Randoms because it is Wednesday <3
It’s Wednesday so let’s roll out some randoms:
Random #1
After I wrote my post on Monday I realized I said something that I wished I could edit. But several people had already read and commented so I decided to take it and expand it into a random comment about the concept I have heard recently of “both-and”.
While I have noticed this myself as I process the twists and turns of life, our journaling group did a project page exploring experiences that fit into this dichotomy.
The idea is that a lot of the circumstances we find ourselves in that seem to have a singular tone often carry a flip side. Something that brings struggle to us often produces something good in us. Things that are so fun or sweet can hold a certain bittersweet side.
Both…and.
So when I said the lines about the doctor who delivered our grandchildren also removing the parts of me that had brought grief since age thirteen, I meant it.
I was free from the dysfunction of these organs that had caused me considerable pain my whole teen and adult life.
But those organs were both…and…
they caused pain but also gave me great joy in that they housed our three children and produced the hormones I needed to be healthy physically and mentally.
Both…and.
Both a source of discomfort and a gift of great joy.
There are so many examples in our lives and when we are going through a difficult season, it is good to remember past trials and reflect on the both…and of those to give us courage to carry on.
Random #2
Can we talk about the weather?
We have had the most pleasant breezes and low humidity for brief moments that were interspersed with sauna like conditions.
The Illini game last weekend was miserably hot.
This morning we had the most lovely dreary rainy day and now the sun is beating down and I fairly wilted going out to fill the hummingbird feeder.
My heart is longing for fall clothes, food and decor even as I crank the AC a notch and try to not think about how hot it will be to run errands later.
Random #3
On Sunday we met up with all but Sarah and Jack and attended the Ravens/Colts game in Indy. One of John’s high school buddies was able to join us as well.
Our John is a diehard Ravens fan and so we tried to wear some sort of black and purple and sat in the nosebleeds and cheered them on.
Thankfully the Colts stadium has a retractable roof which they closed. We were cool and comfy and surrounded by enough Ravens fans that we didn’t seem to stand out applauding their victory.
John put this idea together and while it wasn’t easy for the six Maxwells to schedule a whole day of travel and football, it worked and we are so very thankful.
Now he is chirping about all of us watching them beat the Seahawks next year. Sorry to my Washington family, but it seems when we attend a Raven’s game … they win.
Random #4
As I mentioned, we were rather high up for the game. The good part about these lofty seats is you can see the whole field.
So when the halftime show rolled out, I figured we had a great vantage point.
Except for a fan who decided to stand the entire show and film it.
Granted she could have filmed easily the same view over the heads of the people sitting in front of her.
But no.
She stood, so the people next to her stood to see around her which caused all the people who were returning from the concession stand to have to stand in the aisle as they didn’t want to block her camera.
She effectively blocked the view of a large section of the upper seating area.
And I guess I just want to say, let’s not be her.
Random #5
In honor of Fall, I started a jigsaw puzzle I got for my birthday.
It was so cute I had to share it.
I love puzzles like this that are enough of a challenge, but easy to make progress on as there are so many little details to help narrow down where a piece goes.
This one is by Eeboo…if you are looking for good quality puzzles. A couple of other brands I enjoy are Cavallini and Co. and Galison.
Just in case you are on the hunt for puzzle season material. No kickbacks for me to recommend…I just like the ones I have from these companies.
Have a great day whatever you do.
Stay cool.
Enjoy the season.
And remember…
You are dearly loved <3