So Close to Greatness…
So Close to Amazing!
Hey Y’all!
Are you surprised to hear from me? Yeah, it’s been too long.
And to think… I was so close to greatness. SO close to AMAZING!
On my way to blogging greatness, life happened.
It started with grand babies. My husband and I began keeping one and sometimes two of them several days a week. It was so much fun! We got to be a part of lots of precious moments… like first steps and eating steamed carrots from the high chair tray.
I tried to keep up with the blog while loving on my littles – and for a while it worked. But soon I found myself staying up until 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning to get my blog work done. It was looking more and more as though I couldn’t have it all, much less do it all. So close to greatness… but not quite there.
In the meantime, my dad began to need more care and attention. We started going along for doctor appointments and taking most meals with him. We helped him with household tasks and estate planning.
So the blog kind of slipped below the radar. And the cares of the world crept in.
Determined to hang on – indeed to get a ‘shot in the arm’ – I was able to attend the Haven blogging conference. It was there that I got to visit with my sweet blogging friend, KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms.
And the most serendipidous thing happened! I was included in the launch team for her new book, So Close to Amazing!
If there ever was a book that I could identify with, it’s this one! It’s the story of my life… I’ve always felt that I was on the verge of accomplishing great things, amazing things! Have you ever felt that way, so close to amazing? But not quite there?
During this season of my life as a member of the ‘sandwich’ generation (sandwiched between caring for grandchildren as well as aging parents), this book met a definite need! KariAnne is a master wordsmith as she weaves stories about her journey of stepping out on faith and learning to be comfortable in her own skin. It’s a struggle we have all had, and she shares how God was with her every step of the way!
I couldn’t put this book down – I identified with KariAnne in every way! You can get the book HERE. It’s very affordable and would make a perfect gift! (affiliate link)
And below is a collection of thoughts about this delightful book, So Close to Amazing, as well as some of our experiences with being a bit less than perfect!
Love this Sondra Lyn! Have an amazing week! laura
Sondra,
What an amazing blessing in our lives to find others who encourage us and lift us up. Our friend, KariAnne, has a way of being a rock star at encouragement, and so are you. Your words filled with life’s ups and downs are also filled with hope and encouragement.
I am so glad you are part of this group, that I got to meet you, and love being on the blog tour with you.
Judith
Sondra,
It was so awesome to get to spend time with you at Haven this year! I am so thankful you have come along for the journey and so happy to call you friend!
Happy day rock star!
karianne
Sondra Lyn – it has been such an honored getting to know you these past few months. What a joy it is to share this blog tour with you!
Hi Sondra,
I totally understand about the forgetting to blog thing. I have every good intention, but other things come priority sometimes. Even though I feel “so close” with my audience, I feel “amazing” with my family as I have put them first! I’m so glad I have been able to meet you through this So Close to Amazing journey. I hope you have a wonderful week!!!
Life has such a way of happening!!! 🙂
Several years ago my parents were in that space of spending time with grandchildren AND also helping their aging parents and taking them to dr. appointments and getting groceries for them. It is definitely, definitely a very busy stage.
So fun joining in on the blog tour with you! So Close to Amazing is one of my favorite books so far this year!
Hey Sondra Lyn, How blessed are we that we can put our ‘jobs’ on hold while we enjoy life and take care of that which needs tending. I still have one in high school and a dad suffering from Alzheimer’s, so there are many times when the blog needs to be my last priority…but the good news is that it’s not going anywhere…right? And we can’t get fired…it’s there when we have time for it.
Enjoy those grandbabies and take care of Dad…we’ll be here when you come back. And I’m so glad to be on this little ‘book tour’ journey with you!
Many hugs, Lynn
I’m with you in the sandwich place. The littles are so adorable, aren’t they? We have another arriving any day, and can hardly wait. And my parents have a 75th Anniversary this October! Busy life it is. I’m glad we crossed paths on this Karianne book tour. Blessings…
I know your plate is pretty full right now. I believe this book and this launch team came along at just the right time.
Lisa
Sondra Lyn, we are living the sandwich generation thing at our house right now too. Sometimes it’s so hard but I remind myself that we are blessed to be in this position. Take time for the things you love too though. 🙂