Did you ever take a family vacation and no sooner after walking in your front door afterwards, you were met with the decisive message Vacation is officially over and real life is back?
Well, that was us last week.
Sometimes my neck hurts from the whiplash of life’s changes.
Since I’ve been on a blog break on account of Spring Break, I wasn’t going to participate in “What I Learned” this month. But ya know, it’s only Tuesday and already this week feels twelve days long. What I need is a good, sit-down-with-my-girlfriends catch up, and these little “what I learned” posts feel like just that. So as I put up my feet and chew some dried mango slices left over from our trip, I offer a short list of what I learned this month.
What I Learned in March:
1. The big city isn’t so scary after all. Last week, my people and I took a trip “back East” to visit some good friends of ours. We met these friends over fifteen years ago when we were neighbors, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. They kindly invited us to come visit their home just north of Philadelphia. David and I had done so once before several years ago with these same friends. It was only a day trip then, but I remember being very intimidated by the size of that city. I thought I might be so again, but I wasn’t. Philadelphia was such a hodgepodge of so many different people, sights and sounds, and I couldn’t help but love all the different-but-togetherness about it.
2. History + Candy win everything in my life. We had *so* much fun seeing all the touristy Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin kinds of things in Philly. We saw several museums too, but my favorite discovery there was Shane Confectionery.
It is America’s oldest candy store–established in 1863. As a lover of all old things, I couldn’t help but fall in love with that place, too. And as a girl with a whole row of sweet teeth, I couldn’t help but try more than one kind of treat inside. (Their chocolate chai latte…out of this world.) History plus candy for the win!
3. Book babies are dang fun to show and tell. Endless thanks to you dears for all the love you gave mine this month.
4. It’s possible to miss someone you never met. Kara Tippetts passed away last week after her 2 1/2 year battle with cancer, and I do miss her even though I never once met her. I miss her in part because I feel like I know her through her poignant writing. I feel like I know her because several people in my church have ties to the Tippetts family as our church is the one that planted the one her husband pastors. Another interesting thing for me is Kara’s name is nearly identical to my sister’s: Sara Tippett. So anytime I see Kara’s name, I think of my sister, too. Suffice it to say that even though I’ve never met Kara, her name frequents my online and real life. And even though I never met her, I’m not sure anyone has taught me about the deep well of God’s grace as much as Kara has. I’ll always be grateful to her for that.
5. I have so-so feelings about Gilmore Girls. I say that while scooting back ever so slightly because I know there are a whole lotta GG fans out there. Honestly, I never watched a single episode of the show before this month. (What?) I blame that on being knee-deep in babies and small children while it aired. Anyway, I’m not saying I don’t like it. After all, I am currently in season 2 (thanks to Netflix) and still watching. But I just don’t love it, and given how many of my friends do, I thought I would as well. I will say this about the show, however: in my dreams, I have the wit and waistline of Lorelai Gilmore.
6. Our spoken words of blessing have power. I believed this for a long time now, but only recently I saw this from a new perspective. While in Luke, I read these words said by Jesus: “Whatever house you enter first say, ‘Peace be on this house!” And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you” (v. 5-6 ). Offering a spoken word of blessing has the power to actually settle on one another. As a girl who writes and lives to encourage, I find this simply amazing.
That about sums it up for me. What about you? What silly and serious things did you learn this month?
I’m stopping by because of Emily’s link up, but I’m wondering how I haven’t heard about you or your blog yet?!?!? Your design reminds me sooo much of my old one (which I LOVED, but got rid of in February because I just felt like it was time for something new) and you’ve got a BOOK out and such a fresh perspective too!!!! I’ll be sure to be back!
The thought of CITY is always intimidating, but as soon as I get there, something wakes up inside of me. I love them!!! I’m glad you enjoyed your trip!
History and candy happen to be my first stops in every new town. Next up: parks, bookstores, ice cream shops, and the best burger in town. 🙂
I didn’t read Kara’s blog, but I always wonder what it will be like when a favorite blogger takes a leave or gets sick or passes away. I’m certain I will definitely miss them as if they were my next door neighbor.
I really want to LOVE GG, it has soooo much potential. But, I just can’t watch it.
I’ll be back again soon!
So lovely to meet you, Victoria!
And you describe what I felt in The Big City so well. Indeed, as I walked along the streets, something inside me did wake up. Exactly.
You are so precious. That is all. Can’t wait to see you in July!
Likewise, friend. xoxo
High five and hugs from another military wife. Loved seeing what you learned this month. (Visiting from Chatting at the Sky!)
And Gilmore Girls…give it time. I recently watched the whole series after wondering what all of the fuss was about. Honestly, Lorelai got on my nerves the first few seasons. Too chatty, too immature, too unbelievable…too everything. I would say to stick it out. I believe it was Season 3 was where the series too a heart turn for me. =)
A warm wave to you, fellow military wife!
