Keep reading for details of a super fun Summer Break Giveaway!
Okay…nobody go into shock or anything…but this thing you’re reading right now…it’s a blog post. An actual blog post from yours truly, the girl who hasn’t posted an entry on her own blog in… *gulp* …I’d rather not say. I haven’t gone this long between blog posts since 2009, folks!
I’ve made some changes in my life recently. Some bigger than others. But one of the smaller changes is a concentrated effort to seek out silence in my every day life.
It all started this one night when I was cooking.
I repeat, please, no one go into shock! Yes, I am the girl who could happily eat frozen pizza and Cap’n Crunch from now until eternity. Yes, I am the girl who is all too often convinced the grocery store cashier is judging my unsophisticated taste. But I don’t know, I’m just on this cooking kick lately and it’s been a blast.
So anyway, this one night I’m prepping this cajun chicken pasta thing (which, by the way, turned out kind of amazing actually) and I’m home alone and I’m a second away from Netflixing my way into Stars Hollow for some nice, witty background noise…when this weird impulse hits to keep the TV off.
And so I do. I drop the remote and spend the next hour or so hanging out in the kitchen with a peaceful quiet as my only companion.
It. was. perfect. Lovely. Strangely soul-quenching and poignant. Just me and the sound of boiling water and my knife against the cutting board and my own rambling thoughts.
I was pretty much instantly addicted. I’ve been intentionally seeking out silence in my everyday life for a few weeks now. Yes, I still blast Needtobreathe on my way to work in the morning, but on the way home, I keep the music off. I’m nabbing every minute I can to read on my deck. Instead of filling my ears with podcast chatter while I walk, I’ve been listening instead to the simple sounds of nature…which I suppose sounds a little hippie-yuppity, but I’m telling you, it’s been gloriously refreshing.
Which, I think, is also perhaps why I’ve found it so hard to visit my blog lately. I’m a little tired of the sound of my own voice! And it’s like the more I seek out and embrace those craved-for moments of quiet, the more I realize how easy it’s become to get so busy talking–in person, on my blog, on Facebook, in emails–I can’t hear my own thoughts…or the voices of my characters…or most of all, God’s whisper.
We should probably stop for a sec to acknowledge how funny / ironic / kinda ridiculous it is that I’m using a blog to talk about not blogging and not talking. LOL!
But I say all this in part as an explanation of my recent blog silence…and in part as warning of upcoming additional blog and social media absence. I’m going to hide out from the Internet for awhile…partly so I can hard core focus on finishing up edits on Keep Holding On (Beckett’s book…eeee!) and partly because I’m convinced Internet breaks have intense mental, emotional and possibly even physical health benefits.
But mostly…mostly because I can’t stop craving silence.
I’ll be hiding out for at least a couple weeks (though I’ll try to keep up on emails and will likely pop in on Instagram). When I return I’ll have fun stuff to share…book news and a new cover!
In the meantime, I thought I’d do a little giveaway to make up for my absence.
Prizes include:
- <– This super cute beach bag
- The first two Walker Family books (From the Start and Like Never Before)
- $10 Starbucks gift card because…coffeecoffeecoffee
Entry is easy and ends two weeks from today. Happy entering!
Comments 97
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I love this! Reading this post has made me want to step away from the electronics in my life and take more time for quiet.
I like to go outside and just listen to the birds. If it’s nighttime, I’ll go in the yard and watch the fireflies.
Thanks for inspiring me to embrace the silence!
Don’t we all need to sit back and listen sometimes? I know I do. Thank you for sharing your heart, Melissa.
So happy that you have found time and peace for yourself. I’m envious! 🙂 Enjoy your moments of quiet!
This is exactly what our pastor has been sharing. Every morning I relish my quiet time alone with my Bible, My Utmost for His Highest, Jesus Calling and my coffee.
I like to go on walks to grab a silent moment. And make sure I have my quiet time with God in the morning.
Lately, I’ve been getting up and running with my husband at 5 a.m. before he goes to work (I’m so not a morning person, so this is all new territory for me!), and once he leaves for work, the house is super quiet while my kids are still asleep. Instead of climbing back into bed for a couple hours, I’ve been making myself stay awake. It’s been perfect to read my morning devotions, enjoy the stillness, and get a little writing time in, too.
I like to curl up in my favorite recliner with my Kindle and a glass of wine (and sometimes a cat curled up in my lap) and just spend some quiet time with myself. I need that at the end of a hectic day!
After a long day at work, I like to sit in the recliner to read and spend time with furkids. I will read the newspaper, a chapter or two of a fiction book, a daily devotional and then talk to God!
