7 Quick Takes: Biscotti, Fandom, Lent

Linking up with Jen at Conversion Diaries for today's Quick Takes... and actually these should be called Medium Takes, because it's Friday and let's not judge, mmkay?

1. My office had a few visitors this week, and mi madre sent me to yonder Sam's Club for some biscotti to have and look hostess-y and snack-y and stuff. And while I am a fan of things that crunch in the mouth, I'm a bigger fan of chocolate. Why is the whole biscotti not covered in chocolate?!? This is a question that will haunt me until I make my own version, which is will nevereverever happen, so I guess it's my lot to be haunted.

2. Sorry for bringing up chocolate if that's what you're giving up for Lent. I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry.

3. Speaking of Lent, this is my first time practicing a Lent fast! A friend shared this link to give a general overview {a lot of my friends are practicing for the first time this year!}, and I loved what Father Aaron says about giving something up and adding something. I don't know if you're supposed to share these or not, but I think sharing will be good accountability and will help me process a bit more deeply.

4. Giving up: I'm giving up reading books at night. After reading Father Aaron's explanation and after examining the goal of Lent {I like to have a goal, okay?}, I think the Lord asked me to spend the 30+ minutes between getting into bed and turning off my light to journal or read the Word or a devotional. This doesn't mean I'm going to stop listening to my audio books in the car {one of the goals of Lent is peace, right? Audio books bring me peace!}, nor does it mean I'm not reading any books, period. Because of library constraints, I'm starting the no-nighttime reading after tonight, and I'm planning on making significant headway in Team of Rivals during Lent. But my evenings are reserved for Jesus time.

Adding: In the spirit of encouragement, I'm trying to write two notes of encouragement a week. And I bought stamps this week, so I can actually mail them! Joyful, joyful. {P.S. If you tell me your mailing address, I'll send you something :) }

5. Backing up to Numeral Dos...I took a scroll through the links at Jen's and was saddened that no one had pictures involving Doctor Who or Sherlock. After three weeks meeting others in my fandoms, I was disappointed. So I'm remedying the link-up with the above picture, and just for kicks and giggles, here are a couple more fandom treats {and if you've given up fandoms for Lent, please see the first picture and scroll no further}.

via

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6. Last week at Notions {a writing group I attend, in case I haven't mentioned it before}, a few of us discovered that one of us {names shall not be used to protect the ignorant} has never seen "Fiddler on the Roof." I know, I know, it's awful. So since Notions isn't meeting this week, we are staging an intervention and going over to save our poor friend from his sad state in life. Meaning we're going to his house to watch it. 

7. And just for your weekend, here are a couple great reads from around the web...

• 6 Things Every Extrovert Secretly Has to Deal With
  
• What Women Want From the Church: Full Inclusion
  
• For some laughs, Jen Hatmaker's recent post about "Technology for Morons" is awesome. 

Happy Friday and happy weekend, y'all!