This post may contain affiliate links. Click here for my affiliate disclosure. If you purchase items through my affiliate links, I receive a small commission but your price doesn't change.
After playing with a compound interest calculator all afternoon while working on a post called “Starbucks or a House?” to be published next Wednesday – I decided it was time for a mental break. It’s been awhile since I’ve done a “musings of Bri” post, so I figured I’d snap a few pictures of things that have been elements of my life lately and give you an update about what’s been going on around here.
Probably the most exciting thing for me this week has been a composite of
- cookbook preorder ending,
- final approval of cookbook material (no more editing!).
- learning that business phone conversations actually aren’t that scary and get more accomplished than emails do (#introvert),
- getting some good wholesaler orders,
- and realizing that I’m not going to have to borrow any money for this project!
As I shared when preorder opened a month ago, I really wanted to sell enough books before printing to pay for the entire print run without having to borrow money. Not knowing what kind of response I’d get, I really had to idea whether I’d be going into debt or not. I was prepared to do so because I knew it would only be for a short time, but the thought was a little daunting. But God came through yet again, and it looks like this print run will be cashed off! I’m so thankful! Thank you to each and every one of you who ordered. God used you!
^^The White Company (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).
It’s what I’ve been reading. I never knew Doyle wrote anything other than Sherlock Holmes until a friend told me about this one. It’s quite well-written.
^^Doing some more “adventurous” sewing than usual. I used to really dislike sewing, but after being away from it for a year because I just haven’t had time, I’ve discovered that the older, wiser Briana actually enjoys it. I don’t usually mess with fripperies on my clothes, but I decided to indulge a little and experiment with a few unique elements for a special-occasion dress. I get to go somewhere really special next week, and if I can get this dress finished before I leave, I’ll probably wear it there (if the extra gathers I added in the front don’t make the dress look like a maternity outfit). The photo above is of the sash I made. If the finished product looks all right, I’ll try to remember to get a picture in it.
^^Scoring my little sister’s Spanish homework
^^Chocolate Truffle Fudge made by my mom
^^Ash, the blue heeler puppy that my family bought while I was at music camp…(ahem…I’m not a dog person)
But she is kinda cute. When she’s not dragging an entire deer’s skeleton worth of bones, half-eaten decomposing turkeys, and the neighbor’s beer cans into our front yard.
^^We had a bumper crop of acorns this year. #aspainfulasLegos #butprettier
^^Enjoying my Granny Smith apples!
Isn’t it interesting how so many different elements come together to make a life? God uses so many (seemingly insignificant) things to shape us.
I’m heading to Lancaster this Saturday and will be there for two weeks. What will I be doing? Well, among the plans are attending a week-long youth Bible school, maybe visiting a few stores about selling my cookbook, special singing events with friends, visiting Carnegie Hall (did I just say that??), visiting my relatives on their island, and videoing a concert.
Speaking of that concert, it will be livestreamed, so you should visit the Crown Him Facebook page, like, and follow it so you can get an update when the concert is streamed. Click here to see a playlist of videos from this spring’s concert.
And speaking of music, remember when I sang with Laudate this summer? Well, those of you who preordered my cookbook got a coupon for $3 off the new Laudate CD that is going to be released within a month or so. If you’re going to use that coupon, would you please do so within the next week? This would help Cliff and Trina out and help fund the cost of the CDs! Thanks so much! I just saw a sneak peek of the cover and it looks a-maz-ing. I’m so excited for its release! You can click here to contact Laudate and order your CD(s). The previous Laudate Mennonite Ensemble CDs – Walk on My Children, Wondrous Love, and Light – are available on iTunes, by the way. The new CD will be available there as well after release.
If you want a sneak preview of one of the songs on the CD…
Dorcas Zimmerman says
Hmm..I shall try to meet you at the concert! My husband is singing in it this fall!:)
Sharon Wade says
I did pre-order your cookbook, but I didn’t see a $3 coupon anywhere for the CD; how was it delivered, or where was the notification? I just listened to the sample and love it, so am interested in purchasing the CD. Thanks
Briana Thomas says
Hi Sharon! If you preordered during the month of October, you should’ve gotten an email with some preorder goodies. 🙂 It would’ve come from [email protected]. Maybe check your spam folder?
Sue says
“Once bitten, twice shy.” (Or, forever wary, for me.) The family dog savaged me when I was just being friendly, (as a toddler). Parents, give your children clear guidelines on what’s safe. Experience is a cruel teacher.
Lisa says
I thought I read somewhere that your book will be available on Amazon, is that right? If so do you know how much and if it will be on prime?
Briana Thomas says
It will be available on Amazon after release, but the price will be higher there than from my website due to the increased fees. I haven’t decided on a firm price yet. At this point I’m planning to have Amazon fulfill its own orders, so it should be available for prime shipping.
Dora says
Hi Brianna, I preordered your cookbook, but now that it has been released, how do I get it? Someone said we would get an email. I haven’t gotten an email yet. I’m on the THM boards and follow you on Pinterest. My email is [email protected]
Please let me know how to get the ordered book. Thank you! Have safe travels now that you are on the road again!
Briana Thomas says
Hi Dora! The book will be released around the first part of December, so if you preordered a copy it should be coming in the mail around that time. Thanks so much for ordering!
Janet Perez says
My husband is a dog person, we have 5!! Every time I turn around there he is with another puppy. I’m not a dog person, maybe occasionally sometimes I am. We have 2 blue heelers, a mom and daughter. I heard John Eldridge of Ransomed Heart recently say “what do you mean you’re not a dog person, do you mean you’re not a joy person!?” (Or something like that)
Thought you might appreciate that like I did. Those dog people are pretty funny!!!?
Briana Thomas says
Haha…I prefer my horses. People keep telling us, “Oh, cattle dogs take awhile to mature, but when they’re about 3 years old, they start to settle down a little.” She’s super smart – but SO full of energy!
Hannah Grace says
NOT DOG PERSON? How? ??? I love dogs so much, what a beauty!