1. Releasing a book is sort of kind of like having a baby.
I am not the first person to say this, but this is the first time I have released a solo book project and it is the first time I have felt this way. So, I’m going to say it like I’m the only person who has ever said it. When Being OK with Where You Are released I was nervous.
“What if they don’t like my book?”
“What if they think it is ugly?”
“What if no one wants to hold it?”
I was also tired from pulling later nighters trying to get it ready. The first week I kept hoping someone would bring me dinner and do my dishes. Then I realized my book was a book—not a person. I’m still pretty emotional about it, because now I feel like my heart is running around for everyone to read. See, it is so similar to motherhood.
You all have been amazing about the book. Really. You have oohed and ahhed over it and said the nicest things. You make a book mama proud.
2. I will never get used to comments like this. My heart is full.
Let’s all pray for our sweet new friend in Zambia!
3. God has a better plan, always.
I have lived it this month, even when I can’t see the whole arc of His plan, He can. And His plan is always better than mine. He sees the end from the beginning. I have lean into it, because really, it is best. I like this quote from Beth Moore (loving this study!):
“Faith sometimes means forgetting our desires because we trust Christ to have a better plan for our lives.” – David 90 Day Study*
4. I don’t want to drink pumpkin anything in my cup.
I really re-learned this, but every fall I feel the need to say it out loud. I know you may love pumpkin in your cup and that is totally fine with me. I’d prefer to drink a latte with a touch of Hazelnut in mine. I also rush right past those pumpkin shakes on Pinterst. Now muffins, are a different story all together.
5. I may want to join in for 31 Days in October, but what I really need is to read, listen, and recharge.
Yesterday, on a perfectly normal Thursday I talked myself into doing The Nester’s 31 Day October challenge. And then I talked myself out of doing it. My sweet friend Emily (her sister) has released a new book. It is beautiful and all about making art and the million little ways we show God to others* when we do. And, after her encouragement, I gave myself permission to just breath and rest easy in October. So, I’ll be here, but not for 31 days straight. I will however be cheering on all the others who take the challenge. I’m a huge fan.
So what will you be doing, drinking, and reading in October?
I’d love to hear!
xo,
Stacey
*post contains Amazon affiliate links
Oh friend. I so needed to hear that quote from Beth Moore today. It is so similar to what I felt The Lord speak to my heart this morning. Thank you 🙂
Angi it is a great study! More like a devotional but deeper!
Hello there friend- you’re my link up buddy! Thrilled to hear about your book, from you- I’ve “heard” about it for many days now- all over the web. =) So…it’s on my What to Read In November list now and I can hardly wait. Way to go!
And me too, no pumpkin in my cup…
Lori you are so sweet! Thanks for adding my book to your list! So nice to meet you and cheers in our nonpumpkin cups!
It was fun to read your list. I needed that Beth Moore quote as well. Leaning into God’s plan is sometimes a hard step of faith, but thanks for sharing from the other side of it.
Congrats, Stacey on your first solo book! 🙂
It does look beautiful and reads well!
And yes, I get what you’re saying because I just released my first book too and it IS alot like having a baby! Only with less pain! 😉
Thanks Alexis! So excited for your book journey as well! You should be so proud of all your hard work girl!
I completely hear you on changing your mind about doing 31 days, thank you for sharing that and how you listened to your heart. I thought about it but after doing a 31 day theme in August there is no way I want to post every day for a month again. We each know best if it is a good time to do something or to give ourselves permission to pass this time around.
Hi Stacey! Congrats on your book, my friend. This is huge. Maybe writers should get “book showers” like baby showers. Instead of diapers and wipes, gift cards for take-out and Starbucks and a massage. I think we should start a trend. : )
Looking forward to saying seeing you soon at Allume!
Marian
Oh girl this is the BEST idea ever. I can’t wait to see you, too!
Your book also popped up for me as a recommendation! Glad to find you here in this link up!
I really resonated with the things on your list. And I haven’t yet published a book, but I do find that I am protective of my writing, even as I send it out into the world, as I would be of children. I want my words to be loved and understood, and fit in but stand out in the right ways.
And those better plans, oh yes, amen.
I don’t drink pumpkin anything either. In fact, I don’t drink coffee or hot drinks at all in any flavor. But give me some candy corn and I’ll consider it fall. 🙂 I also talked myself in and then out of 31 Days at least three times. Seriously, I’ve settled on not doing it.
I am doing a 40 days organization thing, which, if you know me, is HUGE. I prioritized by room in the house. This past week, my starting week, I have done one thing. 🙂 But I am giving myself grace and calling it the 40 + days… 🙂 It will take awhile, but that’s ok.
I am addicted to pumpkin spice lattes. Skinny. So sorry you have missed the boat on this delight in life 🙂 Drinking Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee right now.
In October I will be preparing for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (we run the last two weekends), watching Gabriella play Meg in LITTLE WOMEN, and searching for more college scholarships online for her.
I love you, Stacey dear, and next time you birth a book, I will bring you dinner.
secret: i don’t like pumkin lattes either! it’s always so hard this time of year with everyone talking about them. i feel pressured into wanting one, but in reality, i will never care for the taste! such a dilemma 😉
I feel like I don’t post a lot so maybe taking that challenge would be a good thing… but what topic to write on hmm… I love the look of your book and I do want to hold it. I sen tit to my Mom’s group to see if they’d want to do it… even if they don’t I do want to read it. Thank you for putting words to your thoughts and putting yourself out there. (In)couragement) really is your super power.
I love pumpkin muffins/scones but agree that drinking something pumpkin flavour doesn’t sound good. I also have decided that the pumpkin spice m and m’s just sound plain wrong. October for me is also going to be a recharge month. I am excited to be in one place for at least one month. Congrats on your book. I put it on my wish list.