets for sale. (Kunes are raised for breeding and meat.) They are friendly, gentle, *mostly* non-rooting and non-wallowing pigs that eat our pasture grass and make us very happy.
4) Currently hoarding all the huckleberries while enjoying short hair again.
I dragged the kids up to pick our annual supply of huckleberries (the last few years we’ve picked near McCall, Idaho, but don’t ask me where we go specifically, because if you huckleberry regularly, you know revealing your secret spot is an unpardonable sin). We pick them solely to make huckleberry milkshakes all year long.
Huckleberries are the best, and I missed them every single day of every single year we lived in the midwest. Also, I got eight inches cut off of all of my hairs, and I feel like a new woman (especially now that it has grown a few weeks and is *just* long enough to fit in a ponytail again).
4) Currently gathering books to donate to our middle school and elementary school libraries.
In a small effort to involve my kids in affecting change for racial equality and justice in our own community, we decided to research, gather, and donate 40-50 books to both the middle school and elementary school libraries.
Books that promote, champion, and highlight diversity, black lives, and racial issues and equality. We’ve been working with both school librarians to figure out what books they already have in their libraries. Thanks to a well-stocked middle school library, we’ve expanded the middle school list to include a few other books that champion diversity in other marginalized groups as well.
Photo credit: Jane Mount
If you’re interested in the full list of books, here you go. (Disclaimer: I haven’t read every single book on this list; use your own discretion if checking these out for you or your child.)
We are trying to source and purchase most of the books from independent and/or black-owned book sellers across the country, and hopefully, we’ll be able to get them to the school libraries ASAP. It has been a fun and rewarding project to work on together.
My secondary goal is to also get these books circulated among individual classrooms and also volunteer in the elementary school to highlight and read these books in the library and classrooms so these books don’t get forgotten on the shelves – all of this is dependent on how school will look this year due to covid, but we’ll take it one step at a time.
5) Currently learning that my anxiety is at an all-time high.
It’s been a weird, hard, rough, enlightening, chaotic, frustrating, stressful six months for me. The uncertainty of everything has me feeling stretched very thin, and I’ve had to dig deep for coping skills that I haven’t had to use in a while. I wish I had the answers and all the solutions and, mostly, A Detailed Future Plan to Write Firmly in a Spreadsheet and Follow Daily.
I don’t have any of that, dang it. But I just want to say that if you are feeling like some days you are drowning in all of the noise and chaos and uncertainty and hypocrisy (on every side) and fear and stress and judgment, you aren’t alone.
As someone who has googled “am I having a panic attack?” more than once in the last few months, I can also personally attest that there’s a lot of peace and happiness out there, too. It actually hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s just been pushed and nudged aside by the louder, dominating, noisy voices.
I’m learning that for me, one of the keys to finding my inner peace and resilience again is to disconnect. From social media, the internet, and technology in general. (And even from real life people who tend to bring me down.) It’s an almost instantaneous, shoulder-relaxing effect when I log off everything. And I’ve learned that, guess what, I actually don’t miss that much when I’m not checking Instagram daily.
And then once I disconnect, I try to simultaneously connect with what I already intrinsically know brings a longer-lasting peace: God, my family (like, really connecting with them one on one), the outdoors, and sometime just being alone if I can manage it.
As a verified introvert, I’ve been challenged big time since March. Listen, I love my kids and husband. They’re great. I want to live with them forever. And I genuinely would choose family time over just about anything else (as in, family night out over girls’ night out any day of the week). But all disclaimers aside, I am mentally rejuvenated when I have a degree of quiet alone time. And that has been noticeably absent the last little while especially since I’m in the parenting phase of early rising kids (who are too old to take naps) and late bedtime teenagers. {Admittedly, the aforementioned quiet pig pasture has helped with this introvert initiative a bit even if a kid, or two, tags along sometimes.}
It’s a process and a cycle – this disconnecting and connecting thing – and definitely not a one time thing. It’d probably be better if I could just learn to balance it all on the daily, but I don’t do that very well, so when I reach my peak, I just disconnect, restabilize, and move on. It’s meant I’ve been a little hit and miss here on the blog and on social media this year. Quality over quantity, right? 🙂
What coping skills are working for you right now?
