Why am I starting a blog?
The joyful crumb mulling over its own existence. Also what's in my grocery bag?
The main reason I came to Substack was to start putting words out into the world to see if people like them. When I contemplate my dream job, alongside being a mom and a homemaker, is writing. It might be an unnecessary weight that I’ve given to the printed word, it might be VIBES in the writing world, it might be something else. Maybe its because God is an author and I admire that about Him.
Quick tangent: You know how romance novels are insanely popular right now? I haven’t gotten into “romantasy” yet, but in the movies and books I’ve read, I LOVE an enemies to lovers storyline. I think it results in a little more emotion? The strange appeal of going from yelling to kissing is real. A slow-burn, enemies to lovers like Pride & Prejudice is a favorite. My current epiphany is that the enemies to lovers trope is so appealing because it is the story of God and people. For the Christian, we were God’s enemies, then brought near by Jesus into a life giving love relationship.
Before I get into reasons, I want to shoutout to my friend Valerie at Valerie Lindsey Photography for helping me get some more casual headshots and content that make me look like less like an accountant. If you see a picture that looks like it was taken with a real camera, it was probably her 👏.
Okay reasons for the genesis of the joyful crumb:
I recently wrote a young children’s book (and working on another!) that I am trying to get published, and developing a following is helpful for showing publishers. I recently signed with a Christian literary agent and I am not expecting too much but obviously hoping and praying that someone picks up “The Shepherd’s Faithful Friends©” 🤗.
I have a bunch of google docs where I have been accumulating notes over the past few years, saying to myself, “This could be something…” something being a post topic, interview questions for friends, the start of a short story or devotional. Forcing myself to write more could bring a few unfinished ideas out into the world.
Writing is also just fun sometimes. It’s hard, scary, and fun, like a lot of worthwhile things in life. I want there to be purpose in the things I do. I studied accounting but the two poetry classes I took in college were probably my favorite. I love it when you read something and think, “Same, I thought I was the only one.”
A writing professor told me that pretty much always, a writer gets better over time as long as they don’t give up.
I am walking though a season of trying new things, like:
Cooking club and book club
A creative writing class at our local community college
Horse riding lessons
Short-term fostering
Painting my own walls and cabinets
One more new thing for this week:
What’s in my Grocery Bag?
Barbacoa Hot Ones Hot Sauce - I’ve had this flavor before and it was on sale at our grocery store! The first bottle was nearly used up after ONE WEEK by Caleb… So I bought four more bottles on sale, it’s a 4/10 heat level and delicious on eggs or anything Mexican, and if an extra bottle survives until Christmas it’s a perfect stocking stuffer.
Gorgeous Belle Glos Rosé - This bottle is perfect for gifting and doesn’t break the bank, the glimmering dipped wax, wow.
Naturally Decaffeinated Coffee - This is probably the best decaf I’ve ever had. It was also buy one get one free at our grocery store this week so it felt worth it. I can not handle regular coffee in the evening but I still want it! This brand also has some funny names for their roasts that make them great gifts.
Gladiolus - These tall stalks that Caleb calls, “giant asparagus” have amazing blooms and last a while if you get them just as they are opening.
Gluten Free Sourdough starter - A friend gave me some of theirs and I am excited to try it out! People sometimes name their starter because it is technically alive and you have to feed it regularly to keep it from dying. My friend named her starter Garfield, so the current name for my starter is “Son of Garfield”
Gluten Free Instant Ramen! I like the brand Koyo a lot but can’t find it online. Instant ramen has come back into my life like a sudden flame —> Watch this Notebook clip to see how I feel about instant ramen. Just replace she with instant ramen, and heart with stomach.
Fruits to make a beautiful watermelon fruit salad! Cherries, strawberries, and watermelon chunks tossed in zested lime juice with fresh mint leaves make for a perfect end of summer treat.
Please ask me about any of these new endeavors, and comment if you’re looking to try something new, too!
