It may not seem like I'm accomplishing anything, but I'm always working on something! Share on X
It has been a whole loooonnnng month since I last posted here on the blog. I never intended to let it go this long but, well, a lot has been happening behind the scenes and I had to let something go.
So here is my review of What I Learned in March and a promise that April will see more activity on the blog.
The month of February held the not-so-great surprise of a breast cancer diagnosis for my 98-year-old mother-in-law. A large mass and a very rapid growing type of cancer. Hubby took some vacation time and flew back to Washington State to help her make a decision regarding treatment options. She ended up choosing surgery without chemo, had a simple day surgery and, I’m happy to report, is doing extremely well. I learned (I already knew but I learned even more) that these folks are AH-mazing!
During the week that Mr. OTN was gone, I let everything around me go to ruin while I focused solely on working on: 1. A talk that I was to give later in the month in Kentucky, and 2. A book manuscript that I submitted for review by professional writers at an upcoming conference I’m attending. I learned that I can accomplish a LOT when I focus solely on one thing for an extended period of time. Too bad my eyes seem to catch shiny objects that take me off my purpose so much of the time.
I’m slipping this photo in because it’s one I posted on Instagram. If you aren’t following me on IG I’d really love it if you would because even when I’m not blogging here, over there I post daily updates of life’s happenings. Come on over and check out some of the things I’ve shared lately!
Now I won’t attempt to fool you into believing that this secretary is where my writing takes place. In fact, since beginning this book in earnest I not only write at the desk in my kitchen, but I’ve also taken over the entire dining room table. I need that much space to spread out all my notes and shower ideas. “Shower ideas”, for those of you who don’t know, are the BEST ideas, that always come in the shower where one can’t write them down or dictate them into an iPhone. I haven’t learned how to solve that problem yet. Does anyone else have a favorite idea spot or a good solution to my problem you’d like to share?
One thing we got to do in March was to see Casting Crowns here in Greenville. Danny Gokey and the band Unspoken also played the concert. I learned that Mark Hall, the lead singer of CC, is a full time youth pastor in Atlanta. All of the band’s members are home and active in their church on the weekends and tour only during the week.
It was such an inspiring evening that we wondered why we don’t go to concerts more often.
In March I was incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to share My Story for New Beginnings of Winchester’s Fashion Show and Auction. This is a mission (right-here-at-home) that believes in offering women hope for an abundant life and the help to make that happen . . . no matter what their life choices have been.
I learned that when you find others who share your passion, friendships form quickly, and you leave wishing you had more time to spend together. Slumber party at my house y’all!
I was home from Kentucky for only one day before heading down to Charleston to meet up with two old friends. Here we are having lunch at a little waterside restaurant. Since we are all from Seattle, Deanna bought each of us a Seahawks ring. Here we are modeling them for you.
Our friend Bonnie had to get back home to Blufton so I only got to see her for lunch but Deanna and I had two days in Charleston. These are a few pictures I took with my iPhone. It is a truly wonderful city.
The food is quite wonderful too!
From Charleston I brought Deanna back home to my house but we made a stop along the way in Isle of Palms for a little beach time. Sigh…
Back in the upstate Deanna and I kept ourselves busy for the next week. On this particular day we dressed in our hiking clothes and headed up into the mountains to see some waterfalls. We saw one but since it was so foggy and cold (30 degrees colder than in Greenville) we ended up having coffee in the lobby of The Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a fantastic hotel that I’d love to return to…when I have a best selling book and money to burn.
Back down in Greenville we visited a brand new restaurant named Jianna and were blessed by the appearance of a double rainbow view from table 301. Sorry, the double is not really visible in this iPhone photo.
The wait staff was very attentive, the food fabulous, and the restrooms quite photo worthy!
In my time with Deanna I learned that though we don’t see one another very often we always pick right up where we left off, sipping a good cup of coffee, enjoying fine foods, and searching out the best deals on cute clothes 🙂
As you can see it was a pretty full month, as is the one ahead of me. I have another post in the works for you later this week though, where I’ll share my Spring/Easter Home Tour. I hope y’all will come back and see me then.
Blessings sweet friends,
I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!
