Welcome to What We Learned, a monthly community link up where we each take some time to reflect on the last 30-ish days before moving ahead into the next.
Find a new favorite show? A cool function on your phone you didn’t know about? Learn something about your own personality you didn’t realize before? No lesson is too small to share in this space, as you will quickly see when you read my list.
When mentioning books, I use affiliate links, so as to help run this fine establishment at no cost to you. Here are 6 things I learned in October:
1. My house is a 3 day and 7 hour drive away from Kilcher Road.
I thought it was bad enough that I read Jewel’s memoir basically the week it came out. But then I went and googled how long it would take to drive from my house to the Kilcher homestead in Alaska, home of one of our favorite shows Alaska the Last Frontier. (For the initial excitement over learning Jewel, one of my favorite artists from the 90s was also a Kilcher, see Things I Learned in June 2013).
Also Alaska is really far away.
2. Keeping my makeup in the bathroom makes my mornings better.
For years I have carried my makeup around in a little bag in my purse, pulling it out only to find my blush crumbled and my lipstick top missing.
But after starting The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I decided to keep all makeup in the bathroom drawer, forcing me to be a grown up and stop applying mascara in parking lots before I walk into meetings. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I found it triggers a low-grade hustle in my soul when I do it too often.
That feels unnecessary.
This new routine has had a surprising, calming impact on my mornings. Now I’m hunting for more ways to make small changes that help me feel less hurried.
3. Non-Fiction audio books are easier to listen to than fiction.
Since I’ve been driving the girls to school this year, I’ve finished two audio books in the car. First I listened to Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool (fiction) and last week I finished Zero to One: Notes on Start-Ups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters (non-fiction).
I enjoyed them both, but Zero to One was by far easier to listen to in the car. I think it’s because if I miss a few non-fictional details, I’m fine. But with story, I want to know and understand every detail and character which made car listening more difficult. I couldn’t flip back and review!
4. Science Fiction is not my genre.
I already knew this, you guys. But I was basing it only on the word “science” and felt like maybe that wasn’t fair. So I took the advice from this post where I asked you some suggestions of a book to read outside my regular reading categories.
I picked up The Martian and finished it over the weekend. Here are my thoughts: Andy Weir is basically brilliant. I mean seriously. But the formulas and periodical table-ing was a drag for me as a reader and I found myself putting it down often.
To his credit, every time he was about to lose me completely, he would make it funny. This is what kept me going. (Disclaimer: One of the first words in the whole book is the f-word so, you know. That could deter some as well. But you know, he was stranded on Mars so perhaps his use of the word is justified? You’ve been warned.)
5. Sometimes I avoid writing for the same reasons I avoid silence: I’m anxious over what I might find (or not find) there.
After a full book-launch season, I’ve been living in the exhale over the past month or two. Many things I’ve been looking forward to are now past, leaving room for something else: some of which I know and some that has not quite been made clear. I wrote more about that this month here: For Those Who Wait in the Fog.
6. “Holy unhurry flourishes in a heart filled with hope.”
That’s a quote from Alan Falding and it’s one I’m learning to live. I just returned from a 24 hour silent retreat, short but sufficient to remind me the importance of walking at Jesus’ pace. I needed to remember how he walks like a friend who has no other place to be. I am learning to meander through the day with joy.
Anne Bogel says
October 30, 2015 at 8:01 AM#1 cracked me up. (Have you seen the Funny or Die video where they give Jewel a fake nose and a ton of makeup and send her to a karaoke bar as Karen the frozen foods conference attendee? Please say yes.)
emily p freeman says
October 30, 2015 at 4:33 PMOh my gosh yes.
Southern Gal says
October 30, 2015 at 8:05 AMI love that you’re still on the Kilcher bandwagon! That show is one of our favorites.
My husband and I saw The Martian yesterday and now I want to read the book. My husband wants to read The Revenant after seeing the preview. I just want to close my eyes and pretend I never saw that preview…
This month has been one of unhurry for our family. We had to take it slow due to some health issues and instead of regretting the missing of vacation, I am enjoying this down time.
Ashley Brooks says
October 30, 2015 at 8:07 AM“Learning to meander through the day with joy.” I love that. I find that even when I’m out enjoying a walk or doing something relaxing, my mind still rushes to the next thing I *could* be doing. I like the idea of shifting your whole mindset to a slower pace, not just your actions.
