On the last Friday of every month, I join Emily Freeman at Chatting at the Sky to share what I’ve learned. I told H I didn’t feel like I had a very long list this month. His response? “You were probably too busy to pay attention or write things down.” Wise words. Maybe #1 should be: Your husband is often paying more attention to you than you think.
In no particular order, here is my list:
1) This year, October has five Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. This only happens once every 800 years. Yep, it’s true. Embrace the wonder beginning next week.
2) 41% of Americans read the bible on-line in the last year. That’s sayin’ a whole lot of somethin’.
3) Did you know that the band, One Direction, is a group of individual singers who didn’t make the cut on the X- Factor? (I’m probably the last one to know – whatever.) A judge suggested they form as a group. After practicing together for only two weeks they became an overnight success. Proof that sometimes what you can’t do by yourself, can be accomplished more successfully in a group.
4) Where is the happiest place on earth you ask? It’s no longer Disneyland but it still starts with the letter D. According to this, it’s now Denmark. (I’m still not sure I believe this one ya’ll.)
5) Although the common landscape at the beach is sand and sea, I find something new every single time I visit. I found several of these on a Sunday walk. Apparently when they wash up on shore, they are mating and then I learned this . . . .
6) The horseshoe crab plays a vital, if little-known, role in the life of anyone who has received an injectable medication. An extract of the horseshoe crab’s blood is used by the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to ensure that intravenous drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, are free of bacterial contamination. No other test works as easily or reliably for this purpose. Isn’t that the coolest? And we just thought they were prehistoric looking, oversized crabs.
7) Okay, so I admit it. When I saw the movie, The Saint, in 1997, I adopted a huge crush on Val Kilmer. After a lengthy absence from playing characters in movies, I discovered that he has been impersonating Mark Twain in a one act play called Citizen Twain for the past ten years. What? You can see his character transformation through makeup from his twitter feed here and watch him in action on stage here.
8) I’ve learned that the most vulnerable parts of our personal stories set others free to become fully human when we share them.
9) That it doesn’t hurt to ask a professional photographer whom you admire from a distance to take your daughter’s senior photos at the last possible minute. She just might say yes and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a moment of divine providence.
Isn’t my girl pretty?
10) Surprisingly, Fall is now my favorite season. At least this week. It’s the cool breeze prelude ushering in the gift of thanksgiving and a welcome walk into the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas. Only 89 days away. Eek!
11) I’m still brave (or a glutton for punishment). It’s what I learned about myself when I conquered writing every day in October last year for the first time. I’m doing it again this year. Join me? Find out more here.
12) According to the teenagers in my home, certain fonts say, “Uncool, out of touch, don’t take that person seriously.” Apparently Comic Sans is so last year. They roll their eyes just thinking about it. Who knew?
So, what did you learn this month? Let’s have some fun in the comments.
I always love love love these lists. I find out so much about the writer and world at large. i still haven’t had the courage to do the 31 days… well not as much courage as foresight and insight maybe?? 🙂 you daughter is so beautiful… enjoy these last days of September Shelly!!
I love writing them Tara, its fun to write something light-hearted and not serious sometimes. Like girlfriends catching up on the couch. Love seeing you here. You too, enjoy your last days of this month. This year is flying by so fast.
Whoa. I had no idea about #1 or #6 and the Val Kilmer thing is fascinating, especially as someone who also had a crush on him after The Saint. So glad Kelly got to take your daughter’s picture! She is so dang talented.
Leigh, I’m glad I’m not the only one to admit the crush. And yes, I loved meeting Kelly. I look forward to more time with her again in the future, we live so close to each other.
Waiting for everyday in October to seen what’s on my screen!
With fear and trepidation, I am thankful you are anticipating what God speaks. Thanks Mia.
What can I say? You’ve combined my love of lists and random minutiae into one blog post and I think that’s awesome. 🙂
And, yes, your girl is very pretty. I really like the flower in her hair!
Oh wow, so glad to hear that Anna, all rolled up into one post. I love doing these and keeping the list too.
That flower was so random and ended up bringing some life and beauty to the shots. Of course, Kelly knew that, its why she’s the professional and I’m not. 🙂
Oh, I do hate to tell you that #1 is a hoax. It’s been making the rounds for at least a couple of years, only sometimes it’s with Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I saw one that said 823 years. I guess you can say that’s what you learned – so you won’t be one short.
Oh no. Well, I guess I can say the thing I learned is not to believe all the statistics I read then. Thanks Ellen.