You know what bothers me most about GG? The music. All the “la la la la la” ad nauseam kinda makes me batty. But I realize, too, that if I was watching it one episode per week like it was originally intended, I might not have noticed it. Maybe.
So wonderful to chat with you, Claire. Have a great day.
Ahhh, I love every bit of this. And I {may} have mentioned your sweet book baby in my own What I Learned post. 🙂
Also, about the Gilmore Girls … ditto. It’s good but not binge-worthy for me. So I’m glad to know I’m not the only one.
xo, my friend!
I “must” comment! First of all, I mentioned Kara Tippetts in my ‘what I learned’ post – amazing the impact her LIFE and death have had on so many. We will continue to pray for Jason and children. Secondly, I have tried to get into Gilmore Girls but alas, I cannot. However, I haven’t been as brave as you and admit it! Thanks for the fun read!
I started watching GG because my cousin was added to the cast in season 2. I loved it then, and after rewatching the entire series over the past couple years (on DVD, because it wasn’t online, plus we have internet streaming limits in Alaska), I can see why you feel the way you do. I think it’s held up well in many cases, but dang if it wasn’t on the edge of pop culture when it originally aired years ago!
Yes it was. I can definitely see that! Smooches friend.
Kristen, I am stopping by from Emily’s today. Congratulations on your book (insert confetti and sprinkles here. Woo hoo) !!!
I saw the Homecoming post on Kara’s blog right before I went to bed, and I laid there for hours. Didn’t get much sleep that night. Hugged my husband a little tighter the next morning and have been praying for her Jason and littles.
I am a big city girl, so I loved the small town friendly feel of Gilmore Girls. I discovered it one late afternoon after work when I was channel surfing. I started watching the re-run episodes each day when I came home after a long day of teaching high school. A little Stars Hollow is good for the soul.
Learned..hmm… well, It seems that if given enough time, I can let out my inner perfectionist on some bathrooms, and dang if that girl can’t clean! Unfortunately, I don’t have that much time for the rest of my house, and the perfectionist likes to keep me from doing anything if i can’t do it all and do it exactly right. Seriously, ain’t nobody got time for that. I need to tuck her away for another free alone day and just clean up the dishes and living room already. 6 family members are arriving tomorrow and then we are following them home Saturday. Shane has been cleared to leave the county. First time we’ve been farther than 20 miles away from home since mid-October!!!
Also, you may be the cutest ever!!
Because I’m not consistent with writing in any way this year, I did a what I learned in the first quarter of 2015 post! 🙂
But always a breath of fresh air to come by and pay you a visit. So glad you had a wonderful vacation. Hubs and I keep talking about an East Coast vacation but it looks like it will wait another year or two. We had hoped for the fall but the Army has other plans for him once again.
I must say I did love Gilmore Girls. If you haven’t watched Parenthood, give that one a try!! Awesome!!
Much love to you, friend.
xoxo
Glad you had a good vacation with family and friends!
I learned, actually knew for a while now, that I “hate” my job and certain co-workers. Wish I had listened to my hubby and never gone into medicine!
I know for certain that I don’t like big cities at all! Oh they may be fun to visit for a day or two but I much prefer the open country with lots of land!
I know that I love anything chocolate mix it with a bit of history and wow!
As one ages life can get pretty busy and stressful!
Insert lots of confetti and sprinkles for the book baby! Love the cover!
Blessings 🙂
I always love learning what you have learned 🙂 I can’t wait to read your book. Green is my fav color, so I think your cover is all the more enticing. And I fully understand missing someone you never knew in person. It makes total sense. Raising my cup of tea to what you learned this month and what’s to come in April!
So glad you had a great time in Philly! I’ve lived outside of Philadelphia for about 9 years, and even though I don’t make it into the city often, it has definitely grown on me. (I’m originally from New England, so Boston is still my favorite!) I’ve never been to Shane Confectionary, so you’ve given me a new place to explore the next time I’m there. Did you make it to Valley Forge Park while you were here?
Also, I love your thoughts in #4. I’ve never thought about it that way or articulated it, but I definitely know what you mean. There are connections that we can’t explain–our shared humanity, I suppose.
Stopping by from Chatting at the Sky!
That Candy store looks divine. I love exploring new towns and finding all the goodies!
I have never watched all of the Gilmore Girls for various reasons. I don’t have Netflix and Amazon Prime charges extra so I guess I won’t see it anytime soon. I have currently been watching reruns of 7th Heaven.
I love what you said about our spoken word and blessings. I have been thinking a lot about my writing lately and how I want it to impact others so this gives me food for thought as well. God leads us to what we need to hear. Thank you.
Love your list, Kristen! I’m glad you broke your spring break rest from the blog, because it was fun to hear about what you’re learning. Your words often settle on me–thanks for being a blessing.
I learned in March that going to New Orleans on St. Patrick’s Day weekend is not the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
Ha! You make me laugh, Vicki. 🙂