Today’s Things I’m Loving Friday blog post is a little different than usual, as it is comprised of a few simple things that are making me smile through the pain right now. I will follow my heart moving forward in this space but hope to have some semblance of normalcy on the blog on Monday and plan share a weekend recap with you guys. Truthfully, I need it.
I want to continue to use this space as an outlet but I also want to use it as a place where I can write about things that bring me joy and not feel emotionally exhausted when I finish pouring my heart out in a blog post. Thank you for joining me on this unpredictable journey.
I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend and are able to enjoy quality time with people you love. And if you’ll be watching the Super Bowl, I hope you enjoy the game and lots of tasty treats!
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Reading
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies and a huge source of joy in my life, but right now it’s something that allows me to just be and not think, feel or do anything other than get lost in another world. My mind wanders all day long and yet, somehow, I’m able to quiet my brain and focus solely on words on a page and stories when I curl up in bed at night with a book. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more grateful the ability to get lost in a book in my entire life than I have over the course of the past week.
I know many of you out there share my love for reading and are always on the lookout for book recommendations, so here’s a brief list of the books I’ve read over the course of the past 10 days or so that I’ve really enjoyed:
Goodnight June by Sarah Jio
Morning Glory by Sarah Jio
The Last Cameilla by Sarah Jio
The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty
You may notice a bunch of Sarah Jio novels featured above… I first fell in love with Sarah Jio’s writing a few years ago when I read The Violets of March and completely forgot about her work until I found myself on the lookout for a book that felt like a bit of a break and a breath of fresh air after I struggled with the intense violence (understatement of the year) in Pretty Girls. (<— Once again, not a book I’d recommend. Though it pulled me in right away, it was just too grotesque and over the top.) Sarah Jio’s novels came back into my life when I needed them most this week and I love the way she combines parallel stories from different time periods that still include plenty of intrigue without feeling like a heavy, overly emotional read. (I described them to my mom as “Hallmark movies in book form” which definitely isn’t doing them justice AT ALL but if you’re looking for an easy read that will hook you almost instantly, check out her books!)
I just finished reading The Hypnotist’s Love Story last night, so I’m looking for more recommendations if you guys have any to share.
- My Little Sunshine
There’s nothing like the deep, gurgly belly laugh of a toddler and the high-pitched joyful squeals of a happy child to make you smile. Ever since I began singing “You Are My Sunshine” to Chase to calm him down at night in his nursery, I’ve said he is my sunshine and he has absolutely been my ray of light through the tears right now.
Chase turned 18 months old last Sunday and I cannot get over just how fun this phase of toddlerhood is with our energetic little boy. He seriously does NOT stop moving which keeps me on my toes and is a welcome distraction in my life right now. He’s so chatty and I love listening to him sing and babble all day long. My heart! Chase, you bring us so much joy and I have a feeling you will never, ever be able to comprehend the depth of the love your mom and dad have for you.
- Ryan
Last weekend, Ryan and I found ourselves talking about our wedding vows, specifically the “for better or for worse” line. I told Ryan that we’ve been so fortunate to have so many “for better” moments in our relationship but, honestly, it’s during the “for worse” moments that I almost feel like I can physically feel the size of my heart growing in my love for him.
Ryan has always said that I am the joy and he is the rock in our relationship and while I still think he brings me a heck of a lot of joy, the incredible amount of comfort, security and unwavering loyalty and support I feel from my husband in good times and especially in bad makes me feel so incredibly grateful for every single day we have together. Even the ones that are filled with tears.
- My Mom
My mom planned to visit us in Charlotte this upcoming Monday but pushed the timeline of her trip up when everything happened last week. I’ve always said my mom and my sister should have a nice-off to see who the nicest person in the world is and I cannot even begin to express what it means to me to have my mother here with us during such a difficult time. There’s something about my mother’s voice that makes me feel like I can finally exhale, cry a river of tears and still be met with only the purest love. My mother is an angel on earth and I am so beyond grateful for her help, support and willingness to drop everything for her family at all times.
In the same breath, I feel like I must also acknowledge the incredible support we’ve felt from both Ryan’s family and my family through everything. I could not be luckier when it comes to the family I was born into and the family I gained through marriage.