Cara@TheHomeLearner says
October 30, 2015 at 8:52 AM“Many things I’ve been looking forward to are now past…” I can feel that. It is weird to feel empty space in the soul where something big and purposeful used to find its home. The in between time when I should move on and before that space is filled with something else feels a lot like pain or grief. I know it’s just fear. I’m learning to look it in the face.
Thanks for sharing your learned things. So inspiring.
Dawn says
October 30, 2015 at 11:01 AMThat show about the Kilcher family had me wanting to go take a visit, too. My drive would probably only be little more than a day.
I love the quote about holy unhurry.
As usual, I enjoyed reading what you learned over the past 30 days. Have a wonderful weekend!
Heather says
October 30, 2015 at 11:26 AMLoved the pace of this post — slowing down, being purposeful, savoring, and letting go of the hurry. 😉 Kudos, Emily P! I pinned your make-up idea. I really should quit lugging my make-up bag around. A little forethought and I can make this happen. Also — loved the movie of The Martian. Am not sure I would love the book. 😉 Sci Fi isn’t my trick, either. And cute boots and leggings! We are just coming to that type of weather here in Texas.
Pray for me, tho — we are under a tornado watch today and the roof is leaking. 🙁 Makes me want to get back in bed and read a book to escape.
Jordan says
October 30, 2015 at 11:32 AMLearning to meander through the day with joy – LOL!!
Jordan says
October 30, 2015 at 11:47 AM^^ in the best way
Michaela Harris says
October 30, 2015 at 11:32 AMI can relate to #5 so much. But I’ve also learned that avoiding writing leads to more anxiety and the stuffing down of feelings, which never bears good fruit. It is painful though! Also, excited to be linking up for the first time!
Jessica says
October 30, 2015 at 12:18 PMSo much clarity for me in your #5. Thank you!
Caroline Starr Rose says
October 30, 2015 at 12:27 PMSo. I’ve had this Alaska obsession going since I discovered a book called TISHA on my grandfather’s shelf when I was in college. It was about a woman who taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Alaska. Sign this romantic up right this second.
The novel I’m working on right now is about the Klondike Gold Rush, and for our twentieth anniversary this past summer, my husband and I took an Alaskan cruise (which was two-for-one wonderful, in that we got this amazing trip and I got to see a town my characters passed through). While we were there, I announced to Dan I’d like to someday pack up the house for a year or do some kind of exchange and go to Alaska. And he’s on board! Five or so years from now, we’ll be hanging out in Skagway.
Must look up this show of yours!
Rachael says
October 30, 2015 at 12:37 PM#5…. thank you for that post, by the way! I truly enjoyed it. Your lessons make me smile 🙂 Every month! And have inspired me to be keeping lists the same way.
Sandy Cooper says
October 30, 2015 at 1:07 PMYour make-up drawer is lovely. I have not read The LifeChanging Magic of Tidying Up (though, I practically have, since I’ve read so many excerpts and inspirations based on it!), but I am always trying to streamline my routine and simplify. Regarding make-up, I found a system I love: I have all my daily make-up, plus tweezers, nail clippers and nail files in a cute travel bag with handles (cute, but not expensive: a Target purchase). I keep this bag in my bathroom under my sink. This means I apply make-up in my bathroom, and I can store it easily in the cabinet when I’m done. But it also makes it easy to grab when I travel, as everything I need is already packed.
Then, I ALSO keep touch up make-up in my purse (for me, that’s mascara, pressed powder, lip gloss, eye liner and a concealer stick). It’s just enough to fit in the little zipper section in my purse, but not so much that I carry my whole deal around.
And just so you know, I thought this was so important to share with you that I actually got off my cell phone (where I was reading your post) and logged in to my desk-top computer so I could type faster. These are vital life skills, man.
Pattie says
October 30, 2015 at 1:08 PMYes, ma’am. We drove 6000 miles from Anchorage, Alaska to South Georgia in June. With stops to see landmarks and visit family, it was 3 weeks. Please remember fondly all your fans in Alaska when winter hits ❤️
Martha says
October 30, 2015 at 3:47 PMmy first time linking up with you + sharing what I learned this month! So fun! <3 Also "meandering through the day with joy"… will have to sit with that one for a bit!
