white tee (S) // similar jeans (29) // sandals (8; also at Dillard’s) // earrings // bracelet
Well, friends. This has certainly been a week for the record books. I’m sure we’re all feeling a bit weary and war-torn right now. I know I am. The community of Uvalde, Texas, has been on my heart constantly this week; and then there’s the inevitable fallout on social media that’s so hard to avoid when you work in this space.
I’m not one to make a public service announcement every time something devastating hits the news, but I realize saying nothing may seem apathetic, and I am certainly not that. I care very much for those involved, but I also believe that humans were not intended to carry the emotional burden of every tragedy that happens in the world. Between social media that never sleeps and the 24-hour news cycle, we have access to way too much information all the time. I have no doubt that it’s contributing to the mental health epidemic that’s pervading our culture.
All that to say, I try not to dwell too much on world events that don’t directly affect me, but some things hit closer to home than others. As a former 3rd grade teacher and the mother of a high schooler, school shootings are certainly one of those. I tell myself that statistically, they are extremely rare, and I know that school is still one of the safest places my kids can be despite the uptick in these events over the past few years. But it doesn’t always feel that way.
The explanations and answers are multi-faceted, and I wish we could come together as a nation over this rather than ripping each other apart, but that does not seem to be the way things are done these days.
Meanwhile, life goes on for the rest of us, and we’ve had a nice weekend so far. Paul and I took his mom to an outdoor music festival at a local winery yesterday afternoon, and I reconnected with a dear friend from my past who was performing, which was really fun.
We have plans with friends this afternoon, and then tomorrow I think we’re just going to be lazy and hang out by the pool. We had a big gathering here last weekend, so it feels too soon to do that again, although the weather will certainly be conducive. Maybe something will end up developing, who knows? We shall see.
Tomorrow will be four weeks since my surgery, and I’m continuing to feel better every day, but it’s definitely a process. I’m at a rather crucial stage in recovery, so I’m praying for no complications as everything continues to heal. Because I feel so much better, it’s easy to get careless, especially when trying on clothes. I’m trying to remember to be careful and take it slowly.
Other than that, we’re just plugging along over here, trying to get our youngest through her sophomore year of high school. The older two have their summer jobs lined up and are enjoying the extra free-time without college classes. We have some fun vacations coming up so we’re looking forward to those, and believe it or not, I’m already gearing up for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which previews at the end of June. #dontshootthemessenger
Speaking of which, if you’re looking to do some online shopping this weekend, don’t miss my favorites from the Victoria Emerson sale, these beauty deals at QVC, and my top 10 picks from the MDW sales. I also did a roundup from the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale, and I updated my Summer Wardrobe Essentials this week.
I hope you all enjoy the rest of your long weekend, and have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day. I know our country isn’t perfect, but I’m forever grateful to those who fought and died for this great American experiment. Stay safe out there!
16 Responses
I appreciate what you share and your honesty. Please rest yourself and allow the healing process to stay its course. If the pic you posted is post-surgery, you continue to look amazing!
Thank you for what you do, and going the extra mile to guide us in looking our best! It truly is appreciated!!
Jo-Lynne,
I think your comment “humans were not intended to carry the emotional burden of every tragedy that happens in the world,” could be one of the most insightful thoughts I’ve heard recently. Thank you.
That comment is very insightful and true….but knowing about the incident doesn’t protect us from that. In a way ignorance is indeed bliss. Have a wonderful weekend all.
Perfect tone and message. Just perfect!
Please don’t forget that your body is still healing so it needs you to be extra gentle with it. You are looking great! We do not have any special plans for this Memorial Day weekend. It’s way too hot here for either of us to be outside during the daytime. We are proudly flying our American flag. I keep reminding myself that tragedy has been a part of this world since it’s creation, and the best thing I can do is pray and ask God to help those directly involved, and to protect those closest to me. Have a blessed day!
Well said Jo-Lynne. Thank you for your insight. A very heavy week for sure with lots of prayers going out. Nothing for us this afternoon then a BBQ with friends tomorrow. Enjoy your family while you still have them home.
First, you look beautiful in you new outfit picture! Next, in your “favorites” list, the Eileen Fischer black dress looks like something I’ve been looking for, but how high is the crew neck? On the model pictured, it looks pretty high up on her neck. Also the Athleta wrap looks great for traveling (so I’m ordering that asap!). Lastly, the recent school shooting was devastating. As a current 4th grade teacher, this hits “close to the heart.” We have frequent “stranger on campus” drills but never think it’s going to happen to us, right? I agree with you that the current culture which includes a life on social media and always having access to information is changing the development of young people. That combined with the toxins in our environment and food supply, and the changing family structure….I’ve seen a huge rise in kids with anger management issues over the past decade. It’s sad and unfortunate.
The neckline on the dress is pretty high, but it doesn’t bother me b/c it is overall so flattering. Here’s a better picture. https://shopstyle.it/v/2nE
Looks good. I’m going to order to try on. Thank you!
Blessings go out to all you teachers as you forge forward everyday to try and combine learning with caring and reassurance to all these precious kids! Thanks for all you do.
Thank you, Nancy. 💛
Your message is right on point and just what I needed this weekend. Glad your healing and feeling good. Oh I am jealous you are having good weather though, Oregon seems to have forgotten what sunshine is 🤦🏻♀️🥴😂 have a wonderful weekend!!
Very eloquent.
I pray for you during this time of your recovery 🙏 We live in a crazy time. Our God is in control and He wins. I have to remind myself during such tragedy.
I appreciate your honesty and genuine comments about the awful events last week! Take care of yourself and continue to rest!! Blessings to you!
Thank you for thoughtful message…. you manage your blog messages so well in a difficult and precarious time. Thank you for all of your consideration and hard work. I’m praying that we are all blessed with God’s wisdom and discernment.