Among the top of my list for learning this month is that I need to declare the true value of my husband and daughter. I realized that I am not kind and even if they are also not kind, I need to keep quiet and be gracious. No reason for all three of us be act like asses! Also, I am seeing that some of the after effects from losing my brother are still with me. Need to submit that area to God completely!
I think I may join the writing everyday bandwagon and work on my journals and storybooks. I have an idea for a kid’s book series featuring the doggies. There are so many similar lessons puppies and kids learn when they are young.
Lisa, this is what I’ve always loved about you — your ability to be completely authentically honest. Bless you. I think you should definitely write, its just good for the soul no matter what the subject matter is about. You may find yourself writing about things you didn’t even know were there in your thoughts.
Love the idea aof writting for a month in October….may join you in that one..
I think you definitely should do.
Who, I would like to know, figured out that about the crab extract? Amazing what God has provided in the creation! Yes, your girl is a beauty. And you could have done her senior shots but I am glad you got to stand at a distance and be a proud Mama. Planning on writing 31 days in October only they won’t be posts for the blog but a goal I am setting for myself. Looking forward to October. 🙂
I know Dea, I thought the exact same thing. Like who figured that out? Really. Thanks for the encouragement about the photo shoot, she needed someone else besides her mama to do it and Kelly is truly an artist with a camera. I’m glad to a hear you are writing every day as a goal. There is a lot of good that will come out of that.
Amen to number 10!! Also to 11, can’t wait to follow along! Still deciding if I have the guts/discipline to do the 31 Days…Great post! 🙂
Kailey | living in the rain
http://www.kaileyrogers.com
You should do it Kailey. What is the worst thing that could happen? The only thing worse than not finishing is not trying in the first place. Right? Thanks for visiting. Your gravatar pic is gorgeous of you btw.
okay the crab thing is amazing & a little bit weird! Love the photos of Murielle here and on facebook – just gorgeous & thankyou for pointing me to Kelly’s blog – pictures and words both beautiful.
Lovely to connect with you Emma. I know, isn’t that crab thing amazing? I always Google what I find now, often what I see on beach walks carries some kind of message with it.
#1: Once every 800 years!? I should bake a cake or something. It was fun to read your list.
I know Lindsay. Someone said it was a hoax, so perhaps I’ve misled people. I guess I could turn it into a learning experience and post it on what I learned in October. *wink*
#12 – Seriously? Is there anything that doesn’t become outdated now? Gotta go…I have to search and decide on a new font that says I’m totally cool and in touch, and yes, you can take me seriously. 🙂
Laura, I had no idea. They actually went into this whole rant while I was in the midst of preparing this post, thus 12 things I learned instead of 11.
#11!!! I really want to challenge myself to the 31-day challenge but so nervous to take the plunge…this might be just what I need to join in! #10…fall is 100% my favorite time of year…I’ve already started wearing my fall boots and vests even though it’s still 80-degrees hear…wishful thinking!:)
Leia Bryn
http://www.becomingbryn.com
It’s warm here too Leia. My daughter wore boots and a jacket to school, came home and changed into shorts because she was hot. We’re anxious. Love fall. And take the plunge on the 31 Days writing prompt. Go for it!
Can’t wait to see M’s Sr. portrait portfolio….will likely be amazing!
I need to send you the link. They are quite amazing indeed. Beautiful actually.
I learned number 8 this month too! Writing those difficult, painful things from life is good for me, but also for my readers.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad I’m not the only one Cara. Thanks for being here.
What a fascinating list. I love the wonders of trivia like this. One thing I learned this month is that God continues to surprise me. I had a friend contact me that I hadn’t heard from in a couple of years. What a fun surprise that was!
31 days? Now that is quite the challenge….might just try to do it with you. Love the way you share fun facts here. And I like Comic Sans….hmmmm…maybe I am outdated?
Hugs Shelly!
Kelly
i love your list.. you did this perfectly!! and your husband? a genius 😉
I always love your lists, Shelly! Horseshoe crabs and IV drugs? WHAT?! #crazy
I won’t do a blog on what I learned this month, just 1 comment. I learned that yes I can fly in a commercial airplane, survive the cramped flight, pack following all the rules, survive security check (including pat down and residue check), and make it back home in one piece. Yet, I do need my husband as my trusty companion, or I would never be able to carry, stow, and collect my suitcase. I am thankful that God helped get us to our middle son’s wedding in Chicago, despite all the obstacles. I had not flown in 8 years.
Wow, that is a big deal Janet. Congrats!
I always love your lists… and this time? Numbers 8-11 – Yes and AMEN!!!
LOL.. and #12? Yeah… Comic Sans is SOOooooo last year!
Visiting from Emily’s!
~K~