Edited to ask: if you have kids at home, what are your school plans for fall?? The school year here was slated to start this coming Monday but it has been delayed until September 8. At this point I’m planning to send my kids back to school (although it’s doubtful they’ll be *at* school very often, if at all, based on our #’s and the district’s plan to keep them home if we are in the yellow or red zone).
6) Currently traveling across the wilds of Northern Idaho and Montana in Thor, the behemoth RV we rented on rvshare.com (not sponsored).
It was a whim of an idea. With so many of our other plans canceled this spring and summer, the normally unimpulsive Brian-Mel pair looked at each other a couple weeks ago and decided on the spot to rent an RV and drive around with the family, self-contained and fancy free.
It has been dreamy so far (except for when the concentrated family time has proven a bit too much – and also, I’ve learned which of my children have a serious stinky feet problem).
Most of the time we’ve been without cell service in places where beauty and hygiene standards are wonderfully, acceptably low. And we’ve done a mix of dry camping (no hook ups) and RV park glamping (full hook ups). Hi, lukewarm shower, I’ve missed you.
We left with a general idea of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do with all the flexibility of changing those plans at any minute thanks to driving a creaky house on wheels.
So far we’ve been up by Redfish Lake near Stanley, Idaho (which now ranks as one of our favorite places in Idaho), Cour d’ Alene (the most gorgeous place on earth), and we rode the Hiawatha Trail yesterday on our bikes (a bucket list item we have now checked off and hope to do many times in the future – AMAZING).
We’ll have to get back to real life eventually, but I highly recommend the RV adventure-on-a-whim experience for regenerating good family vibes, forcing a break from technology and the chaos of the world right now, and showing your kids, especially The Teenagers you are still grand master of all.the.card.games and corn hole.
————————————-
Ok, this was a long one. I have a lot more to say, but I’ll let you get on with your life. Ha. Remind me to tell you about our dusty living room/kitchen remodel, my new favorite pants (and the shoes I’ve been living in all summer), a cookbook idea and question, and a few other things!
Love your guts. Thanks for being here. And don’t leave me alone in the comments! I want to hear about YOU and how you are doing.
I LOVE that Katherine Arden series! I just read it recently and felt like I found a hidden treasure. I think the next two books are even better than the Bear and the Nightengale!
Really?? That makes me excited!
We are heading out to Stanley next week (from Michigan). Any favorite hikes to recommend? Any tips are welcome! We’ve never been there before. Looking forward to exploring beautiful Idaho:)
Sorry for the delay, Rebecca! We didn’t hike around Stanley but a friend of ours recommended the Bench Lakes hike. We want to do that next time.
Hi! Where did you get the cute hat?
From here! https://www.coolibar.com/women-s-tempe-sun-hat-upf-50.html
The cookies look delish! Please share. Thanks for all the coping tips. I will retire from my job of 43 years in 15 days, 16 hours, 10 min, 14 sec, but who’s counting!!!!! Papa and I will be helping out our son and his wife with the little boys age 3 and 5. The 5 yo starts school soon and the 3 yo will be with us 2 days a week. Looking forward to it- wish us luck.
Posted them here: https://www.melskitchencafe.com/peanut-butter-sugar-cookies-with-chocolate-frosting/ and CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement! Your grandkids are so lucky to have you! So excited for you.
Two good audiobooks I’ve done recently: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger and The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. I’m forcing others I know to read them and they aren’t too mad about it.
Looks like our school in Maine won’t start til the 8th, either. My kids are both in elementary school so they can go full time. The high school will have to do some kind of hybrid which doesn’t sound great.
I really liked The Ragged Edge of Night! I listened to that one as well.
I am an empty nester so no kids to tend to (except they still want my cooking occasionally) and I’m a caregiver for the elderly in homes. At first I was freaked out fearful I would pass the virus on to my clients and kill someone. When I wasn’t working I’d live in my bed coloring and baked many Mel recipes in my kitchen. Thankfully daughters of my clients put my mind at ease that if their parent died of the virus it wasn’t my fault and God knew that was how they would pass. So I got on my knees whenever stressed and gave all my burdens to the Lord. He wants to carry our burdens. And He doesn’t want us to live in fear. We can trust Him.