- Distraction Projects and Play Dates
I’ve been the queen of distraction projects this week. I’ve been trying to channel my desire for distraction in my life into something productive after I found myself feeling increasingly sad during the quiet moments after my D&C when I simply curled up on the couch for hours. Once my body was ready for movement, I’ve poured some of my energy into various projects, including sorting through old clothes, assembling a gift basket for a family member who is going through a hard time and collecting food for a local food drive.
I am also grateful for my wonderful girlfriends who were so open to talking with me about everything I was feeling this week but were equally willing to follow my cues when I wanted to just be during our play dates and focus on the joy of watching our little ones run around like adorable little maniacs.
Questions of the Day
- What is the last book you read that immediately pulled you in?
I am always looking for recommendations!
- Please tell me about one thing that is making you smile this week.
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I highly recommend “bad feminist.” I am usually one for fiction and I was worried bad feminist would be too dry or slow but it isn’t at all! It is laugh out loud funny in every chapter and think would make an ecdlleny distraction 🙂
You are surrounded by so much love during this time of need. And it must be nice to be home with Chase and have playdates and time with girlfriends as a distraction. One thing making me smile this week is I am completing a new years goal this weekend and going to a Les Mills BodyPump training. I’m incredibly nervous, but also excited!
It really has been — thank you for your sweet words, Patricia. And good luck to you during training! BodyPump is so amazing and I’m sure you will do great. <3
Julie I am terribly, terribly sorry for your loss. You and your family have been in my prayers. Your words regarding your mom made me cry. I’m very glad you have such wonderful people in your life to lean on 🙂
I haven’t done too much reading lately so unfortunately have no recommendations. I hope you have a good, relaxing weekend. I’ll be praying for you 🙂
-Sarah
So glad you are feeling so much support! Thinking of y’all still during this time!
I would recommend Kate Morton’s books – specifically The Secret Keeper – I discovered her last year and have now read every book of hers currently published! 🙂 They are a good mix of historical fiction plus the present day with a twist or surprise always involved! I love them!
I’m so glad you mentioned this author. Her books have been recommended to me before and somehow they’ve continued to slip my mind every time I’ve been on the lookout for a new read. I also LOVE historical fiction more than any other genre.
When someone asks for a book recommendation I never hesitate to say the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I started them when I was 17 and now am 31. Yeah, it’s such an epic saga of adventure and love and exquisite storytelling. So enthralling. It’s true escapism at its best.
Hi Julie! I always love your Friday posts, but this one was so heartfelt. I think it’s so fun to acknowledge the THINGS in our lives that we enjoy, but I loved how you highlighted the people closest to you who bring you such happiness. As for books, Elin Hildrebrand and Emily Giffin are always easy and fun reads. I am about to start The Nightingale, which I hear is amazing. I also am on the waiting list for The Couple Next Door (suspense).
Chase is so cute, and reminds me of my little guy, Gavin. Towheads are just so adorable, aren’t they? Just wait a bit…I never thought each stage of childhood could get better and better, but it truly does!
Have a great weekend!
I downloaded The Couple Next Door last night after hearing great things about it. <3 And yes -- absolutely love our little blondies <3
I’m so sorry for your loss and glad you’re finding some peace in reading (among other things). Reading does the same for me.
You asked for recommendations:
1) Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed is my go-to book recommendation for anyone going through any tough time…and it’s really applicable to pretty much the gamut of types of tough times you can go through.
2) I’m LOVING my current book: This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. It’s making me feel every emotion imaginable…heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. And very accessible.
Hang in there.
A good book works for me too as a way to calm myself and get lost for a while! I loved Girl on the Train and now I’m hoping to catch the movie!
Night Road by Kristen Hannah is an awesome book! I couldn’t put it down once I started reading
I am the exact same way when it comes to reading! I love it but it’s easy to tell if I’m going through something difficult because I’ll read multiple books very fast. My all time favorite author is janet evanovich. Her first book is my least favorite (fairly violent and slow moving) but once you get a few books in you’ll love them. I have recommended them to several friends and they all got hooked but it took a few books to get into it.
Also I have to add a man called Ove. He’s a grumpy old man that you can’t help but falling in love with.
I’ve been thinking of your family this past week a bunch and it really is the simple things in life that keep us keeping on. A few books I’ve read recently that really enjoyed are
My name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
I just read The Trespasser by Tana French since it made a bunch of ‘best of 2016’ lists and it kept me interested from start to finish! It’s about two detectives trying to solve a murder, but it’s not gory.
