Hello friends,
We are full in the throws of summer around here and I as usual, I am trying to stay open to feeling all the feels. How are you doing? In the last few weeks, we held our Nature Art Camp for 7 amazing campers (So. Much. Fun.), I released my 2020 wall calendar, and took an Illustrating Children's Books course. Phew! What a ride!
"The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color." ―Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting
I'm talking about:
The crowing of the rooster mid-day for no apparent reason.
Cotton candy-pink sticky fingers holding mine tightly as we walk up to the rides at the county fair.
Walking out of the house to the blast of heat on my face.
The sound of tractors rolling down the street.
Evening breezes blowing through the open windows, making the blinds bounce on the sills.
The happy squeals of children and rhythmic squeaks of springs being stretched on the trampoline.
Puddles and wet footprints leading to the bathroom after sprinkler play outside.
The sweet juicy surge of blueberry on my tongue after popping one into my mouth fresh from the bush.
The clip clop of horse hooves on the pavement from neighbors taking an evening ride.
The smell of campfire in my hair after a weekend of camping.
Evening laughter out on the deck with dear friends.
Naps and picnics out in the yard.
Watching in awe as loads of creations are being built by amazing children.
Sleeping in.
Hikes through amazing wildflower fields.
Delicious meals shared with sweet friends.
Suitcases packed to the brim ready for vacation.
The anticipation of summer visitors about to arrive.
Sweat dripping from my face as I stir a boiling pot of cherry preserves.
Red-stained fingertips from hours spent pitting cherries.
The sound of the screen door banging followed by several small pounding feet running through the house.
Evening birdsong.
Hours spent watching children dig, build, dip, mix, and stack at the river.
Endless sunblock applications on squirmy bodies.
My bag bulging with snacks, water bottles, bandaids, and towels.
The smell of sun, sand and soil on a warm little body in my arms at the end of the day.
I hope you are enjoying all the ups and downs of summer too. Share some of your highlights in the comments below.
PS: If you happen to stop by my Etsy shop soon, you'll notice that I'm now offering FREE shipping when you order over $35 from my shop! No changes to my product pricing - just a never-ending deal for you!