I did choose to run away by myself and went to the Olympic Peninsula to enjoy the solice of the beaches and mountains. I kept to myself and it felt glorious to run away from home. May the Lord bless you and keep you all safe in His Amazing Grace!
I loved your reminder and message so much, Kelli. Thank you for that!
Hi Mel. I’ve considered you a dear friend for a while now. I hope if I ever do meet you in person I don’t freak you out.
You are not alone on the panic attack front. After I had one I promised myself I would take time for a brisk walk every morning. Exercise and breathing morning air have been healing. Unplugging I can improve on, your suggestion rings true to me.
I’m finishing The Land of Stories. I am enjoying the creativity and fun.
Thank you for your recipes. Thank you for your upbeat, honest eloquence. Bless you for the light and peace you share.
Haha, you won’t freak me out, I promise! I’m so happy that your morning walks have been an answer to your panic attacks. I’ve been trying to up my exercise – I think I need to start getting out of the house more instead of just going up to the bonus room to work out. My boys love Land of Stories! I should read it, too!
Oh yes , I’ve read Boys in the Boat. Excellent. Saw just mercy- another great story. We are surrounded by what we look for. Always remember that and keep reminding yourself. It’s a hard task I need more of.
Love that reminder. Thank you, Sue!
Mel, thank you for your narrative. My family has a three story house in McCall, we refer to as “the cabin. Truly my happy place at one point. I know about the huckleberrys. Reddish lake is where my husband took our four children camping when I delivered number 5 while living in twin falls. Currently I’m in Oregon but have a place in nampa. My aging mother has suffered from anxiety and nightly panic attacks. She is 84. She has had the gum surgery also. small world. You are not alone. I know Anni Scott. A good friend that your mom knows- so Anni tells me. Glad you’re back. And I agree- disconnect and garden. It does the spirit and soul wonders.
Thank you, Sue! I hope your sweet mom is doing ok. A rough time for all of us, but my elderly relatives have really had a difficult time with similar issues.
I wish I had a future plan and spreadsheet too! I’ve struggled with so much unpredictability the last few months. My kids start school on Monday and I love each of them more than anything and I am SO EXCITED to have a few minutes to myself to breathe and be still at home. My boys have worked hard this summer mowing several lawns a week, but unfortunately they aren’t old enough to drive yet, so I spend many days sitting in our very old (1994!), gross truck driving them from house to house, thinking about my messy house at home and not being able to do a thing about it. I am so happy to support them in earning money, but so glad I’ll get some days at home and out of that truck!
I’m so excited for you to have a few minutes to yourself as well. You are an amazing mom facilitating your boys work schedules this summer and making it happen. AMAZING.
I will 100% support any cookbook you make. I love your recipes and I love hearing your personality when you write! You’ve helped me become a confident cook! Never stop doing what you do! You are such a talented person.
Kristen, seriously thank you so much. Such a pick me up to read your comment.
Mel, I love how real you are. And although I have noticed that there haven’t been as many recipes, I have been great with knowing you have a little time away from it.
This is definitely a crazy time. There are times that I find myself becoming accustomed to it and times when it slaps me in the face and I feel like a character in a distopian novel or something. Definitely seeing signs of the times.
My SIL bought me a book that I would highly recommend and I feel is currently changing my life for the better as I read it. So many aha moments and because of the changes, so many more. It is called “The Power of Stillness.” Highly recommend if you have not already read it. Anyway, I have been feeling like I should share this with you all day.
Thanks again for being you. Definitely going to have to try the RV trip. Sounds epic!
Thanks for understanding, Jennifer! Someone else recommended the Power of Stillness book – I’m excited to check it out!
I was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, ID and it is a beautiful place on earth When I was young I thought the whole world looked like where I lived!
Oh man, if only!!
What cookies are those in the very first picture? I read the whole post and probably have some comments on other things but can’t get those cookies out of my mind. I NEED them!
Haha, sorry about that! https://www.melskitchencafe.com/peanut-butter-sugar-cookies-with-chocolate-frosting/
WE loved doing the hiawatha a few years ago – SO beautiful! I got goosebumps seeing your picture there. We’d love to do it again someday!
I hope we can repeat that trail, too!
