January 3, 2026: I’m pregnant!

I usually track my temperature for my cycle, and on this day, instead of dropping like it typically would, it jumped up. That was my sign to take a test, and sure enough, it was positive!!! Jackson and I were so excited and later that day, we told our families. Already our little baby has brought so much joy to our lives!!!!

For most of January and pretty much all of February, I was feeling nauseous and fatigued, getting sick almost every other day. Looking back now, those weeks really feel like a blur, and I am so thankful for my husband who was the best support through it all. I am grateful to be feeling better heading into springtime!

February 21, 2026: It’s a BOY!

A few weekends later, we were out at the library when we got the news about the gender of baby! We’re having a boy!! I immediately started dreaming of riding bikes and picking out cute little boy outfits! I feel so incredibly lucky to have a boy; it feels like the biggest honor and responsibility, plus I know Jackson is going to be the best example to our son!

Overall, Jackson and I are both so excited and so grateful for this little life. God’s timing is perfect, and we cannot wait to meet this sweet boy who is already such a blessing to our family.

What a gift to be chosen to be his mom!

Take care,

Caroline

It feels very appropriate for there to be snowflakes falling right now as I am writing this. Snows seems to have been a constant this December, and I am coming around to it a little. But I also played country music earlier and pretended I was at the beach…so am I really?

My main goal for the month was to really savor and enjoy the Christmas season, and I feel like we did just that. We watched tons of Christmas movies, wrapped and shopped, spent quality time with family, and slowed down. We are so thankful!

With my time off around the holidays (which I am also so thankful for!), I have done some reflecting on 2025 and some dreaming for 2026. I plan to share some of my goals in a newsletter soon. Until then, I hope you all are having a cozy end to 2025 and a hopeful start to 2026.

On My Nightstand

The Good Part by Sophie Cousens - This book follows Lucy, who one night stumbles upon a wishing machine and wishes to skip to the “good part” of her life. She wakes up years later - married, two kids, the career she always dreamed of, but lacking all the memories along the way. So what really is “the good part” of our lives? I adored this story! It is inspirational, reflective, and so perfect for this time of year! I can’t wait to reread!

On My Screen

Home Alone & Home Alone 2 - Jackson and I went on a journey this year of trying to watch all the classic Christmas movies. I had seen bits and pieces of Home Alone, but I wasn’t sure I had ever sat down and watched them all the way through. So we did just that! They are both great, but I think I prefer the second one - anyone else?

Die Hard - I wasn’t too sure about this one at first, but once we started it, I was hooked. We actually paused about a third of a way into the movie to go on a walk, and the whole time I was just thinking about what was going to happen. It is gory and has lots of language (not for younger viewers!), but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I’m not completely convinced its a Christmas movie though…

In My Ears

I feel like I have been in more of a podcast listening mood lately - gathering inspiration for the new year I guess! Here are a couple I have enjoyed recently!

One Small Thing

Embracing the season.

I mean this literally, as it relates to the weather, but you could take this metaphorically as well.

As I mentioned earlier, December this year has been snowy and cold. And while we have had some days where it is simply too cold to be outside for any real period of time, most days it is completely fine if you bundle up.

When I do take the time to dress appropriately and go get some sunshine, I always feel better and am thankful I did it. Plus, I feel like I have adapted more to the weather here. I used to shiver when it got below 60, but now I feel like the 30s and 40s aren’t too bad as long as I have my hat on.

We likely have at least 3 more months of winter weather ahead of us, and I want to find the good.

Challenge: Think of a season you are currently in - it could be winter or it could be college, an empty nest, motherhood, etc. What is one way you could embrace it?

Looking Ahead

Here are a few things I am looking forward to in January!

• Watching the new People We Meet on Vacation movie!

• Getting my hair cut!

• Using my Brick (Jackson got me for Christmas) and spending more time unplugged!

• Training for a 5k?!

• Going to an event at the local library!

What’re you looking ahead to in January & 2026?

Leave a comment

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Take care,

Caroline

As I am writing this, I can hear the snow plow going by outside, and it reminds me that yet again, the seasons have changed. I’m not going to lie and say that looking ahead into the next four months of winter doesn’t give me a little fear, but I am choosing to believe there is good in every season.

There might be snow (or honestly just slush) on the ground, but there’s also cinnamon rolls in the oven. See? Good in every season.

On My Nightstand

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh - I love Courtney Walsh’s writing, and this was no exception. If you are looking for some happiness in your life, I highly recommend picking up this book!

The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher - In a season where I am wanting to slow down, unplug, and rest more, this was the perfect read. I loved seeing her honest journey to becoming more unplugged, the impact it had, and how I too can be a more present person in my own life.

On My Screen

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie - This was perfectly cheesy but also so nostalgic (if you grew up with the Jonas Brothers) and fun for the holidays. It follows the three brothers as they try to make it home from Europe for Christmas.

Our Little Secret - This came out last year, but it was definitely worth watching again because there are so many funny moments. The movie starts when two people who grew up together and used to date end up at the same family Christmas because now their new significant others happen to be siblings.

In Pursuit of Inspiration by Michel Janse - This video was so creative, beautifully filmed and edited, and really resonated with me. I can’t wait for more in this series!

In My Ears

It’s My Turn: Know Your Season by I’m Fun Now with Sazan Hendrix: The concept she shares in this podcast about “it’s my turn, it’s not my turn” has completely changed my life since I listened to it last week. I promise I’m not being dramatic.

Praise You Anywhere by Brandon Lake - I am always looking for good worship songs that are upbeat and joyful. This is a great one to start your day with!

One Small Thing

Plug your phone in early at night.

For me, once I plug my phone in at night, I don’t touch it again until the morning. Especially with the sun setting earlier, I have found it easier to put it away sooner and be more present in the evening. I can’t tell you how many times recently someone has texted me before 7pm, and I haven’t responded until the next morning. I promise I wasn’t in bed just yet, but I was practicing the art of being present.

Challenge: Try it this week. Plug your phone an hour, two hours, maybe even three hours before bed. See if your conversations feel more rich, if your mind feels more creative, and if your body feels more sleepy. I know mine does.

Looking Ahead

I am so excited for December. Here are a few things I am looking forward to!

1. Jackson coming with me to a pilates class.

2. Spending our first Christmas with my niece who is at such a fun age and is pure joy.

3. All the small moments that make this season so special and sacred - journaling before the sun comes up, making lots of cozy dinners, dreaming about 2026, reading my advent devotional, wrapping gifts, and celebrating the birth of my Savior.

