I loved reading your thoughts. I’ve been struggling with friendships lately. Two of mine seem to be faltering. We only connect rarely, one entirely online, and I’m wondering whether to keep trying to stay in touch or let them go. On another note, it occurred to me to wonder if Jesus ever visited Elizabeth? I don’t recall anything about this, but if she and Mary were so close, and John the Baptist and Jesus were close, were there any unrecorded visits? “Oh, Mary! It’s been long! Jesus is getting so tall! Let him and John play in the yard. Have some tea! I just baked cookies.”
So true. I have been going through a difficult time in my life-finding myself living alone after 35 years and trying to rebuild a relationship. I have found new friends through a knitting group and a local book club in my new (not entirely new - I’m living in my family cottage where I have spent summers for my entire life) town. It’s odd how people are very supportive in the first few weeks but then drop off. Looking forward to getting back into your book club after a tough couple of years (I lost my sister in late 2023) - see you in June!
I miss your YouTube book reviews sooo much! Loved the goudge ones. I just reread the scent of water … seems like that may be the one for you during this time!🥰🙏. Blessings… and what’s your chat going to be at the end of June?
So glad you finally found your crowd, Emma! We really miss your bookish reviews, but it’s wonderful to know you’re thriving in your personal life. I'm currently in the same situation as you — searching for kindred spirits — but it’s proving to be quite hard at 36. I’ve tried so many things, but just like you described so eloquently about your past attempts, they all led nowhere…
Still, your post is really uplifting, and it’s given me the motivation to keep trying, no matter what. I’m also looking for my soulmate — do you have any dating advice, Emma? My age feels like my biggest obstacle: even when a man seems interested, he quickly loses interest once he learns my real age. It’s so discouraging… but I’ll keep going, because the alternative would be sinking knee-deep into depression.
Wishing you all the best, Emma — may the best man end up being your fiancé (finger crossed)!
You know how great it is to find that “sweet spot” when you’re falling asleep— the perfect air temperature, cool sheets, warm blanket, pillow placement just so … body curled up in the right position … deep and enriching sleep follows. The rhythms of life are similar. As a woman in her mid 50’s, mom to many kids both grown and still young, there are various seasons in life. There are times of building, times of resting; years of hard work - jobs, education, relationships. Triumphs, struggles. There are years of reaping the great reward of your efforts. I’m so glad you see these rhythms in your own life. You didn’t give up or give in. You were able to see your own strengths and where there was room to grow. Things come easy for some at an early age, others (myself included) bloom later and it’s all the sweeter when it came.
Your voice here is not a persona, it’s a delightful insight to a delightful, real person. Anyone who reads your work can feel your sincerity, even if all we are talking about are books. You are exactly where you need to be. God gifts us with our Elizabeths, but we also have to be ready to accept them. It sounds like you are! What a joyful season you are entering! All the years before this led you to this day and it is all the more beautiful because of it.
Your book club is lovely, your writing is a treat to read. I hope as you find the deep fulfillment of community, you will continue to write here in this community. The people who read long form essays are a sort of kindred spirit, even if none of us ever meet in person.
Thank you for your thoughtful words and the time and energy it takes to continue to be present here. I’m so very delighted to hear you’re thriving in the parts of your life we readers don’t see. Anytime you’re ready to write about the different places you are, there will be those True Blue who are happy to hear about it!
I loved reading your thoughts. I’ve been struggling with friendships lately. Two of mine seem to be faltering. We only connect rarely, one entirely online, and I’m wondering whether to keep trying to stay in touch or let them go. On another note, it occurred to me to wonder if Jesus ever visited Elizabeth? I don’t recall anything about this, but if she and Mary were so close, and John the Baptist and Jesus were close, were there any unrecorded visits? “Oh, Mary! It’s been long! Jesus is getting so tall! Let him and John play in the yard. Have some tea! I just baked cookies.”
Lovely story Emma I’m Elizabeth too ☺️
So true. I have been going through a difficult time in my life-finding myself living alone after 35 years and trying to rebuild a relationship. I have found new friends through a knitting group and a local book club in my new (not entirely new - I’m living in my family cottage where I have spent summers for my entire life) town. It’s odd how people are very supportive in the first few weeks but then drop off. Looking forward to getting back into your book club after a tough couple of years (I lost my sister in late 2023) - see you in June!
I miss your YouTube book reviews sooo much! Loved the goudge ones. I just reread the scent of water … seems like that may be the one for you during this time!🥰🙏. Blessings… and what’s your chat going to be at the end of June?
So glad you finally found your crowd, Emma! We really miss your bookish reviews, but it’s wonderful to know you’re thriving in your personal life. I'm currently in the same situation as you — searching for kindred spirits — but it’s proving to be quite hard at 36. I’ve tried so many things, but just like you described so eloquently about your past attempts, they all led nowhere…
Still, your post is really uplifting, and it’s given me the motivation to keep trying, no matter what. I’m also looking for my soulmate — do you have any dating advice, Emma? My age feels like my biggest obstacle: even when a man seems interested, he quickly loses interest once he learns my real age. It’s so discouraging… but I’ll keep going, because the alternative would be sinking knee-deep into depression.
Wishing you all the best, Emma — may the best man end up being your fiancé (finger crossed)!
This is such a real struggle, Emma (one I very much share), and you put it into writing so beautifully. Very touching to read! 💖
You know how great it is to find that “sweet spot” when you’re falling asleep— the perfect air temperature, cool sheets, warm blanket, pillow placement just so … body curled up in the right position … deep and enriching sleep follows. The rhythms of life are similar. As a woman in her mid 50’s, mom to many kids both grown and still young, there are various seasons in life. There are times of building, times of resting; years of hard work - jobs, education, relationships. Triumphs, struggles. There are years of reaping the great reward of your efforts. I’m so glad you see these rhythms in your own life. You didn’t give up or give in. You were able to see your own strengths and where there was room to grow. Things come easy for some at an early age, others (myself included) bloom later and it’s all the sweeter when it came.
Your voice here is not a persona, it’s a delightful insight to a delightful, real person. Anyone who reads your work can feel your sincerity, even if all we are talking about are books. You are exactly where you need to be. God gifts us with our Elizabeths, but we also have to be ready to accept them. It sounds like you are! What a joyful season you are entering! All the years before this led you to this day and it is all the more beautiful because of it.
Your book club is lovely, your writing is a treat to read. I hope as you find the deep fulfillment of community, you will continue to write here in this community. The people who read long form essays are a sort of kindred spirit, even if none of us ever meet in person.
Thank you for your thoughtful words and the time and energy it takes to continue to be present here. I’m so very delighted to hear you’re thriving in the parts of your life we readers don’t see. Anytime you’re ready to write about the different places you are, there will be those True Blue who are happy to hear about it!
xx
Rhonda
Elizabeth is my confirmation saint! It's always lovely to see someone visiting with her. She's so lovely.