16 Comments
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Joelle's avatar

I just discovered your substack, through the interview you did on the Common Place with Autumn, and I love everything about it. You are feeding my soul and bringing comfort to my brain that I've always questioned because it fires off thoughts like a spiderweb constantly weaving connections between topics and readings that seem unrelated to other people. I've come to realize it's a superpower and again it's a great comfort to see someone who is able to put those things into writing and share with others.

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

Thank you - Yes! This is exactly how my brain works. And while I don't feel the need to write about all those connections in longform ways, myself, I do want to be a conduit to others who already have. I hope people take whatever's helpful!

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Erin Rhodes's avatar

I love the piece on boarding houses. It is a creative solution that has a lot of potential. My mom (a widow), has a young couple living in her house and while it’s not without it’s challenges it’s been a huge blessing for everyone concerned. They’ve been able to be mentored by her and have the financial freedom to start a small business, and she gets their help and company.

My husband and I had a similarly positive experience when his godson lived in a tiny house in our backyard for a while.

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

Those sound like beneficial setups for all involved! I think we underestimate the reciprocal blessings (relational, financial, logistical, etc..) that can come with certain living setups. I remember Andy Crouch talking somewhere a while back about he and his wife (empty nesters) living with another couple in some sort of shared space, and all the communal benefits and bonds that creates. (Really walking the talk of his writing!)

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Becca Parsons's avatar

Fellow taper candle lover here. They cast the softest, most beautiful light, especially beeswax candles.

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Shannon Hood's avatar

I love that about the darker months—bringing out all my candles/candle holders and lighting as many as I can at once.

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Becca Parsons's avatar

Yes! Nothing quite beats candlelight.

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Kerri Christopher's avatar

That poem. ❤️

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

So good. and a fellow UK resident!

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Martin Black's avatar

I miss the family photos!

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

Same here - it was a fun ride, but decided against it as the following grew and I got to rethinking privacy!

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Martin Black's avatar

Fair enough reason

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Jim Dalrymple II's avatar

So much great stuff here. Especially loved the piece on neighboring.

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

Yes - always love Amber Lapp's stuff.

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Kate's avatar

Excited to dive into the pieces on money! Balancing stewardship with generosity is on my mind often, and I know I don't always get it right.

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Haley Baumeister's avatar

Yes - And there's also a note of mine a while back asking for book recommendations on money and Christian stewardship. Received some good ones.. will try to find it.

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