What’re you looking ahead to in December?

Leave a comment

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Your presence is your purpose in this moment.

- from The Unplugged Hours

Take care,

Caroline

I wanted to share some happy little Monday news with you all.

I have been working on a secret project connected to my YouTube channel and my No Spice Books newsletter, and it is finally here!

The project is…NoSpiceBooks.com!

This website is a curated collection of no spice, closed door, clean romance - plus fiction, fantasy, and other genres. It’s something I wished existed, and so I decided to create it myself!

P.S. - I think that’s often where the best ideas are born. If you have something you’ve been wishing existed…go create it yourself!

No Spice Books is such a huge passion project for me, and I’m so excited to finally share it! Thank you all so much for your support. I couldn’t do this without you!

Take care,

Caroline

Highs: This month I spent a morning at a coffee shop journaling and a different afternoon at a park reading. These moments of stillness and presence were so sweet and needed. I also got to see my baby niece be dedicated to Jesus at church, and that was a very special moment - she is such a gift to our family!

Lows: Getting sick twice and the cold weather arriving are my lows this month. I feel like September was hotter than normal and now in October, we have jumped straight into winter. I definitely have the winter scaries, but I am going to work on fighting it!

On My Nightstand

Drawn Together by Juliana Smith - An enemies to friends to lovers, NYC, You’ve Got Mail story that is perfect if you are wanting another fall read to pick up before the season ends. I loved this! No spice!

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross - An adult fantasy set in the same world as Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows. It reminded me a little of Greek mythology because the world has different gods and goddess. I absolutely loved the romance storyline, the stakes, and the fantasy plot. 5 stars! There are two short, vague open door scenes (pages 419-420, 423).

On My Screen

A Week Away - This is a show done by Angel Studios (the makers of The Chosen) - with a sort of Camp Rock vibe. It’s a musical show that follows teenagers spending the week at a Christian summer camp. The themes were deep but uplifting, and the music was honestly so good!

10 Things I Hate About You - I was craving a rom-com for the fall time, and this is a classic. I have also had the desire to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (one of my favorites) and The Parent Trap lately. We will see if I get to those before Hallmark movie season starts!

Nobody Wants This - This Netflix show stars Seth Cohen from the O.C. (known in the real world as Adam Brody) who plays a Jewish rabbi. It can be a little raunchy at times, so keep that in my mind especially if you have younger ones around. However, the writing is so funny and the characters are also hilarious.

Gilmore Girls - I am not doing a full rewatch because, let’s be honest, I have seen it enough times. BUT, I am going back and watching a few classic fall episodes here and there which I have really enjoyed.

In My Ears

I have followed Sazan for years and am loving her new podcast! She is so encouraging and funny, and I love the theme of this podcast of bringing more fun into your life!

This song is based on one of my favorite verses, and you can’t go wrong with Bear Rinehart’s vocals!

One Small Thing

My one small thing this month is to bring more fun and spontaneity into my life by treating every day like the weekend. Not in the sense that there’s not work to do or things to get done, but in the sense of life is too short to not fill it with things we love.

Get your favorite takeout on a Tuesday. Bake brownies on a Wednesday night (I did that this week!) Stay up a little later, or sleep in 15 minutes longer. Watch a movie on a Monday. Run errands after work so then you don’t have to on the weekend. Do that fun activity on Thursday instead of Saturday. Take a weekend trip even though it isn’t a three day weekend.

Do something you wouldn’t normally do on a weeknight - let it be the thing that little voice in the back of your head is telling you isn’t very adult-ish or practical of you. Do it anyway. Live more childlike.

Looking Ahead

I know some people will think it’s too early, but I am so excited to start getting into the Christmas spirit these next few weeks. I do love the fall time, but I think I am more of a Christmas girl. I am ready for cookie baking, Hallmark movie watching, gift shopping and wrapping, decorating, and embracing all the joy and fun that comes with this time of year. I also would love to do lots of the more “commercial” Christmasy things in November so that December I can lean more into stillness and Advent. I love both and would love to find balance this season.

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Option C is the mindset I am working to choose every day!

Take care,

Caroline

For the last 120 weeks, I’ve written a Monday newsletter. I haven’t missed one.

This newsletter was my first real step into writing as an adult - a journal I have had the privilege of sharing with you.

Since starting this project, I have ventured into other creative endeavors. I started my Youtube channel, a separate newsletter specifically for no spice books, and began a website project with Jackson (which I can’t wait to share soon!).

And, as some of you may know, it is my dream to write a novel. Lately, I have found myself wanting more time to dedicate to that project too.

Because of all this, and because I don’t want to write something each week just to write something, I’m planning to scale back a little.

I want to focus on quality over quantity, creativity over production.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to share in an online world that already feels so full and loud. I don’t want to merely be someone else adding to the noise. I want what I share to be valuable and meaningful. I don’t think the answer is to not share. I think it is simply to be intentional and purposeful in what I do share.

I feel like I’ve done that up until now, and I feel like this simple change will allow me to continue doing that well.

So, don’t worry!

I’m not going anywhere.

I’m committed to continuing Currently newsletters at the end of each month. Beyond that, I’ll still send others throughout the month - just without the expectation of one every week. Some months you might get one, and some months you might get four.

I hope whenever an email from me does make it to your inbox, it brings a smile to your face. I look forward to lots more newsletters to come!

Before I go, I wanted to share one last thing:

Whether I know you personally or only through the screen, I’m so very thankful for your support. It amazes me that you all let me send you an email each week! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Take care,

Caroline

High: The best part of September was getting to celebrate Jackson’s birthday. He is the greatest gift in my life, after Jesus, and I am so incredibly grateful for him.

Low: The world has felt dark this past month. Many days have felt heavy, and I have shed many tears without really knowing why. But I believe, not that all things are good, but that God will work all things for good.

On My Nightstand

It’s Different This Time by Joss Richards - This was such a perfect fall read. It is a second chance, then and now timeline, set in a NYC brownstone during the fall. It does have some spice, but overall, I felt like it was very skippable and the story went much deeper. I highly recommend to get you in the fall spirit - it comes out Tuesday!

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron - I have shared a little about my experience reading this book, and I plan to share more! For now, I will say that I loved reading it week by week and taking time to do the tasks, and I have decided to make morning pages and artist dates a more permanent part of my life!

