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Mere Motherhood Newsletters
I am Cindy Rollins author of Mere Motherhood, A Handbook to Morning Time, and Hallelujah A Journey Through Advent with Handel's Messiah. From December 2016 to December 2018, I put out a newsletter. It contained some of my best writing. After I moved on to other projects, it occurred to me that those newsletters might be helpful to others if they were collected together. Here they are complete with poems in the public domain and recipes, which were often the best part of the newsletter. In these newsletters I ponder significant moments in the life a mother, the ups and downs, realities, joys, and sorrows. I even have a bookslist or two! You will find laughter and tears and recipes month by month. Many people asked me where they could find these newsletters once they vanished from their inboxes. Here, for the first time, they are collated together. You can buy them as an ebook or even print them out. I am deeply indebted to Elizabeth Sage for the cover art. Table of Contents December 2016 December 2016 1. The Nativity January 2017 February 2017 March 2017 May 2017 June 2017 2. June July 2017 3. The Man in the Arena September 2017 October 2017 4. The Mist and All 5. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come December 2017 6. Advent Sunday January 2018 7. The Weathers 8. The Darkling Thrush My Grandmother’s Easy Chili Recipe February 2018 9. When March 2018 June 2018 September 2018 10. Psalm 139 11. October 2018 12. Heaven-Haven 13. Charleston Shrimp and Grits November 2018 Notes 2018
Nesting
According to the Urban Dictionary, nesting
is a ritual performed by pregnant women to rid the home of harmful things. I was always a heavy nester, cleaning the house in a desperate attempt to prepare for the coming baby.
I recently returned home from an extended stay at my father’s death bed, or at least what we all thought was his death bed after at least three doctors told us he would die in 48 hours or maybe a few days more. My siblings and I sat there for more than 20 days saying goodbye with one five-day break to head down to Texas for my son’s wedding. It was 20 days intensely concentrating on my dad with the help of Google. My sister and I now consider ourselves full-fledged medical workers. We read and we concurred and still my dad lingered. We gathered around his bed, sang hymns, and hung on every word he said for 20 days. Were those his last words? “I’ve got to go catch the bus,” or “I love you,” or “Where are we going for dinner?” I’m not going to complain my dad is still alive, but it was a bizarre month which left me more emotionally wrung out than I’ve been in a long time, not to mention fatter. My sister, brother, and I found solace in eating large bags of peanut M&Ms, and I can’t deny they seemed to help. When we finally got a chance to go out to eat one afternoon, we opted for Cracker Barrel®. I’ve never opted for Cracker Barrel® before.
When I got home, I woke up in the middle of the night and hung a shelf in the bathroom because I couldn’t sleep. This seemed to annoy the other sleepers as it involved hammering. As the days wore on, I cleaned my closet and got rid of shoes. I never get rid of shoes June 2018
Nesting
According to the Urban Dictionary, nesting
is a ritual performed by pregnant women to rid the home of harmful things.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 24, 2019
I was quite pleased to see how beautiful this book turned out in print. It is my first self-published volume.
September 25, 2021
I continue to love everything of Rollins that I've read. I'm not a podcast person, but I've heard rumors that she used to do one... so I may need to dig that up.
I think I'll keep this one by my bed and read each of the newsletter at the beginning of the month for which they were written. They're quick and simple, but sweet and encouraging, and her poetry selections were delightful.
Update, 12/1/20:
I did, in fact keep this book by my bed and read each newsletter at the beginning of the month for which it was written, and it was a delightful encouragement in the mess that was 2020. I think I may keep up the habit for 2021.
Update, 9/25/21:
For the first half of the year, I read each monthly newsletter on the first day of the appropriate month. And then illness and led to a reading slump and I abandoned it for a little while. Picked it up again intending just to catch up... and ended up finishing the book. Whoops?
Rollins manages to be encouraging in her frank appraisal of the difficulty of life's circumstances, apt in her selection of poetry to include each month, and a delight to read.
I think I'll keep this one by my bed and read each of the newsletter at the beginning of the month for which they were written. They're quick and simple, but sweet and encouraging, and her poetry selections were delightful.
Update, 12/1/20:
I did, in fact keep this book by my bed and read each newsletter at the beginning of the month for which it was written, and it was a delightful encouragement in the mess that was 2020. I think I may keep up the habit for 2021.
Update, 9/25/21:
For the first half of the year, I read each monthly newsletter on the first day of the appropriate month. And then illness and led to a reading slump and I abandoned it for a little while. Picked it up again intending just to catch up... and ended up finishing the book. Whoops?
Rollins manages to be encouraging in her frank appraisal of the difficulty of life's circumstances, apt in her selection of poetry to include each month, and a delight to read.
