Baby Chicks & Bringing Beginner Energy to my Writing Work

Serendipitous moments in my farmhouse and writing life (+ excellent resources)

Last year as I reached the finish line of my book manuscript I found a Substack writer and podcast that met me with kindness. I felt seen as a listener and reader in fresh new ways. With her encouragement I began embracing this next stage of mothering and adulthood with new joy instead of fear.

I was walking the park while my kids were at PE class with her podcast in my ears when Meagan’s voice stopped me in my tracks. Is she in my head right now? How does her creative work speak directly to me so well?

The same thing happens when I read her Substack: The Kettle on quiet mornings after making lists in my bullet journal. I have had this happen before with other writers and creative people that I follow.

Serendipitous is what I usually call it.

But the other day I seriously laughed out loud when this post came up in my feed. I was laughing enough that my youngest kid questioned me. “Uh, mom… are you okay?”

You see this week our broody hen hatched a little chick. This is Ash and her baby Lilac.

Check out her post and you will see a very similar photo of her hen with a baby chick. Maybe I am easily amused (okay I totally am), but still that is funny.

In praise of beginner energy

Just a few days before the chick hatched my husband got me some chicks at Tractor Supply to celebrate my book being officially out in the world. They are now in their awkward teenager stage and a few of them are “turkins” which look ridiculous.

It has been a while since we had chicks in our kitchen and it has been a fun distraction in the midst of everything else.

I feel like right now we are awkwardly growing together.

This past few months in the Edwards Farmhouse have been a crazy time of new beginnings, trying out writing skills that I have previously been afraid of, and embracing “book launch season” (whatever that means…) 😜

And it has been helpful, amazing, and wonderful to watch an author who is more seasoned and established walk through her own book launch season and new beginnings. Meagan even wrote a post about the idea of a sustainable book launch.

This also is a season of “last firsts” and “first lasts” in our home as my second of 4 kids graduates High School.

Meagan’s book The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read: How We Let Our Kids Go And Embrace What’s Next, has been a comfort and kind companion during this time of change.

Here is the video I shared on TikTok and Instagram about this time:

So one of the new things I am doing in my writing is collaborating and sharing with other authors.

I am thrilled to share Meagan’s work with you.

I think it will resonate. Especially those of you mid-life moms whose kids are getting older! She has encouragement and wisdom to help you feel less alone.

🍵Grab a cup of tea and check out her Substacks:

The Kettle and The Deep Steep

I would love to hear from you!

Have you had moments of serendipity that have surprised you recently?

Do you have Meagan’s new book yet?

Thank you for letting me share some random thoughts on writing and what is happening in my home.😁

I usually write posts super focused on tips and practices for avoiding overwhelm, but today I wanted to do something a bit different. 😉

Have a great day!

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