On My Screen

Big Brother - Once Lauren and Keanu went home, I honestly didn’t watch the full episodes anymore. However, I did tune in for the finale last night because I had to see my commitment through. If you watched this season, what are your thoughts?

The Summer I Turned Pretty - I really enjoyed this season of TSITP. The directing, the acting, the music - all of it felt elevated from the previous seasons. While in the moment I didn’t love waiting a whole week for a new episode, I enjoyed the community it built around the show. And now, we have a movie coming?! When do we think it’s coming out?

In My Ears

A chatty podcast to get you ready for fall!

A casual conversation on the topic of scrolling and screen time!

I also have been using the DJ feature on Spotify recently. This is a feature built into Spotify that will play a mix of songs you have been listening to, new music you might like, and stuff from previous years. It’s really great when you aren’t quite sure what you are in the mood for!

One Small Thing

My one small thing this month has been taking little stretch breaks throughout the day. I try to do a few stretches when I wake up, before bed, and at least at once while I am at work. It doesn’t have to be much - it could be a quick neck stretch or getting up and walking a lap around the office to stretch your legs - but movement throughout the day can make a huge difference!

Looking Ahead

I shared my fall bucket list and intentions in this recent autumn vlog. These are the things I am working on / most excited about going into October - along with celebrating our three year wedding anniversary!

What are you looking forward to in October?

Leave a comment

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I wrote this years ago, but I like to revisit it every October.

To the coming of October.

Of leaves raining down around you, crunching them under your feet. Of crisp mornings and cool nights. Of fires & candles & blankets & sweaters.

Of the peace that comes from remembering that change is not a bad thing. It isn’t scary. It’s welcoming. It restores and renews. It releases us to be free from fear.

Lord, let nothing make us afraid.

Take care,

Caroline

My intention is to have a fall that feels soft, calm, and grounded.

I want to calm my nervous system. I want to feel more peaceful and present. I want to have more intentional quiet and stillness. I want to have lower screen time. I want to spend more time journaling and doing new and old hobbies I love. I want to be picky with the content I consume - from movies to social media to books to news. I want to spend more time outside and learn to just be.

But more than anything, I want to spend more time in prayer and worship. The past couple of weeks have reminded me that nothing matters more than Jesus. The gospel and Jesus should always be the center of my life. So more than anything, that is my intention for the fall season: Jesus at the center of it all.

Vision

Bucket List

My intentions are at the heart of what I want my fall to look and feel like - the everyday things. This bucket list is filled with more seasonal, themed activities I would love to partake in this fall!

• Bake something once a week (cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, banana muffins)

• Make fun syrups for matcha at home

• Make one soup a week

• Have a fire

• Go apple picking

• Go to a pumpkin patch

• Make it through a corn maze

• Switch out my closet

• Watch Tennessee football

• Go for walks in new places

• Have a movie night with the air mattress in the living room

• Have a reading only day

• Go camping

Recipes

Here are a few recipes I will have on repeat during the next few months!

• Lasagna Soup - This is one of my favorite cozy soups to cook in the fall and winter months. I make a few swaps to make it dairy free, but in my opinion, it is one of the best ways to do pasta night this time of year!

• Matcha - I love making my matcha, especially this time of year. I have been using Pique for a while now, and I love how creamy it is. I mix it into hot water with an electric frother. Then I add in the honey, cinnamon, and collagen into that and mix it in as well. I pour that mixture over oat milk with ice.

  • Ingredients: 1 pack of Pique matcha, oat milk, honey, cinnamon, collagen

• Banana Bread - This is a recipe from Kristin Johns that I modified a little bit to work for me! It is gluten and dairy free. I like to make them as muffins, but you could bake it as bread too!

  • Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, ¹⁄₃ cup melted coconut oil, 3 large eggs, ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp vanilla, ¹⁄₂ cup almond flour, 1 ¹⁄₄ cup gluten free flour, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp cinnamon, chocolate chips

Reading List

And here are two of my best fall book recommendations for you!

• Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson - The perfect young adult romance! Jenny Han meets Gilmore Girls, set between NYC and small town Connecticut.

• It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard - A second chance romance, following June & Adam - roommates to friends to more to strangers - thrown back together after years of not speaking and maybe, just maybe, it’s different this time. Set in a NYC brownstone!

Watch List

A mixture of classic fall rom-coms, a Hunger Games rewatch, and Disney of course!

Playlist

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To prepare you for the coming of October next week!

Take care,

Caroline

Then, on Wednesday, Charlie Kirk was assassinated.

Again, the internet was flooded with videos and opinions - some compassionate, some cruel.

The evil and brokenness of our world lately has felt palpable and blatant.

A few days later, I watched Erika Kirk speak about her husband’s death. She was strong, confident, and full of the Holy Spirit. In front of a watching world, she showed that this tragedy will not break her, her husband’s mission, or the faith that he lived and died for.

It was incredibly heartbreaking and inspiring.

All these events, and more, have left me wondering:

• What do we do?

• Where do we go from here?

• What now?

And what I come back to, over and over again, is Jesus.

He is the answer to all of our questions.

He is our hope.

And He is coming back.

Every day, the time draws nearer. The Bible tells us that as it does, things will sadly continue to get worse. More twisting of the truth. More calling good evil and evil good. More persecution.

But that doesn’t mean we stop fighting. That doesn’t mean we stop sharing the gospel. If anything, the world needs it now more than ever.

At church yesterday, our pastor talked about how, as a Christian, the floor of the floor of the floor of our lives is the gospel. Because Jesus came, died, and rose again to pay the price for our sins, we are now declared righteous before God and are given eternal life with Him in Heaven.

No matter what, we’re good. Our foundation holds.

And that foundation is the thing we come back to when life falls apart. It’s our hope when evil seems to be winning.

So my question for you is: What is the floor of the floor of the floor of your life?

• What is it you to turn to when everything is falling apart?

• What is the foundation you come back to?

And I would submit to you that if that thing or person is not Jesus, it is going to fail you. And continue to fail you.

Jesus is the only firm foundation.

If you don’t know Him, I encourage you to…

• Pray. Be honest - He can handle it.

• Read the Bible. Start with the gospels to see who Jesus is.

• Find a church. Community is essential.

• Talk to someone you know follows Jesus. Ask them questions.

• Listen to the playlist I created. I filled it with songs about who Jesus is.

• Reach out. Respond to this email - or if you know me personally, call or text me - we can talk.

