From the Front Porch

Several years ago, I was standing graveside listening to the haunting sounds of Taps, when the son of a fellow military family turned to me with tear-filled eyes and said, “This never gets easier, does it?”

Struggling to find words of comfort and encouragement, I said the only thing that came to mind.

“I know some people say, ‘Time heals all wounds,’ but I’ve come to realize it’s actually love that stands in the gap between loss and time.

Time gives you perspective.

But love is what shows up when you need it most.”

It’s hard to believe this weekend is the 20th anniversary of 9/11. My life is so completely different now than it was back then, I barely even recognize it.

For the families of the almost 3,000 killed, and the 6,000 who were injured, it undoubtedly feels as raw as it did the day it happened though.  

I think we can all attest, the journey to navigate grief and loss is not an easy one. It’s deeply personal, and at times complicated and overwhelming.

While it may have been the tragedy of a nation to unite and call us to action, it’s in the small moments we collectively choose to step up for each other that will ultimately sustain us.

Lifting up Gold Star families and those who lost loved ones on 9/11.

May love show up when you need it most, today and every day.

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

This commercial was created in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 but it still gets me every time I watch it. Bring your tissues Mom!

A Guide to Honoring 9/11 in Your Community

A Contemporary Farmhouse Style Home in the Gold Coast Hinterland

The fabulous portfolio of Rikki Snyder (I could get lost for hours studying her style)

There are a lot of beautiful spaces in the Estacada House but the office would be such a cool place to work.

Proof the Updated Traditional Trend Isn’t Going Anywhere

I would have never thought to place pops of red around this house but they’re so pretty!

There is so much inspiration in this laundry room.

This beautiful tablescape has me all kinds of ready for Fall!

10 Things You Need in Your Closet This Fall

Fall 2021 at Magnolia

A longevity expert shares the diet, exercise, and sleep rules that are non-negotiable for a longer-stronger life.

I know we’re ready to leave Summer behind but how cute are these? They also have a Frenchie version too.

Words to Live By…

Listening to This Week…

Anytime, I start to feel like I want to belly up to the bar at Waffle House and carb load, I know I need to go for a walk, settle on the porch swing with a good book, phone a friend or listen to music.

It’s been kind of bananas this week but this praise and worship song, “Evidence” by Josh Baldwin and Dante Bowe has been helping me keep things in perspective and reminds me to look for goodness and truth.

Books of the Month…

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On the Menu this Week…

Week of September 12th – September 19th

09/12 Sunday – French Onion Chicken

09/13 Monday – Grilled Chimichurri Portobellos with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

09/14 TuesdayEasy Tamale Pie

09/15 Wednesday BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad

09/16 Thursday Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

09/17 Friday – The Ultimate Mediterranean Bowl

09/18 Saturday – Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Salmon

09/19 Sunday – Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus, Chicken Sausage and Pesto

Sweet Treat to Try this Week…

Snickerdoodle Blondies  

A Few Fun Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon and Target This Week…

(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

** Indicates additional colors or options available when this post was originally published

**Quilted Vest * **Check Pillow Cover Set * **Journal Pack * Candle

**Belt * **Crew Neck Sweater * **Kitchen Towel Set * Coffee

Pumpkin Pillow Cover * **Bag * **Striped Shirt * **Cable Knit Pillow Cover

Acorns * **Polish * Pumpkin Jar * Boots

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog Recently or the Archives, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

40 Fabulous Fall Bucket List Ideas

No-Sew Varsity Letter Pillow

How to Make a DIY No Sew Varsity Inspired Pillow for a Fall Front Porch-The Crowned Goat

7 Quick and Easy Fall Vignette Ideas

Fall Vignette with DIY Heirloom Pumpkin-The Crowned Goat

The Busy Girl’s Guide to Fall Planning and Decorating

September Bucket List…

  • Celebrate September Birthdays
  • Celebrate Labor Day with Shrimp Rolls
  • Fly the Flag for Patriot’s Day
  • Enjoy Being a Part of Miss Mustard Seed’s Book Launch Team
  • Try the New Apple Crisp Macchiato from Starbucks
  • Create a Fall Bucket List
  • Decorate the House for Fall
  • Decorate the Porch for Fall
  • Make a Courageous Choice Daily (even if it’s a mirco one)
  • Schedule a Sisters Zoom Meeting
  • Read the Book of the Month
  • Keep Sundays Sacred

September Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…

Focus of the Month: Fall Planning & Seasonal Activities

  • 09/03 – Fall Bucket List
  • 09/10 – Transition Seasonal Items (coats, sweaters, ski gear, sports equipment)
  • 09/17 – Purchase New Planner and Set Goals
  • 09/24 – Family Calendar & Set Family Doctor Appointments

TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember and Upcoming Posts

  • 09/11 Patriot Day
  • 09/11 Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop
  • 09/12 National Day of Encouragement
  • 09/12 National Grandparents Day
  • 09/15 Yom Kippur
  • 09/18 National Clean Up Day
  • 09/22 First Day of Fall
  • 09/25 National Daughters Day 
  • 09/26 National Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
  • 09/26 National Pancake Day
  • 09/28 National Voter’s Registration Day
  • 09/29 National Coffee and National Starbucks Day

As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing.  We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.


Many blessings,

CoCo

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12 Comments

  1. Beautifully said my friend. It’s a day I will never forget.

    1. It was definitely a day that changed us forever. Sending you lots of hugs for a peace and rest filled weekend, CoCo

  2. I have pops of red in my home as well. I may just make your tamale pie. Sounds delicious!
    Brenda

    1. Love all the pops of red in your home, Brenda, they’re really beautiful. Hope you like the tamale pie and your weekend has been a restful one, CoCo

  3. I visited Rikki Snyder and the next thing I knew it was an hour later. Thanks for sharing her. xo Laura

    1. I felt the same way, Laura! She is so talented. It’s super easy to get lost in her site and all her stunning pictures. Hope your weekend has been a special one, CoCo

  4. Thank you so much for sharing my fall tablescape!!

    And I loved reading about the other fun things you found this week and your September bucket list.

    1. You are so welcome, Michele, I feel inspired by you all the time and I’m super excited to follow along on your cottage reno too. I know it’s going to be beautiful. Hugs for a peace-filled weekend, CoCo PS: That bucket list definitely keeps me going even though it’s still crazy hot and humid in Florida 🙌

  5. I didn’t realize that y’all were a military family. So are we. This day is hard.

    1. I totally agree with you, Margaret, it is a hard day. In fact, I’d say the last couple of weeks have created a lot of room for quiet reflection and thoughtful ways to give back. Sending you big hugs and thank yous for all your service and sacrifices along the way. We know firsthand it’s a great life but not an easy one, CoCo

  6. Linda Scott says:

    Yes, very well said and now we unfortunately had to add the recent 13 American military and civilians lost in Afghanistan to that already too high number. May God Bless all their families and friends and this great country!! Peace to all!!

    1. It’s truly heartbreaking what these families are going through, Linda. I’m totally with you – I wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead as well. Grief is such a tough journey. Hope your week is all that you need it to be, CoCo

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