Had a quiet day at home. Mostly spent the time working on my knitting. Had to pop the knitting down to capture this though!
There are so perks to a day of mostly torrential rain.
Signing off for now.
Summer rainbows in July
life
Some Sunday Surprises
It’s been a while since I’ve posted on here.
So this Sunday I had a lot of fun visiting my first telephone box library in Bergen on my way to church. It was such a lovely thing to find.
There are only a 100 boxes left since the advances in technology and I love that some are being given new lives as little libraries.
I really enjoyed browsing the shelves and found a copy of Victoria Hislop’s book Øya (the island) which I’ve read a few times and thought it would be useful to read to practice my Norwegian.
Anyway that’s all for now.
Summing up the year in books
I’ve neglected the blog this autumn and early winter. Now its January already. I thought I’d give a run down of some of the best books I read this past year.
Firstly are two books by Brenè Brown.
Daring Greatly
In this Brenè weaves in stories and takeaways to put into action about vulnerability and shame. The main takeaway for me was realising areas in life where I let shame take over instead of being vulnerable. She talks in depth how to practically outwork shame resilience in both our personal lives and at work. She has really built on the work in The Gifts of Imperfection.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” Brenè Brown
And also this..
“The willingness to show up changes us, It makes us a little braver each time.” Brenè Brown
Its how I endeavour to begin each day and especially on days when I’m finding things tough.
The Gifts of Imperfection
I’ve just finished reading this. It was my final read of the year. It had been on my to read list for a few years. I love how open and honest Brenè is. Aside from practicing being vulnerable one of the main areas I’m looking to work on is what meaningful work looks like for me.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Brenè Brown
Also this quote inspires me to choose bravery over fear in my everyday life. Often we can let fear run amok instead of just being who we are.
Come Matter Here: Your invitation to be here in a getting there world by Hannah Brencher
This was one of my most favourite books. So much so that I gave my copy away to a friend. Its got me to understand the value of staying present both physically and mentally too.
“I think we worship these stories of leaving it all behind and going somewhere new, but I’m beginning to see that every one of those stories has the same truth holding up this romantic idea of leaving: The stuff you’re not facing will follow you. It will get in the car too. It will pack a bag too. Leaving isn’t the key; changing is. I’m learning that life isn’t about the destinations we can boast about getting to; it’s about all the walking in between that feels pointless when you try to take a picture of it because no one will understand it like you do. It’s the in between stuff that fleshes out a story—gives it guts and transformation.
It’s not about the scenery changing or the person you say good night to. The traveler must be the one to change. That’s what makes the story good.” Hannah Brencher
This I can relate to so much. I’m learning to see the value and learning in staying in the little town I currently call home. Also right now that looks like having the unknown coming for the ride to. I’m learning to continue to live life curiously and be open to what comes along the way. It’s not the easiest way but worth it. Also learning to not take people’s expectations for my life to heart. I find that when I do that the consequences are that I feel like a failure. Which is not true but it’s what the little voice in my head says.
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
Oh I just love Bob’s stories and his latest book is a cracker.
“Jesus talked to His friends a lot about how we should identify ourselves. He said it wouldn’t be what we said we believed or all the good we hoped to do someday. Nope, He said we would identify ourselves simply by how we loved people. It’s tempting to think there is more to it, but there’s not. Love isn’t something we fall into; love is someone we become.” Bob Goff
It really got me to see that even the people I can’t stand need loving too. That is still very much a work in progress. Also that loving people is no one of thing but what life is about.
Searching for Sunday Rachel Held Evans
I so loved reading this.
“Imagine if every church became a place where everyone is safe, but no one is comfortable. Imagine if every church became a place where we told one another the truth. We might just create sanctuary.”
― Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church
This was the main point that I took away from reading this. Its one of the things I love about the little community I have here. Its so good to have a place where I can be myself and feel included and valued.
Scribbles from last week
Did some old school handwritten poetry last week. It was super fun!
I think I should do this more often 😊.
Footprints and journeys
Leave footprints wherever you may go
Sparkle and sunbeams
Scatter as you wander
Memories flying past like
paper planes
Grateful for the journeys taken
Places of growth, pain, joy
and learning
Some things last longer than intended
But the path taken was the
right one and finished
at the right moment.
Where learning meant
Speaking up for yourself is okay
Finding calm in the frantic
Seeing children smile with joy.
C.Farish 01/04/18
Wednesday evening scribblings
Some evening thoughts.
No title as yet.
Untitled
Some days I linger in the present
Enjoying what is now
Like smiles and laughter
Hugs and tea time
table drumming
But at night I often
Find myself wishing I
was someplace else
Seeds of discontentment grow
Of feeling alone
And wondering where home is?
I see things often that I like
and stop myself
Cause I don’t have a place to call home
I’m discovering there are
some down sides to
restlessness
Finding belonging is one.
Still something I struggle with
Growing up I was the kid most
comfortable with my head
in a book
Than being in a crowd or
Spending time with others
Reading was a place of escape
comfort and adventure
And it’s still one of the best travel
companions.
Am still being the one to wear
my heart on my sleeve.
C.Farish 21/03/18
Beginnings in February
I’m not one for doing New Years resolutions but this year I have decided to set myself a few goals.
Chiefly to finish my poetry book and get it published is top of the list.
Also to devote more time to reading, learning and all things crafty.
The other day I signed up for a freelance photography diploma which is super exciting. As it’s something I thought about doing in my teens but never did. But I’m so glad I can do it now!
Its okay to chase your dreams one small step at a time.
Signing off for now.
Early mornings and branches
Early mornings and branches.
Breathing in ordinary moments.
Crisp air fills my lungs and frost crackles underfoot.
Looking up at silhouettes in the sky.
Shadowed by the night sky.
Soon to be flooded in daylight
C.Farish 28/12/17
Riding home in the rain
Rode home in the rain earlier this evening. It was very refreshing..
and was inspired to do some impromptu song/poetry along the way.
He loves you just as you are
He loves you just as you are
You are valuable more than you know
You are valuable more than you know
He’ll never let you down
When you feel so overwhelmed
sad and alone
He is there
By your side
He loves you just as you are
He loves you just as you are
When days are joyful and full of splendour
He loves you just the same
He’s with you always
03/04/17
Sometimes I like to write. 