Because of sin, the world is broken and so are we. We can’t fix it on our own. The only answer is Jesus.

He is the floor of the floor of the floor of my life. I don’t know how I would get through this life without Him.

Because of Him, I’m good.

And because of Him, you can be too.

Take care,

Caroline

Recently, I’ve been really into the idea of scrapbooking. But buying all the supplies, finding space to store them, and actually making time to work on projects felt daunting.

I ended up - like we often do with creative pursuits - stumbling across the idea of digital scrapbooking. Now, my supplies are as limitless as the internet. Everything is stored on my devices, takes up little space, and I can keep it forever. It’s also easy to take on the go!

We’ll get into some of the ways I’ve been using it, but so far, I’ve found it to be a wonderful way to be creative, work with my hands (even digitally!), and slow down.

I often struggle with the need to be productive, always accomplishing something. The beauty of hobbies is that what you’re doing is for fun, not to check something off a list.

Of course, some hobbies - like pilates, reading, or walking - do give you a sense of accomplishment when you finish. But digital scrapbooking is different.

I might feel like I’m “wasting time” when I work on my digital scrapbook, but I do it anyway.

And honestly? That’s why this hobby is productive - because it isn’t productive at all. It’s just fun. And I think we all could use a little more fun.

Supplies

Here are the things I use for digital scrapbooking, but use what works for you! Maybe you want to use real paper and pens, a different app, or even draw everything from scratch.

• iPad - Any model or size will do!

• Apple Pencil - Any version will do.

• Procreate - One of the best art apps out there. One time $12.99 cost but worth it!

• Goodnotes - Great for organizing scrapbook pages, but you could use the built-in Notes app or leave everything in Procreate.

• Paper - A bit more expensive, but it has everything you need all in one - no need for Goodnotes or Procreate. I’ll link a video tutorial here.

• Canva - Another option for creating and storing pages. Great if you already know the app! Does have a free plan.

My Two Favorite Uses (So Far)!

1. Monthly Scrapbook Pages

A photo collage of your month.

Over the summer, I went back and created a page for each month of 2025 so far. I simply drop a bunch of photos into Procreate, then cut, organize, and add text until I have a cohesive snapshot of the month. I love doing this because it lets me relive my favorite moments, express gratitude, and create something I’ll look back on and enjoy.

2. Reading Journal

A place to store monthly wrap-ups, TBRs, and favorite book recaps.

After getting into monthly scrapbook pages, I started experimenting with a reading journal. It’s fun because you can easily download book covers and incorporate them into your designs.

Other Ideas

Here are some more fun ideas for things you can create using digital scrapbook pages…

• Travel journals - Document trips and adventures.

• Vision boards - Visualize seasonal or yearly goals.

• Special events - Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and holidays.

• Cookbooks - Collect your favorite recipes digitally.

• Home projects - Plan or design a space.

• Journals - Draft weekly or monthly spreads, try bullet journaling, or start digital planning.

• Movie / TV watchlists - Track your favorite content.

• Health trackers - Keep up with water intake, workouts, and supplements.

What will you use your digital scrapbook for?

Leave a comment

Take care,

Caroline

High: The past week or two, the weather has been absolutely perfect. Not humid, sunny, crisp in the morning, and warmer but not hot by the afternoon. The weather makes the biggest difference in my mood, and I am soaking up all the 70 degree days I can!

Low: I had a week where I was really not feeling well. I couldn’t figure out if I was sick or just feeling off or what was going on. In hindsight, I think I caught something going around at school. If you have been feeling a little low, I shared a few little things that help in this newsletter.

On My Nightstand

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh - This women’s fiction novel (with a subplot of romance) follows two women who meet unexpectedly and spend the summer saying yes to things they’d usually avoid. Set between NYC and a small North Carolina beach town, it’s a heartwarming story of unlikely friendship and second chances. Five stars from me!

Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson - This young adult story, set in NYC and the charming town of Bramble Falls, Connecticut, is the ultimate cozy fall read - pumpkins, apple picking, bonfires, and harvest lattes. Inspired by Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie (two of my favorites!) and sprinkled with Taylor Swift references, it’s the perfect sweet, no-spice romance for autumn. This book comes out September 2nd, 2025 - I am so thankful I got to read an early ARC!

On My Screen

Big Brother - It’s week 8 in the Big Brother house, and it has been a roller coaster. I feel like the weeks I think are going to be good have fallen apart and weeks I was worried about have ended up fine. At this point, I am rooting for Keanu! Who’s your favorite this season?

The Summer I Turned Pretty - We only have a few weeks left of TSITP, and I cannot wait to see what these last few episodes hold. We have finally gotten to the parts that are starting to deviate from the book, and I am on the edge of my seat. I truly feel like this show is so well done, and the acting in episode eight was very impressive to me. I was feeling all the things for all the characters! The show released a new trailer for these last three episodes, and it has me so excited!

In My Ears

I guess everyone’s got reasons why their shoulders carry weight.

I didn’t listen to this album much when it came out, but it’s been fun to discover songs on it recently. It will likely be on repeat this fall!

Since watching Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato sing Wouldn’t Change a Thing, I’ve been listening to a lot of the Jonas Brothers. I also watched Camp Rock & Camp Rock 2 this weekend. If anyone has a connection to get Jonas Brothers tickets for this fall, let me know!!

One Small Thing

This is a new section I wanted to add after writing my “Little Things that Help” newsletter last week - a section where I can share one small thing that has been bringing me joy or helping me over the past couple of weeks.

My one small thing for August has been getting my steps in every day. I notice I feel so much better when I move my body, especially outdoors. My personal goal is 10,000 steps, but yours doesn’t have to be - even one long walk or a couple of short ones makes a difference.

Looking Ahead

I am feeling very hopeful about September. I am so excited for fall weather and activities - football Saturdays, soup in the crockpot, the leaves changing, and lots of time for reading. Jackson’s birthday is also in September, and I love celebrating him! Overall, I am looking forward to fall days full of simple and seasonal joys.

What are you looking forward to in September?

Leave a comment

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I’ve been wasting so much time worrying about what could go wrong that I never paused to consider everything that could go right. Every way life could continue to be beautiful, with Ren. There will always be something complicated, but that’s the point: I want to face those things with him.

from Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely

Take care,

Caroline

Last week I was feeling off - tired, anxious, and letting things get to me. It felt like I was running on low battery.