I honestly can’t remember the last time I had silence. I have a rather busy life and even in my down time I’m always watching something or blaring music. Sounds kinda nice though!
Melissa, you’re so inspiring!! I’m so thankful for you! And I’m super excited for the book news and cover, but I hope you have a really great internet break! I can’t wait for the next book to come out! Thanks for being you!
Ahhh the sound of silence!! So healing & needed in today’s busy world!
I enjoy silence so much, thanks for this post
I’ve really been liking silence lately. I’ve been trying to read my bible and journal every night. It helps me think. 🙂
These days I find I just need to set my phone down!
I know I listen to music waay to much when I study, drive, write, anything. Actually taking an internet break sounds amazing! I’m really tempted to chunk my phone along with it too. Maybe in a few weeks when I’m done with my summer semester…
The only quiet time I habe is when I am sleeping 🙁
I live three blocks from Lake Superior so I love to go to the beach in summer. We also like to drop everything at night to watch the sunsets.
I hope you enjoy your break! And I just have to say that this is one of the best giveaways I’ve seen. Cute back, great looking books, and a Starbucks gift card. All just SO awesome. 😀 Thanks for the giveaway!
Silence over Gilmore Girls? I’m impressed! I too, enjoy finding quiet moments in my day. Glad you’re enjoying these new changes!
Oh, and I get silent moments by going outside. 🙂
I love my walks! That’s normally when I get my quiet moments!
I stay up late at night to read my books, magazines, and scriptures by myself. The rest of the family is in bed, and it’s so peaceful!
Lately I have had to really focus on finding the quiet in my life. Sometimes it’s just in the snippets I manage in between all the noisy moments that exist in life as a parent with two kids… hiding for a minute in the closet (yes, I do this), closing the laundry room door while I’m folding, or setting my alarm few minutes earlier so I can just lie there and be still before the circus begins.
I know God is calling me to honor Sabbath though–an intentional, weekly habit of setting aside time for building relationship among actual people (not my FB/IG friends) and with God. This, I am NO GOOD at. But, i do desire to be better!
I love to sit on our front deck and just be quiet. I love to hear all that is happening around me and realize that the Creator of the Universe is in control of all of it and He listens to me, too. Amazing!!
How lovely, Melissa. Much as you are missed (and you are) from this awesome blogosphere community, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the silence and break from social media. If you return, we’ll be glad to see you back, and selfishly, I’m quite excited about your return and all that will include! Best of luck with those edits. 🙂
I rarely turn on the TV and rarely listen to music, though I do turn on the soundscapes channel and listen to (mostly) nature sounds. I’ve been trying to “Be still and know that I am God.”
I walk the dogs… same way no music just me and nature :), reading in the evening… and mornings I am always the first awake with the silence! I agree there is something refreshing to have silence 🙂
I escape to an area about 20 minutes from me, and visit Starbucks and Barnes and Nobles.
I can so relate. God has been whispering “Be Still” a great deal lately, and I’ve been constantly asking the Holy Spirit to control my thoughts – to really be still. It is beautiful!
Thank you for such a fun giveaway!!
Enjoy your peace! <3
I sit on my deck every morning, weather permitting, and have my quiet time.
Glad you are enjoying peaceful times. I look forward to your new book.
I listen to music and perler bead. Thanks for the giveaway. Have a great week.
Happy writing!!! I can’t wait to hear about all you accomplished while you were gone and to see the new book cover!!!
I nab a moment of silence at night before bed when everyone is sleeping and I can think or read….also I’m usually the first one up in the morning so that’s my reading time if there isn’t anything pressing on my day! Love your books! Can’t wait to read more!
Read, of course…I grab any quiet moment I can by diving into a book…it’s my own little world apart from my real life as busy wife and mommy 🙂
I’m retired now and all my children are on their own. When they come home to visit with the grandkids, it can get pretty noisy and crazy, but I love it! Then when they leave, I appreciate the peace and quiet all the more. It’s usually pretty quiet around our house now, though, so I don’t have to search for it very often. I rarely turn the tv on and just love to sit and read a book at night when all is quiet.
I read when the kids go to bed, and have tea!
I’m off this summer and my roommate works early in the morning, so I’ve been spending a lot of late nights reading, editing, working on my WIP, and just enjoying silence. I also sit in my sunroom in the mornings before my roommate gets home. It’s been wonderful. Thanks for your honesty, and this fun giveaway!
I love to grab a quiet moment by grabbing my journal or sketch pad and just writing about what God is teaching me, or drawing something of beauty.
