I know that the motivation to read a blog is often for the fast and easy: simple tips for sprucing up; money saving tricks; easy recipes. I read them for those things, too. I want fast, easy, useful. To read in this place sometimes requires a slowing down that isn’t always easy or possible.
That is why I am so thankful for you who hang out here. To do so means that on some level, you love words, you notice things and you appreciate the concept of soul rest. And I LOVE IT. Because you are my people.
This is my pedometer at the end of a busy day last week. I took 9494 steps that day. I had things to clean, items to buy, people to pick up and feed and wash.
Yesterday, my pedometer reading was not quite so high. I spent an hour reading the unwrapped posts, clicking as they rolled in, entering in as a co-celebrator. And I was thankful. For you. For a God who gives good gifts and for the reminder to lift up my head to receive them.
There was a tangible filling up as I read your words and browsed your photos. I spent some focused time on my laptop, a place where my hand typically hovers on the ready, waiting to click to the next thing. A place where I chat but don’t engage, where I check but don’t linger. Yesterday, I lingered. My kids were all in school and I gave myself permission to sit and linger over your moments.
Graceful found gifts in a handful of colored rocks.
Megan found the kid in herself.
Danielle found beauty and inspiration in a most simple place.
Jo looked up from her list just long enough to find life.
There were so many more. So thanks. For reading, for slowing, and for loving words as much as I do. This place wouldn’t be the same without you.
Can I say that I am thankful for hollendaise sause and having a friend who will come and make it so we can have breakfast? Saturday was fun and a nice recharge for me.
And I ate hollendaise on scrambled eggs last night. Good stuff. Yum.
Thanks for mentioning the colored rocks — and for commenting so sweetly on my blog! I love Chatting at the Sky — was even showing my husband your beautiful photos and blog design last night. And thanks for allowing so many of us to share our words through Tuesdays Unwrapped.
Emily–your blog is beautiful. I love the way you think and write. You inspire me. I do find myself slowing down to absorb your posts. Thanks.
you are right – it does take time to be here, to read real words coming from someone’s heart – more than a quick project or recipe. and it’s worth it.
i heard last year after blissdom all over the internets about how the average blog visitor spends 4 seconds at a blog. how pathetically sad is that? and it made me all self conscious about the times I choose to sit down and write from my heart, knowing there are few making it past the first 4 words.
but it makes those that do read and share and participate that much more encouraging.
i will always take the time to come here and visit and read all of your words, even when i don’t have time to comment or participate.
Some day I will have time to linger again. Some day we’ll find the new normal. Some day we’ll get there. I hope. XOXO
I love reading your blog, and those who comment on it, because of the time it takes. It makes me stop and ponder a little bit. I know you put thought into your words, as do so many of your readers. This is a good place
Thanks for having us all!
Such beatiful words. I think some people get lost in what our blogs are about, but your words really speak to the truth – we are a community, learning on and learning from each other. Strange but at the same time amazing how we are building these friendships with people we’ve never even met.
i feel the same way about my readers. i have no idea why they come, why they stay but i’m so thankful to have them. they make my life better.
YOUR WELCOME!
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
HUGS FROM MAINE
Can I just say that I am thankful for you too! because I am.
Words, delicious words. My very soul is joined to them. How nice to discover kindred spirits along the way.
I so look forward to reading your blog – and looking for your photographs. )Who would ever think to take a picture of a pedometer?) I work (more hours than I like) and so I don’t have a lot to time to spend on the computer and yet I try to check for updates to your blog every day. It is r-e-s-t-f-u-l. Thanks.
Emily, we’re all just as thankful that you invite us to hang out here. It’s an honor to be counted among your peeps.
I always enjoy your words…wish I had the gift.
Your words are kind, loving, thoughtful, peaceful, wonderfully written, I could go on and on…..
I love to stop over and read each day. In fact when you only post a few things in a week…I’m kinda sad!
Reading your blog is my time to relax and focus in.
THANKS!
I’m happy to be one of your peeps.
I always read your posts
the last time I wore a pedometer, my 3 year old decided she had to push that button at the end of the day. of course I had no idea how many steps it read.
for a second i thought to be aggravated, but then i just laughed. and she laughed too. i am afraid if i put it on again she would chase me around the house to re-set it bc obviously that is a funny thing that makes mommy laugh.
Thanks for the kind words! I look forward to Tuesdays. Thanks for creating a “grateful community.”
If I’m your peep you should follow me on Twitter! I’m @jendisjournal and I follow you. Please!
I always look forward to Tuesdays – your theme has become a lovely reminder to me, even tho it’s the busiest day of my week! And I just haven’t quite managed to post my own Tuesday post yet. lol But I can’t wait.
Thanks for helping us to remember gratefulness and not overlooking the little things, on Tuesdays, and everyday.
I got a new pedometer last week, and the first day I wore it, I lost it. So sad.