I always enjoy your Friday thoughts post. I was happy to see other’s recommendations of audiobooks as this is the main way that I find time to read. I have been hunting for a new one, so these recommendations really help! I enjoyed listening to Boys in the Boat. I recommend any of Susan Meissner’s books. Hope your RV trip continues to be great!
Thanks for the author recommendation!
Red fish lake! I love that place and haven’t been there in years. It is beautiful in my memory. I am an introvert as well and I notice that just taking walks and creating a bit of alone time really helps. I do love being around people as well and gather so much strength from those I love but I need time alone to think and recharge. I love that you have been flexible during this time and that you have still managed to create wonderful memories for your family. Thanks for all you do here; it is a wonderful place to come for fun ideas about cooking and also to always leave feeling upbeat.
I love how so many true blue introverts on this comment thread cope by taking walks! Love that so much. Thank you, Sara!
Thank you for your post. it shows the real stuff we are all going through. LOVE motor home camping. connecting with nature is very rewarding. Can’t wati to see your post about the pant shoes you’ve been living in. Thank you as well for keeping it real!! Safe travels to you and your family
Nature is so rewarding, you’re right! It was just what we needed.
Hi, Mel! I echo so many of your thoughts! I am also an introvert with 5 kids home + husband. If you had told me in March that I would not have my treasured alone time for the next six months, I would have dug myself into a hole. I have relied heavily on noise-canceling headphones and podcasts. “All In” for the weekly win. For family time, we took up rock climbing. Vertical View is amazing (it’s a climbing gym in Meridian – Mel, we’re practically neighbors) and they have COVID policies that keep them open and keep me feeling safe. Oh – and we didn’t get pigs, but we did rescue a rabbit that was neglected by neighbors. Our rabbit has become a free-roam house pet. Did you know rabbits can use a litter box? Learning about rabbits has been a nice escape from googling “idaho coronavirus”. Last of all, your bucket list family vacation sounds dreamy. We’ve always wanted to ride the Hiawatha trail – it just feels like such a hike to get the family up there. Thanks for letting me ramble!
Um, Becca, I would have dug a hole right next to you. Seriously. I was living in some lala land back in March where I thought all “this” would be over by mid-July at the latest. Sigh. My sister loves her noise canceling headphones too. Looks like I should invest in some. And oh my goodness, we’ve loved going to VV, too! We haven’t caved to a membership yet but we all got belay certified and we’ve gone climbing as a family a couple of times. It’s been amazing! I’m already in love with your rabbit! What an awesome rescue story.
Hey Mel! I just wanted to suggest some other books of a different perspective. Look for writings by Thomas Sowell and also a book called Up from Slavery. There are agendas by which we can be deceived. Your efforts seem noble. Just perhaps look at some of the non-mainstream perspectives by reputable sources as those I mentioned above.
I agree with you, Jenny, but I will go a bit deeper than you did. There is only one narrative that is being pushed by the mainstream media, social media, print media, and academia. That narrative is that America is bad, whites are to blame for pretty much all of the problems of the past and present, police are racist, and if you don’t agree, you are a racist. Disgusting really.
The word ‘racist’ (‘racism’) gets used so frequently nowadays. It is allegedly the answer to all of the world’s problems. Makes me very sad and angry at the same time.
Mel, from the years of reading your blog, I can feel your sincerity, love, kindness, humor, faith, and your genuine good nature. I don’t believe for one minute that you, your kids, and many readers are ‘white priviliged’ or ‘racist’. I don’t want you to be guilted into thinking you are–NOT FOR ONE MINUTE. The author of ‘White Fragility’ claims EVERYONE white is racist. That alone is a racist statement! She makes $6,000 an hour at speaking engagements. She is the one living a privileged life trying to make everyday Americans feel like we are responsible for all that is wrong in minority communities. That is not true. And don’t get me started on the group ‘Black Lives Matter’. They don’t seem to give a darn about all of the blacks who are killed by other blacks or all of the black babies that are aborted. Don’t those lives matter? The majority of police officers work to serve and protect the communities. I truly believe that. There is so much chaos, burning, looting, attacks on police going on in major cities. It is devastating. I would like to provide you with names of some Americans who tell a different story than what is being pushed by almost all the media and schools from elementary onto ivy league colleges. Research what Candace Owens, Leo Terrell, Bevelyn Beatty, Diamond & Silk, and Allen West (to name a few) have to say about the recent events in our country. Ironically, all of the civil unrest that is currently going on is hurting the minority community, and until people wake up and realize that they’ve been misled by this false narrative of white privilege and white racists, things will continue to get worse. Before Covid and the death of George Floyd, this country was thriving, unemployment for blacks, women, latinos was decreasing, and opportunities were growing for everyone. The only way our nation heals is to get back to family values, faith in God and respect for others. That is the narrative that is being destroyed. One example: #1 song on Top 100 Billboard is a song by a rap ‘artist’ named ‘Cardi B’. The song title is ‘WAP’. It is the most vile, disgusting, offensive, vulgar song I have ever heard by a woman. She also has an instagram post that is equally disturbing and disgusting. Yet she has tons of followers and the #1 song currently. She should be kicked off of all medias and her music banned. What is scary is who are the people liking this garbage?
