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You are here: Home / inspiration / 7 pretty things / {7 pretty things on Sunday}

{7 pretty things on Sunday}

March 4, 2012 · 16 Comments
Filed Under: 7 pretty things, inspiration

video game tournaments, nerdy! // an afternoon snooze with bauer

so far this weekend i’ve spent a lot of time relaxing and resting. friday night started out with zack heading over to the university of minnesota to volunteer for the rest of the weekend ~ like 32 hours total, with a starcraft tournament. it’s mega nerdy, for sure, but i am ECSTATIC that zack gets to spend the weekend doing what he loves. non-stop. i stopped by yesterday morning to get a feel for what a video game tournament actually looks like and i… ummm, only saw 1 other girl there ;D and like 59 million computers.

the rest of yesterday was spent snuggling with bauer. we took a few naps. watched a terrible lifetime movie online {hah}, went for a walk. and then i had a fantastic idea that i’m excited to share soon. if you’re in/near minneapolis, THIS MEANS YOU! ♥ i’ve spent quite a bit of time reading + replying to the comments left from thursday’s + friday’s posts. my mind has been all over the place trying to process what i’ve read, learned and am trying to implement for the future.

also, i found some amazing follow-up posts that others have written on the topic of friendships + loneliness that i shared in the comments. here are the links in case you missed them: 4 ways to be a better friend, what you can find while you’re waiting on friends.

i know i’ve said this already but i am truly amazed at the number of women hurting over the loss of a great friends it’s a delicate emotion and it’s reminding me to be even more gentle, with myself + others. probably the main thing i’ve learned is that it’s really easy to sit back and wait for someone else to take action, but what probably needs to happen is for YOU to take action. you need to seek out a friend. be persistent, be a nagging nelly :) try, try, try. i think i’m more interested now in finding a friend because it’ll shift a little of the focus onto something more exciting. basically that’s called PROGRESS.

today’s 7 pretty things on Sunday post is going to be a little different. instead of showing photos i’m going to make a list of different things i’m thankful for + learning during this season:
1. arriving home friday afternoon to a box chocolate-dipped fruit waiting on my front porch ~ from a sweet blog friend! so thoughtful, so delicious {it’s almost gone}… i felt so special :)

2. the idea of a gratitude journal: every day you write down 5 things you’re thankful for. i LOVE the idea of ending my day with things i’m thankful for, reminds me of this friend’s book.

3. wearing a sweatshirt from high school :)

4. sharing some of my hurts has oddly given me more freedom to not spend so much time online…

5. …which reminds me that it’s not OK to feel sorry for myself over friendships that are linked to other cities. those friendships have a unique purpose and they aren’t for the intimate day-to-day moments. i need –and will– to find local friends.

6. this is totally silly, but bangs that are finally growing out. changing things up is exciting, ya know!

7. one of the comments left has sparked an idea that i’m crazy excited about. so like i mentioned above, if you are in/near minneapolis… stay tuned! tee hehe

have you had a few minutes to read some of the comments left? what are your thoughts…?

okie dokie, that’s it for this lovely sunday.

wishing you a happy, joy-filled day! xoxo

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16 Comments
Filed Under: 7 pretty things, inspiration

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« {part II: on being brave + knowing some seasons are for processing a lot.}
{an upcoming trip to… TANZANIA! + an amazing book} »

Comments

  1. Kristin Smith says

    March 4, 2012 at 6:26 am

    Love the nap with Bauer pic! :) And I can’t wait to hear about your idea…I am hoping that although I am not “in” Minneapolis…that maybe I am “near” enough?! :) I too lost my best friend in November 2010…she passed away and that has never been fully replaced. Although I have met some wonderful women through blogging that have filled that void. I am starting to learn that maybe that friendship isn’t meant to be “replaced”…that is what makes it so special. Have a wonderful Sunday!!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 4, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      that’s a precious perspective :)

      are you “near” enough to minneapolis that you could come to the city a couple times a month?? ♥

      Reply
      • Kristin Smith says

        March 4, 2012 at 4:03 pm

        Well I am a good 3 hrs away probably…but I am still excited to see what you have planned and if it would be possible at all! :)

        Reply
  2. Jenny says

    March 4, 2012 at 6:53 am

    Oooh. Can’t wait to hear what you have in mind for Minneapolis folks! Even though I’m not living there *right now*, it is always my home, and I know some awesome people are going to end up being involved!!

    Reply
  3. alex b. says

    March 4, 2012 at 7:02 am

    hey! i just started reading your blog more regularly, and i am so so happy i have! each post has been so great and i get so excited each one a new one comes along. you are a huge inspiration and i am so impressed that you are able to share yourself so fully with the online community.

    excited to hear what you have in store! especially for those of us here in mpls…

    xoxo alex.

    Reply
  4. leslie zimmerman says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:49 am

    oh. my. goodness. gracious. I wish I lived there, no doubt about it. The husband and I will be landing in your lovely city in about five hours TOPS. I’m so excited!

    Anyways, I can’t wait to hear what you have in store. Also; my husband is a super nerd too but doesn’t do the tournaments for Starcraft. (He was wondering your husband’s “handle” if Zack wouldn’t mind giving it out.)

