the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm here with Joyce again today for the weekly hodgepodge...this is a post that I dearly love; thank you, Joyce, for your inspiring and thought provoking questions each and every week! I'll jump right in!

1. What kind of snow person are you—snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate. I am a snow lover (I'll elaborate more in a minute) because it forces me to be a fireplace snuggler. Okay, maybe not, because I don't actually use my fireplace, but I plan to start soon. I am a snow lover in theory, but truth be told, when the white stuff starts falling and keeps going, I start to feel claustrophobic. Ideally, I'd love it to snow once this year, but only if it sticks around for just a few days. I also want it to fall on a weekday and not over a weekend. I'd love some snow days off from school! Here's to hoping that happens this year. And yes, I realize that I have very strong opinions.

These are just a few images I've captured over the years. I'd love to be snowed in for a day or two and then to have the option of curling up with Chris to watch a marathon of movies. I don't think that'll happen, but it's fun to think about. Isn't this picture of the snowflake beautiful? My son Drew took this several years ago when he was into photography. 

2. The Pantone color of the year is Cloud Dancer, described as a gentle, billowy, off white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed, which do you need most of this winter season? First off, I love finding out the Pantone color of the year each year! I love the idea of this color, because I'm really into neutral paint colors at the moment. Of the terms listed describing this color, the one that resonates the most with me right now is renewal. This seems to be the theme of my life at the moment, and I'm here for every moment.

3. Every cloud has a silver lining, on cloud nine, head in the clouds, storm clouds gathering, or cloud of suspicion...which cloud idiom do you relate to currently? Explain. I am definitely a "every cloud has a silver lining" type of person. I've always looked on the bright side of things, I'm always looking for the good in situations and the people around me, and I believe that God truly works out everything for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. I don't like to fixate on negative things, and I try to be mindful of my mood. I don't ever want to grow into a bitter person, or one who complains. 

4. Coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the off white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on this list? I would have the hardest time giving up coconut. I don't eat it all the time, but my favorite coffee creamer has that flavor, and it's amazing. 

I am addicted to iced coffee right now. 

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote—

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year."

Do you agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. We have to go through winter to get to spring, summer, and fall! The seasons that are lonely and dark are worth it for whatever is waiting on the other side. 

What if I went through all the bad stuff in my life recently to get to someone wonderful like this man? What if this season of my life is more beautiful, more faithful, more fruitful than any other season I've walked through prior to now? What if my future actually turns out far, far better than my past ever dreamed of being? I'm hopeful, friends. Not just for love, but for an abundant life. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. Life is good, friends. I know I have days that are up and down and then write about them here on my blog, but please know something: I wouldn't go back to my old life for all of the money in the world. I love my life right now. I love living with my son, even though he's not home a lot; I love dating Chris; I love having a home that I can fix up with only me in mind; I love having freedom and not having to think about considering anyone when I make plans. 

Like I said, life is good, friends. I just didn't want anyone to think that I'd want to be married again; I don't. I honestly don't think I'll ever want to get remarried at this point. And guess what? I don't have to! I also could change my mind, but the beautiful thing about this is that I don't have to figure anything out anytime soon. I'm enjoying life as it is right now, and I'm not in any hurry. 

I write about things here to help me process things, and I've always been an open book on my blog. I know a lot of people disagree with me on a lot of things, and some have strong opinions of me sharing too much here, but it's my life. This is how I process, and it ends up being like therapy to me. I also know from a lot of you who have emailed me or messaged me on socials that I've been able to encourage here. If I can do that for even one person, then it's all worth being willing to be raw and vulnerable here with you. I write for myself honestly, but I consider it a bonus when it helps someone else. And I know my words are reaching people, because so many of you have thanked me. I don't need or want accolades, but it does inspire me to keep doing what I've been doing for twenty years. 

And on that note, thank you. Thank you for always being here to support and encourage me. Your words mean the world to me! I have my love and respect in my heart for all of you. I'll see you back here tomorrow, friends. 

Jenn