Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Seven Things I Learned in September

October 5, 2017 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Ah, September, you were over days ago, but it’s still the first week of October, so I’m proceeding with Things I Learned in September.

The fact I’m just getting around to writing and publishing this post goes to show you just how chaotic my September, especially the last couple weeks, was. But we survived and had fun in the process. In the last two weeks of the month, I hosted two parties in one weekend, released my book, went to my grandpa’s visitation and funeral services and then my cousin’s rehearsal dinner and wedding in the same week … all in the midst of everyday life still happening.

October started with Fall Break for my oldest kids so we’ve been playing catch up around the house and taking some deep breaths. Obviously, the kids were also thrilled I dragged them all the grocery because our fridge was bare. But we all have enjoyed some slower mornings.

1. Free bagels daily from Panera is a good reward.

Y’all, somehow I got this reward from Panera, which, honestly, I hadn’t been to in a while. Some days I went through the drive-thru just to get a free cinnamon crunch or asiago cheese bagel. Other days I got a Diet Pepsi or other food too.

Well played, Panera.

2. “Jane the Virgin” is a good show.

Typically, I choose drama over comedy, but this has both. It’s quirky, funny, and keeps me wanting to know what’s going to happen. I just finished Season 3 so I’ll be ready when Season 4 starts up soon.

3. I have mutual friends with someone on “Survivor.”

Greg and I have been long-time fans of “Survivor,” so it’s especially fun to have some insight from our friends on one of this season’s players. Plus, even though we don’t personally know her, we have some rooting interest. Jessica is on the Healers tribe, which is my initial favorite anyway.

4. Self-publishing a book is hard but exciting work.

Like so many things in life, it truly takes a village to self-publish a book. Some close friends and my husband read rough drafts. Mary Carver edited it. FistBump Media helped with the interior formatting and has a great e-course on self-publishing. Makenize Shrewcraft took the cover photo. Angie Wyatt with Farmhouse 31 Designs designed the cover and social media images. Authors Holley Gerth, Jennifer Dukes Lee, and Mary Carver along with singer/songwriter Randall Goodgame endorsed the book.

I know I still have much to learn in this area, but this first-time self-published author is enjoying herself!

Thank you to everyone who has texted, emailed, and told me in person how much they’ve enjoyed “Peace in the Process.” I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement. If you’ve read my book, I’d really appreciate you leaving a review on Amazon because doing so is a gift to authors.

5. Poppy’s legacy is a valuable one.

My grandpa passed away on Sept. 20, 2017, at 92 years old. I shared in a post earlier this week that I gave the eulogy. Being with my family for his visitation and funeral was good. Despite our loss, we were reminded of his legacy that’s certainly worth honoring and remembering.

6. Somehow I have a two-year-old girl.

I know, they grow up. And I even like that they grow up. We just got here – to the full-blown, into-everything toddler years – much quicker than I expected. Rachel is full of joy and life, and I blogged about her on her birthday.

7. Comedy books may be best suited as audio books.

While we’ve been in the car so much the last couple of weeks, Greg started listening to “Food: A Love Story” by Jim Gaffigan and I was quickly drawn in. I’m not sure the book would be as funny if I was reading it silently in my head, but I was laughing out loud listening to him read his own observations on food.

How was your September? Is your October off to a good start?

*****

The other thing from September is all the good books that I read, thanks to launch teams I got to be one. I compiled a list of all the excellent books, if you need recommendations.

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Filed Under: Things I Learned Tagged With: books, family, food, friends, Rachel, TV

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About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

Learn more about my story here.

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I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by P I know, “everyone” is reading “Spare” by Prince Harry. But I also keep hearing different opinions about it. So here’s mine!

I am intrigued by the royal family and I liked watching “Suits,” just so you know my very loose interest. I had also watched the @netflix documentary Harry and Meghan released. 

Short answer: I really enjoyed listening to this book. 

An heir, then a spare. Deep grief as a child when his mom dies that he doesn’t really confront until he’s older. An institution that governs every decision in his life yet doesn’t protect him when he felt like he needed it. That’s some heartbreaking makings of a good story. And I appreciate Prince Harry telling it — even though I’m sure parts were incredibly difficult. I also appreciate why he and Meghan did what they did and are trying to establish new, different roots. 

Ultimately, this book is about death and life and all the moments in between. I’d recommend listening to it because his voice is a good one. 

One minor, silly complaint: There are 232 chapters, although they’re numbered starting with one in each of the three sections. That makes the audiobook not flow quite as well as it would otherwise because most of them are just a few minutes long. 

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I’d love to hear what you think because, you know, everybody is reading it! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #readersofinstagram #audiobooks #audible #princeharry
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#memphisgrizzlies #basketballseason #NBA #TeamTaylor #bettertogether #weekending #favoritethings #RacerNation #MurrayState #WeAreRacers
Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most ever Cheering for our Racers — and, really, most everything in life — is more fun with friends! What an awesome atmosphere at the CFSB Center today with a Murray State win, Ja Morant in the arena, and more memories.

#RacerNation #MurrayState #collegebasketball #basketballseason #bettertogether #WeAreRacers
I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let I’ve worn a favorite sweatshirt that says “Let heaven and nature sing” twice this week. I may not be singing Christmas carols anymore, but I still felt the depths of winter this week. The sweatshirt seemed right. 

The sun didn’t shine much this week, although seeing on Friday as we wrap up the work and school week was welcomed. It’s mostly been cold and gray. It’s felt like winter. 

A lingering tension needs resolution and understanding, but honestly the gap between seems so vast. I crave slow time at home and meals around our table. I miss some friends and was reminded of the heartache that can come with community, but I also felt the deep appreciation of friendship and remembered the beauty of sharing this life with others. I was excited for an invitation and easily accepted it. I started a new habit (hopefully) walking with a friend. 

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#countryliving #latergram #livingfaithfully #choosingJOY #reallife #weekending
I heard mixed reactions about this book from two d I heard mixed reactions about this book from two different friends, but I enjoyed it! 

I liked the backward timeline, although I was uncertain about how it would work until the end. Some of the twists and connections were so good! 

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It did get a little slow in the middle, but the end and beginning are quite good! #KHTreads #bookstagram #booklover #kindlebooks #kindleoasis #readersofinstagram
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This is real life. And those are our 10-0 Lady Lions out there. 🦁💛

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Too often I step out of God’s presence for two minutes while are loading up the van in the morning or I’m rushing kids to bed. Too often I don’t surrender my fleshy desires and feelings to the One who holds this whole wide world in His hands. Too often I think my plans are worth holding onto tightly. Too often I think I can bring peace to my household, minivan, or dinner table. 

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Sometimes it seems I have it together. People know my gifts of organizing information and people. I show up on time and am responsible. But so many thoughts and feelings are swirling in my mind. I replay conversations and fight against the same insecurities from the previous day. 

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#livingfaithfully #faithlife #churchlife #reallife #countryliving
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The folks at Aligned Health took care of her this afternoon and are treating her for strep or whatever bacteria is making her throat look and feel rough. 

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