If you read last week’s newsletter, I shared about how I have been feeling in-between. I shared my feelings in the hopes that someone else might feel less alone and be able to say, “Me too,” or “I’m glad it’s not just me.”

But I didn’t feel like I left you all with any advice if that is how you have been feeling.

Last Monday, I honestly didn’t have any. I didn’t know what would help.

But as the week went on, it got me thinking about all the little things that do help. The small things that actually make a big difference in how we feel and how we show up every day.

It’s the things we know we enjoy, the things we know make us feel better, but we don’t always put energy into doing them.

So if you have been feeling down, off, anxious, low, in-between, confused, stagnant, anything but 100% - these are for you.

They may be small, but they are mighty.

Little Things That Help

I broke these down into two categories: recharge and low power mode.

Recharge

These are the things that don’t ask anything from you but instead give you energy back.

• Stretching

• Taking a sick day

• Resting without feeling guilty

• Listening to your favorite songs or podcast

• Going to bed early

• Using a heating pad or weighted blanket

• Getting off your phone

• Taking a nap

• Wearing cozy clothes

• Taking deep breaths

• Letting those around you know you aren’t feeling 100%

• Staying hydrated

• Watching a comfort show or movie

• Sitting in the sunshine

Low Power Mode

These are the things that take a little effort but return even more than you give.

• Journaling

• Tidying one space

• Making a gratitude list

• Talking to a friend

• Planning something to look forward to

• Walking

• Reading a book

• Making your bed

• Sipping on a fun and nourishing drink (matcha, bone broth, tea, etc.)

• Taking a warm shower or bath

• Dancing

• Making a comfort meal

I hope even one of these little things can help you this week.

Take care,

Caroline

August is technically still summer. The calendar insists it is. But for me, the moment school starts, something shifts. Summer starts to feel like it’s slipping away - even though fall hasn’t fully arrived.

So where does that leave us - when August has come and school has started but September and the cooler weather aren’t quite here yet?

In-between.

My In-Between

These last few weeks, I’ve felt that same in-between feeling not just in the seasons, but in my own life.

In between a dream and the ability to make it a reality. In between an apartment and a house. In between a marriage and a house full of kids.

Being in between doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for my dreams, my apartment, or my marriage - I am so incredibly grateful. I know not all that long ago I felt in between having a boyfriend and a husband, or living in my parent’s house and having my own place.

I can look back and see the answered prayers I am now living in.

It’s the tension of being incredibly grateful for where you’ve come from, yet still hopeful and moving toward the future you want to create.

In counseling, they call it the idea of ‘yes and.’ For some reason, we often feel like things have to be black and white. This or that.

But it doesn’t always have to be.

Yes, I’m thankful for our apartment - and I dream of having our own home.

Yes, I’m grateful for our marriage - and I look forward to when our family grows beyond the two of us.

I can be grateful and expectant. Satisfied and searching.

I can be in between. And maybe you can too.

Take care,

Caroline

From a young age, I’ve been someone who loves getting things done. I’m a list maker. I love the satisfaction of checking something off - especially when it’s quick to complete. But projects that stretch on for days, months, or years? Those feel overwhelming.

Maybe that’s why writing these newsletters feels so much more doable to me than writing the book I’ve always dreamed of. A book feels like a massive, never-ending project that can’t be neatly checked off a list. But really, it’s not so different from writing this newsletter each week. Both are about sitting down and putting words on the page.

Lately, I’ve been creating more simply for the sake of creating. Maybe it’s because I have been reading The Artist’s Way, because I had more time over the summer, or because I have simply found joy in it, but it’s been so refreshing.

• I’ve been filling my morning pages with dreams and ideas - just for me.

• I’ve picked up my guitar and sung songs just for the four walls of my bedroom.

• I’ve started making scrapbook pages for each month of the year in a little digital journal.

And there’s something freeing about creating just for yourself.

It takes the pressure away.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

It just has to be authentic to you.

Create to Create

In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron talks about how “we are more the conduit than the creator of what we express.” She says, “it’s not about thinking something up. It’s about the opposite - getting something down.”

A lot of being creative is noticing and listening. The rest is acting on all the things you notice, think, hear, and feel.

I once heard someone say, “You don’t need a million ideas. You just need to execute on the one good idea you already have.”

I know I can get stuck in the ideation, dreaming, and planning stage. Starting can feel scary. What if I fail? What if it isn’t how I imagined?

But what I have learned is if you are waiting to do if perfectly, you will never start.

Maybe we need to stop getting in our own way.

Create just to create. Don’t worry about the outcome. It might be the best thing you’ve ever created or the worst. It doesn’t really matter! The point is creating.

I’ll leave you with a question I was presented with this week:

If you didn’t have to do it perfectly, what would you try?

Go create something this week. You are an artist!

Take care,

Caroline

The Artist’s Way is a book written by Julia Cameron, originally published in 1992. It is described as “the classic course in discovering and recovering your creative self.” In her writing, she proposes the idea that everyone has creativity - we just might need some help finding it!

The book is structured as a 12-week course, and each week always includes two foundational practices…

1. Morning Pages: These are three pages of stream of consciousness writing. The goal is to not overthink it - just write whatever comes to mind until you have filled three pages. For me, sometimes this looks like to-do lists, prayers, or worries. Every once in a while it looks like a new adventure or endeavor blossoming. It doesn’t matter what you write; the only rule is how much you write: three pages!

2. Artist Date: This is a designated time during the week for you to nurture your inner artist. I have found it often looks a lot like nurturing your inner child. The rules are loose, but the goal is to spend at least one hour, alone, doing something that fills your cup. This could be something you love to do but rarely have time to do, something you are a little scared - but excited - to do, or maybe something you’ve never tried before but want to!

There’s a third component that’s not a staple part of the weekly curriculum, but is suggested as an optional weekly practice: a silent walk. No music or podcasts. No one else to talk to. Just your wandering body and your wandering thoughts.

There are three other weekly components of the course that change each week.

1. Reading: Think of reading like the lecture portion of a class. This is where you get the information you need, and if the teacher is good, you get excited and inspired for what you will do and learn. There’s a chapter each week filled with inspirational quotes, essay reflections, and questions to get you thinking.

2. Tasks: Think of tasks like the homework portion of a class. This is where you get to go out and practice. Some of my favorite tasks have been creating fictional lives, writing a letter as my 80 year old self to myself now, and making a list of 10 small changes I could make to improve my life. There are many tasks that feel like journal prompts, and there are others that are more actionable - such as mailing a letter to five friends, collecting flowers on a walk, or clearing out some clothes in your closet.

