Hello, hello! And happy Monday!
Here's a little look at what's going on in my life right now.
Currently I'm...
Reading...
I finally got a new charger for my Nook! I lost mine months ago and I kept hoping I'd eventually find it, which of course I never did. In the meantime, I had been buying paperbacks again. It was nice to have books to hold, but I was also missing my access to having a bookstore at my finger tips. I'm back in business and first up is the new Nicholas Sparks book, See Me. I'm such a sucker for his books.
Listening...
Kind of obsessed with Carrie Underwood's new one.
Watching...
When the Hubs and I were snowed in the weekend before last, we signed up for the free Netflix trial. We first watched Narcos and I became completely engrossed in learning more about the Colombia drug wars. I can't believe all that horrifying stuff actually happened! The show was more violent than I normally like to watch, but considering the subject it was appropriate and it didn't keep me from enjoying it.
Next we got into Making a Murderer. These shows are so crazy addictive. This is one of the most interesting shows I've ever seen. We watched the entire thing and neither of are sure whether he is guilty or not. What do you guys think?
I'm afraid we might have gotten hooked into continuing past the free trial. I'd recommend either of those shows if you are looking to watch something a little deeper.
Wearing...
Leggings as pants. Don't judge.
Anticipating...
Tax season. The Hubs work is starting to really pick up and I'm going to have to get used to doing more things by myself for a few months. I normally pick some house projects to do this time of year, so I'll have plenty to keep me busy and I'll feel productive. Hopefully that new Netflix thing doesn't win me over. So addictive!
Indulging...
I made a batch of my Black Bean Brownies last week. They are a healthier twist on a classic box brownie. They are so fudge-y and delicious it's the only way I make brownies anymore. The Hubs even asks for Black Bean Brownies instead of regular ones. You know they're a winner when that happens!
Praying...
In the sake of full disclosure, I wrote the rest of this post very late last week leaving a few holes for what I ate and drank this weekend, which seems kind of trivial as I'm writing this. I also left this section blank to fill you in on what was happening with my dear friend Melanie and her battle with Leukemia. I am now updating this post late Sunday night.
Mel had taken a very quick and dramatic turn for the worse a little over a week ago. The Leukemia seemed to come back with more rage than it had first arrived this time last year. Unfortunately the doctors said there was no further treatment and they sent her home on hospice.
Melanie passed away peacefully Saturday evening and is finally cancer-free. She fought harder for her life than I've ever seen anyone do and I'm so proud to call her a friend. Melanie was one of those people who was just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. She never met a stranger and was the kind of friend you were lucky to have on your side. I am confident she is now an angel in heaven and is with my Mom. I am eternally grateful I got to see her a few times this week to say goodbye.
Please pray for her husband Jason and their daughter Isabella, who is my goddaughter. I love them both so much.
Melanie deserves so much more than this tiny blurb in this post, but I wanted to put something out there for those who have been following her story for the past year. I know all along she appreciated all the kind thoughts and prayers from all of you.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Come back tomorrow for a unique Crock Pot recipe that uses your favorite takeout flavors.
I'm linking up with Marvelous Monday!
Your turn!
No questions today... please just pray for Jason and Isabella!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I love Nicholas Sparks books, they are like a guilty pleasure, the perfect beach read!! As for Making a Murderer, I just don't get it. I watched the first 2 episodes and was bored to tears so I stopped watching and don't really have a desire to pick it back up. I've heard great things about Narcos though!! Those black bean brownies look amazing. I have a great recipe as well and no one even knows the difference!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sue!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. Damn cancer. It's so unfair.
JulieWunder says
It is. Cancer is ruthless. Thanks for the support.
Jess @hellotofit says
Happy February!! Everyone I know is raving about those Netflix shows...I DO need something new to watch 😉
JulieWunder says
I really have been enjoying them!
Farrah says
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. :[ Losing someone is never easy--I will definitely be praying for you and her family. <3 Sending warm thoughts and lots of hugs as well. <3!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Farrah.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Oh my gosh, Julie! I never made the connection with you and Melanie. She's a Haywood County native and she and I have many mutual friends. I am so very sorry. Everyone I know who knew her talks of what an amazing person/mom/friend/wife she was. Again, I am so very sorry. Hugs to you and all who knew her well.
JulieWunder says
She touched so many lives! It is just so sad. Thanks for the kind words.
Mandi Korn says
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, I know from following you, that you loved her dearly and she was strong until the end. From the north eastern side of the state I am sending you hugs and prayers, I know that they are needed more than ever right now. You are such a loving a kind friend and were there for her, when she and her family needed you the most, and she is right now looking down on you and still feeling all the love you had for her. My heart aches for your sadness, I am sorry Julie:o(
JulieWunder says
That means so much. Thank you Mandi. xoxo
rachel @ athletic avocado says
I'm really sorry for your loss, that must be so hard. On a happier note, those brownies do look fantastic 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Rachel.
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
Julie: I am so so sorry about the loss of your friend, Malanie. She was so strong to fight like she did for so long! I know this is a huge loss for Jason and Isabella and for you! You are all in my prayers.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much. That means so much to me.
Mary Beth Jackson says
I am so sorry for your loss, it is hard to say good bye to dear friends even when we know it is coming :(. I am a Nicolas Sparks fan myself but I haven't read one in awhile, one of his sappy stories sounds good about now!
JulieWunder says
They are such a guilty pleasure of mine.
And thank you for your kinds words.