We all need some quiet in a busy world!
Silent moment? My best times for quiet and reflection involve going outside to do yard work (love the calming effect of being out in nature.) or waking up at 5 in the morning (this doesn’t happen every day) to read my Bible and write because, well, coffee. 🙂 I have to confess, I don’t do long periods of quiet. When I wake up, I read my Bible in quiet and then I’ve been turning on United Pursuit’s Simple Gospel to write. It’s my current fav.
When I have some silence I enjoy a good book or some baking!
I experience silence moments when I go running on trails in the woods.
My newest favorite activity is to take my travel blanket to the local park and read in the grass. It’s so warm and quiet and just brings me so much joy.
How do you nab a silent moment now and then?
I like to shut off or silence all my electronics and then chill for an hour or so. 🙂 This typically invovles a book of some sort!
Good for you! I love this post!
As a stay at home homeschooling introverted mom, I might crave silence more than most. We still observe nap time even though my youngest is 4 and many stop naps at that age. By observe, I mean we ALL nap or read quietly in our own beds. Nap time is my sanity. I also stay up after the kids go to bed and try to stay up until hubby gets home. These are the only times I can hear myself think. I can escape in a book amidst the chaos though, so next best thing!
Enjoy the silence, Melissa!
Melissa, this article spoke to me. You see, I’m in a similar spot. (We really could be sisters or twins or something.) I’m one who typically craves background noise. It helps me function, in a way. But in recent weeks, there have been certain moments where the noise became just that: noise. And it also became annoying. So I turned off the TV. Or the music. Or even sometimes my own thoughts (though I’m not sure I totally succeeded on that last one). And the silence was precious. Sometimes I pulled out my Bible and grabbed a pen or highlighter and just read God’s Word for a while. There’s such peace there. But other times I just sat in the silence and soaked in His presence, which was pretty quiet but still there and wanting to be treasured. Maybe that’s what this silence-craving is all about, that it’s pulling us back to our God in a fresh way, or at least a fresh-to-us way. Maybe it’s helping us gain new-to-us perspective too. One cool thing that’s already come from it for me is that my thoughts keep turning to prayer more and more often than ever before. Is this what it’s like to pray without ceasing? If so, I’m all in.
Hugs, my friend. Hope the silence continues to be glorious for you. I’ll miss you, but I totally get it.
Andrea
Turn off all the “noise.” I don’t watch TV, but do listen to Christian radio…but I LIKE having peace & quiet in my home! I’ve also decluttered my home, & not being distracted by clutter is a blessing!
I recently created a little sacred garden on the balcony just of our bedroom. This has turned into one of the deepest joys in my life. I love to grab my bible and go sit in the beauty of God’s “creation” and His Presence. My stress levels drop and my inner peace increases. May you continue to be blessed as you follow His lead. May His love, peace and fountain of joy daily refresh you.
I usually get it before the kids get up or after they go to bed. Lol its not easy having 3 kids to find the quiet time.
I take my silent moments in the early morning (if my husband is sleeping)
It’s not completely silent because his oxygen machine is running constantly but it’s just background noise at this point. Sometimes I just rock in my swivel rocker, I pray, often I just listen to the sounds the house makes, trying to quiet my mind. I can’t sleep without music or the tv (I’m prone to serious nightmares). I used to always find my quiet place in nature. Outside, by a pond or lake, in the woods or sometimes just a park. I miss being able to do that.
Enjoy your break and your silence Melissa.
It is difficult! I’m not a huge fan of silence, actually. I mean I like my quiet times, but I think I do better in chaos lol.
My favourite place for taking some silent moments is when I am out walking my dog. But I love your idea of taking more intentional silent moments throughout the day, especially that drive home time! 🙂
I come home from work and leave the TV off and read awhile. Or I go walking in my neighborhood every night. Solitude refuels my introvert self.
Heading down the beach and just listen to the waves.
Usually in the evening, after everyone has gone to bed, I stay up for at least an extra 30 minutes and read. (sometimes more) I also have about 30 minutes in the morning before my family gets up, when I read and have my morning cup of coffee.
Love this post. My family thinks I am strange when I seek silence. Great giveaway:)
In the stillness of the night…
Enjoy recharging!
Most of my moments are silent. TV or antenna quit working in 2008. I don’t mind at all. I like to walk in the fields and woods and make picture. And read, especially in winter.
I am very inspired by this blog. I used to have me time everyday. Since I have had my daughter it is absolutely, terribly difficult to find the time….that being said I have in the past few weeks been doing this as well. Thanks for being an inspiration. Always have been!!
