Did you think I forgot to blog this week? Nope!
I’m a day behind, but for good reason. I spent the weekend enjoying the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and the company of my mom’s entire family. It had been YEARS since we were all together.
If you know me, you probably know that I’m an introvert, and I spend a good bit of time alone. I admittedly do crave time without others around. But that also gets lonely. Doses of family like this weekend are the perfect remedy.
Now I’m back in Chattanooga and back to the daily grind, but with a restored heart and mind. I LOVE you all!
Best bite
Each week, I’ll drop in a pic and description of my favorite sip or bite—and a recommendation, too!
Chattanoogans, have y’all tried Your Pie yet? Do it!
For $7.95, you can load an individual pizza up with all the ingredients you want. And it’s delish! If you’ve never been to a pizza place like this, you essentially order like you would at Subway. You tell them what base you want, what sauce, what cheese(s), what veggies, and what meats. Then they pop it into the pizza oven, and it’s ready in minutes!
Curious what mine is? Wheat crust, marinara sauce, fresh and shredded mozzarella, Italian sausage and bacon, and green/black olives, mushrooms, and onions.
Favorite Reads
I finished “Britt Marie Was Here” last week—I think it might be my favorite of Fredrik Backman’s books so far.
Since I took a few days off work, I also snuck in one of my McKay finds, Karen White’s “The Sound of Glass.” It was really good and had a solid plot twist near the end of the book.
Next up is probably Pat Conroy’s “South of Broad.” I love books set in the Lowcountry—I’m a huge fan of Dorothea Benton Frank and Mary Alice Monroe. I know Conroy is supposed to be one of the greats, but the last time I tried to read another book of his, I couldn’t get hooked. Hoping this one’s different!
I also had ample time in the car driving to and from the Smokies, so I’m nearly done with my latest audiobook, “The Baker’s Secret.” It’s a compelling listen—lately, I’ve been reading/listening to a ton of books set during the Holocaust. The next audiobook I have on tap is also related to World War II, so I guess it’s my topic of late.
Auntie’s baby
Now surely, you didn’t think I’d create a blog without my baby love in it, right?!
Y’all, I am in love with this photo. And that child.
Questions I’m pondering…
These things are on my mind—if you know the answer, please share! Sometimes these will be light-hearted, other times they will not.
- Is life about being afraid of something and doing it anyway? I had that thought the other day when I walked out to the middle of a giant tree that spanned across a river in the Smokies. Mind you, I scooted out for part of that, but I still did it.
- Who are these people that can take elaborate year-long vacations? I read an article yesterday that said 37 is the best age to take a gap year and travel. I’d love to spend the next year doing that, but who’s gonna pay for it?!
- Has anyone ever voted for a political candidate because they saw an ad on TV? Ugh. These political ads in Tennessee are driving me bonkers, and I’m nearly 1000% certain I’m not going to vote for any of these people. (Yes, Diane Black—I’m looking at you.)
Quote of the week
“Even in the blackest darkness, there is always light shining somewhere.”
Wrapping things up
Here’s your challenge for the week: Don’t wait—tell your loved ones that you love them. You never know when someone needs to hear it, and you never know when it may be the last time you can tell them.
See you next week.
Grace Always Wins 