I’m so sorry for your loss – I can’t exactly relate to what you’re going through, but wanted to say your blog posts over the past week or so have been beautifully written. I really enjoy reading your blog and will check back in for whatever you feel like posting 🙂
I read A Man Called Ove a few months ago and I think I might call it one of my favorites! Just a genuinely sweet and heartwarming easy read. Highly recommend!!
So glad you’ve been able to be surrounded by love during such a difficult time <3
One thing making me happy this week is knowing I get to go home in less than 2 weeks to see my family! I moved to Dallas last fall from the Northeast and though I love it, the adjustment to being a plane ride away instead of a drive away from family had been tough – so smiling for the opportunity to go home!
Reading has always been my best escape when I’m going through a tough time. I hope you continue to feel all the support and love around you!
My absolute favorite book is The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. It is the perfect mix of history, romance, mystery, family, conspiracy, and everything else! There’s also a sequel to it as well!
They’re older, but since you love dogs, I’d recommend diving into Racing in the Rain and A Dog’s Purpose. They’re both light-hearted, feel-good books. If you want to read something that will take your mind to a totally different place and really teach you, you should read Evicted. I’d also recommend Life, Animated, The Cartel, and A Little Life. These last four recommendations are definitely a bit more informative, educational, and deep than your everyday quick read, but of the 30some books I read in 2016, they’re my favorites. While I’m at I’ll add Homegoing, Little Bee, The Invention of Wings, Flight Behavior, and anything by Pat Conroy.
You need to read the Nightingale! Such a good book I could not put down!
My daughter is 15 months old today and is constantly making me laugh and brings us so much joy. She started saying a babble word that sounds like “boy-a boy-a” and it is so funny. Last night we were making animal noises and I said “what noise does Emma make? and then said “boy-a boy’a” and she repeated it right back! It was so cute!
So glad to hear you’re slowly healing. May God bring you and your family peace during this difficult time. I recently read a book called Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel. It’s a super fun “chick-lit” read that I finished in one sitting, and it had a lovely message and wonderful characters.
How did you like The Hypnotist’s Love Story in comparison to her other books? What Alice Forgot is still one of my favorite books (ever), and I really like the authors “voice.” I also really like Hester Browne’s books when I’m looking for something light. She has a trilogy (The Little Lady Agency) and a few stand-alone titles. They are good “beach reads.”
One thing making my smile this week are Super Bowl Party preparations. My husband and I trade hosting with another friend of ours. It’s his year to host, which means I just have to bring a food item of some sort. I love browsing through new recipes to see what sounds like a winner. This time I settled on Hello Dolly Bars. I’ve never made them before, but they sound delicious.
Just from the book picture, if you enjoyed the Kite Runner you might also like A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author. They are both excellent reads that immediately pull you in 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend!
Just finishing We Were On A Break, which was cute overall but pretty slow-moving. The last book that really sucked me in, like that stay-up-for-one-more-hour-can’t-wait-to-finish feeling was The Hating Game (romantic comedy). Very entertaining, sweet, great chemistry between the two main characters..a little bit of everything! Highly recommend 🙂
We definitely have similar taste in books – so I have a ton of recos! Have you read any of Robert Dugoni’s books? Specifically, the Tracey Crosswhite series which is “The Trapped Girl” (his brand new book – I’m reading now and totally sucked me in!), “In the Clearing” “Her Final Breath” and “My Sister’s Grave.” Tracey is a homicide detective and there’s a twistiness to each of them- they’re really intriguing to try and figure out who did it!
Also have you read “The Woman in Cabin 10”? HIGHLY recommend, I haven’t heard of one person not enjoying it!
Others: “The Girl Who Lied” – “The Couple Next Door” – “Until I Met Her” – “In Twenty Years” (about a group of friends at their 20th college reunion weekend) – there’s also the Elin Hilderbrand novels “Here’s to Us” “The Rumor” and a bunch more – they’re slightly lighter reads but good none the less.
Reading brings me a lot of joy in rough times, too. There’s nothing like getting lost in a book to relax you for awhile. I wish you the best! Hope you can find a good book in the list! 🙂
Books are the best escape. One book I read recently was The Kind Worth Killing, it reminded me a lot of Gone Girl, I couldn’t put it down! It had lots of plot twists and suspense, an easy read I would highly recommend
You and your family have been in my prayers, such a hard time and I am so sorry!
