We’re almost through 2020! I know circumstances probably won’t change too much until the middle of 2021, but I’ll be happy to enter a new year nonetheless. This month is supposed to be about family, friends, and gratitude. That didn’t end up really working out for us, but I still found things to celebrate. Check out my high points below. And, if you want to join me in Sharing Four Somethings, like up your own post over at HeatherGerwing.com.
Something Loved
My husband introduced me to the Pause app. He is reading through the connected book, but you don’t need the book to use the app. The app invites you to stop several times per day and spend some time in guided stillness and prayer. The app offers pauses of 1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes, but you have to use each time period three times before the longer amounts are unlocked to you.
I’ve been using the app for about six weeks now and I love it. I struggle to stop and rest normally and this has been the perfect opportunity to make it more of a daily routine. The app will notify you at specific times you set. The photos are beautiful nature pictures, the music is calming, and the voice is reassuring. I love this free app and highly recommend it.
Something Read
I haven’t had any luck finding an outstanding fiction read this month but you’re welcome to check out what I did read (@meganbyrdreads). I did, however, very much enjoy Always a Guest by Barbara Brown Taylor. I was initially skeptical about a book of sermons from BBT’s guest pastoring experiences, but I thoroughly enjoyed hearing her takes on well-known Bible passages. I liked that some of the messages were from specific parts of the Christian calendar like Lent and Advent but also covered cultural topics like election years. A great book that I would love to return to at specific times of the year to re-read BBT’s words.
Something Treasured
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) where one tries to write at least 50,000 words toward a new novel in these 30 days. If you follow me on Instagram (@mbyrd24), you’re probably quite aware of how it’s been going for me this year. (Spoiler alert: I hit 50,000 this past week and also finished the first draft of the manuscript.) What I appreciated last year and treasure even more this year is the Facebook group of writers who encourage, support, and offer advice throughout the month. Funny writing memes are posted along with questions about myriad topics and daily writing stats. I appreciate having a place to go where others understand the funny, frustrating, and exciting things that happen while writing a novel. It’s been especially good this year since I haven’t been able to do any in-person writing meet-ups.
Something Ahead
One thing I’m looking forward to this December is visiting the Biltmore and checking out its cheery Christmas decor. We went last year (pictured above) and all of the trees just made me so happy. I can’t wait to see them again! (The joys of living in Asheville.)
I’m looking forward to our family traditions as well – driving around to look at lights, watching all of the Christmas movies, putting puzzles together, baking cookies, etc. December is a time of joy and happiness in our household and we are going to create as much of it as we can this year.
Did your Thanksgiving look a little different than normal this year as well? Share how you were able to stay thankful and make memories anyway. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
I like the idea of the Pause App – never heard of it before but I will investigate, thank you! I won’t decorate until mid-December but love the pic of your ‘stockings’ 🙂
The early decorating was partially for the kids who were quite enthusiastic about putting up the trees and lights. Definitely check out the app!
I need to try the Pause app! And I celebrate with you on your writing, you are amazing!
I love the Pause app! Especially that I can choose the amount of time I want to spend.
Congrats on finishing your first draft – woop!! The Pause app sounds awesome, I need to give it a try. I’m also looking forward to binge-watching Christmas movies 🙂
Thanks! I am also excited to have finished it. The first draft process was more fun than I anticipated since I tried a new genre.
I feel certain I would not be able to graduate to the five and ten minute pause breaks on that app! Probably a reason for me to try it out. And that FB comment from the novelist is hilarious! Congrats on reaching your writing goal!
At first, the longer ones seemed like forever but now they all seem almost equally quick. It shows how much I need those small breaks in my day.
The Pause app sounds interesting – I’m going to go find out more! I’ve wanted to visit the Biltmore for several years, but our travels haven’t taken us there yet. Looks like it would especially beautiful at Christmas!
It is amazing at Christmas. It’s impressive the rest of the year as well, but I just love all of the trees with unique decorations.
Sounds like you’ve been very productive this month – well done! The Pause app sounds interesting.
I strongly suggest trying out the Pause app.
Good job with your writing this month, Megan! I don’t write novels, so my goal was just to write every day this month. Results were mixed, but I still wrote more than I would have without the goal, so I’ll call that a win. I love your plans for creating holiday joy and would LOVE to see the Biltmore all dressed up for Christmas. 🙂
Great job on trying to write every day! Some is better than none and you’re farther along than you were at the beginning of the month. It’s certainly a challenge to make time some days.
Thanks for the recommendation on the Pause app. I will be checking it out! Hope you have a great time at the Biltmore!
I enjoyed the trip. I love all of the trees. 🙂
How nice that the Biltmore is still open for visitors (hooray!) We always enjoy our visits there but have only been once for Christmas…and that was so long ago! I’m sure it is breathtaking! Enjoy!!
For a while it was only open to Western North Carolina pass holders which made it practically deserted somedays. They’re doing as well as they can with minimizing contact with other people – the route around the house has been altered so that it’s one-way.