This has probably not helped your stress level. I know it hasn’t helped mine. I believe so strongly in the good of this country and its citizens. The more we get into cancel culture and identity politics, the further this country gets divided. If we bring faith and family back to the mainstream culture, things can improve. God bless the USA
I love this blog with you sharing life, recipes, tips, family events,, stories, etc. I really believe your heart is in the right place and your intentions are
Thomas Sowell, while a gifted economist, is not a credible source for anti-racist research. His critiques of liberal theories are reductive and charicatured, and he is unable to explain the earnings pay gap between whites and non-whites. He had definite opinions, but his opinions do not explain the real-world data.
Please do not weaponize the theory of white fragility. Brene Brown had an excellent interview with Ibram X. Kendi on antiracism, and I loved the analogy they used to explain hegemonic racism and fragility. Because we live in a world built upon racist structures, it is everywhere, kind of like rain. It isn’t our fault that we have rain on us, and when someone points out that we are getting wet, we can either accept the umbrella they offer us with grace and humility, or we can lash out in fear, anger or embarrasment. There is a lot of that fear and anger in the world right now, and plenty of misunderstanding. From your reading list, it looks like you are on the right track.
Mel, I applaud you for your compassionate heart, and your desire to seek ways to create equity in schools through literature. I truly believe in the power of the best books to change the world. Rachel Cargyle has on Instagram has compiled a great resource to help parents talk to their school administrations about equity projects, you may be interested in checking it out.
Sending you lots of love on your journey.
Thanks, Alicia – I think I saw that on Rachel Cargyle’s instagram – I’ll do some more digging.
Oh Mel!!! The struggle is so real!!!! I completely relate to the coping, and figuring out the connection conundrum, but still trying to meet my needs. Thanks for sharing, I feel little less alone!
We’re just coming out of 4H fair (lambs and bunnies) and my kids are completely stressing over school. I’m brainstorming how NOT to repeat the stress/cry-every-day kids homeschool experience from this spring. I’m planning on setting limits with the teacher and the kids and we’ll do what we can do and let it go from that. (I work and ((tiny whine)) it’s been hard!) ❤️Thanks for sharing Mel- I’m going to practice more disconnection from media and news….a little more peace sounds lovely.❤️
tiny whines are totally valid here, Maren! Good luck navigating the online school/working mom gig. It’s not for the faint of heart and I admire you so much!
Okay—I have to know the recipe for the cookie pictured above. Please tell me it’s on the site or will be soon! You’re the cookie queen.
Here you go! https://www.melskitchencafe.com/peanut-butter-sugar-cookies-with-chocolate-frosting/
Also, I have been PINING for you to do a cookbook! Your other words were just so relevant I forgot to mention I will buy your cookbook for all the women in my family if you’ll just please publish one!
Haha, thanks for the vote of confidence, Becky!
Soooo many “kindred spirit” thoughts on this post, but the one really REALLY resonating with me right now is the early rising kids & late bedtime teens. GRACIOUS, it’s been a long road, this phase. I mistakenly thought we’d have a gap after babies & before late teen nights… with at least a couple good sleeping years. Alas, here we are, a home filled with both roosters and night owls.
Yes, yes, yes. I thought I’d have that gap, too. Nope. We will survive.
Yes, yes, yes. I thought we’d have that gap, too. Nope. We will survive. Right???
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3LMVJ2xd1g8
Thank you! Such a happy song!
