We have already arrived at the fourth Saturday of the month. It really sneaks up on you when the first falls on a Saturday. Even though we’ve only had three weeks of the month, I still have plenty to share about my February thus far. So without further ado, here are my four somethings!
Something Loved
This month’s item is a bit more tangible than last month’s yoga calendar, but it may be harder to find. I enjoy perusing thrift and consignment stores because it’s a bit like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find and sometimes it may be a delightful thing you never realized you were missing. This was the case for me when I found a delightful pencil pouch that can be clipped into a three-ring binder. I have been editing the novel I wrote and had a boring clear but functional pouch. When I saw this cheerful one at the store priced for one dollar, I couldn’t pass it up. Every time I open my binder to work, it makes me smile.
Something Read
This month, one of the books I finished was Fredrik Backman’s My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. I have loved most of Backman’s books and this one was no exception. He has such a wonderful way of storytelling that draws you in and helps you to find positive qualities in nearly every imperfect character. In this book, seven-year-old Elsa is sent on a quest by her grandmother to deliver letters to various people. As Elsa faces fears and struggles with the grief she feels from her grandmother’s death, she learns more about her grandmother and the people living around her. She finds that the fairy tales her grandmother used to tell her in the Land-of-Almost-Awake are not as made up as she believed. I loved the reminder that most people are not what they may seem to be at first glance.
If you’re interested in seeing what other books I’ve read in February (ten so far), visit my Instagram page @meganbyrdreads.
Something Treasured
Last month I asked my internet friends if anyone would like to receive a note from me this year. I received a few responses and began composing messages to family, friends, and acquaintances. A few years ago, I wrote a letter to everyone in my address book to see what would happen. The return rate for letters was about 10%. I am definitely curious to see if anyone writes back this year. I was quite thrilled when a letter showed up in my mailbox this month. It was a response from my aunt who has loved and supported me well all of my life. This month she is my something treasured.
Something Ahead
This coming Wednesday (February 26th) is Ash Wednesday, which means the start of Lent (40 days of fasting plus 6 Sundays before Easter). Most years I have either given something up or added something to my life to help me focus on Jesus and prepare for the coming of Easter and his death and resurrection. Our whole family has participated the last couple of years. I am excited for this year’s season to begin but am still not sure what my fast will be. If you participate in Lent, I’m interested to know what you will be doing this year. Also, if you know of any good Lenten devotionals, please pass that info along!
I have one other exciting something ahead. One of my Atlanta friends is coming to visit me next month! I don’t know everything we’re going to do, but a visit to the Biltmore and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants are already on the docket.
Those are my Four Somethings for February. If you missed last month, read about them here. If you want to read others’ lists of Somethings, visit www.HeatherGerwing.com.
I’ve not yet read Backman, but that book is on my TBR pile.
Happy almost-March!!
I have not been disappointed by any of Backman’s books. My favorite is still A Man Called Ove.
I love that you’re bringing snail mail back! Those letters will be treasures for years to come.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like receiving actual mail in their box. Why not use my love of writing to spread some positivity!
I am also pondering Lent. I have been inspired by reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to add something to my life, rather than taking something away. Bonhoeffer (a German theologian executed in Hitler’s Germany) wrote often about God being a God of “yes”. I will probably write about my decision sometime this week. 🙂
You must live near Asheville. We are going to visit next month to do a marathon on the grounds of the Biltmore estate. What a beautiful location!
Yes, we’re just outside of the city. You’ll have to let me know how your marathon goes. The Estate is beautiful so I’m sure the marathon will have lovely scenery.
I love your idea of sending notes to everyone in your address book! I think a handwritten note can mean so much these days since they are so rare. For Lent I’m following the reading plan at She Reads Truth. I’ve always found their plans helpful in the past and this year for Lent it’s going through the book of Jeremiah.
I’m glad you have a reading plan for Lent. Thanks for sharing!
A good Lent devotional would be wonderful to find, wouldn’t it! If you get any response….be sure to share:)
I saw Heather had one on her Somethings post. I realized after I posted my Somethings that I have a devotional already in a book I’m reading “Living the Christian Year” which goes through all of the seasons of the traditional church, Lent included.
I did this a few years ago, sending cards every month to friends. I do not believe anyone reciprocated, but that’s not why I did it. You should have a note from me by now. I wrote it but then left it on my desk downstairs for like a week before it made it’s way to the mailbox!
I did receive your note (Thank you). There’s already one headed back to you. 🙂