This year our spring break was later than it’s ever been. It was fine, of course, because it lined up so nicely with Easter weekend and all of that, but I’m here to tell you that I was a little twitchy by the time we actually got out of school on the 27th. I reminded myself that by the time we started back to school after the break we’d be knee-deep in spring activities and the rest of the year will fly, but by the time I wrapped up work and a couple of speaking engagements week before last, I was so excited about the prospect of some time at the beach that I could have collapsed from the joy of it all.
And listen. After I collapsed, it would have taken me every bit of six seconds to fall into a deep, restorative sleep that would span some several hours.
It was late last Sunday afternoon when we finally made it to the beach, and after we unloaded the car and got Hazel squared away, I went to the grocery store and bought everything we could possibly need for the next few days. We were all in agreement that going out to eat didn’t interest us at all (as a general rule, I love cooking at the beach), so I wanted to get the shopping out of the way and then get back to the condo and select my very favorite yoga pants / t-shirt combo for the rest of the evening.
And that is exactly what I did.
I also read. And read. And read. And then I read some more.
It was very delightful.
And here’s what dawned on me Wednesday night: I did not take a single picture of a sunrise or a sunset while we were at the beach. THIS IS UNPRECEDENTED. I don’t have any idea why I was such a slacker in terms of my normal pattern of compulsively documenting the gorgeousness, but I totally neglected my self-appointed duties as a nature photographer. However, I am currently slightly obsessed with the baby leaves on all the trees, so even though I’ve failed with the sun, I will try to redeem myself with an annoying number of Instagram pictures of foliage. Consider it my gift to you.
By the time we packed up and headed home on Thursday morning, we were all pretty much relaxed out of our minds. We barely turned on the TV, we slept like champions, and we had the best time just soaking up the days (but not, in my case, the rays – I stayed in the shade as much as I possibly could). Normally I like to stay at the beach until the last possible minute before I have to be back at work, but I got the biggest kick out of just being at home Thursday through Sunday. Time in my house is such a luxury to me, and I did all sorts of wild and crazy things like stocking the pantry, baking a pound cake, organizing receipts, cooking real-live vegetables for lunch, and finishing a whole day of Bible study homework at one time.
This morning we had to go back to school and work, but I don’t think any of us minded one bit because it was such a good break. We had a really sweet Easter Sunday (and maybe a little sneezy, too – the pollen here has been killer), and I’m excited about finishing up this school year and then hopefully jumping headfirst into some new writing stuff.
Yay for some nerdy goals!
Anyway, there are a few things I definitely want to mention on this fine Tuesday, so here they are in no particular order.
Melanie’s new book releases today, and you do not want to miss it. It is such a funny, tender tribute to the power and lasting impact of healthy, life-giving friendships. It is also a big ole time warp through the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, and you are going to love every second. Highly recommend. Thumbs up. Five stars.
– Birks Are Back
I ordered a pair of these over the weekend. It felt like 1996 all over again. But I’ve been debating a new pair of Birkenstocks for the last year or so, and it felt like the time was right. Last summer I opted for really comfortable pair of NAOT sandals that Hazel may or may not have destroyed in a fit of puppy anxiety, so I plan to keep the Birkenstocks inside a locked safe on a very high shelf.
Or, you know, on the table in our foyer. Whatever it takes.
I mentioned this on Instagram (and Facebook) the other day, but “Shut Up and Dance” is one of our favorite songs right now (it sounds so much like something from the 80’s, but it’s way better than most 80’s music in my opinion), and a very nice commenter (thanks, nesimarie65!) pointed me in the direction of this video. It’s PERFECT.
– Pound Cake
Remember how I made a pound cake a few days ago?
Y’all, it was REAL pretty.
And the recipe is here if you’re interested. This time, though, I was out of Crisco, so I just used a third stick of butter instead. I am here to testify that I did not mind the results.
Yesterday I checked our podcast on iTunes to see if they’d updated the graphic (they have!), and then I got very tickled because Melanie and I have been podcasting for eight years but only have twelve reviews. This is no doubt due to the fact that we are crackerjack marketers and really strive to get the word out about our podcast by linking to it on our respective blogs and then basically pretending like it doesn’t exist.
SO. If you are a person who happens to enjoy the podcast, would you mind leaving us a rating or a review? It just takes a few seconds, and I know our publisher would appreciate you helping us look slightly more legitimate than we actually are.
And speaking of reviews, a couple of weeks ago I saw a one-star review for A Little Salty… that came complete with a one-word comment: “Silly.” For some reason it didn’t even hurt my feelings, mainly because the reviewer seemed to know exactly what bugged them about my book. They found it silly. I kind of appreciate that level of decisiveness.
(To be clear, I am not encouraging one-star reviews of the podcast.)
(Because while I try to be a good sport, I am not in fact made of Teflon.)
(Also: HORMONES.)
(And I believe I’ve sufficiently over-explained.)