I just finished reading “An Invisible Thread”, by Laura Schroff, a beautiful book about an unlikely friendship, true story. I couldn’t put it down, and was sad to finish it!
Thank you for being so open with your loss, you don’t know how many people’s heart you may have touched!
Thank you so much for your prayers and these recommendations, Martha. <3 <3
I would highly recommend Lily King’s Euphoria which was one of my favorite books I’ve read in the past year. I also read The Pleasing Hour by her which was equally as pleasant.
I’ve been turning to books as well to take my mind off a family member’s serious illness. Its nice to have a moment away from everything. I had previously read Sarah Jio at your recommendation and forgot how easy her writing is. I will definitely be heading back to her once i finish my current book, The Nest by Cynthia D’APrix Sweeney. Too soon to know if I would recommend it. Happy to hear your feeling better, Julie.
I have no book recommendations as I get all mine from your blog! haha
My sister also just experienced a miscarriage and your blog has helped me understand more of what she is going through. My heart aches for both you and her. You are so strong for not only experiencing this loss, but for also sharing it. My sister says that seeing my son, Tate 2 yrs, and her daughter play has brought her joy. Their smiles and laughs can turn any sad moment around! I’m so glad that Chase has been doing that for you.
I also call my husband my rock. Husbands can be pretty awesome 🙂
i just finished “a man called ove” and LOVED it. highly recommend.
I second the recommendation for A Man Called Ove! The best way to describe it is a book about Mr. Frederickson from the movie “Up”. If you liked that character, you’ll LOVE this book. Lighthearted, heart warming, a really charming read. Love and prayers to you.
A Man Called Ove keeps popping up as a recommended book for me through Amazon based on my past loves. I’m glad you liked it!
Yes! One of my all time favorites. Although it can be emotional at times : )
Nice to have another post from you. Just finished ‘In the Shadow of Lakecrest’. A brand new book I got for free as my monthly selection from Amazon Prime. Reminds me a lot of the old classic Rebecca. Takes place in the 1930’s. I couldn’t put it down, but I’m really into the old writing styles right now.
I’m reading Rebecca right now for the first time and it’s absolutely captivating! Thanks for sharing something similar – I’ll have to check it out once I’m done with Rebecca.
https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Grace-William-Kent-Krueger/dp/1451645856/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1486133931&sr=8-4&keywords=the+pecan+man Ordinary Grace. Great read!
I’m reading Loving Frank right now – I’m entirely sucked in! I also recommend The Paris Wife – it’s the story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife and their time in Paris. I was entirely enchanted by it.
Thinking of you and grateful for all of the support around you!
Hey Julie. So sorry to hear you’ve had a rough time. In a different way, I am having a hard time too. But I love how your Friday posts always encourage me to count my blessings and be grateful. This Friday, something that is making me smile is the fact that our beloved football team, the Atlanta Falcons, are playing in the superbowl on Sunday. This is something that doesn’t happen often around here in the Atl and everyone’s spirits are so full and happy. Seeing this makes me happy 🙂 God bless you and your family. Keep your chin up 🙂
I recently read “The Silent Sister” by Diane Chamberlain. It was a quick and easy read with a few twists. Definitely kept me wondering and reading on 🙂
Have you read Kate Morton’s books before? She writes sweeping fiction books that usually go back and forth between past and present. They also usually have a suspenseful plot, not scary, just something to keep you turning the pages! I’ve enjoyed all of hers, maybe start with The Distant Hours!
Sending you all the good vibes!
I highly recommend the Nightingale. It is SO good!
I just finished reading Orphan Train, which has the same style you mentioned above that goes back between the past and presence. Highly recommend the book and it’s a quick read! I hope that you continue to find the joy in this world!
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is such an amazing book! I am not a huge reader at all, never have been, but I could not put this book down! I think you would love it 🙂
Praying for you during this incredibly difficult time. While I have not gone through this myself, I have several close friends and family members who have, and my heart aches for you. I hope you can find peace in knowing that your baby is held close in the arms of Jesus!