A long hot bath does wonders!
I fully understand the need to step away and for silence. Sometimes so much noise, confusion, drama that you miss out on the finer things. ❤ it! Enjoy!!!
I go on a walk in a wooded park by myself and some of the time I pray. Your books at so good Melissa.
My quiet time is first thing in the morning. No one else is up yet and it cam be peaceful. Can’t wait to read your next book!
My quiet time is only in the summer weeknights after work when my granddaughter visits with her mom thru the week. Pure Peaceful Blessing. No TV..Radio..I even go to bed early to the sound of Silence.
I *have* missed your posts & presence, and I was glad to see you’d posted again this morning! 😉 And oh my goodness, I know just what you mean — silence is SO refreshing. Silence is what I live on (or would if I could, haha). It’s wonderful to find such peaceful happiness in the moments of silence you can get. I’m glad you have been. 🙂 Thanks for this post! It was inspiring, as always.
~Emma
Usually reading is my time. Sometimes though it is pulling weeds in the garden or just laying in bed!
I grab a silent moment by sitting on the back deck of our house, closing my eyes and listening to the beautiful sounds of nature that God has provided.
I hope everyone has a great summer! Love reading new books!!
I go for a bike ride.
This is something I struggle with all to often, I work two jobs involving children so you would think I would just sit in silence when I’m at home but I don’t at least not often enough. I do love those peaceful moments when I do decide to sit in the quiet though. I love getting into God’s word or reading another good book, but there are also times when I dim the lights and just sit. Thanks for the giveaway! I will pray that you and I both can learn to just relax in the peace and quiet.
I have a blog but have no idea what to write about, so I am happy you are blogging and taking time to listen to God and his glorious nature. I love that you are eating better now.
Thanks
Barb
I will have my husband take kids outside for some dad and me time and I will take a shower with a perfectly quiet house!
Hide in my room, on my reading nook and read.
I’ve joined a pottery studio. There is nothing like sitting in the quiet studio at the wheel forming clay into something useful. I love the picture from scripture of the potter’s hands forming us. The more I practice pottery, the more meaning that passage takes on.
I used to be so bombarded with sound and not notice it. But the older I get, the more I relish the quiet. I love walks through the woods, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the waves as they lap up onto the shore. I love just laying in the park in the midst of the city and letting life hustle by me.
Quiet is definitely underrated.
A favorite way is driving w/ the radio/CD off and this is best when driving in the country, not the city. Right now I’m loving sitting alone at my small farm enjoying the quiet except for the occasional sound of raindrops that we’ve prayed for and need, so I’m also thankful.
My favourite times for quiet are night, when those in the house are sleeping. The next morning after a late night, however, can be rough:)
Sneaking away to stick my nose in a book!
One thing I love of having quietness is that I have time to think about important things instead of humming along with music or watching something. I actually find myself having conversations with God, and through the quietness He brings something to my attention and we talk about it.
Usually reading is my best way to nab a few moments of quiet. Although sometimes just sitting and thinking is more enjoyable (#INFJ lol)
Absolutely love Three Little Words and One Enchanted Christmas….would love to continue reading about the Walker family and Maple Valley 😉
I live on a small lake. Now that the lake is filling up I go down to the dock. It is very peaceful. I also turn the tv off and enjoy the quiet.
I love listening to the birds sing in your back yard. Thank you for chance.
I get up early and enjoy the silence with just my cup of coffee and a good book. But there are also times when all three of my kiddos are enjoying their own books and I can steal a few moments for myself.
I go swimming at midnight after work when I have the whole pool to myself. I love the peace and quiet of swimming under the stars!
I nab a silent moment by sitting in the back yard under the stars while my dog takes a nap on the patio.
Melissa, thank you for the wonderful post! I’m home alone during the day, so I have plenty of quiet time! 🙂
I read a little after work and then right before bed.
ah….sitting outside under our wisteria while enjoying a good book like yours!
I’m probably a little late here. In view of the slew of comments above and your break from social media. But, I just gotta say, you are so funny!!
I tell my family “It’s Joy time” which translates as I am reading on the back patio and do not interfere under threats of no supper if you do.
I will sit on the porch for a few minutes and just enjoy the peace! And then “MOM” so and so hit me or I’m hungry comes and finds me. 🙂
I like to sit outside and listen to nature.
Sometimes when my son is napping I’ll sit out on the back deck.
I enjoy listening to musicand reading.
i go in my room and turn the lights off and take my 20 minutes the kids know i need it they allow me to have my time its nice