Have a great Tuesday, y’all!
did you find a condo that allows dogs? I’ve been looking for one on orange beach.
Here’s my one-word review of the one-star critic: WRONG.
There. I feel so much better now.
I LOVE your books, blog, and most of all, your heart.
I LOVED IT – so that’s my one word review! Okay, two words, but who’s counting?!
I was listening yesterday and when y’all started talking about lettuce, I literally burst out laughing at my desk! I was immediately taken back 9 years to a night I was hosting bunco at my house when one of my friends loudly declared that she couldn’t believe someone would bring a salad to bunco. In her brilliant words, “Lettuce is just a waste of plate space.” Have you ever heard a more profound statement? Off to see if my book pre-order has been sent!
I loved “salty” and parts of it ARE silly….but in a good way that fills your soul. Come on!! Glad you had such a great vacation and a relaxing few days at home!
That one star reviewer is crazy…Salty is amazing! I laughed, I cried, I loaned to a friend who has started the same process all over!
I tried to leave a review but if your nickname is taken, it just bumps you out. I tried it a couple of times and had the same problem. Any suggestions?
When I read those reviews I think the one star “silly” rating cinched it for me. Along with all the lovely reviews, the fact that it might be a little silly? yippee! I adore your books and blog (it’s a treat in my inbox) and seriously hope you do get to writing this summer!
I’m glad you had a restful break!
Decisive or not, that reviewer is just plain silly. Salty is ALL-AROUND FANTASTIC. That’s my three word review!
First of all, I love that you are silly, it makes me smile big every time!! And that doesn’t mean the book is silly at all…. Too bad they didn’t have a sense of humor or they would have enjoyed it a lot. =)
So glad to hear you got such a good rest. Amen!
Be Well, Lina
Clicked over to check out the recipe and got totally side-tracked by the sweet little whistle-britches kitchen helper I saw there! Baby Alex is the sweetest!
I NEED HELP.
I can’t find the comment box.
I love y’all and if you’ll send me a direct link I’d be happy to post! Judy@faithbasedpages.com
Your pound cake is beautiful. I enjoy the silly parts of your book and blog. Your writing makes me happy!! Thanks.
Salty: Wonderful
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Your precious mother showing up at my door with a pound cake after my girls were born made every pain of labor totally worth it. I suspect those cakes are more to blame for my muffin top than my babies are.
I tried to leave a rating/comment on itunes, but couldn’t find where to do it. Started listening to your podcasts last summer. I started at the very beginning. I listened while i worked in the yard, walked the dog, painted my mudroom, folded laundry, etc. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve laughed out loud (and received some very strange looks from fellow walker/joggers) on the trail. One of my favorites was where you both talked about going to church camp or youth retreats when you were growing up and the highly charged emotions during the altar calls. Your podcasts are hilarious, bring back a lot of memories (I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and can so relate to any music, movie, TV, or fashion references from that time period!) and they are CLEAN which is so refreshing. Keep ’em coming!
Leigh R.
PS- Bought 3 copies of Home Is Where My People Are yesterday. (One for me, one for my mom and MIL for Mother’s Day) and a copy of Nobody’s Cuter than you) I plan on getting 5 more for my college girlfriends. Best friends since 1984 and we get together every year since we graduated in 1988.
You can count on me for a five star podcast review! Few things make me as happy as seeing a new podcast in my itunes!
LOVED your book, and have given it away!!!! You’re awesome!!! You made me LOL with your “Teflon” comment.
I have your second book, and have given it away too!!!
Big hugs from Texas :)
You always make me smile :)
Your podcast is laugh-out-loud wonderful. I listen at my desk at work and get lots of strange stares when I start laughing out loud. I’m updating my iTunes now so I can leave a review.
I attempted to leave a review on the podcasts, since I’ve been with y’all since the beginning, I feel I’m exceptionally qualified to leave a review. However, my lack of knowledge at all things technology (Just ask my son), I wasn’t able to do it. Since I’ll see said son next week (he’s at college now – did I mention the whole sunrise, sunset title made me slightly teary, because as you say – hormones), I will attempt to leave reviews on various and sundry related podcasts, books and whatnot from both the Boomama and the Bigmama marketing empire. Love you ladies so much – it’s a little like listening in on a friend’s conversation, but you can’t hear me cracking up, laughing out loud and saying yes, ma’am in the background.
Can’t wait to read the new books by both of you.
Carry on!
Loved the video – thanks for sharing! Made me realize how much I love movies that have some type of singing / dancing in them.
I loved my burks back in the day, but cannot wear anything I care to. I had a stroke at age 45, therefore my fashion options are limited. It pains me to not wesr flip flops anymore. Please note! I had a massive stroke 10 days after running a half marathon. Stroke knows no age. Educate yourselves. Google the warning sifgns. It’s the worst thing to ever happen to me. My preteen son. Thought I was going to die and pulled away from me. Heartbreaking.