Sunday:
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, SilverPenniesSundays, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, GiveMeGrace
Monday:
IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, TheDedicatedHouse, Dwellings, ProjectInspired, InspireMeMonday, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, CelebrateYourStory, Making Your Home Sing Mondays, What Joy is Mine/Monday Musings, Darling Downs Diaries, The Art of Homemaking, SmallWonder, MomentsOfHope, Glimpses, SittingAmongFriends
Tuesday:
TalkOfTheTown, HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, CoastalCharm, CedarHillFarmhouse, TuesdaysAtOurHome, TheWinthropChronicles, Rich Faith Rising Unite Linky, Testimony Tuesday,Cheerleaders of Faith,Tell His Story
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, Posed Perfection, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Word Filled Wednesdays, ChristianBloggerLinkup, Mom’s Morning Coffee, Women with Intention, Coffee for Your Heart, MessyMarriage, ThreeWordWednesday
Thursday:
ShareYourStyle, ImpartingGrace, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, MyRepurposedLife, ADelightsomeLife, KatherinesCorner, I Choose Joy, Thought Provoking Thursday, SincerelyPaulas, ThankfulThursdays, ThoughtfulThursday, Tune-inThursday
Friday:
FrenchCountryCottage, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, TheDedicatedHouseAnythingBlueFriday, ShabbyliciousFriday, Sweet Inspiration, Faith’nFriends, Missional Women Faith Filled Fridays, Dance With Jesus FreshMarketFriday
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, OneMoreTimeEvents, SaturdaySparks, TheInspirationGallery, Make My Saturday Sweet
Susan Shipe says
Dang it girlfriend, you were crazy busy!!! Love these posts!
Patti says
I was busy Susan and my home shows it! Wish I wasn’t too cheap to hire a housekeeper. LOL! Love you girlfriend <3
Candy says
Looks like you have had a great March. I have missed your posts. Have a great evening.
Blessings
Candy
Patti says
Thank you for missing my posts Candy! That means the world to me. March was very full and very good. Blessings to you my friend.
Danice says
Charleston, I so want to visit there someday. Beautiful photos. So sorry about your MIL’s cancer. Praying for her.
Patti says
Thank you for the prayers Danice. My MIL is one incredible lady. I do hope you get to visit Charleston one day. Go in the Spring if you can when it isn’t too hot and the flowers are at their peak. I’m so fortunate to be just a 3 hour drive from there.
Paula says
Patti,
There’s something so sweet seeing your MIL holding her son’s hand in that picture. : )
Lord, bless that family with your peace.
Patti says
I thought the same thing myself Paula. 😉
Sandra @ Maison De Jardin says
WOW: You are a busy lady and accomplishing a great deal. I haven’t been following you long – but very much enjoy your blog. All the best to your mother-in-law! Looking forward to your next post.
Patti says
I’m so glad you are following my blog Sandra because I am a new follower of yours as well. How could I resist? – All things French and a book lover to boot! I promise I will get more posts out this month. 🙂
Peggy says
Have missed your posts, but your dance card seems very full. You make my head spin! So very glad your Mom-in-law is doing well. And glad you had time with friends to recharge your batteries! Looking forward to your home tour. And truly can’t wait to read your book.
Patti says
Haha! My head is spinning too Peggy as the dance has been non-stop. Thank you for your encouragement on the book my friend. I will keep plugging along and hope for open doors to publish. Blessings friend.
Cindy says
Hi Patti, I’m a newer follower. Sorry to hear about your MIL. Sounds like a fighter and must have been frightening for her.
You seem to have a full happy life. Good for you
Cindy
Patti says
Thank you for following Cindy. I will be sure to go over to your blog and follow you back. Cloches and Lavender . . . gotta love that! Looking forward to knowing more about you.
Jann Olson says
Patti, Charleston is truly an amazing city! So glad you got to enjoy it with your friends. You have been busy, but welcome back to blogging! Best of luck with your book. What an endeavor!
hugs,
Jann
Patti says
Charlteston is one of my very favorite cities. So swoon worth doncha’ think? Thank you for the encouragement Jann. I am a slow writer but I’m hitting it as hard as I can. One day . . .
Shelly says
Thank you for the fun update, Patti. I know life is so full, and as always, I’m keeping you in prayer! I’m looking forward to the next post! ,
Patti says
Thank you my friend. Talk soon <3
Patti says
Thank you my friend. Let’s talk soon okay?
Karin says
Oh how I wish that I was as tech savy as you are, Patti. I shy away from all things ‘instagram’, and’ Twitter,’and ,’snaphat’ for fear that I will tweet or share something not intended to be shared.
I love the part where you say that you are distracted by shiny things! I love to hear of your travels. I must say, Greenville is really one of the up and coming ‘Foodie’ destinations. Slowly but surely, I hope to get out there and try my some new eateries.
Patti says
Haha! Tech savvy isn’t exactly how I’d describe myself but I do my best Karin! Let’s eat an eatery together and I’ll show you what I know 😉 Love you friend.
Marlene Stephenson says
I can wait for your posts as long as you are having a good time. Thank you for updating.
Patti says
Thanks Marlene!