From the Front Porch

Sliding into your inbox a little early this week as we’re visiting family and the internet has been touch and go.

I don’t know if it’s that we finally laid Her Majesty The Queen to rest on Monday or if it’s the milestone birthday we’re set to celebrate this weekend but I’ve been thinking about the power of legacy a lot lately.

Years ago when I was just out of graduate school, I worked for a prominent psychologist. He had partnered with several inner-city schools to help bring behavioral health and counseling services to underserved kids.

It was a tough job but being able to be part of those kids’ lives every day was amazing.

One morning, I saw the school janitor walking toward my car. “It would be my pleasure to escort you to your office today,” he said with a kind smile.

As we walked across the parking lot, we lightheartedly talked about how our weekends had been.

But when we arrived at the entrance of the school his demeanor grew serious and I could sense something was wrong immediately.

“Your office was shot up last night,” he gently said. “We’ve repaired all we can and I’m real sorry this happened. We know you’re here for the kids and we can tell how much you care about them. Me and the other janitor have been talking and we’re gonna walk you to and from your car every day. Ok?”

Honestly, it was a lot to process in the moment. So, I graciously thanked him for his offer and began working as if it were just another day.

True to their word, the janitors met me at my car each morning and kindly walked me back again each afternoon.

When I decided to transition out of the school setting into the hospital setting, I could barely choke back the tears when I hugged them bye.

“You have no idea how much your generosity has meant to me this past year. Every day, your light has been a gift and I will never forget you,” I said.

It’s been years since I’ve seen either one of those men, but I think about how much courage and compassion it must have taken to walk beside me each day.

Through that experience, I learned you don’t have to be a beloved queen, a famous president, a rock star, a million-dollar CEO, a philanthropist, or a brave janitor to leave a lasting legacy.

Whether you realize it or not, you’re living out your legacy with every decision you make, right now.

It’s not too late to leave behind something you can truly be proud of.

Fall Foliage and Waterfall Hike Blue Ridge Mountains-The Crowned Goat

A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…

This was such a beautiful tribute and a look back on her life throughout the decades (get your tissues ready Mom!)

The Queen’s Funeral in Pictures and Extraordinary Photos From The Queen’s Funeral (in case you missed it)

100 of the Best Outfits Worn by Her Majesty The Queen (there are so many fabulous pieces in this post)

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YES to everything in this French farmhouse.

Can you imagine living in this fairytale cottage?

Inside a Country Chic Farmhouse Compound That Was Inspired by English Cottages

This Greek Revival Harbor House has such a beautiful view.

This farmhouse fixer-upper has so many beautiful features.

Butcher Block Countertops and Floating Shelves with Leanne Ford

This post is full of gorgeous fall container garden inspiration!

Rachel decorated her screened-in porch for Fall. There are lots of fantastic ideas but don’t miss her tree. It’s super creative!

We kicked off football season with these 5 Easy Tips for Hosting a Backyard Tailgate from Jen and they’re all totally doable!

These DIY Painted Ballet Flats are super cute!

There are so many things to love in The Paris Dress Edit!

5 Ways to Stay Connected in A Long Distance Friendship

6 Chateaux in France You Can Visit

Tik Tok’s Favorite Grandma Has the Best Advice For What to Do After Returning Home From a Trip

The Next Generation of Iconic Beauty: 50 Product Essentials 

High Optimism Linked with Longer Life and Living Past 90 in Women Across Racial, Ethnic Groups

Words to Live By…

Third Quarter Books of the Month and Devotional…

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

Quarter-Three-Books-and-Devotional-of-the-Month-The-Crowned-Goat

October’s Book of the Month (if you’re ordering early)

Celebrating Home by James T. Farmer, III

On the Menu this Week…

Sweet Treat to Try This Week…

Vermont Maple Scones

Pink and Pastel Inspired Finds We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…

(Amazon and Target affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

**I know this looks like a lot of pink but most of these items come in additional colors

Pink and Pastel Finds from Amazon-The Crowned Goat

Tulle Dress * Pumpkins * Coverlet Set * Pink Chai

Neck Firming Cream * Cardigan * Highlighters * Necklace

Travel Organizers * Studs * Skirt * Polish in All Hail the Queen

Hair Clips * Rug * Multi-Purpose Cleaner * Pink Coat

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

Fall Decorating in the Breakfast Nook

Fall Breakfast Nook with Pink Pumpkins-The Crowned Goat

Vintage Inspired Apple Picking Sign

Simple Tips for a Fall Cider Bar

Elegant Fall Home Tour

The Last 100 Days… (a reader favorite Encouragement of the Month post)

September Bucket List…

  • Celebrate September Birthdays and Special Occasion Events
  • Celebrate Labor Day with Shrimp Rolls
  • Fly the Flag for Patriot’s Day
  • Pick Apples While at the Cabin
  • Grab a PSL at 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 micro one)
  • Read the Book of the Month
  • Keep Sundays Sacred

September Simplified and Organized Home Challenge…

Focus of the Month: Fall Planning and Seasonal Activities

  • 09/03 Create Fall Bucket List
  • 09/10 Transition Seasonal Items into Closets (coats, sweaters, ski gear, sports equipment)
  • 09/17 Order or Purchase New Planner or Calendar
  • 09/24 Review Family Holiday Calendar & Set Family Doctor Appointments

TCG Housekeeping Notes, Dates to Remember, and Upcoming Posts…

  • 09/23 Native American Day
  • 09/23 National Pot Pie Day
  • 09/25 National Daughters Day 
  • 09/25 Rosh Hashanah
  • 09/26 National Pancake Day
  • 09/26 Love Note Day
  • 09/29 National Coffee and National Starbucks Day

As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope the rest of your week is peace-filled and relaxing!

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

Many blessings,

CoCo

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10 Comments

  1. I so admire how you draw out light from some of the darkest places. Thank you for sharing your meaningful stories and positive introspection. The content you share is always such fun to peruse as well. Keep that positive beacon of light shining!

    1. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today, Kari! Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. I appreciate them more than I could ever convey! Sharing these kinds of things is not always easy but it definitely helps to know we’re not alone. Sending you big hugs and thank yous and hoping your week is an extra special one, CoCo

  2. CoCo,
    Another great week. Thanks so much for sharing my porch tour! I hope you have a wonderful trip.

    1. You are so welcome, Rachel! I’m STILL not over your fabulous tree. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me and I’m so thankful you share your gifts so freely with us. Big hugs, CoCo

  3. Coco, 
    What a touching story about legacy. It’s definitely something that we become more keenly aware of as we grow older. I loved the words to live by. So true. Enjoy your time with your family and thanks once again for all the inspiration.
    Kim

    1. I couldn’t agree with you more, Kim! Our time at the cabin was part celebration-part wellness check and the whole time I was there I kept thinking about what we truly leave behind when we’re gone. I’m so glad you like the quote too. Hope your fall season is off to a great start, CoCo

  4. Ooooh, that quote. Such a good reminder. Thanks for sharing it.

    1. You are so welcome, Corrie! I’m glad it resonated with you and I hope your week is filled with all good things. Big hugs, CoCo

  5. I seriously feel like I’ve been to a therapy session every time I read one of your posts CoCo! Thank you for blessing me and many others with your words of wisdom. I appreciate you sharing🥰

    1. Such a kind and thoughtful thing to say, Cindy, thank you so much. I really needed to hear this today sweet friend. Sending you tons of hugs and hoping your week is filled with unexpected blessings, CoCo

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