Seth had his hair cut a few weeks ago, for the first time in about five years. I don’t know what he’ll think about me starting a blog post with that news, but of course his haircut led to a new knitting project, so I have to tell you! (I wish I had a proper photograph of him, but he’s not the smile for the camera type.) He sweated through his gardening job all summer with all that hair, and then the day after he had it cut, the hair having become a nuisance, he said, it got cold. And he missed his hair. And the hats I had knit him in previous years weren’t long enough to properly cover his ears as he wished. So, I was more than happy to knit him a hat in some of the gray yarn left over from Larkspur’s sweater. Now his ears are warm. (And his hair looks good!)
Seth is also driving on his own now, and taking regular day trips to all of his favorite places. At eighteen, it was time, and it hasn’t felt like a huge adjustment having him embrace this new independence. Now, I have Keats driving me around (and we make a much calmer driving duo, partly because of his personality, and partly because I’ve gotten used to being driven around by inexperienced drivers at this point. I accept that this is my fate, and will continue to be for many years!) Gabe is eligible to get his learner’s permit this week as well. Lots of teen drivers at our house!
Here at home, I am trying to really embrace fall, the season of change. I do love it and it’s fleeting beauty, it’s just always so sad to watch those last gorgeous leaves fall. Last week was full of color followed by a particularly windy day, and now, rain. I’m glad I took the walks I did with my little ones to enjoy the color while it lasted. Echoing the season, our family’s life seems particularly full of change this year, and I am doing my best to embrace all of it.
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I finished reading Home last week around the time I started on Seth’s hat. Someone commented on my instagram page that this is a series of luminous books, and I have to agree. (Start with Gilead). I ordered a copy of Lila and plan to finish out the trilogy. Several of you mentioned the author’s other book, Housekeeping. I’ve read that one too! So good, these books. Though they aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, I’m sure. Maybe a little too slow and dark at times for all. Right now I’m reading something way outside my usual realm, but I’ll save that for Wednesday’s Yarn Along!
Today is Job’s birthday. Half of us have colds, and it will be a quiet family celebration, the best kind. I can hardly believe that he is turning five! He didn’t have any birthday requests, and doesn’t have favorite toys, so I bought him somewhat practical gifts. We’ll see how that goes over…
p.s. I was interviewed for a podcast episode a couple of weeks ago and it is available to listen to now! The podcast is called Mystery Through Manners, and it’s a Catholic storytelling podcast which explores the living expressions of the Catholic faith from the perspective of everyday Catholic Americans. (You can follow on Instagram here. It is also on iTunes.) It’s a brand new podcast, and I’ve enjoyed all the episodes so far. It’s definitely very Catholic, so keep that in mind! My episode is part of a new series on Catholic bloggers. I talk a little about the story of my blog, the fact that I write for everyone (not just Catholics, and I think that’s obvious if you are a reader), and we talk about the Yarn Along! We also talk about the fact that while I don’t write here in an attempt to evangelize anyone, beauty itself can and does. Anyway, I won’t share anymore, but please go check out my episode if you are interested!
Dawn Harris says
One of the things I have always loved about your blog is your honesty and this podcast reveals this brilliantly. Unlike some other blogs, yours never makes me feel less than or that my life is lacking in any way. A wise friend of mine once said, “every day is filled with disaster and beauty.” Your blog reminds me of that (in the best way possible! 🙂 Thank you for the continued inspiration!
karen says
I liked Gilead a lot, I did not like Home very much (maybe no chapters?? had a bad way with me…) So I’ve put off reading Lila for now. Lovely had for a newly shorn head. Teaching my daughter to drive then ride with her was nerve wracking and not fun at all.
Riding with my son was wonderful. He would continually say “we’re okay mom, relax”. He was great and soothing me as I prayed for dear life.
Leanne says
I too am driving around with the teenage driver. My oldest will have his license in January. It’s a true mix of emotions for me! I love the new haircut and the hat is perfect. And your little ones….they are just the cutest. Hope all is well!
Ruth says
Ginny, I’ve just heard you speak!! It was so strange when I only know you through your writing and your photographs. I don’t know what I had in my head as to how your voice would sound but it surprised me. I did enjoy hearing your conversation with Julieanne. Now I’m looking forward to listening to more of her podcasts. The Internet is magic in the way a little click brings something new to my life. I love and give thanks that you are part of my world.
Ginny says
Thank you, Ruth! Honestly, I think my voice sounded a little different on that podcast than it really does. I was using a microphone and I was nervous! (I could literally hear my voice wavering from the nerves when I listened to it). I’m not quite so loud-more soft spoken, I think in everyday talk. 🙂 I’ve enjoyed the other episodes, and think you will too!
Sarah says
You are a special lady! Love you posts Ginny ❤️
Ginny says
Thank you, Sarah!
Lucy says
The podcast was so good to listen to. Thank you for sharing. I can honestly say it was a breath of fresh air in my very full day.
Ginny says
I’m so glad you liked it!
martha says
i teared up during the podcast when she said her priest had smiled at her confession of crocheting as a waste of time and said to her, “God delights when you crochet.” i often struggle with feeling like i’m wasting time if i’m taking time for the pleasure of knitting versus some other seemingly more necessary/productive task like cleaning, etc. what a sweet reminder of part of why this craft is so pleasurable–co-creating with God, imaging Him in our need and love for making things. anyway, thank you for sharing that podcast! always lovely to hear from you and peek into your beautiful (BUT NOT SIMPLE) life. 🙂 you continually inspire and that is a blessing! may you continue to find light and joy in this changing of season.
Ginny says
Martha, I loved that bit about her conversation with her priest too!! Thank you so much for listening, and for writing!
Marilyn says
The berries are lovely. My sister likes to count them, but I seem to never find as many as she does. We are thrilled when we spot the first berry because Fall cannot be far behind. As you might have guessed, Fall is our favorite season. I enjoy seeing photos of your beautiful children. They look so contented romping and playing among Mother Nature. Teaching someone to drive can be overwhelming. My late father taught me. Wishing Job a day of joy and a year of happiness and blessings.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOB
Marilyn
Joan says
Ginny, you always have such interesting posts and lovely photos of your children. I, too love Fall. The air is crisp and clear. These days our weather is too mild for Fall or my liking. Hope Job has a special day. God Bless.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOB
Joan
Marion says
Ginny Thank You for this lovely post. I was admiring all the red berries on the branches. Every morning I look and count the berries. Lately there has not been many but yesterday I spotted quite a few. When I first spot them in August I say Fall is on the way.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOB
Marion
Michele says
I am in the process of driving with my fourth inexperienced driver and I will never get used to it! It is probably my least favorite part of parenting. None of them have been bad drivers, I am just afraid for those first several weeks – maybe months! Good for you for keeping a positive attitude! ❤️