I think you covered so much of what I have been feeling (except the grafting surgery, OUCH, I hope it’s your last!) we are trying to remain calm and carry on, but people all over seem to be coming unhinged (just today we had to shelter in place while police hunted a dangerous man) and things feel like they are just changing too fast. At the same time we’ve been preparing for this all along (being lds and knowing times will get tough). I just have talks with myself like: relax! , You were meant for these crazy times. God knows and he said this will work out, so stop eating so poorly and start exercising (it Helps my anxiety so much- this pep talk has to be repeated daily). It’s scary times but I love what you said, the peace is still there, just crowded out. And Somehow I know that with God there are plenty of good things ahead. My kids go back to school on Wednesday… not letting the fear of it cripple us So far… thank you for Sharing, you have such an uplifting effect on me!
I just listened to three minute podcast that basically said: just like an airplane, we were built for turbulence. That goes along with what you are saying. And it’s true. Gotta just relax and realize, we’ll make it through (some days that’s easier said than done!).
Missed you this week, but I love seeing that you are RVing. It is my dream to do that. We rented one for a few days and had a great time but that was 12 years ago. Time to go again? With my oldest working , I don’t know how often we can take random family trips 🙁
We also have chickens and one of my boys loves pigs. I need to research that breed (the mostly no rooting is Compelling). Those pigs are too cute.
I think the news and social media can be overwhelming, especially now more than it was. More people need to be able to recognize the need to disconnect and actually do it. Bravo!
I truly was hoping and thinking we would be out of this pandemic by now but no. I am grateful that we homeschool and always have. It keeps our normal going so that I don’t get any crazier.
I don’t have social media accounts and people make fun of me for it. I just can’t go down that path because we might not eat, the clothes wouldn’t get washed, …
I need a new sun hat And yours is adorable.
Is the dog with you on your trip?
Thanks for chiming in, Sheila! I hope you get out on another RV trip but I hear you, having older kids that start “real” work schedules puts a damper on those kinds of things. Maggie stayed home this time!
I always knew I loved you, Mel. As someone currently working on a Masters in Librarianship — I am above and beyond impressed with your advocacy idea. What a way to give back to the community and teach your kids to stand up for what’s right.
Thank you, Alisha! Just trying to figure out how to do something, you know?
My husband (Mario) was looking over my shoulder when I read this post. His first question was “who’s going to take care of the pigs?” . Yeah, he’s a big old sweetie. But the reading over my shoulder thing is getting old.
Much fun on your trip!
Hahahahahahahaha.
I think we can all connect with your blog post. Loved some of your book choices. Please put Small Big Things By Jodi Picoult on your book list. It touches on racism and was a very inspiring read.
Thank you, I will!
Hi Mel! I’m fairly new to your blog, but I love it. I have made the French bread about ten times so far neaten as plain beautiful bread with butter, made into French toast, croutons and garlic bread with fresh garlic and real butter. Yummy.
The RV trip looks fantastic. I live in Canada and the scenery you are experiencing is pretty much what it’s like in British Columbia. It’s so beautiful here.
These weird times are destabilizing, and although generally we have fared better in Canada, our numbers are rising and life has been challenging. We are retired, and the travelling that we long to do, we cannot do. But we are blessed and I, too, put all of my faith and my trust and my fears and my hopes and my dreams in Jesus Christ.
I pray your family have a safe and blessed trip with a lot of memories for the future.
Oh wow, I’ve heard British Columbia is gorgeous – can’t imagine living around that beauty all the time! I love where your priorities are, Shelley!
You are such a real and amazing Mama. Please give yourself grace, you’re doing an amazing job!
Thank you, Kris – XOXO
My hubs did the Hiawatha trail and I’m super jealous and want to do it. I love everything that you’ve said on this! I agree with all the trying harder on diversity, and glad you loved Just Mercy. We’re hanging out at bear lake at the moment, but we start school in 10 days. Our school is doing 2 days on, 3 days at home, switching up which kids go, based on last name. So we’ll see how that pans out
Good luck with that!! I think we’ll end up in a hybrid, too.