November 22, 2019
This book is meant to be savored, but I confess to inhaling it in one sitting. Cindy Rollins writes in a charming though not sentimental way, reminding me somewhat of Gladys Taber with her consideration of the seasons of the year and a life interwoven together. This book is encouragement for the mom in the trenches from a sage guide who has walked the same paths and can look back with some perspective. Rollins is refreshingly down-to-earth and relatable, inspiring in her pursuit of truth and beauty in the home, and intersperses her writing with wonderful poetry selections, recipes, and humor. I only wish there was more and am hoping this is volume one of more to come!
March 9, 2021
As newsletters, they are lovely, and I wish I had been able to follow her blog from the beginning. As a book, it didn't seem ready to go to print.
Read
December 20, 2021This little collection has been a sweet companion through the year!
February 27, 2024
This is a compilation of two years of Cindy Rollins’ newsletters. They are full of beautiful seasonal reflections- both seasons of the year and seasons of her life. Cindy does a masterful job of opening the reader’s eyes to beauty in nature, in the written word, and in God’s word. She includes the most wonderful poetry and delicious-looking recipes (hoping to try some this week!). But what I love most about Cindy’s writing is that she looks younger moms right in the eyes, remembers what it’s like, and helps us see what matters and what does not. She passes the baton to the women behind her in such a gracious, authentic, and hope-filled way, and I’m truly grateful for her!
July 22, 2020
Cindy Rollins says it all so well. It's fascinating how she weaves lines of literature (with their embodied ideas) into her writings so to say exactly what she wants to say. I love her wit and her unassuming dry humor.
This is a short book containing many of her best blog posts, interspersed with favorite recipes and poems. There are typographical errors, but they don't detract from the words.
Highly recommend her book Mere Motherhood, as well as her many articles in the Common Place Quarterly magazine.
"I supposed you think that all this whining is working up to something encouraging. But really February is a series of unfortunate events, and no matter how I try to frame it the only good thing about it is that it's the shortest month.... Here's the universal rule: You can only complain about one month or one season. I can't, for instance, send a negative email in August about the heat, but then who would? Right here, in the beginning of the year, I've used up my hall pass. You may think I should have saved it, but I'm happy it's gone. Now I'm free to enjoy the rest of the year and all its ups and downs with abandon. Let the wild rumpus begin." - Page 12
"To paraphrase the Gospel of Matthew, if your son asks for ice cream, would you give him yogurt?" - Page 26
"Someday all of our metaphors will be inhabited." - Page 32
"For all our casting backward for instruction and our working hard in the present for unseen fruit, we should also remember we have a future and a hope." - Page 53
"When I praise God for His excellent greatness and marvelous works, one of those works is me, and another is you. I may be a dufflepud most of the time, but the true Magician loves me very much, and He loves you too. This is fearful and wonderful." - Page 85
"It's November here, and I'm not quite sure what to wear each day or how to order my days. The November manuals are few and far between, but I'm ratting them out. I want to enjoy November because December looks a little bleak. In November you can still walk fast and hop up the stairs. In December it looks like things slow down quite a bit. My mother can't remember if she ate lunch. She's lost without help. She isn't a baby, a toddler, or a teen. I have to help her and remember that she wasn't only born a person, but she still is one. I live in the woods. Tonight they're lovely, dark, and deep. I'm staring into the darkness, but I'm turning around too and calling back to you, 'Don't worry; I see light ahead.'" -Page 92
This is a short book containing many of her best blog posts, interspersed with favorite recipes and poems. There are typographical errors, but they don't detract from the words.
Highly recommend her book Mere Motherhood, as well as her many articles in the Common Place Quarterly magazine.
"I supposed you think that all this whining is working up to something encouraging. But really February is a series of unfortunate events, and no matter how I try to frame it the only good thing about it is that it's the shortest month.... Here's the universal rule: You can only complain about one month or one season. I can't, for instance, send a negative email in August about the heat, but then who would? Right here, in the beginning of the year, I've used up my hall pass. You may think I should have saved it, but I'm happy it's gone. Now I'm free to enjoy the rest of the year and all its ups and downs with abandon. Let the wild rumpus begin." - Page 12
"To paraphrase the Gospel of Matthew, if your son asks for ice cream, would you give him yogurt?" - Page 26
"Someday all of our metaphors will be inhabited." - Page 32
"For all our casting backward for instruction and our working hard in the present for unseen fruit, we should also remember we have a future and a hope." - Page 53
"When I praise God for His excellent greatness and marvelous works, one of those works is me, and another is you. I may be a dufflepud most of the time, but the true Magician loves me very much, and He loves you too. This is fearful and wonderful." - Page 85
"It's November here, and I'm not quite sure what to wear each day or how to order my days. The November manuals are few and far between, but I'm ratting them out. I want to enjoy November because December looks a little bleak. In November you can still walk fast and hop up the stairs. In December it looks like things slow down quite a bit. My mother can't remember if she ate lunch. She's lost without help. She isn't a baby, a toddler, or a teen. I have to help her and remember that she wasn't only born a person, but she still is one. I live in the woods. Tonight they're lovely, dark, and deep. I'm staring into the darkness, but I'm turning around too and calling back to you, 'Don't worry; I see light ahead.'" -Page 92
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
This compilation of newsletters is a quick, light read, generally leaving you with something to think about. I especially enjoyed the last two newsletters; one discussing how easy it is to live and think like one of C.S. Lewis' Dufflepuds, the other a meditative look at waning years and the fact that intrinsic personhood remains even as the mind slips and the body fails.
