The Idea of Twenty Wishes
Happy Final Friday in May! Today, I am seeking your thoughts…so let’s explore The Idea of Twenty Wishes.
This idea of twenty wishes originated with a book I devoured this week…and I think it would make for an interesting discussion.
Sometimes, our deepest thoughts to ponder can come from unexpected places.
And that is what happened to me this past week.
You are looking at a reading room in the thrift shop I introduced to you yesterday…The Gypsy Rose Antiques.
There was a huge sign calling me in…75% off!
To walk out with a few reads at $1.50 a book was the hook.
So, allow me to take you to the place where I have been pondering the idea of twenty wishes.
THE IDEA OF TWENTY WISHES: DEBBIE MACOMBER
There are times I just want a quick, enjoyable fiction read…a good story that takes me to new places.
I am not marking up pages here like I often do…or seeking great insight and wisdom…just a good story…and author Debbie Macomber has often provided these moments for me in the past.
And I have enjoyed her trips to Blossom Street.
So, at $1.50 I selected a couple of her hardbacks and carried them home with my thrift store treasures.
But, within this story, TWENTY WISHES, I got lost in some deep thoughts.
This book was written before the tragic loss of Macomber’s son, but it does take the reader to the feet of four women experiencing loss and a need to work through and get past the grief.
I found it to be particularly insightful for all of us in the second life…whose loss may not be a person, but a career or changing roles or changing places.
These women decided to write lists of twenty wishes they desired to accomplish in life….not so much a bucket list…but very personal, specific wishes.
Some would scrapbook their wishes, but all, with these wishes in mind, ended up changing their lives in positive ways.
Focusing on the wishes, opened their hearts and minds to new people and situations they may have discounted before.
And everyone they shared their journeys and wishes with, eventually wrote their own.
She opens with a letter to her readers which immediately took me back to Texas summer nights as a child.
I would often sit alone…on a screened in porch…look up at the vast stars in the sky….ponder life…and dream.
It was actually in this same situation where I first met God.
For a few moments, the author returned me to my summer nights on the screened in porch.
One of my wishes as a young teen was to one day have my own column in a daily newspaper…well, that is really what daily blogging is!
What were my wishes then…had they changed? I can see where in our second half of life, it is fun to set new goals that I believe are obtainable….yet aspirational.
For me, it would also become a list to pray over, and assist me to be active in pursuing the desires of my heart. However, understanding that if God says NO, it is for my own good.
I do not believe that by wishing something, it will make it happen.
However, this book as me thinking of the value of twenty wishes and where that might take me and the fun it would provide to see where they go.
At this same time, the new summer issue of the Magnolia Journal was released.
READ this NOTE FROM JO, as to why she selected the Chase Adventure theme for summer. It might inspire you as well.
Now, twenty wishes for me do not include hot air balloon rides or jumping from cliffs into the ocean or learning to pilot small planes…but your list might.
I am working on my idea of twenty wishes for right now.
I do have one on the list.
For years, I have desired to own my own shop or boutique…and at this stage of my life where I am very busy with family and on limited income, it really does not make sense.
But, what might make sense, is to rent a space in one of these shops where you become a small vendor on your own and can curate your space.
This just might be a possibility. So, my list now has one wish….
To rent a space and curate a small vintage shop of clothing and home goods.
My next wish, is one that I have had for many years and not seen to fruition (though I have started)
To write a book or children’s book series.
OK, I have started my list of twenty wishes…would anyone like to join me…or share if you already have such a list….
THE IDEA OF TWENTY WISHES: OUR SUMMER NEEDS
Summer goals for most of my family include getting into shape and increasing stength.
Mr. B is in training to run more trail races, and my older grandsons are in training for athletics.
Old and young…we all have used Epsom Salt baths and extol the virtues. But now, it is easier to get this help.
I already shared with you how EPSOM – IT SOOTHING NERVE LOTION is helping my recovering foot.
So, all of us plan to use EPSOM -IT SOOTHING MUSCLE LOTION for recovery this summer. Even the grandsons said they would use it as they train to enter school sports in football.
These products will assist you with whatever is on your list for this summer! I plan to try the bath balm and the rollerball for my feet also.
Thanks for stopping by today for my discussion on the Idea of Twenty Wishes…would love to hear what you think!