Oh, your post really hit home. Thank you for your honesty. I’m also introverted and need my alone time. We were almost empty nesters and then Covid…all 4 kids unexpectedly home (from college and working out of the home). Four big adult bodies. It was great to have them all for the first couple of weeks…you know like for the holidays kind of nice, but after months on end a little panic started to set in! I guess we will all get through it eventually. I’m with you on the disconnecting thing. Hang in there and thanks for your blast of fresh air 🙂
Oh my goodness, you had an influx of so many people!! Panic would set in for me, too. You hang in there yourself, my friend!
I’m in the middle of Just Mercy but it’s hard to read – I’m so sensitive and hearing what they were doing to the black people in jail and especially the teens put in adult prison. I had to put it down and I’ll try to finish again later.
When I read this book I had to do it in small chunks because it was so heavy
I agree, Mary, there was a lot of eye opening facts and information in that book. Try again if you can. It really is worth it.
I hear you on the introvert thing! 5 kids, ranging from 9 months to 7 yrs. I had a VERY hard time not being by myself. For me, I had to realize that alone time has to be a priority every day, even if all the dishes don’t get done and everything’s not as clean as I would like. THat has really helped! I am not superwoman. Thanks for your blog. It is such a bright spot in my day!
Thank you, Ashley!
I hear you! I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and experienced a derecho for the first and hopefully the last time this week. The only good thing is that the destruction takes your mind off Covid 19. I really feel fortunate to have power back. It is heartwarming to see neighbors helping each other. Thank you for publicly saying that Black Lives Matter.
That had to be so intense and scary, Jennifer! Just seeing it on the news had me cringing. Hope you and your community is recovering ok!
The best Audible book for me this summer has been Lisa Wingate’s The Book if Lost Friends. The narrators are fabulous! Thank you for your honest account of how you’ve felt in the time of Covid. I had an arm surgery that has left me unable to do the things I normally do which has been enlightening in that my coping mechanisms often involve physical activity which I was unaware of until now. I recently read an article about living in prolonged fear which can lead to anxiety, depression, mood swings, etc. The fear of loss is one of the greatest fears and without understanding this I had been experiencing it with the loss of my arm mobility (coupled w/all the other world craziness). Just hearing your experiences helps me not feel so alone in all this. Thank you!
Lots of recommendations for that book. I’m excited to check it out. I hope you recover from your surgery fully and quickly! Realizing we really can’t do everything, physically, we used to do is really hard. I’ve had that happen with past surgeries. Hang in there!
You are passing through my neighborhood now! 😉
What? So beautiful!
Love all the audiobook recommendations!! I commute an hour to work so I am a total audiobook junkie! Boys in the Boat is slow to start but hang in there! It is worth it. The Giver of Stars is really good too. Where the Crawdad Sings has a lot of buzz and for good reason. The best thing I have listened to lately is A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel. It is a HILARIOUS and heart warming memoir. You will cry a little and laugh a whole bunch! It felt like medicine that did my heart good with all the stress these days.
Hey Erin! Thanks for the book recommendation by Haven Kimmel. I haven’t listened to that one but am so excited to check it out. I really enjoyed Where the Crawdad Sings…and I was worried I’d hate it because it was so hyped. I LOVED Giver of Stars!
I love this! The Hiawatha trail is on our bucket list too! Would you consider doing a more in detail post about how to do it with your family? We have 7 children ages 15 to 2, and would love to know if we could pull it off pulling a couple of bike trailers for example!
I’ll try to get something up with more details, Marian!
I love your Friday thoughts post! I also have younger kids who wake up early and teenagers who never want to go to bed. As a fellow introvert, it is hard to not have some quiet moments. Your trip looks so fantastic. Best wishes for a smooth school year! We start next week and I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that we get to stay in school and everyone is safe.
I hope your start of the school year has been seamless! (ha, I recognize that’s a ridiculous hope, but still, I’m sticking with it)
Thanks so much! So far it has been really great. Unfortunately, the last few days the numbers in Utah have not been good so I wouldn’t be surprised if things change soon.
I LOVE The Boys in the Boat so so much!! And amen with the anxiety. I’ve had to massively unplug because I just can’t handle it all. School…the kids are going back two days a week and remote three days a week to split class sizes in half. That, too, has been dramatic. We had protesters fighting that…I can’t handle that, either.
There is so much discord on every side! I agree, all of that “noise” is hard to take on as well. Good luck, Marek!