    Reply
  5. Diane@LongabergerLifestyle says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:51 am

    Don’t you love these ‘growing’ phases we go through. There’s something so exciting about all our “ah ha” moments. Wondering…have you found a place to worship Jesus? I know you talked about it some time ago…and it’s Sunday and I just was curious. Have a blessed weekend!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 4, 2012 at 12:10 pm

      yes and no. we’ve been going to one church in particular since november but don’t go every sunday… and we haven’t gotten involved… such a bummer.

      Reply
  6. isassSara says

    March 4, 2012 at 10:15 am

    HA, I was just joking with my husband about wearing my old cheerleading jacket and would it have magical powers to bring back my 17 year old body…which then made me think of that movie 17 again…which then made me think of that Jen Garner movie 30 something…which then made me think of my childhood friendships…which then made me think “Why can’t woman be more like girls: how easy they made friends” Which made me think WOW, I hope Gussy wants to meet a bunch of us that live here…aaaaaaaannnnnddddd TaDa! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. :0)

    Reply
  7. Jen says

    March 4, 2012 at 1:52 pm

    Hi Gussy! I’m just wondering if you’ve ever thought about doing some kind of class at one of the great sewing shops in Minneapolis – Crafty Planet comes to mind. It might be a great way to meet people! I left Minne for Florida 10 years ago, and still miss my best friend (who lives there)! I get to come up to visit a lot though, and although it took a long time, I eventually found some good friends here. Hang in there – Minneapolis IS full of nice people!

    Reply
  8. Chelsea says

    March 4, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    I am very new to reading your blog regularly, but I am so glad to have found you! You are such a sweet person, and I too can relate to your feelings of loneliness. I also feel that my regret over not keeping in touch and the belief that it is probably “too late” prevents me from reaching out sometimes – such a vicious cycle, right? Well, you have inspired me to break the cycle and just reach out already! For that, I am soooo thankful for YOU! Although I may be right and in some cases it may be too late, but if I don’t try, I have to live with that and you’ve helped me realize that that’s not OK with me.

    I am more in central MN, but close enough to drive into the cities for my internship once a week (3x/week this past summer). So, I am also excited for your ideas for Minneapolis folks. I would love to meet you sometime, and I was thinking…..say you wanted to check out a museum/craft fair/whatevs but didn’t want to go alone or know who to ask – maybe I could help out….? I find that’s the hardest thing for me – finding friends to go explore with. :o)

    Also, are you interested in help finding a church that may be a better fit or are you happy with where you are now? Perhaps your readers could make some suggestions for you if you were willing to share some specifics about what you are looking for. Just a thought!

    Take care, and keep up the good work!
    <3 Chelsea

    Reply
  9. Kate says

    March 4, 2012 at 6:29 pm

    Hey Maggie,

    Right after my 31 day series in October I wrote a whole three part series on what I did when I found myself very, very lonely after leaving the work force and having my daughter. After four years, I can say that I FINALLY have that group of women friends I’ve been praying about. It took a lot of work, but just like the other ways you’ve shaped your life (from 30 library books to a full-time Gussy career), you can take on this challenge too. Your sweet, fun personality will definitely serve to help that!! If you are interested in hearing what I did during my “friend desert”, I’ve included the link for the first in my series.

    http://www.upsidedownkate.com/2011/11/creating-a-community-part-one/

    Reply
  10. Mariah says

    March 4, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Can’t wait to hear about the local, face-to-face friends you’re going to meet! STill praying for you, dear heart!

    Reply
  11. Tricia says

    March 4, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    Thank you so much for being transparent…for sharing your heart. Please know that you are not alone. Yes, it may be a season of life and logically we know that, but emotionally out hearts still feel the pain. I too have struggled with this very issue and appreciate your honesty. I could write for what seems like an eternity on this very subject, but I think I’ll end with this…

    There is a reason I visited your blog today. If you ever feel like meeting for coffee/tea to chat more in depth, I am in the Twin Cities would be honored to meet with you. I shop at Crafty Planet and have an obsession with fabric…drives my hubby insane. :0) I digress…

    I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs and blessings!

    Reply
  12. Annie says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    I have a gratitude journal too! It really does help you realize the little things!

    Reply
  13. Jean says

    March 17, 2012 at 11:06 am

    We moved back to Mpls 20 years ago after my husband retired from the Army ( in the army we always had tons of friend). We started going to the church across the street, I even joined a woman’s Bible study. It took 12 years before I made a friend! I was sooooo lonely. I prayed constantly for a friend to do things with..crafting, shopping, exploring, etc. I’m not really sure yet why I went through this, but I’m thinking God wanted me to rely more on him. As I drew closer to God, new things opened up, a new church, new Bible Study, a small group. Still no “real friend”. While helping out someone from our small group, I found we had som many things in common. She was lonely, too. Today we are so close. She now lives an hour away. I also became friends with the woman who invited us to join their small group. She lives 2 hours away now. Our husands are all great friends, too. So, although I am “friendless” during the week and most weekends, I know I/we have friends for life. When your time comes, I’m sure you’ll find a life long friend. We are searching for a new church again, so I’m hoping I’ll meet some new “local” friends. I have found, tho, that unless I attend church every Sunday, I don’t feel connected and it’s not easy for me to get involved. Be patient, God has someone special for you.

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
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The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
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Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
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What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

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The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
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This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
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