“Code Named Verity” and “Small Great Things” are both good! I made some Valentine’s Day cards last night and that made me happy 🙂 Thinking of you, Ryan, and Chase during this time.
I just finished A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner and I loved it as much as her books Secrets of a Charmed Life and Stars Over Sunset Boulevard. Such a good author and easy reads too.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George, published in 2013. Terrific read! The bookshop owner dispenses books to his customers like medicine….he sells you the book you need, not necessarily the one you want. He is excellent at treating everyone but himself! I was immediately drawn in. Hope you will be, too!
So sorry to hear your news this week – wishing you all the best.
I would second the reader who suggested Kate Morton. She has 5 books and I thought all 5 were AWESOME. They are long, but pull you right in – great distraction material!! I also recently read The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis – would highly recommend!
I post all my books & reviews on my instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/book0saurus/
I seriously need to get back into reading because it IS such a great escape. So glad you have so much support during this time, especially having your mom there. Sending lots of healing vibes your way.
I also love to read! I’m a non fiction girl though
I am Malala was great
Room was great
Ruth Batter Ginsberg in her own words was inspiring
Eligible was a fun treat and just silly
And My partner and I looked at houses on realtor last night for an hour. Owning is a dream of mine and he was sweet to let me dream. I want a tiny house in a good school district with a good porch and yard for chickens…
Hey Julie,
Fan of the blog since the beginning of time here. I just wanted to express my love for you and your family during this incredibly hard time. I have never experienced what you have gone through, but my heart still feels for you. This post brought tears to my eyes because, even though I have never met your mother, the way you talk about her reminds me of my mother and your words about her describe how I feel towards my mom and I just wanted to say how special it is to have such a close bong with your mother and how lucky we are. I hope/am sure little Chase will feel the same sentiments towards you when he is older.
xx!
I completely agree. Moms are the best and I’m so glad you have an amazing one, too! <3
Especially for you, I’ve been wanting to recommend The Astronaut Wives Club and The Beekeeper’s Daughter. Both will be spirit-lifting and entertaining distractions for you.
So sorry you’re going through this and please continue to feel like you can share here.
Thank you, Allie. The Astronaut Wives Club has been on my radar and I need to check it out!
I’ve been reading Candace Cameron Bure’s “Balancing It All” book and I love it so far! I think she’s an excellent role model for young women, and I am loving her positive attitude so far 🙂
I’m personally in a book rut but have Defending Jacob on my list for an upcoming plane ride! When in doubt, I always always recommend Where’d You Go Bernadette? by Maria Semple. I can’t say I’ve loved her other books but this one had me page turning non-stop through the second half and I’ve re-read it a few times!
I’ve read both! Defending Jacob is really good and totally shocked me at the end. I hope you enjoy it!
I read The Rocks on vacation and absolutely loved it!
Hi Julie –
It’s been a looong time since I blogged myself (formerly known as thetwentyfifthyear) but I have continued to read here since I left this community several years ago. My heart has been aching for you since you shared your news last week and i simply cannot imagine how you’ve been feeling. Even today, I couldn’t even get through this post without welling up with tears. I’m currently planning my wedding and thinking ahead to starting a family and the thought facing this when I’m well into my 30s is a bit scary but always on my mind. I so appreciate your bravery and honesty and am so glad to read that you are taking care of yourself and letting each day come as it will. I think that’s so important for healing – mentally and emotionally as much as anything else.
Anyhow, I’m sending good vibes to your weekend and wanted to share a few book recommendations!
“The Nest” by Cynthia D’Aprix – family drama set in NYC. A quick interesting read, especially if you’re a fan of the City.
“All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” by Bryn Greenwood. HOLY COW was this good. Such a different story than anything I’ve ever read, but great character development and storytelling. You just root for the characters through their pain and everything that unfolds. In the end, it’s a story that can restore hope in mankind. I believe it’s been nominated for some awards, but it’s one of those books that I could not put down nor can I bear to follow up with anything else. It was just too good!
“The Magnolia Story” by Chip & Joanna Gaines. If you’re a fan of “Fixer Upper” you will love this. You can hear Chip and Jo’s voices and get to know their whole story – they have overcome so much. I read this in a weekend!
Happy reading!
I cannot recommend Sarah Addison Allen enough. She’s an amazing author (who, by the way, lives in Asheville). The Little Paris Bookshop is also absolutely lovely.