Meg Matenaer

I love back-to-school season, but it didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

Ironically, our return to routines caused a lot of chaos in late August and September as we scrambled to acquire supplies, uniforms, and an array of sports messaging apps for our kids’ teams. Layered onto that was so many appointments, school volunteer commitments, and sports games that when inconveniences and set-backs came up, it felt like too much. We were too busy for things not to go according to plan, thank you very much.

Alas, things went awry just the same. When life felt definitely untidy and then something else happened to ratchet the chaos up to hot mess level, I tried to call to mind my favorite podcaster’s advice when things aren’t going well: take inventory of what is.

And so I did. After looking around at the soup du jour of challenges our family was facing, I said, “At least we don’t have head lice.” Or the stomach flu. Or both at the same time.

At least the sun was shining, the leaves were beginning to turn, and for two whole weeks we needed neither the air conditioning nor the heat.

At least the pest control van wasn’t at our house.

So if things in your world feel too messy, take stock of what is in your favor, even if they’re seemingly insignificant: is your dryer still working? How about your garbage disposal? Is your basement dry? Those are wins!

But if life is feeling complicated and then you happen to step on a patch of wet carpet that immediately soaks your socks, you absolutely get to take the day off. Because that is simply too much.

Book of the Month

I had the pleasure of reading Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame, about a septuagenarian who quietly auditions for the popular tv show Britain Bakes. As she advances through the challenges, a secret from her past threatens to destroy her life as she knows it.

I adored this book’s theme of redemptive love and second chances. It’s filled with hope, humor, and mouth-watering baking scenes, making for an uplifting, cozy fall read.

Book Progress

So far, I’ve edited 5,992 of 53,155 total words in my sequel. It is a relief to be in the editing stage as opposed to starting with a blank page.

Have a Fantastic Thanksgiving!

I hope your November is crowned with a joyful, butter-basted Thanksgiving! May your turkey be moist, your pumpkin pie spiced just right, and your heart full with the love of family and friends.