More Wins | Staying in the Lake Cottage

One busy week in August, Elsa and I made the spur-of-the-moment plan to spend a night at the lake. Not only is it a huge win to be able to plan and pull off something quickly again, but we hadn't stayed in that building for at least 10 years due to mold sensitivities. 

Our garden made for colorful meals to pack. And though we forgot to bring a bouquet from home (the tradition among the family was Grandpa's favorite tea-roses), the Mountain Ash berries from the side of the cottage worked well in an antique from the kitchen shelves.

After spending the afternoon and evening with us, including watching a family of four loons and taking our first pontoon ride in a couple years, Mom and Dad went home while we enjoyed a fitful (damp) fire and a few more loon calls.

What a novelty to wake up in the loft my uncles added onto Great-Grandpa's tiny cottage 25 years ago, when indoor plumbing was also added for the first time!

Elsa's early morning splash convinced me to try this refreshing (chilly) mode of starting the day as well.

A later swim was warmer after a bunch of sweaty cleaning. And then home again with more "wins" under our belt on this healing journey.

Where Has July Gone?!

Where has July gone?!

It began by celebrating 250 years of independence along with 90+ relatives at the family lake.

Next came a chance for a quiet afternoon and evening with just the 4 of us at the lake. A thunderstorm only made it more beautiful for us, though it caused severe damage on a nearby lake.

July also brought several times to help out my older sister's family as they are super busy remodeling a house in the country before moving.

Meanwhile, I have been busy painting at home too. I grew up with this Hoosier cabinet at the other lake cabin (no longer in the family) built when my dad was little. The cabinet was not new then, and it is high time to paint the insides and replace a few rotten areas to cut down on the old smell - especially on humid summer days.

It has been fun using this old piece as my new office space, but I look forward to fully moving in after a bunch more painting and rebuilding is complete. If you remember my years of crippling sensitivities, you will realize how huge of a win it is to be tackling a project like this, starting with scraping and sanding!

Also at home, harvest has begun!

Meantime, annual doctor's appointments made for a long, hot July day of travel. But we even took a little chance of sightseeing!

 As we look at our calendar and manage to run out to the lake for yet another quick break, we marvel at how far we have come from the decade spent in deep disability and isolation.

"Thank you, Lord..." is a frequent refrain.

Non-Toxic Choices

Hi Friends, I rarely post about this part of life, because I want this blog to be primarily a place of beauty and encouragement. But if you've followed along for some years, you know how years of chronic illness helped our family find ways to cut out unnecessary (and even harmful) toxins from life.

If that interests you, read on...

One big way we cut toxins was by switching to clean and non-toxic skincare, haircare, makeup, and lotion products from Lemongrass Spa. We soon used enough of them that it was beneficial for me to join for the discount. 

This means I can also offer perks to my friends, like you!

One of those perks is occasionally sharing the host rewards from a month of orders with one shopper! To be entered in my drawing, make sure to place orders through the event currently running here: Mystery Host Event

Besides all the current specials, catalog clearance, and new catalog launch featured in the menu at the link above, we are enjoying an extra 10% off sitewide until 9 PM central on July 31st. Make sure to enter coupon code JULY10 for this savings.

And if that's not enough, I am personally offering free shipping to any first-time customers! Just send me your wish list (or questions), and I will be in touch. My text-only business number is (218) 271-8677.

For more information and other natural living topics, text INFO to me at (218) 271-8677.

Note: Lemongrass Spa only ships within the USA. Sorry to my readers from other countries!

I also have a variety of videos - from gardening to cleaning, and from online groceries to Lemongrass Spa information - on my natural living YouTube channel: Purely.HannahMary

Next... back to regular programming!
~ Hannah

Where Does Our Freedom Come From? | Movie Recommendation

Today we celebrate freedom in the United States of America. But where did that freedom come from? Watch this powerful new movie to learn some amazing parts of our history of which you may never yet have heard!

"A Great Awakening" is available to stream today on Sight & Sound TV and other platforms. For even more fascinating stories and background to this film, here are two interviews I highly recommend.

Pastor Greg Laurie interviews writer & director, Joshua Enck and actor & writer, Jonathan Blair: Watch Here

Gary Bauer of the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute interviews filmmaker Joshua Enck, President and Chief Story Officer of Sight & Sound Ministries: Listen Here

"God bless America,

My home, sweet home."

~ Hannah

"Everyday" Gifts

It is so easy to miss the daily gifts and beauty around us, so here are some I have stopped to enjoy lately.

Sunshine through grape leaves

Vietnamese Iced Coffee in my "Hope" glass

A heart-shaped hole in a rose petal

Brilliant Tart Cherries to pick, pit, and make into pie

June garden flowers

"The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." • Psalm 33:5

June Flowers

June Flowers

Growing "Younger"

Another year has come and gone.

The past year has been one of the most intense for a long time, but also very blessed.

It is always special to celebrate with family, and this year included the surprises of a warm lake and the ability to pull off a couple cartwheels to inspire the young ones. Auntie life is helping me grow younger again!