3. Check-ins: At the end of each week, the author gives you a few questions to help reflect on your progress. The questions ask about your Morning Pages, your Artist Date, any problems you may have encountered, and if you experienced any synchronicity (which you will learn about in week 3)!

Changes I’ve Noticed

I’m about halfway through the course, and it’s already having a big impact on how I think and feel. Here are just a few of the shifts I’ve noticed:

1. I am more decisive. I feel like I know more quickly what decision I want to make, and if I don’t, I have found my morning pages to be the perfect time to think through a decision until I have come to the one that feels right. This goes for big and small ones alike.

2. I know myself more. It’s almost like through this course I am getting to know myself again - who I am, what I like, what I don’t like, what I’m good at, who I want to be. It feels like getting back to who you were as a kid, your most authentic and unapologetic self.

   I think the connectivity of social media is wonderful in some ways, but in others, it feels like it’s stolen our ability to fully think for ourselves. This book, and creative practices in general, are powerful ways to reconnect with your own thoughts, preferences, and opinions, rather than just absorbing (often unknowingly) what we’re told we should like.

3. I find myself enjoying the little things more. Part of this is learning to make the things you have to do (but may not want to do) more fun. For example, I have to do the dishes every night after dinner, so instead of just trying to do them as quickly as possible in silence, I might play music and sing along. The other part is adding more things you enjoy into your day. For example, I love to read, so every night I try to get in bed at least 30 minutes early to give myself time to read before I need to go to sleep. This is small, but it is something I look forward to about my day!

4. My brain feels more awake. I feel like parts of my brain that I haven’t used in a while are being woken up and stretched out. With the tasks each week, I am having to think about who I want to be, who I used to be, the people around me, the goals I have, what I want my life to look like - so many things that don’t cross my mind on a regular day.

5. I am allowing myself to dream. Dreaming comes naturally to kids, and then somewhere along the way to adulthood, we start to think “practically” which oftentimes means crushing the dreams we had. But as I have been working through this course, I have found the little voice in my head that usually says, “but what if…” or “that won’t work because…” or “that’s silly” is getting quieter. There’s more room in my mind for those dreams to breathe and maybe even grow. It’s so exciting!

And I am only halfway through! I can’t wait to see more of what I learn and who I become.

Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, this book is for anyone who wants to feel more creative, connected, and inspired. If you’ve ever wished you were more creative, been stuck in a rut, or put off a creative dream - this might be the gentle nudge or reset you need.

If you want to check out the book for yourself and do the course with me, I will link it here for you!

Take care,

Caroline

A month of enjoying the little things.

I started going to pilates more often, and I worked another wedding. We took a road trip to Tennessee to visit family and celebrated a few family birthdays. I got a haircut and went on a coffee date with a friend. I attended an author event at the library by myself, which made me a little nervous at first. We have gone on walks, made lots of yummy meals, and really soaked up as much of the summertime as we could.

PS - I am already feeling very excited for fall but am encouraging myself to stay present and enjoy these last few weeks of summer.

Reading

Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh - A women’s fiction / romance story set in a retirement community in Wisconsin. This is my favorite book of the year so far! It has relatable characters, simple yet lyrical writing, and beautiful themes of not taking things too seriously, community, and chasing your dreams. I loved this entire cast of characters plus all the theater infused in the book! No spice, no language!

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter - A women’s fiction / romance book set in coastal North Carolina. This story had me right from the beginning, especially because there is a little mystery element going on. No spice, no language!

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan - A women’s fiction / romance book set on Long Island, NY. This story did take me a little longer to get into, but once I did, I loved watching Ali find her spark and joy again. The romance was sweet, and I appreciated the underlying themes in this book about love and loss. Closed door with some infrequent language.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - Not to be dramatic, but this book is changing my life! It is written as a 12 week course on recovering and nurturing your creativity. I am only about halfway through it, but I already love it! I plan to share more about this in a future newsletter, but if you have ever wished you were more creative, been stuck in a creative rut, or put off a creative dream - I think this book would help you!

Subscribe now

Watching

Duck Dynasty: The Revival - I have followed many of the Robertson kids on social media for years now, so it has been so fun to watch this show! It is wholesome and funny and always brings you back to the things that truly matter in life - faith, family, and ducks. Well, at least the first two?

Big Brother: Season 27 - Jackson and I started watching Big Brother together last summer, and I have been looking forward to it ever since. I think they have a pretty good cast this season, and I love that the eviction night competition has become a permanent part of the game. If you are watching this season, let me know what you think!

The Summer I Turned Pretty: Season 3 - I read The Summer I Turned Pretty books in June and very quickly binged the first two seasons of the show. Now, a new episode in the final season is being released every week on Wednesdays. I am having the best time watching and have even got Jackson hooked! Even though I have read the books, I am on the edge of my seat - you never know what changes they will make!

Listening

I just started this playlist recently, but I really love creating it. Whenever I hear a song that makes me think, “I wish I wrote that,” it goes on the playlist. My latest addition was just yesterday when I rediscovered the song “When We Were Young” by Adele. Goosebumps!

Thinking

Thinking About Thinking - I have realized recently that I don’t think enough. It feels like asking questions, thinking outside the box, or dreaming big is harder than it should be. That might sound really strange, but I bet it’s probably true of a lot of us. If you feel like this is you too, here are some ways we can combat this:

1. More silence and space. This doesn’t have to look like sitting on your couch, doing nothing but staring at the wall. It can be a walk or making dinner - time when your thoughts can drift.

2. More conversation. It seems funny to say that since talking is the opposite of silence, but we need both. And by conversation, I don’t just mean any conversation - I mean ones where you talk about dreams or ask each other random questions or say “wouldn’t it be fun if we” and then say something outlandish and talk about how you could make it happen.

Living more like the 2000s - Lately, I have felt a desire to make life feel a little more like the 2000s, like my childhood, like life before iPhones. Here are two ways I have done this:

1. Listening to the radio. When Jackson and I went went on our little cabin getaway last fall, all we listened to was the radio, and it was so nostalgic and fun! Now, I am trying to bring that into my everyday drives.

2. Watching shows on specific nights at specific times. Yes, we can always stream them on demand later, but there’s something special and nostalgic about waiting for the show to come on and watching it at the same time as everyone else.