Carmella says
October 30, 2015 at 3:59 PMOh my! The three days, 7 hours prediction to Kilcher Rd would be a continuous three days and 7 hours, if the roads were good the whole way! We moved to Alaska as newlyweds and lived there 10 years – the drive from northern Montana to Anchorage took us 7 eight hour days – you really can’t imagine the immensity of the land that you have to cover until you’ve driven that road, and the road conditions in the Yukon Territory are less like a highway and more like a secondary, crumbled up road. It was an experience we’ve never forgotten. Alaska made us better people; we’ve loved her for that. And? We got to live in Homer, and admired the “ranch” (Kilcher place) at the end of East End Rd, though at the time we had no idea what it would someday be.
emily p freeman says
October 30, 2015 at 4:33 PMHa! Well I don’t actually plan to drive it 🙂 I seriously cannot even imagine it!
Paula says
October 31, 2015 at 10:14 AMI totally cracked up at the time given from your area to here as well, lol! As a bird flies, with no rest ever and a strong tail wind!
You are more than welcome to come visit Alaska anytime, but we advise flying 🙂
Joellen Kemper says
October 30, 2015 at 4:43 PM#5- I sometimes avoid yoga because it is a lot like silence. With yoga, you become [more] aware of all of the little tensions and physical pain that you build up through the day (s). It is hard work being still in a stretch that is uncomfortable. But when you get through it, you are more refreshed and aware of the places that your body likes to keep its little reservoirs of stress!
meema says
October 30, 2015 at 4:54 PMUh, the thing about listening to fiction audio books? I may or may not have missed a crucial turn-off that caused me to add 40 miles to my trip while listening to a John Grisham book. Once. Or twice.
Hannah@SeeingtheLovely says
October 30, 2015 at 4:58 PMThanks for #6, I needed the reminder. Going through the day with joy instead of hurry and worry is something that I’ve been working on lately.
As for the audiobooks, I think I’m going to have to disagree with you there. Fiction keeps me interested and looking forward to driving (because I have to find out what happens next!) whereas I tend to forget my place more with non-fiction. Of course, I’m usually driving alone, so that may make a difference too, as the car is quiet. 🙂
Dolly@Soulstops says
October 30, 2015 at 7:54 PMEmily,
I aspire to #2 and I can relate to #5…Thanks for hosting and sharing 🙂
Lyli @3dlessons4life.com says
October 30, 2015 at 11:36 PMWe like to binge watch Alaska the Last Frontier. Watching this show has made me eternally grateful that I can go to the grocery story to buy my chickens instead of having to chop the head off one I have a pet name for that lives in my backyard.
As a side note, I must highly suggest that everyone save up their pennies for an Alaskan cruise at least once in their life. Best vacation ever!
Paula says
October 31, 2015 at 10:17 AMtake comfort in the fact that 90% or more of Alaska reality tv is scripted and generally on the fake side. The vast majority of Alaskans do drive to the store for their chicken 🙂
Lisa says
October 31, 2015 at 10:39 AMI just found your blog today, and am happy I did! We watch all the Alaskan shows, especially the Kilcher’s and my husband will flip when I tell him about Jewel. Also, I just got my first audio book at the library yesterday to listen to in the car on my way to/from work. It is fiction, so I will keep your experience in mind and I’ll try a non-fiction book next to see which I like better.
Ann says
October 31, 2015 at 12:37 PMMy husband grew up with the Kilchers and he would say “they make quite a show, and always have.” For more of the romantic Alaska visit the artist’s Norman Lowell’s gallery, his homestead is not far from the Kilchers and he moved there when it was totally wilderness. http://normanlowellgallery.net/permanentcollection.php I would keep it romantic by NOT visiting….reality is not as romantic, but Alaska is a great place to grow up as my husband said.
Marian Vischer says
October 31, 2015 at 1:06 PMThe low-grade hustle in my soul of putting on my make-up in a parking lot. Yes. Thanks for the reminder that this sort of crazy is preventable!
