Happy Wednesday, friends. I am joining the group of Hodge Podgers (is that word?) over at Joyce’s blog today. You can enjoy all the different answers (and often find new blogs, too) here. I will jump right in.
1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? I have never participated in Lent. My church (and denomination) does not observe Lent and I have never done so. I have blogged a few times about this before. For instance, here. I am not critical of those who do, but simply do not see a Biblical mandate for observing it.
2. Pancakes…are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? I am very much a fan of pancakes although I rarely eat them. And I havae no excuse as to why! I love blueberry pancakes and, perhaps, banana/nut ones even more. Bananas and blueberries? Even better. But all pancakes need syrup. And now I would really like some pancakes! My husband makes really good pancakes. But, no, they are not on the menu this week.
3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt ‘spread too thin’. Is December recently? I was under the weather and/or plain sick most of December. But there was much that needed to be done and/or I would have like to get done in December. Isn’t that true for most of us? But I just could not do it all. Or even much of it. It was not a good feeling. Thankfully, I do not often put too much on my plate or otherwise feel spread too thin. It’s stressful.
4. What’s your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? My favorite jewel is a sapphire. Blue is not even, necessarily, my favorite color but the blue of a sapphire is just beautiful to me. Two of my children have September birthdays and one is in April. I have a mother’s ring that is two sapphires and a diamond. It is my favorite piece of jewelry. In my closet, there are very few pastels. The do me no favors. I have a few gem toned pieces, although they are not really “my colors” either and I have gotten rid of most of them. I have a lot of neutrals and really like beige, white and black, as well as navy and white with a pop of color. This picture is one of many from my Pinterest board. All of my inspiration photos pretty much look the same:)
5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? I suppose that would depend on what I am in charge of…but the first answer that comes to my mind is trying to please everyone. We have family who are coming in town next month for school trip. We will spend an entire day with them downtown. I’ve been thinking about where to go, what to see and what to skip, as well as where to eat. I have no shortage of ideas and suggestions. That is not a problem. But trying to please everyone? Not only is it the hardest part but it rather kills the joy. (Not that they are difficult – not at all. I just want it to be a great day for everyone.)
6. Insert your own random thought here. I believe it was last week’s Hodge Podge that asked about a recent time when you felt tickled pink. I did not join the link-up but read several of the answers…and I often think “what would I have answered” had I joined the group? Last week I could not immediately think of anything. And then. There was last night. I was genuninely tickled pink. I crafted my first true latte. After weeks of practicing, trying, wasting coffee and creating a lot of fails, I finally made a “fancy” coffee that I could actually drink. I received a very basic cappuccino machine for Christmas. Very pretty and, supposedly, very beginner friendly. I had visions of cups of hot flavored drinks adorned cute coffee art, and my inner barista simply coming to life! Um, no. The learning curve has been huge. And so frustrating. But I nailed it last night. Okay, there was no steamy milk poured into the shape of a heart. Nope, no art. But there was just the right amount of foam. And a really smooth coffee flavor. I also added just a splash of flavoring. Delicious AND pretty?? To say I was tickled pink would be an understatement!
Friends, it does not take much to make me happy! A nice coffee. Multliple sunny days that have almost completely melted our snow. My decorative snowmen all packed away in their bins for another year. And a long overdue hair appointment this afternoon. Life is good!
Gosh, those pancakes look so good, smiles. Wishing you a lovely day my friend.
I didn’t grow up in a church that observes Lent either. But tonight there is a service at the church I visit for Christmas (where we got married) and I so want to add these events back into my life. So perhaps I will go. Its a beautiful church and the people are friendly and I need to get out every chance I get!
I am like you on the first question. I said December for question 3 as well though our reasons why were different. I forgot about your sickness in December. I am also a neutral wearing gal! Congrats on your pretty latte! That is definitely something to be tickled pink about! Have a great day, friend!
I love pancakes, but usually only have them when I am out. Plain with butter and real maple syrup, yes please! I do like pumpkin and also chocolate chip, but with those, I just want butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I love most gemstones, but not a diamond girl. I tend to wear navy or dark charcoal heather on the bottom and whatever color on top (well, not pastels). Have a good Wednesday, Jennifer.
Good morning, Friend! I can understand your “tickled pink” moment last night. That’s the same way I feel every time I make the chocolate lava mini cakes. When I turn the pan upside down and they all plop out oh so gently, I feel so accomplished!
As for Lent… I don’t observe it in the traditional fashion as some denominations do, just as I don’t observe Advent in the same fashion as others do, but I do use both occasions to spend more time in the Word and use good solid devotionals for each of them in order to prepare my heart for either the birth of Christ or His death, burial and resurrection.
Have a lovely day, Jennifer. xx
Yay for a good latte!!
The only time I eat pancakes is on Shrove Tuesday which was yesterday so I had my fill!
December is such a busy and stressful time! I always feel spread too thinly throughout that month.
It is hard to try and please everyone isn’t it! I hope the time with your family is good and you do manage to please everyone.
Good job with the latte! It sounds delicious!
Well…good for you for that success in making that cuppa! It is good to be happy over daily simple things. Oh man, I do understand trying to please a crowd during site seeing. In the end it is better to make those decisions and have a plan instead of standing on a street corner asking everyone what they want to do next!! 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your day!
I love your list. I love pancakes. My husbands favorite thing in the world. I only make them on an occasional Sunday or I just because I love you breakfast. I am with you, it doesn’t take much to make me happy either. I enjoy the simple little moments of my day the most.
My daughter’s and one of my granddaughters’ wedding rings are sapphire and diamonds – both designed by the groom. They are beautiful! Even though I grew up in South Louisiana, where Mardi Gras is a state holiday, our family was much too Southern Baptist to observe Lent. I agree with you that there is no Biblical teaching on this observance, and quite the contrary, in fact.
I am neutral girl too!!! I like black, white, cream, gray, navy and a pop of dark green or a leopard print. I am a classic person I guess. 🙂
I, too don’t observe Lent for the same reasons as you. I read your post on it and it was very good.
I didn’t grow up in a church that observed Lent either mainly because it’s not mentioned in the Bible at all. I think it began with the Catholic church and I was Protestant my own life so….now the church we go to doens’t practice it either although we have a lot of ex Catholics in our congregation and they do obseve lent by giving something up. I figure if it’s not good for me for a few weeks a year maybe I should give it up for the Whole year! hahah.
I do focus on certain aspects of the Easter story though during the time leading up to Good Friday.
I love blueberry pancakes and that photo is perfect!
YAY for awesome lattes. I just had one earlier in the week….SO GOOD
Hi,
My husband makes the best pancakes too. 🙂
I always enjoy reading your answers and thoughts.
I enjoyed reading today. I have never really observed Lent either, other than reading more intentionally in Scripture regarding the events leading up to Good Friday and Easter.
We love pancakes and my entire Hodgepodge post centered on that!
It doesn’t take much to make me happy either!
I agree with you on lent. Yes, pancakes definitely need syrup. Sorry about your December. I can definitely relate. Your ring sounds pretty. Hopefully all will go well with your company. Love your random. Enjoy!
Thanks much…and glad you stopped by the blog today!
Sounds like you may have a new calling!! Good for you to make a delicious cup of fancy coffee. Everything I have made lately has tasted very bitter. Need to Google that and find out what would be causing that.
So glad you are feeling better after being spread thin over the holidays. Hope your company enjoys the day you plan for them downtown. It is difficult to make sure everyone is happy with food choices and activities. But I am sure you will show them a great time.