Quote

“You can find fun anywhere. It’s when you stop looking for it that it disappears.”

- from Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh

Take care,

Caroline

When Jackson and I got married, we dreamed about moving to a million different places.

We still do sometimes.

I feel like dreaming is healthy - a sign of hope.

But sometimes, dreaming can keep you from being present where you are.

It’s easy to believe all our problems will disappear in a new place. That we’ll finally become the version of ourselves we’ve always wanted to be.

And I do think changing your environment can be a huge factor in changing your life. But you don’t have to move to change your environment.

You can change:

• Apartments

• Friend groups

• Gyms

• Grocery stores

• Churches

• Neighborhoods

• Jobs

• Routines

Even the furniture in your space!

There are so many ways to create a new environment where you are without moving to a completely different place.

The Seasons

Whatever season you find yourself in right now, I want to share what I would say to you if we were just grabbing a coffee as friends, chatting about your dreams for where you want to live.

First, I say all this as someone who’s been each of these people:

• The one who knows they will leave but can’t yet

• The one who wants to leave and can

• The one who isn’t sure if they want to leave or not

• The one starting over in a new place

I get you. I’ve been you!

To the person who knows they will leave but can’t yet:

Make the most of where you are in this season. I know it’s hard to feel ready for something new but stuck in something you’ve outgrown. Look for the good. Remember that you will never be in this place, at this time again. Plan for the future but stay grounded in the present. One day, you’ll look back and feel thankful you didn’t miss this.

To the person who wants to leave and can:

Go! Move, explore, say yes to new places. Traveling, seeing the world, meeting new people, and experiencing different perspectives are incredibly valuable. And like I said before, I truly believe changing your environment can change your life.

To the person who isn’t sure if they want to leave or not:

What is it that draws you to that new place? What are things you could do where you live currently that might be similar to those things? What “environments” could you change without moving zip codes? If you have an idea of who you might be in a new place, start by seeing if you can become that person in your current environment. You might be surprised!

To the person starting over in a new place:

Find your rhythms and the things you love. Maybe it’s a farmers market on a Saturday morning, a coffee shop, a church, a Friday night restaurant. Find community wherever you go - even if it is simply the people you pass on your nightly walk or the front desk person at your gym. Being known in both big and small ways is what will ultimately make your new zip code feel like a home.

But where?

The truth is, your life will probably look somewhat similar no matter where you live because it’s your life.

It will reflect the things you enjoy doing, the places you enjoy going, and the people you enjoy spending time with.

You can likely find a walking trail, a coffee shop, and a new friend most places.

The trick is identifying those things you enjoy that aren’t everywhere and figuring out which ones you value the most.

This might be living near the beach or living near your family.

But to be honest, there are few things that are truly location-specific.

I think we can be happy almost anywhere.

I think we can become the version of ourselves we hope to be almost anywhere.

The question is: where is that for you?

Take care,

Caroline

When I was in high school, trying to decide what college to go to and what major to pursue, I felt pressure to do something “hard”.

A lot of this pressure came from me. But a lot of it also came from the school I went to and the academic environment it bred.

My school was focused on test scores and grades and doing hard things. So when it came to picking my major, I felt like I had to do something “hard.” Something they didn’t let everyone in. Something that required lots of studying. Something you could brag about being a part of.

So I chose nursing.

I chose it for many reasons but one of them was that it was hard.

And lately, I found myself applying the same principle to exercise.

I felt like I had to pick something hard. Something that not everyone could do. Something that required a lot of work and effort.

I started trying more HIIT workouts, running, going to spin classes, and doing more circuit style strength training.

And guess what?

This was not good for my body. Not in this season with the health goals I have. And honestly, from what I have learned about women’s health, not good for most women in general.

Exercise is something I have always aspired to do consistently. But whenever I get the motivation, make a plan, and start implementing it, it never seems to take long for me to fall off it.

I needed to change something.

My New Exercise Plan

So, I sat down and thought about:

• What kind of workouts I actually enjoy

• What my goals are

• What makes me feel my best

And I drafted a workout plan that fits my preferences, my goals, and my season of life.

Other people might look at it and say it doesn’t look very hard. They might think I am not doing enough, or I’m out of shape.

That’s okay. This is what works for me.

Here are the things I am mixing in throughout my week:

• Pilates - I took my first Reformer class last year, and I loved it. It is strength and flexibility and balance and core. It’s low-intensity but still makes me sore. It clears my mind and makes me feel calm.

• Walking - Walking really is such a versatile form of exercise. You can walk alone, with a friend, go slow, go fast, explore a new route - it’s easy to adapt.

• Strength - I’ll be honest, weight-lifting is not my favorite. But I know it’s important. It helps to remind myself it doesn’t have to be long - even 10 minutes counts.

• Dance - I think dance workouts are so fun. It’s basically like playing Just Dance but maybe with a few more squats mixed in.

• Biking - Right now, I mean real biking. Although in winter, I’ll probably swap for stationary. I want to care for my heart, and biking is a great way to do that.

• Sports - Jackson and I like to occasionally play basketball or pickleball at the park. I wouldn’t say this is a regular part of my routine, but definitely something fun to sprinkle in every now and then!

I share my plan not so you can copy and paste it into your life.

I share it to show you that, like me, you can make exercise a hobby you enjoy!

Tips for Making Exercise a Hobby

Maybe exercise doesn’t feel like a hobby to you right now. Maybe it feels more like something you have to drag yourself to or trick yourself into doing.

Here are some tips for how to make exercise a hobby!

1. Pick something you actually enjoy! Make the switch from “I have to” → “I want to.” If it’s fun, you’ll stick with it.

2. Do it with others! You don’t always have to make it a social activity, but you can. Having other people can make the time pass faster, hold you accountable, and make you push yourself more.

3. Pair it with something fun! Walk on the treadmill while you watch your favorite show. Lift weights while you listen to a podcast. Play music while you go on a bike ride. Make it an experience you look forward to!

4. Find a routine that works for you. Do the same thing every day or mix it up. Just be realistic about what you can stick to in your current season of life!

5. Let yourself be bad! Don’t be afraid to pick something you aren’t good at. Maybe you want to try a new sport or a new workout class. Don’t let the fear of being a beginner stop you - being a beginner is a beautiful thing.

How are you making exercise a hobby?

Leave a comment

Take care,

Caroline

nostalgia - a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

The Past

I couldn’t wait to get out of high school.