So much Resonating with me in this post ! The last 6 months have been weird on so many levels ! Anxieties I didn’t even know I had coming at me from every angle. I agree about disconnecting with the online world !! Always a little easier said than done .. but when I do it feels like such a weight is lifted off. Kids going back to school next week, just part time while the district keeps an eye on things before going back full time. The plan for school definitely is filled with uncertainty and so am I ! I’m trying to prepare for any possibility in the future. And with 2 missionaries currently serving also, I’m just really grateful for technology and the ability they have to connect with me on a regular basis .. it’s saving my sanity and filling my soul ! Thanks for your newsy update and your honest dialogue ! It makes me feel a lot less alone
You’re amazing, Helen!
Is that cookie pictured on your blog one of your creations? What is it called? Thank you!
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/peanut-butter-sugar-cookies-with-chocolate-frosting/
Mel. I SO needed this connection today. I needed to hear a lot of what you said about inner peace, unwinding and connecting. My favorite place the past 6 months has been hunkering down next to me chicken coop. Holding a darling feathered friend on my lap makes for happy times and I love watching my kids take care of their birds. I’ve also been enjoying the downtime. I don’t miss the noise and chaos life used to bring. I do wonder if any of us will ever feel “normal” again, and then I work to be happy with the new normal. I have found gratitude for so many things. I have also had to dig deep to be okay and work through some of the sequelae of the last 6 months. I have great hope in my heart and faith for the future; it takes a minute to find that place sometimes. Thank you for sharing your family trip! The scenery looks amazing! Hoping to get out of the house soon and spend some time outdoors. So glad you’ve recovered from your surgery- that’s fantastic! ❤ Favorite audio books right now are Presence by Amy Cuddy and the classic 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (can you tell where my mind is currently?) Had a lot going on and lots of stretching and digging and growing over the course of this year, but grateful for everything I’ve learned and for God’s tender mercies. We will find them when we look. Always sending love to you and yours.
Amy! I just got your sweet package in the mail. I’ll email you.
So glad to hear from you again, Mel.
Thank you, PJ!
Those cookies look amazing. What are they?
Peanut butter sugar cookies with chocolate frosting – recipe hopefully going live Monday!
Please, please, PLEASE, all the details of the rv trip! Hiawatha trail is on my bucket list and I would be interested in each and every detail of your trip! Did yoy rent bikes or take your own? Did you shuttle back or ride bikes both ways? Where did you get on the trail? Also what did you do in cour d lane and redfish??? I like your travel guides and game posts as much as your recipies!!! Love the pigs, too!!! Adorable!! My kiddos are going back to school with masks, except for one who has health problems. He is doing Connections Academy. It is hard to decide! Ultimately, mental health was the deciding factor.
Sounds like you had a lot of decisions to make about school. Glad you were able to find solutions that work for your family! It is so hard to know what to do! I’ll try and get a more detailed post up. But in short, we had room to bring four of our own bikes and we rented three bikes up there. To be honest, the quality of bikes we rented from Lookout Pass were really crummy. The seats wouldn’t move and my poor 11- and 13- year olds were kind of miserable as their knees were up in their faces the whole time. We did the most popular version of the trail – going downhill. So we picked up our bikes and passes at Lookout Pass (exit 0) and then headed to exit 5 and followed the signs up the road to the Hiawatha trailhead (Roland area). We rode the 15 miles to the bottom (Pearson) and then me and the two youngest caught the shuttle back up to the top while the rest of the kids and Brian rode their bikes back up (it was hard but worth it, they say). I think next time when Cam is older, we’ll start at the bottom and ride all the way up and then ride back down to the car. It’s definitely not the most popular route, but I’d like to try it. We mostly just camped, explored and swam at Redfish Lake!
Loved your post & your desire to diversify school bookshelves. A fun read for me lately has been Recipe for a Perfect Wife. Other fiction I’ve enjoyed are Ghost Boys, The Antelope Wife, Five Wives, Washington Black & The Water Dancer. For non-fiction there is I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown, Tightrope by Nicholas Kristof, Be The Bridge by Latasha Morrison, The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch, Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Catch & Kill by Ronan Farrow, The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby,
Love all of these recommendations. Thank you, Barb!