Welcome to this week’s 5 Favorite Things. Happy Sunday! What do you have going on today? Around here, Sunday is my prized day. It’s such a sunny day, perfect for lazing about, though admittedly, I did not do much lazing today.
We went to church, I had delicious brunch leftovers, and then went for a nice, long run! Now I have spent the last few hours working on my blog and getting ready for the week. I like to pause, however, and look back on the previous week for the highlights:
#5: "Gently, my friends, gently. Harsh words will not change our dilemma."
This is a quote from the second book of the Silk and Song series by Dana Stabenow, spoken by Hari, the religious one of the caravan traveling and trading along the Silk Road. It’s fiction, but these words stood out to me, especially in light of recent events. We live in a digital world where we are constantly connected and yet never more disconnected from each other. It seems it’s become easier to hide behind our keyboards and express our disagreements differently than how we would face-to-face.
So even though we’re more polarized than ever, this quote was a great reminder that we can disagree and still show regard for other people. In fact, progress and change will stem from that mutual respect. I really believe that no matter where your allegiances lie, always speak with kindness and compassion. Anger can only take us so far.
#4: Tulip-Peony hybrids
I buy flowers for myself. I don’t say this in a pathetic way, and my husband is very good at buying flowers for me. At the same time, I thoroughly enjoy flower shopping, and spring is the best time to do it. Peonies are my favorite flower EVER, and tulips are so lovely, that I always look forward to seeing this unique hybrid of them at Trader Joe’s. They bloom beautifully and smell even better.
#3: Got my first COVID vaccine
Totally by luck, too. My boss was at Walgreens getting her second vaccine and the pharmacy announced they had several first doses they were trying to get rid of by the end of the day. She was able to add me to the list and half an hour later I was vaccinated! I can’t even begin to describe how relieved I feel to have it. Gatherings and outings are that much safer now!
#2: Discovering my oven has a warming drawer
Talk about a game changer. My cooking game seriously just leveled up. I honestly thought this drawer was for storing cookie sheets and cooling racks. Nope. It can heat between 200°F to 400°F, so the possibilities are endless. I used it most recently to help with preparation for a little brunch get-together we hosted. Going forward, I never have to worry about food getting cold! WAHOO!
#1: Brunch Club
Jim and I got to host our friends for brunch at our house yesterday and it was so much fun. We are very blessed to have plentiful food and wonderful people to share it with. I also got to take out the fun plates and glasses and play my favorite role: Hostess!
I was so inspired after looking through Tieghan Gerard’s cocktails in search of a good brunch drink that I think I will start the ritual myself!
What I really loved about this gathering was that this group created an atmosphere of honesty and understanding, whatever the topic. No judgment at this table! Not with these people. That’s so rare, especially living in such polarizing times. Hopefully the next brunch club we have will include some new faces and we can share even more.
Have a great week and enjoy this sunny Sunday!
This is so beautiful as always. Your words are poetic yet so much truth to everything you shared with our current times. Praying for safer times.
I always look forward to these now; allows me insight to what’s happening on your side of the world even more so.
Smooches!