July 2022

Hello, Wonderful Friend!

Have you stopped lately to ponder what makes you YOU? We are each unique, fashioned by God to reflect Him in a way that no one else can. What are the qualities, interests, and talents that make you different from me and others?

A word-picture that has stuck with me explained that the moon doesn't give off any light of its own, yet it is so very bright because it is reflecting the sun. The moon doesn't have to muster up the ability to mimic the sun, it just does what comes naturally to it - which is to reflect the sun.

What "just comes naturally" to you that might be reflecting God to those around you? Are you creative? A deep thinker? Adventurous? Friendly? Generous? A good listener? A good communicator? A peacemaker? A leader? An artist?

I believe that many of our unique qualities began showing themselves when we were children. Yet, sometimes others made fun of them. Maybe you didn't have the courage to try your skills for fear of failing. Maybe something traumatic happened and all your energy was put into survival - and if you are reading this now, you HAVE survived! Thanks be to God! For whatever reason, you may not have been encouraged to explore your unique qualities.

Aunt Kitten was written out of my deep desire to encourage children for who they are. I am learning more about what makes me uniquely able to reflect God through my everyday life. But I'm in my 60's. What if this young generation could embrace their God-created uniqueness from a young age and live into those qualities? The thought gives me goosebumps! Just wow!

As you enjoy observing the children who cross your path this week, what do you observe that makes them delightfully unique and gloriously reflecting God? If appropriate, please encourage them. You will be blessed as much as they are blessed. Thank you!

PICTURE BOOK NEWS

I'm Glad You're Here 'Cause There's Only One You with Aunt Kitten

Aunt Kitten has received some very helpful and spot-on feedback this past month. AND... the feedback has shown me some places that need to be reworked. Such is the life of writing. I'm in a bit of a discouraged slump, yet I know that I can make this an even better book - with hard work. I can't wait to share it with you!

PONDERING FRIEND TO FRIEND

​Memories Monday is my ongoing memoir project, reflecting on one year at a time. My memories through age 25 can be found on Instagram and Pondering Friend to Friend.

Heads up: I will be taking a break from writing Memories Monday during the month of August. See "Travel" below to find out what we will be doing!

ICE CREAM ENTHUSIASTS

Are you crazy about ice cream like me? Would you like to learn more about ice cream? In January of 2020, I took a weekend Ice Cream 101: Introduction to Frozen Desserts courses at Penn State, College Station, Pennsylvania. Now, for the first time since Covid, they are offering this course again!
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The course description is includes: "The course focuses on the small-scale manufacturing of frozen desserts. Ice cream lovers, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners with little or no ice cream manufacturing experience are welcome and encouraged to attend. ... The two and 1/2 day course includes a combination of both lecture and hands-on exercises."
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If you decide to splurge on the course, please let me know! I'll be excited for you! More course info here. ​

TRAVEL

Well, our travel plans continue to fluctuate. As it stands today, we will be gone a shorter period of time, Gregg will not work while we are on the road, and our focus will be Newfoundland.

Leaving PA around August 2, it will take us three days to drive to Sydney, Nova Scotia where we and our car will take an 8 hour ferry ride to Newfoundland. After a 2 week tour of the island, we will return by ferry and drive three days back to PA.
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Please travel vicariously with us through my travel blog and my personal Facebook account, @KristinAbellFriend.

What are you doing this summer for refreshment and curiosity?

Enjoy!

Kristin Emily Friend

​www.KristinEmilyF​riend.com​