Until tomorrow…..
EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog. It means the world.
AND…visit my NEW CURATED SHOP where I will be adding my finds on a regular basis.
Disclaimer: I am an #EPSOMITPARTNER, and the words are my own. I do receive compensation @EPSOM_IT.
What a good book recommendation. The cover picture pulled me right in.
You definitely have me thinking about my Twenty Wishes. This might be something I need right now.
I am thinking about mine as well…I do not think there will be 20…but who knows?
I believe very much in the idea of goal-setting as a way of directing our energies in life, so making twenty wishes is a fun way to think about it. This January, I set as a goal or wish (Enormous Wish!), to resolve several longings with one big solution. I miss my grown sons terribly, want to be near them and my soon to be d.i.l., and also wanted to create a better daily life for my dad, who although I visit and care for daily, lives an otherwise solitary life since my mom passed. As you know, my solution was to ready my house for sale, locate and purchase a new home near the kids to accomodate my husband, myself and my father, move, and then sell his place. It has been a full time endeavor for months, but we are less than a month from moving day, and I just feel that my life will take on such a balance and satisfaction. If that isn’t wish fulfillment, then I don’t know what is. 🙂 My dad can’t wait to see the kids all the time, and I can’t wait to enjoy all the day to day family time. We all look forward to everything the large city has to offer. Beyond that, my wish list becomes easy: get out and make new friends, enjoy lots of music and theater, find a new pottery or maker’s studio, join a new gym, find a church home. I also hope to create some fun new traditions with my oldest friends as we trade our familiar outings here for some multi-day visits at the new place, or meeting in the middle for some girl-cations! 😄
Love your wish list and it is so similar to mine…since we both are going through major moves. I also long to be closer my son’s and their families…but that one is huge. So, I am trying not to limit my wishes..but dream big. You gave me a couple of new ideas here…thanks Connie.
One of my favorite books..
I first became familiar with books by Debbie Macomber when I read her Blossoms Street series. Her books are quick to read and make you feel good. Thinking of screen porches and wishes in the summertime make me appreciate my many blessings though my wishes from those long ago days are probably far removed from real life. I’ve always wanted to travel, but my Mr. B is a homebody so I’ve traveled very little through our 56 years together. Now I’m struggling with foot, knee and hip pains but nevertheless going to France with a travel group from our bank. My Mr. B is not going though I’d rather he did, but I’m going as this has been a constant wish through my life…not necessarily to visit France but to travel overseas.
I loved the Magnolia note from Jo. We are both homebodies. We did all of our adventuring when we were younger and before my health failed. This summer I hope to be able to go on our dog walks again. I hope for a remission in my RA pain. So my adventures now are in books and BritBox shows in the evening. Our family room and primary bathroom are still not finished from the water pipe break disaster. It started March 16 and is moving at a snails pace. My wish is to have it all restored and have my quiet peaceful mountain home back. Water can be so devastating. Connie you are so brave and Pamela too. Starting over in a new town and a new home. So brave.
Connie I’m glad things are working out so well. Sounds like good times ahead for you & your family. Pam, I think you’d have fun curating a space in an antique shop. When I was in school my dream was to write and illustrate children’s books. I think you’d be good at that. My only wish right now is to find a way through the mess I’m in. My car was hit today. I’m physically fine but my car is not drive able. The other driver was at fault, There’s a police report complete with a witness but the other driver was driving a rental car and I have been trying to deal with them about getting my car towed out of a downtown Asheville church parking lot. The call center is obviously overseas and while they are polite they will not help me. And that’s only the beginning. It was just a year ago that my husband’s car was totaled the same way by a driver pulling out of a parking lot without looking or braking.
Good to know…it was new to me, and a very quick and enjoyable read.
I hope you are able to Celia, since it means so much to you. I reach for Debbie Macomber’s books for the same reasons.
I don’t feel brave at all…but it has been fun, challenging, rewarding and emotional all rolled into one. I hope your pain does subside soon, Sydney.
KATHIE! So sorry about this for you…what a bummer. I am glad you are fine, but the car situation is such a bummer and every time I get an out of country phone service it drives me nuts. So I get that you are going through a lot. I hope you can get some rest and peace later today.