Cindy Rollins' sense of humor had me grinning here and there. She had some nuggets of wisdom, and featured excerpts and poems that were encouraging, such as "The Man in the Arena" (from a speech by Theodore Roosevelt).
Cindy Rollins' sense of humor had me grinning here and there. She had some nuggets of wisdom, and featured excerpts and poems that were encouraging, such as "The Man in the Arena" (from a speech by Theodore Roosevelt).
February 22, 2023
I’ve read and given away Mere Motherhood several times and am somehow, again, without my copy. I went to purchase another and this book came up first and I decided to get it. Im so glad I did. I’ve subscribed to her newsletters over the years but this was a real treat. I think it would be delightful to savor, but l was sick in bed and just devoured it in a day or so.
Cindy helps me understand the value of faithfulness and hope, planting in season, and also sheds some light on the seasons of a woman’s life.
Cindy helps me understand the value of faithfulness and hope, planting in season, and also sheds some light on the seasons of a woman’s life.
May 5, 2021
Cindy remains my favorite homeschool mom to learn from and I read anything of hers that I find. This book is a collection of blog posts she wrote at one time. I felt as if she were sipping tea with me and telling me stories. Her humility is evident and her wisdom is throughout the book. I recommend to all.
January 9, 2022
If you're a fan of Cindy Rollins and are too late to the game to have received these newsletters in real time, this book (a collection of them) is a must read. I laughed, I cried, I was bolstered in my mission to homeschool. Totally recommend for any mom who needs a dose of reality and encouragement.
April 11, 2022
Exactly what you would expect—a compilation of newsletters sent out by Cindy Rollins. This was such fun to read. I love her sense of humor and the balance between that and the reflective and sacred.
A few weird formatting issues (font was different for one of the letters, sometimes punctuation was on a separate line, weird spacing in a couple places—things of that sort).
A few weird formatting issues (font was different for one of the letters, sometimes punctuation was on a separate line, weird spacing in a couple places—things of that sort).
March 16, 2023
It was an interesting read for provoking thought about life and the occasional peek into another person's homeschool which was valuable. It showed me that struggles exist everywhere and reminded me where to put my time and attention. It reminded me also to remember God and to include Him in my life and especially my momming. It was a bit short and repetitive though.
October 2, 2020
Oh, I loved this! Cindy's writing style is so fun to read--she's poignant and real and funny. Reading her book of newsletters was one of my reading highlights in September. Next I'm lending the book to my mom; their writing style is similar, and I know my mom will love this read!
March 27, 2024
Another wonderful book by Cindy Rollins! I love this collection of newsletters showcasing the seasons of her motherhood. I particularly love that she shepherds the next generation of mothers, and they take her right along with them. What a lovely book!
July 5, 2019
Lovely
Such beautiful encouraging writing, well worth reading if you need something uplifting.
Haven’t tried the recipes yet but looking forward to it
Such beautiful encouraging writing, well worth reading if you need something uplifting.
Haven’t tried the recipes yet but looking forward to it
May 15, 2021
Favorite Homeschool mom. I enjoyed this sample of newsletters. Cindy’s humor comes through. She makes me laugh.
September 14, 2021
When one lovely wise heart, reaches straight out from the pages of a book, and gives you an encouraging embrace.
September 17, 2022
I laughed. I cried. I would read anything she writes. A bright light ahead of me on the journey, reminding me this is the way.
July 11, 2023
I’m always grateful for anything Cindy rollins writes! And, now, I can’t wait to try the recipes.
Currently reading
February 20, 2024p. 47- end; p. 32, 27; 38; 7
May 16, 2024
Once again Cindy has a witty way of writing, but always full of wisdom. This will be a book that I want to keep close by, when I have a minute I will read one of the newsletters and be encouraged!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews