Have I ever told you about the time when I was in sixth grade and all the kids at the lunch table I was sitting at starting pounding the table and chanting, “Red, Red, Red, Red at me?” And of course, just as they knew it would, my face turned a deep shade of crimson, probably bordering on purple. I simply laid it down on the table and wished I could be someone else. Then there was the time in high school when I had to stand up and read an essay I had written in front of a bunch of boys who snickered and whispered back and forth to each other about how red my face was, amongst other not so nice comments. Sometimes, I feel that I’ve spent most of my life being a social disaster. Thankfully, I took a turn for the more “normal” at some point during my last decade. I’m not saying I want to stand up and give a speech, or anything crazy like that, but I don’t blush every time I hear the word, “red.” I’m still an introvert, but I’m not particularly shy anymore.
It was still a bit of a stretch for me when I reached out to another mom last week, inviting her and her children to stay with us. Her name is Angela, and she was on a road trip with her kids. Based on an instagram post she made, I knew she was in our area. I should back up and tell you how I know her, first. A few years ago, I attended the funeral of my friend, Elizabeth Dehority, in North Carolina with my family. According to Jonny, a woman tapped me on the shoulder after the funeral mass, but I didn’t notice and never spoke to her. That was Angela! Later, she must have emailed me and introduced herself. She knew Elizabeth as well, went to church with her, and Elizabeth had even prepared her oldest daughter for her first Holy Communion. Over the years since, we have exchanged a few emails and we follow each other on Instagram. But, I’d say it was a bit of a leap for both of us when I invited her, and she accepted. I could have been a crazy person! She could have been a crazy person! Later, she told me that the place where she had planned to stay the following two nights after I contacted her had fallen through. My invitation was an answer to prayer. Isn’t it neat how that happens? When she arrived at my house our kids all made nearly instant friends. And Angela was so easygoing and fun to talk to, that I never felt nervous. The morning that they departed, I tried to get a picture of all of her kids with my younger five. It was a little on the early side, so some of mine were still in pajamas. I’m so glad I got the photos that I did, because I know our children will carry the memory of those couple of days forever.
In the week since, we’ve been doing all the summer things. Jonny takes the older kids fishing, and I stay home and work on projects (with Mabel’s help!) The kids came home from a friends house with blackberries, and I made a couple of blackberry rolls, probably our favorite thing to make with blackberries. (I’ll include the recipe at the end of this post.) I also made a big batch of refrigerator pickles. I use the quickest dill pickles recipe from (affiliate link) Canning for a New Generation.
I’ve been working on dyeing a new batch of play silks to re-stock my shop, and it occurred to me that I ought to get some photos of play silks in action! I’m often asked, “Just what is a playsilk?” Now you can see that a playsilk is many things: a cape, a blanket, a doll sling, or it could be a simple scarf. A playsilk is whatever you make it! I’m always amazed at all the ways my children use them, and I love that ours are dyed with natural dyes!
p.s. Beatrix’s doll is from Nova Natural. And the sock pattern from the first photo is this one.
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Blackberry Roll from (affiliate link) Cooking From Quilt Country
Preheat oven to 350. Combine the dry ingredients and then cut in the butter until you have fine crumbs. Blend in the cheese and then the milk, don’t overmix. Roll the dough out lightly into a 10 X 12 rectangle, about 1/3 inch thick. Sprinkle blackberries on top, then add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, and the nutmeg. Starting from the long edge, roll up dough like a jelly roll, and then place on a greased cookies sheet (make sure it has edges because this will cook over and make a mess), seam side down. Pinch the ends and fold under. Pat and shape the roll and then sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Serve with cream.
Katherine says
Beatrix’s dress is beautiful! Do you mind sharing where you got it? (My 20-year-old wants one, lol!)
Ginny says
I want one too! Unfortunately, it was a ThredUP (used clothing) find. I’m not even sure what brand it is!
Bobbie in Alaska says
Hi Ginny,
Is it possible to substitute frozen berries? It may be hard to find fresh blackberries here.
Bee says
Ginny, what a great photo of all the kids together! Good for you for reaching out! 🙂
I’m not shy and never have been, but I’m very introverted. I’m a teacher (which I love), so I have to be “on” during the day, which has made me a lot better at masking my introversion. It’s kind of ridiculous that I/we even have to do that, but the world is really organized around extroverted people, ha.
Anyway…yay for being introverted and having/making great friends!
Dawn says
I bought Cooking from Quilt Country a while back on your recommendation. I love it and many of the seasonal recipes have already become family favorites.
Isn’t it fun when you take a risk with friendship (or anything else, for that matter?) Often, things that mean the most in life are the serendipitous ones. Peace!
Joan says
Thank You for this interesting post. When I was in Junior High School my teacher called my friend shy. When she came to me she said I was unduly shy. I have outgrown it some,but still do not like being the center of attention.
Joan
Marilyn says
Ginny what a beautiful photo of all the children. Beatrix looks so pretty with her hair up. I,too am shy. I do not like speaking in front of people. I was so happy when in High School the English teacher stopped calling students to read from Shakespeare. God Bless you and your lovely family.
Marilyn
Marion says
Ginny once again you have written a very interesting post. I have always been shy and never raised my hand in school. Speaking in front of a crowd is frightening for me.
Congratulations for forming a new friendship. Like you she has a beautiful family.
Enjoy your garden and God Bless
Marion
Katie says
I get this crazy blotchiness all over my chest and neck while talking to strangers. You have given me hope that I can be turned more normal in the next five years!
Penelope says
Oh Ginny, my sympathies! I have many similar girlhood blushing and schoolmates tormenting memories!
How lovely to meet an internet friend and get along so well. Friendship is such a blessing. I’ve blogged a dozen years, but pseudonymously (because: cautious and shy, both!) but even so have made friends of the online sort, only two have I met in person and for a while friendship flouished … Anyhow, friendship is hard, especially for us introverts, so I congratulate you on reaching out! 🙂
Martha says
So love your summer posts. I still remember your strawberry oat bars recipe that you shared a summer or two ago and how we’ve enjoyed that many times. I am just about to attempt to make pickles for the first time. I guess I’ve never tried before because I’m the only one who enjoys them so it seems silly. Still, our garden is overflowing with cucumbers so I have an excuse to try pickles I suppose!
Kate says
One of my worst nightmares would be to stand up and speak in front of people. I never volunteer to take up the gifts at Mass. People can rely on me for behind the scenes work, but don’t ask me to lead any committees. The funny thing is, I taught second grade in a Catholic school for a couple of years and I was in the spotlight 5 days a week. I did gain more confidence and overcome my shyness. I have no problem at book clubs or discussion groups voicing my opinions. It’s just the thought of standing in front of a group and being the center of attention with all eyes on me that freezes my blood. My husband doesn’t understand at all; he loves being the center of attention. I think it’s because he was the youngest in his family.
Nicole Spring says
You know I love you and still can’t get over how similar we shy, introverts are 🙂 I love how we both went out of our comfort zone very recently. 😉 I can’t wait for Angela and her family to come to us next week.
p.s. Your playsilks in action photos are so magical!!
Becky says
Have you tried this recipe gluten-free, by chance? I was thinking of just going for it with GF flour and seeing what happens, but if you have a cautionary tale, I would love to hear it…
Lisa G. says
Cheese and blackberries! I would never think of that combination.