Friday, April 18, 2008

A Freeman House Compromise

I still find each day too short for
all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read, and
all the friends I want to see.
-John Burroughs

... and all the rose-petal strewn, Sleep bubble baths I want to take. (sigh) I'm sure heaven isn't about us, but wouldn't it be divine if every now and then God would hand out free years up there? Maybe a whole year to just read? Or hang out with that loved one you desperately miss? Or take bubble baths? Or plant pumpkins? Or, heck... eat muffins or paint clouds or pick pink roses or pet dogs or ... sleep? Curl up on a feather bed somewhere and just dream, dream, dream? I hope heaven is restful. I have a feeling I'm gonna need it when I get there.

I have way, way too many things to do this weekend. And I'm still so far behind on the whole email answering thing. So maybe here's a compromise. For all of you who've emailed or commented with burning questions... or curious observations... or something cool to tell me, and haven't heard (or heard enough) back, here's the deal: comment on this post and next week I'll draw a winner. The winner will get a pre-arranged phone call from Freeman House and you can ask me about whatever you'd like. Canning? Knitting? Restoring an old house? Living in the country? Gardening? Judging by all the emails, I know you folks have a lot to ask. Have you been wanting a recipe? To talk or ask me about a book? Crafting? (Freeman House paint colors were big questions for awhile, as was recipe help/requests, questions about my faith, and discussion on Monday Moments.) Anything's fair game: tell me about your life or ask me about mine. Don't be shy. Here's your chance at some undivided Freeman House attention.

I really do find each day way too short to do all the lovely - and (eek!) necessary - things. I guess it's an issue we all share. I'm holding out all my hope for heaven. And if we ever do get free years, I'd like a fluffy white corner with a deep tub, pink roses, and sleep bubbles, please....

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

please put me down for that phone call because i want to know everything about you and am curious to hear what you sound like, and what yousay and if your personality matches waht i think of when i think BRIN!! connie

Harbor Hon said...

Sweet Brin, I'm afraid you would probably find me quite boring since I hardly ever talk on the phone. I am, however, looking forward to the email recipe you told me to bug you about. Remember? :)
God Bless You!
Carolyn xxoo

From A Creative Heart said...

what a great idea!!! I just want to pry the peach pocket recipe from you!!! Smile....
debbie

Vee said...

Now that's a creative gift! I hope that you eke out plenty of time just for you, Brin. You don't want to burn out too fast even if you are burning brightly.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to "reach" out and touch someone. You share so much of yourself already but I'd love to ask you a couple of questions. Love your blog please keep it going. Kristi

Betty said...

Oh Brin you will have emails coming in with that kind of a promise! I know I'd think of a few things to talk about with you.
Now will have to wait and see if my phone will ring...

a woman who is said...

Bless you girl. Don't let us make you feel so obliged. I think I have asked a question or two. But with 12,000 hits a day, no worries mate! Just relax and do what you have to do, and when the mood hits, just blog us a bit of your heart. I had no idea your following is so great. You are doing an amazing job, and we are all just blessed to enjoy what you have to give when you have the time to share it.

Anonymous said...

Brin... Draw my name, skip the phone call, slip into the tub and rest. As much as I would love to visit with you, maybe relive some KOXE memories, it looks like you need a break.

Bob James - Brownwood, TX

Mim said...

Brin,
I see your vanilla sleep potion in the picture. Have you tried the lavendar leaves candle available at the same store? I source out all things lavendar and this one is the best. Burn it while you are laying in your down comforter softness and you will surely relax.
Mim

Unknown said...

What a sweet thing to do! I wouldn't know where to begin? I know it all must be overwhelming, but try not to fret, get that book out soon, it'll be a hit! Loved your take on heave, I hope it's all that!

Kristy said...

Free years sound good to me...

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

You don't have to call me. If I didn't live so far away, I'd suggest tea... and something chocolate.

I just enjoy visit and learning and seeing the way you create a beautiful life when things have gone so far from the way your originally thought they were.