Sally Olson says
October 31, 2015 at 4:24 PMAlaska! You’re girl after my own heart. I’ve been fascinated by Alaska since I went traveling there at age 14 with my oh-so-adventurous mom. Now, please don’t hate me for this….but…I’ve been on Kilcher Road. We stayed on homestead right near there. I recognized their place the first time I saw “Alaska the Last Frontier”. Homer, Alaska. My advice: go in the summer. (P.S. I am really enjoying reading Simply Tuesday. It’s making an impact on how I approach my days, my time…which isn’t mine at all. It all belongs to the Lord.)
Ashley says
October 31, 2015 at 7:21 PMIt is a very long drive! My husband and I made the drive from Tennessee to Alaska 6 weeks after we got married. It was quite the adventure!
Debbie Prater says
October 31, 2015 at 8:13 PMI saw the Martian movie and loved it. I heard a interview with the author and yes it is a very technical book. He actually had to research all this stuff in order to make it work in the book.
Laurel says
November 1, 2015 at 7:27 PMI keep toying with the idea of reading The Martian because so many have recommended it, but haven’t so far for the same reasons you hesitated. I think I’ll probably let the idea go after reading your thoughts on it.
Katie M. Reid says
November 1, 2015 at 11:11 PMLove the wooden make-up organizer—inspired!
Anita Ojeda says
November 2, 2015 at 8:31 PMOh, I’ve discovered the joys of non-ficiton audio books, too :). I’ve listened to quite a few in the past year on long road trips. I almost ran out of gas in the middle of Nowhere, TX whilst listening to Jon Krakaur’s “Missoula: Rape and Justice in a Small Town.”
Jordan says
November 3, 2015 at 1:02 AM#5, SO MUCH YES. Sometimes I think I should write something, but I get scared of what is going to come out. It’s hard. Your waiting in the fog post hit home. I am in a transitional phase right now, and I want to know what’s next so bad (granted, I kinda need to know sometime soon- college graduation looms in May and I have NO clue what I’m doing next!), but at the same time it’s good to just let go and live for right now. (as hard as it is for me to say that!) I’m reading and writing what I want, I’m enjoying time with friends… all things I won’t get to do as often when I’m back in classes next semester. But the unknown, it is so flipping hard. It’s a crazy tension to live in, yes?
Those words from O’Donohue, oh my goodness. I need them plastered to my forehead (or in a wall hanging I can see every day). Thank you for that.
Thanks for sharing your learnings,friend! I learned a lot this month. 🙂
melony says
November 3, 2015 at 12:21 PMyes yes yes to #5. its why i decided to do the 31 days challenge this year i think. i needed that kick to quit avoiding it. when i force the words out onto the page then i am able to deal with what is there. and if i do the writing then i can breathe in the silence. they seem to go together for me. joining the link-up a day or two late i think-but thankful for the exercise of putting down all i have learned this past month-which seems to have freed me to look ahead to how i can grow towards that holy unhurry and heart filled with hope.
http://chasingjoy.lucashome.net/2015/11/octobers-lessons/
Tara says
November 3, 2015 at 2:33 PMI missed the link-up deadline…sad face! Here is the link to my post: http://prayingontheprairie.blogspot.com/2015/11/what-october-taught-me.html
Rosemond Cates says
November 4, 2015 at 3:05 PMMan! I wasn’t quick enough! Here’s my link: http://bighairandbooks.blogspot.com/2015/11/what-i-learned-in-october.html
Bobi Ann Allen says
November 5, 2015 at 10:48 AMEverything about this post makes me want to scream “YES!” From the makeup to the anxiety about writing to finally that beautiful quote “Holy unhurry flourishes in a heart filled with hope.”
My heart is warmed by the familiarity of each of these.
Love learning alongside you!
Whitney Wagner says
November 5, 2015 at 1:58 PMI am so with you on #5. About to finish my first book and thinking about what comes next…
Sarah May says
November 5, 2015 at 3:02 PM#6 !! I went on my first personal retreat last year and it quickly became one of my favorite things ever. It’s amazing the thinks you can think when there’s no one else around to think about. My husband and I want to schedule one for each of us each year.
This is my first ‘things I learned’ and I missed the party. How long does the link up stay open at the end of each month?
http://zachandsarahmay.blogspot.com/2015/11/things-i-learned-in-october.html?m=1