Author: T.S. Cook

My favorite season is upon us. Our windows are open, the breeze is breezing, and I couldn’t be happier. Hello, Autumn. Welcome back.

My husband and I just returned from D.C., where we explored history, art, and food. The cover is a mini collage of a few remarkable sculptures we saw. We decided to take a night tour, giving everything a more dramatic effect.

The MLK memorial was breathtaking. Walking through the Mountain of Despair, which was dark, and then looking up at the slightly lit Stone of Hope made the quote engraved on the side more inspiring. “OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR, A STONE OF HOPE.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.

The Korean War Memorial and the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) are must-sees. The shadows of the seven-foot troops in the rice paddies of Korea gave an illusion of movement, at least to me. Our tour guide’s storytelling skills were outstanding. The more I stared at the Marines struggling to hold the flag, the more they seemed alive. Also, my photo angle of the Marine Corps War Memorial is obviously the opposite of the original photo.

We took many pics, and I’m sure I’ll write more posts about our trip.

We had a great time in our nation’s capital, but there’s no place like home!

Just Blogging It Out!

The way we treat each other matters. Let’s be bigger than the small stuff and pray more.

I’m not exempt. I’m just Blogging It Out!

Day 31: That time I ran out of memories.

Well, July 2023 will be over in a couple of minutes. I can’t think of another memorable moment from this past year that I want to share. What I shared yesterday was actually from a few years ago. 😁 So funny!

Anyway, I thank God for blessing me with another year and look forward to the rest of my life in Him!!

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Day 30: That time my sister tried to make biscuits.

Her biscuits didn’t turn out right. We still haven’t figured out what went wrong. 😁😂🤣

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 29: That time I had an ice cream social in our backyard.

Well, the end of July 2023 is drawing nigh, and Christmas is only 149 days away. Yikes!

Okay, so last year, I had an ice cream social in my backyard to promote one of my books. I learned how to make the featured dessert during the pandemic. According to everyone, especially my husband, it’s pretty good. (I don’t do dairy.) Along with various candy toppings, I made hot fudge and a fresh strawberry sauce.

Almost fifty people came. 😁 Good times!!

Just Blogging It Out! Oh, and use what you have, like the widow with the oil. 😉

Day 28: That time I didn’t recognize my ankle. 😕

I’m convinced that I have an unusually high pain tolerance. I mentioned that I fell while hiking the other day and could walk back to my car. Okay, so I marched (partly downhill) without a limp for about 1 ½ miles. I called my sister when I got home to tell her about my tumble to the ground. At some point in the convo, she asked if I hurt myself. I said something like, “Yeah, I twisted my ankle. I’m going to ice it after I take a shower.” I rolled up my pant leg in shock and yelled, “WHOSE ANKLE IS THIS?!?” “WHAT IN THE FRED FLINTSTONE?!?”

Y’all, my ankles are no longer twins, and one is unrecognizable. It’ll be back to normal soon, thank God.

Just Blogging It Out!!

Day 27: That time I fell while hiking and sprained my ankle. 😥😕😏

Thank God it’s just a sprain, and I could safely walk back to my car. Yup, it happened this morning. Unfortunately, I stepped on a rock, twisted my ankle, and decided to have a big bowl of dirt grits for breakfast. 🤣😂😁 I’ll use my companions in the photo for the next few days. This will definitely go down in my history as a memorable moment.

It could’ve been worse. Thank you, Lord, for getting me home safely! I thank Him for my wonderful husband, who stayed on the phone with me the entire time. He was at work when it happened. And I thank Him for my friends who took me to urgent care.

Just Blogging It Out!! Oh, and watch out for rocks. 😉

Day 26: That time California’s sweltering weather made me ask my husband to consider moving. 🥵😏🤔

Then I remembered moving from Illinois to California to escape the frigid subzero winters. 🤨 Then I gave myself a stern pep talk . . .

Just Blogging It Out!

Day 25: That time I tried a cookie with a bunch of stuff in it from the Cookie Co. 😋😁

Delicious!! Can you tell I’m running out of memories? 🤣😂

Day 24: That time I was hangry because I hiked farther than planned and didn’t bring enough snacks.

I retired my winter/spring 2023 hiking shoes last month, and my summer pair have well over a hundred miles on them so far. I enjoy hiking and can’t seem to get enough. ☺ Except that one time I miscalculated my distance, had to ration my snacks, became very hangry, and didn’t bring a Snickers to satisfy me. 😋😜😏🤭

Just Blogging It Out!