Yet now, when I look back, I think about high school with a fondness, and honestly a longing, for the days when life seemed a little simpler, smaller, and easier.

Was I thinking that back then?

Absolutely not.

I was thinking about tests and college applications. Anxious about whether the boy I liked was going to ask me to the dance and caught up in drama with friends. Desperately trying to fit in and yet stand out all at the same time. Typical teenage stuff.

But now, those aren’t the memories that come to mind.

• It’s the days in PE class when our assignment was to make a group, pick a song, and then choreograph a dance to perform for our class.

• It’s the trips to our favorite Mexican restaurant after a basketball game.

• It’s the weeks I would read classic literature for homework and then get to discuss it for hours in class.

• It’s the night on our senior class trip that we spent playing duck duck goose for hours in our socks - sliding all over the floor when we tried to run.

• It’s the hours of Spanish class when we learned songs and played games and weren’t allowed to speak one word of English.

I could go on and on with these memories that now rise to the surface.

And I could do the same thing with my childhood, with college, with our first year of marriage.

We spend so much of our lives wishing it away, only to end up here - feeling nostalgic for the past seasons we couldn’t wait to leave.

The Future

But it isn’t just the past we long for. We do the same thing with the future.

We long for what we don’t yet have - especially in seasons of waiting.

Waiting for…

• the ring

• the promotion

• the house

• the positive pregnancy test

• the move

• the wedding day

• the new job

On the morning Jackson proposed, I remember having a moment of tears - longing to be engaged and also feeling the frustration of having no control over the timing. Little did I know!

Before we decided where and when to move, I longed for the life we would have in a new place. Jackson had to constantly remind me to make the most of the time we still had left in Tennessee.

And sometimes we don’t just long, we worry.

Anxiety starts to creep in, whispering, What if it never happens? What if something goes wrong?

Both the longing and anxiety push our thoughts in the future. Into the unknowns and the what-ifs.

We find ourselves missing out on our life now as we plan and prep and wait and worry about our life then.

The Present

One day, you will be looking back on this moment with nostalgia. With fondness.

You will be longing to come back to this season - when things were exactly how they are now, not how you were wishing and waiting for them to be.

And believe it or not, once you get what you have been wishing and waiting for, you will find a new season to look ahead to. A new thing to long and wait for.

I think that longing is part of how God designed our minds to work. It’s hope.

But don’t let memories from the past or hopes for the future steal the joy you have in the present.

Don’t let your nostalgia make you feel sad that time is passing or regretful at how you spent it.

Don’t let the dreams you are waiting for make you feel like you are missing out on your own life - or that you’re not where you’re supposed to be.

Let both instead fuel your motivation to live presently here in this season - where you are living in answered prayers of past ones.

Be where your feet are.

It’s cliché for a reason.

The next time you feel nostalgic for the past or impatient for the future, let it remind you to be present for the present.

Take care,

Caroline

June has been a full and fun month.

Right at the end of May, our niece was born! We spent some time at the beginning of the month spending time with family.

The next weekend, I worked another wedding, which I truly love so much! We also had appointments and library trips, walks with friends and visits to the pool. I made blueberry syrup for the first time and became obsessed - especially with how pretty it makes your matcha! The colors are beautiful!

We had friends stop by to grab dinner earlier in the month when they were passing through. It was really sweet to catch up and show them our new home! And then, we ended the month having friends in town for the whole weekend! Friendship is such a gift, and I am so thankful that even with miles between us, we have some of the best friends!

Reading

I have had a really good reading month in June, and these have been some of my favorites! If you want to keep up with more of my reading related endeavors, check out my other newsletter!

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez - This might end up being one of my favorite reads of the year. The way they fought for their relationship from the very beginning of the book was so beautiful and inspiring. Xavier was so sweet and deserves the world.

• This book does have language and one vague open door scene on pages 211-212.

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair - I got to read an ARC of this book in June, but it officially comes out on August 5th! It follows Josie and Wyatt as they sail down the intracoastal waterway together. This is the perfect east coast summer book!

Oakley Island Series by Emma St. Clair & Jenny Proctor - This is one of my new favorite no spice romance series! The world building and community in these books was so good. I highly recommend!!

Watching

The Summer I Turned Pretty - This is on Amazon Prime. We started watching it after I finished the books, and I will say that overall it stays pretty true to the main storyline. However, when it comes to language, spice, and other negative content, the show definitely added a lot more than what was in the book. So just keep that in mind if you decide to watch! I can’t wait for the new episodes to start coming out in July!

Listening

I really haven’t been listening to any specific artist or album this month, but here are a few songs that have been on repeat. I would love some new albums or artists to listen to, so send me your favorites!

Thinking

Random thoughts from this month…

• Play is so valuable! When I think about times I have gotten to play recently, whether at the slide park or the pool or the basketball court, it is always a learning experience. You take risks. You laugh at yourself. You exercise. You spend time with others. And yet, we often take play time away from kids in favor of structured learning time. If play is valuable for me in my twenties, how much more is it valuable for my students at 5, 7, 10? I want more play in my life, and I want to make more room for play for my students too.

• Summer is the perfect season to throw routines out the window and live more spontaneously. But I have trouble with that balance - making healthy, smart, responsible decisions and also making fun, spontaneous, lighthearted decisions. I think learning this balance is just part of being an adult?

• I saw a video where a family had set up a room for their kids with a small, old TV and shelves of VHS tapes. They were saying how they were tired of ads and inappropriate shows on streaming services, but they still wanted their children to learn the art of storytelling and be able to watch great movies. I love this idea! I also love the idea of getting a flip phone or a home phone again. I am not anti-technology at all, but I love finding ways to make technology slower, more intentional, and less distracting.

Quote

“There is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life. To know them inside and out and be with them through everything, share the same memories. Memories are everything. I want that.”

“A witness to your life?”

“Yeah. I want someone who knows everything there is to know about me, and I want to know everything about them. I want to be able to say one out-of-context comment to someone and they get what it means and they laugh and it’s just some stupid joke from like eleven years ago that means nothing to anyone else.”

“You can’t fake that kind of thing,” she said, softly. “It’s the result of a parallel life. A shared collection of experiences, like a snowball rolling downhill, getting bigger as it goes. And then you get to a point where you’re so far in, you can never replace that person. Not really. No one else can ever be the same kind of witness because you’ve lived through so much. It really is a once in a lifetime thing.”

- from Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Take care,

Caroline