The Recliner: My New Best Friend
And a Christmas gift suggestion.
A week ago—six days before my hip surgery, while running errands and getting as many ducks lined up as possible, I called my husband Tom and said, “I think we should buy a recliner.”
The last time we owned a recliner was the country blue one that matched our country blue and white checkered couch and loveseat. That was about 25 years ago. When we updated our decor (which we’ve done twice since the country blue), a recliner just didn’t fit the vibe.
But there comes a time. When staring down the face of surgery that would make climbing stairs to get to our second-floor bedroom or getting in and out of my comfy chair and cushiony couch a huge challenge, the decorating vibe takes second place.
As we age, we make adjustments. Comfort trumps style. My daughter Chloe, while helping Tom haul the new recliner into the house, said, “Well. It’s official. Now you’re really a grandma!” (True. But I’m a happy grandma who is very satisfied with her impulse buy!)
Have you adjusted your style due to age, health, or physical challenges? You have my blessing. 😊
Taking it easy.
Since the repair of my torn tendon two days ago, except for short walks (with my walker) to the bathroom or kitchen, I’ve spent 24 hours a day in that recliner. It has become one of my best friends—hugging me, supporting me, and comforting me. My other best friend and helpmate has been living out his marriage vows like a champ.
It will be a few weeks before I can resume some “normal” activities, but could be months before things completely heal. So I’m settling in a little early for my “long winter’s nap.” I’m reading, writing, knitting, and watching Netflix. I’m all caught up on the Great British Baking Show and we started Lupin last night. I’m looking forward to watching Lessons in Chemistry and All the Light We Cannot See—both 5-star reads for me.
What are you watching? I’m taking suggestions!
44 days until Christmas.
I’ve already started my Christmas shopping too, which I can easily accomplish these days from the recliner. Besides online shopping, our family discovered the “Giftster” app several years ago, which helps us make wishlists and avoid duplicate gifts.
Have you started your shopping yet? Maybe you’re one of those early birds that has it all done by mid-August. Or are you a last-minute shopper? Let me help you.
95 days until Lent.
If you’re looking for a faith-based, under-$15 gift for your loved ones or yourself, might I suggest my book, Lent through the Little Things: Encountering Jesus in Life’s Ordinary Moments? Lent begins in mid-February, so now is a great time to think ahead.
Since I released my book in mid-January, 2023, I had only a few short weeks to get the word out before Lent. I’m hoping even more readers will take their Lenten journey with me in 2024!
If you were one of the 350+ people who bought and read my book this past year, thank you! Your support means so much to me. Although authors depend on book sales for financial support and to grow their following, there are several other ways we count on our readers. Here’s how you can help me.
If you’ve read Lent through the Little Things, leave a ranking or better yet, a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, etc. Other potential readers rely heavily on a book’s ranking and reviews.
Spread the word to others (or buy them a copy for Christmas!)
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Speaking of Lent through the Little Things, I have two exciting announcements!
Last year, the book was only available on Amazon. You can now purchase it at your favorite online bookstores other than Amazon! Here are just a few possibilities:
And…I now offer a FREE Companion Journal download to deepen your Lenten journey. By responding to three questions each day, you’ll add your own thoughts and words to the daily meditations in Lent through the Little Things, enriching and personalizing your encounters with Jesus. (Available in printable or fillable PDF.)
If you’re receiving this post THROUGH YOUR EMAIL, scroll down for a direct link to the download!
If you’re reading on the SUBSTACK APP (whether you’re a SUBSCRIBER OR NOT), click HERE to go to my website for instructions on getting your free download.
As I kick back in my recliner—my new best friend, I think of you, my friend. In this season of giving thanks, I’m so grateful for your support!
May you find nuggets of encouragement, hope, and faith as we take life’s JOYRIDE together!
My husband and I watched the movie Genie. A little sappy but heartfelt!
I hope the recovery goes smoothly, a recliner and cat both seem like good self-care!
I'm enjoying Lessons in Chemistry as it rolls out each week. I haven't read the book so I can't speak to the translation from book to tv, but it's been a compelling series so far. We also enjoyed All the Light We Cannot See. The right amount of time had passed since I read the book so I didn't notice the changes that were made, just the beautiful storytelling. If you want brainless fun, my husband and I landed on a reality show called "007: Road to a million" on Amazon prime. Teams of two go through a series of Bond-style challenges in order to win money along the way.