From Maker's Hollow
— ◆ —Don Shorey
dispatches on story, faith, beauty & the joy of life
Welcome
Pull Up a Chair
Read Here →I've been dropping small deadly-serious, unapologetically-silly "rules" for life in my Notes over on Substack—five out of twelve so far—for getting over ourselves and taking a deep breath. This is one of them.
Yes, it's July. Yes, this one's about Hallmark Christmas movies. I regret nothing.
Number 4 — Learn from a Hallmark movie while you laugh at it.
Some days and some weeks (and some years?) are the 1 hour and 35 minute mark of the Hallmark movie version of your life.
Christmas in July trends are silly, but—any time of year—remembering the wonderful absurdity of the Lord of Heaven becoming one of us—to make me His—often does emergency CPR on my faith.
Read on Substack →A Book is Coming · Autumn 2026
The Wonder of Is
An Introduction to Everything · A Story-Theology for Those Coming of Age
"A grandfather who thought he was dying. His grandson. The seasons of a year. And the greatest story ever told — heard as if for the first time."
About the Book →No Mere Mortals · Podcast
Our two most downloaded No Mere Mortals episodes were this set of Don & Lisa conversations. The first offers a rich and biblically-rooted vision for intoxicating marriage and the second offers practical thoughts and cheerful examples for growing delight and deep connection in our marriages.
Enjoying Grace Story Co. · Art & Commissions
Reepicheep Abroad — D.S. Shorey
Keys to Wonder
The Bird & the Baby
The Other Side of the Door
Maker's Hollow Enterprises & Events
Discover the creative businesses, services, and events of our Maker's Hollow family.
Browse the Maker's Hollow Business Directory →Maker's Hollow Happenings
Don Shorey
Happenings
In future issues of the newsletter, this section will share news of events, newsworthy happenings, or special opportunities here at Maker's Hollow or in one of the businesses or ministries of our community.
Rumors from the Hollow — What We're Enjoying…
A Woman of No Importance, by Sonia Purnell — Forgot to pack my book. Uggh! Off to the nearest airport news stand looking for something interesting and overpriced. World War II has captivated me since I was a child and my eyes quickly landed on this true story of an American spy (a Baltimore socialite, disabled woman). For me, it was a page-turner. Truly unbelievable, harrowing, courageous and ingenious stories. Her heroism is one of many lives that changed the course of the Second World War. It was worth every duty-free penny.
Marty, Life is Short — This documentary about Martin Short immediately caught my interest, but I was still caught off guard by how much I enjoyed it! The winsome, heartwarming, hilarious, and at times heartbreaking story of a truly entertaining man. Fun and joy and laughter prioritized all along the way. I was delighted with every moment of it.
The Other Bennet Sister — A forgotten-underdog-triumph story branching out of a beloved classic? We're in. I saw someone describe it as "breezy and full of heart," and another said watching it became "a learning experience" since she realized she had far more in common with Mary Bennet than she'd ever imagined. Little ol' Mary just connecting to us?! Okay! We loved that. There just is something deeply satisfying about watching the overlooked one slowly become seen. It very much presses on the question of how many quiet stories and characters are waiting for someone to notice them.
An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace — Loaded with wit and charm, this book has kept me smiling. The magic of this book, in my opinion, is not the recipes themselves but the author's commentary on the philosophy and pleasure of cooking and eating. Only halfway through this read and feeling all sorts of warm feelings at the cleverness and warm perspective.
Multiple families going in on a water-slide bounce house for the third 4th of July in a row get their money's worth in memories and hilarity—for both kids and adults! 😄 It's a hit — especially when the rental company drops it off early the day before and picks it up late the day after. I neither lie nor exaggerate — it was in use for no less than 30 hours in those 3 days!
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson — Deep fantasy world, wonderful character development, and totally "clean," which is a surprising, excellent touch. Great writing.
"Be comforted, small one, in your smallness. He lays no merit on you. Receive and be glad. Have no fear, lest your shoulders be bearing this world."
— C. S. Lewis, Perelandra
Until next time — chase all that is good, true, or beautiful!
Don Shorey
Maker's Hollow · Tarpon Springs, Florida
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