Jaime says
I'm so sorry to hear about Melanie. Definitely thinking of her husband and daughter. That is so, so tough.
Netflix is addictive, and I hope you go ahead and subscribe to it. 😉 We do (and we've cut out cable.) Also, See Me is such a great book. It's one of my favorites of his. I actually pre-ordered it months ago, but never read it until Christmas.
JulieWunder says
Thank you.
I totally feel like I could cut out cable with it!
Summer says
That song is wonderful ♥
summerdaisy.net
JulieWunder says
Thanks Summer.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I've heard good things about that show it's on our list!
JulieWunder says
You'll like it!
Runaway Bridal Planner says
I'm so sorry about your friend. But at least now she is no longer suffering, hopefully in time her family will feel peace with that. I will send prayers and thoughts in their direction though. It's got to be a tough time for them all!
So many people keep talking about the Making of a Murder show, I haven't watched it yet. But who knows it may end up happening!
I do love Carry Underwoods new song too, but I always love her stuff. She's a talented singer!
Runaway Bridal Planner says
Forgot to say, enjoy your Nicholas Sparks book. I haven't read that one yet! But his area always good!
JulieWunder says
It is! His books are a total guilty pleasure of mine.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much for the prayers.
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and praying for her family and friends, including you, as they deal with the loss. Loss is never easy, but if anything can bring healing it is prayer.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Laura. Such a great reminder.
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Oh Julie, I am so so sorry to hear about Melanie. My prayers go out to her husband and daughter. I can't believe how quickly it came back. Cancer is so scary. I know a few people dealing with it- one being my uncle whose is terminal. It breaks my heart and truly makes me realize how quickly life can be turned upside down. I know Melanie and your mom are catching up in heaven and looking out for you. She is finally cancer free and pain free. Poor Isabella. I'm sure Melanie knows you will be watching over Isabella, too. Prayers to you, too, Julie. I know this has to be so hard on you, too. xoxo
JulieWunder says
It came back so fast. It was awful. Thank you so much for your kind words and support. It means so much. xoxo
Diane says
My heart breaks for Jason and Isabella and for Shon and you . I know how close you all are . She was really one of those very special people that as soon as you met her you were a lifelong friend she made you feel that special and lit up life . Jason was amazing on how he took care of her and made sure she had everything she needed there is no greater love than what they shared . No words can come close to explain why this happens . I know she is rejoicing with the angels because that's what she is . I'm so sorry for your loss .
JulieWunder says
Thank you xoxo
Lauren says
So sorry to hear about your friend Melanie’s passing.
I am sending so much love and prayers to her family! I think I need to get Netflix soon....have been hearing so much hype about Making a Murderer!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much.
I've really enjoyed Netflix more for the TV shows than movies.
Gail Bell says
Julie-
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I always looked forward to updates on Melanie and her upbeat attitude during her battle. Her courage was and is an inspiration to her family and friends. Thinking of you and praying for her family.
My best,
Gail
JulieWunder says
Thank you. We all learned a lot from her battle. Thank you for the prayers.
Jenny says
Oh, Julie! I was so sorry to hear about Melanie, a couple of my friends are mourning and celebrating her, too. I never met her, but her fight and legacy have touched the lives and hearts of so many people. Her precious family and you and all those missing her are certainly in my heart and prayers!
JulieWunder says
She seemed to have touched so many lives. Thank you so much for the kind words and prayers.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
My heart aches for Jason and Isabella!!! However, I am so glad that Melanie's suffering is over!!!!!!! I ABSOLUTELY believe that she is in heaven with your Mom watching over you guys. Love and prayers your (and Jadon and Isabella's) way!!!!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Heather. That means so much.
Blane Sherer says
So sorry to hear about your friend Melanie's passing.
I offer you my condolences and I offer my thoughts and prayers
to her family.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much, Blane. I really appreciate it.
Annmarie says
I've already watched Making A Murderer sounds like I've got to get into Narcos!
JulieWunder says
yes! Narcos was awesome.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Oh my goodness Julie. I had a few other comments, but I agree, they seem so trivial now. I will be sending as much love as I can to Melanie's family, but also to you. I know how much she meant to you. I am glad that she is out of pain, but I still wish that it had never been necessary to say so.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you.
JulieWunder says
So true.
Thank you so much for your offer. You are the best.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Love my Nook, it makes life so much easier!
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I can't even imagine what it's like to lose such a young, beautiful woman in your life. I'll be praying for her family.
JulieWunder says
Thank you. I really appreciate the prayers.
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
SO sorry to hear about your friend 🙁 Thoughts and prayers are with you and her family!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much.
Dan Steadman says
done
JulieWunder says
Thank you 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
We started watching Making a Murder the other day and we only have 2 episodes left. I don't think he did it - I think it was her ex boyfriend.
JulieWunder says
I can't decide what to think! It's crazy!!
Mary Jean Henson says
So sorry for your loss! Loosing a precious friend is never easy. Prayers for all those touched by the loss!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Mary Jean. The prayers are really appreciated.
Libby Haire says
Good morning, Julie,
Today the post is a nice Welcome to February. You cover a variety of aspects of things we humans experience. Thank you for sharing.
The loss of your friend, Melanie, will be with you always, like your Mom. And the initial searing grief will change over time, like with your Mom. Prayers for Melanie's family, and her friends.
May you have a good Monday.
And, look out for that pesky groundhogs tomorrow.
Hugs from long distance,
Libby.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much for sharing such sweet words Libby. xoxo