It is that old question, "Why does God allow...". :)

I have thought exactly the same thing about Heaven. One thing that came to my mind recently is that we'll be living "in the moment" so clearly there.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Brin, I would love to talk to you about your inner beauty because your soul abounds with it! Cathleen

Rosa said...

It's just a thought but, have you considered shutting down your e-mail for a while?
I'm sure most of your readers would understand as we all struggle with finding enough hours in a day.
Something to consider?

Anonymous said...

Brin~ I don't need a phone call as it is enough to just enjoy the gorgeous photos and peaceful "vibe" of your blog. I really enjoy your blog, but certainly don't think it should become something you "have" to do. If you don't have time to write people back, they should surely understand. Nothing personal, just busy. That's okay in life. :o)

I can't wait to see what you are up to this weekend. Gardening? Cooking? Dinner under the stars? Love reading the beautiful way you live your life. :o)

Happy weekend.

~Mickey (in case you're wondering, I am a girl!! he, he)

Amy said...

Hm...I'd love to talk to you, but more than that, I'd want you to rest.

(And tell me how to fix that recipe. Made it again and it still isn't good.)

Rox said...

OH. My. Word. This is so exciting! I would love to pick your brain girlie : ) I always come back for my "Cup O' Brin" : ) This would be oh so much fun. I want to hear more about your travels... and kissing Mr Garner in the elevator. And recipes. And Books. And restoring an old house. And gardening.... Oh I could go on and on. And if nothing else, but.... but to put a voice with the wonderful words I look forward to reading everyday. : )
Thanks for deciding to do this.
I think it is way cool....
Have a most wonderful weekend,
Roxanne

Sissy said...

Yes, I think it would be neat to hear the voice that writes the words.

I do agree about turning off the email for awhile. Or maybe posting some of the questions each week in a FAQ post. I'm sure many of us have the same questions, and you only need to type them once. It's sweet that you would like to answer them all personally, but I think many of us would understand that they might need to be grouped together.

Oh, and for a long time me email signature had a quote saying "heaven is a library." That would be sweet.

redeemed diva said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

PICK ME PICK ME!!! Lol just kidding... I feel the opposite these days... Sorry I havnt been able to come visit, and barely call.. you and Sal are two of the most important people in the world to me and I PROMISE I will visit yall soooooon! Without having to have a drawing, I promise to make you two a priority SOON! Love you girl! Kim

redeemed diva said...

Sign me up for the draw. In the words of Honey from Notting Hill : this is one of those key moments in life, when it's possible you can be really, genuinely cool - and I'm failing 100%. I absolutely and totally and utterly adore you and I think you're the most beautiful woman in the world and more importantly I genuinely believe and have believed for some time now that we can be best friends. What do YOU think?
I know. A little over the top...but I think alot of us genuinely want to ask you stuff but probably also have you listen to our own stories of our messy, thrilling life! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a phone call next week!

Anonymous said...

Count me in. Who can resist talking about old houses?

Mayberry Magpie

Anonymous said...

I would like to thank you for writing this blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know how I stumbled upon it so I have to assume God had his hand in it! I have been going through a very trying time in my life and coming here gives me hope. It lets me know that things do get better, that dreams can come true. I have always wanted a quaint, old farmhouse on a piece of land that I could call my own. That no one could take away from me, where I could grow vegetables, raise rescued animals, sew aprons and write. So until I can find a way to have my dream, I will find peace in sharing yours. I love going to Freeman House every day for a visit, even if it is only in my mind....please don't ever stop your story.

Terri Steffes said...

Me, too. I would love the chance to chat with you about things... I'll start making my Hopeful List.

Rebecca said...

Girl, you don't have to call me so don't even worry about adding me to the drawing. I just wanted to say, I sure love your idea about heaven. Don't we all want heaven to be the things we love and need the most? And filled with the people we love the most. What a wonderful thought.

Sherry said...

Hello! I just found this thanks to Leigh McElroy. NOW I know what you've been doing with your time. I didn't realize you lived in that specific house. My grandmother lived in one of the apartments while my grandfather lived in the brick garage belonging to the house Laurel renovated just west of you. (The longer my grandparents lived the less they liked each other.) See you at the library soon, I hope!