I planted this butterfly bush three years ago and this year it has finally exploded and the butterflies have found it. Hooray!
And, you know what I’m going to say next . . .
HOORAY for the weekend! Make it a good one, friends.
Three On Thursday
Today, because it’s hot and sticky. Today, because the hot and sticky might make me feel a little cranky. Today, because there have been some crappy things I’ve had to deal with lately . . . I’m sharing three things I’m feeling grateful for right now.
Thing One:
Summer evenings. Yes, despite the hot and sticky I still love summer and in particular I love summer evenings. I love the light that seems to last forever. I love the warm air that allows us to be outside until late. I love sitting on the deck or under the pergola. I love impromptu and spontaneous things like cocktails by the (kiddie) pool and pizza and a fire at a friend’s house. I’m grateful for every moment that summer brings into my life.
Thing Two:
Essential oils. I have mentioned this now and again but I continue to be amazed at the things essential oils can do. I love diffusing oils because I can make all kinds of scent combinations to correspond with my mood or needs. Energizing scents like lemon and peppermint in the morning and calming scents like lavender and bergamot in the evening are some of my favorites. And, as an aside, I haven’t lit a scented candle in forever! I also love using essential oils for stuff my body needs. I have gotten into the habit of googling whatever thing it is I’m trying to deal with + essential oils and I’ve found some terrific home remedies. I realize this is anecdotal and I’m not giving medical advice here but for me I’ve been able to solve some issues naturally instead of using other types of medicine and that really makes me happy. I’d be glad to share more with you about my essential oil journey if you’re interested – just let me know.
Thing Three:
Good blood test results. Yep, my blood work from my doctor’s visit last week came back normal. My cholesterol is a little high but not high enough to warrant medication at this time and we’re going to check it again in 3 months and go from there. Other than that, things are fine and I am feeling very relieved and grateful for this good news.
There’s nothing quite like focusing on gratitude to help elevate your mood. What are you feeling grateful for right now?
Please don’t forget to add your link below if you wrote a post for this week.
Watercolor Wednesday
Local corn is in! And it’s deserving of a watercolor. Not painted by me, of course, but photographed by me and then morphed into a watercolor image with the terrific Waterlogue app.
Happy Corn Eating Season!
Summer Book Bingo Update
All evidence to the contrary, there was more than eating and drinking done on our vacation in Maine. There was reading, too! And there has been reading since which is all just to say that I’ve got 3 bingos on my Summer Book Bingo Card.
I’ve got plans for all of the squares that are left except for one: originally published in the 19th century. I’m open to suggestions but just know that I was an English major in college and I specialized in 19th Century English Literature. So. I’ve read a lot of the good ones already.
Here are my reviews since we last talked about books.
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jennifer McMahon writes great ghost stories and this one is entertaining with a twist I didn’t expect. Highly recommended for fans of supernatural mysteries.
Bingo Square: Thriller
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just as the title suggests, this book is about women talking – talking about sexual abuse, religion, loyalty, rage, power, choices, the future and so much more. I felt like it dragged sometimes but the ending was powerful and full of hope.
Bingo Square: Title that’s a character’s name
March: Book One by John Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first of 3 graphic novels telling the story of John Lewis. I enjoyed the format and the narrative and will definitely be reading the other 2.
Bingo Square: Month or day of the week in the title
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Evelyn Tribole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has given me a lot to think about. I am learning to honor my hunger and give my body the food it wants without judgment or shame. Recommended for anyone who has struggled with dieting.
Bingo Square: About food
Rising Strong by Brené Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highlighted 48 sections of this book, that should tell you just how meaningful I found it to be. Great stuff for anyone working with exploring vulnerability, enhancing relationships, and living your best life. Highly recommended.
Bingo Square: Any book
Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A beautifully written and truly moving tale about a friendship that develops between two people who find each other at just the right time in an unexpected way. Themes of love and loss, despair and hope, make this a really wonderful epistolary novel. Highly recommended.
Bingo Square: Protagonist with a different gender from your own
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this engrossing family drama. It’s story is tragic but beautiful and the themes of love and forgiveness filled me with hope.
Bingo Square: Recommended in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an entertaining book for the summer, a fast and simple read. It won’t challenge you or stretch your imagination but it will possibly enchant you and probably make you smile.
Bingo Square: Speculative fiction
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I never read this as a child, probably because I tended to avoid fantasy and science fiction. Truth be told, I still do. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed this classic story and the world that L’Engle created. The wonder, awe, fear and hope the characters experience resonated with me.
Bingo Square: Fantasy
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun and delightful, particularly for fans of Gilmore Girls.
Bingo Square: Biography
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Carter was president when I was a child and it was interesting to read this and remember the things that were on the news back then and hear his perspective on what was happening. I enjoyed reading about his childhood, military career and post presidential life as well.
Bingo Square: Memoir or autobiography of a US political figure
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A brutally honest and eerily real story of the descent into mental illness and depression. It’s sad because of the parallels to Plath’s own struggles but that’s what makes it very very brilliant.
Bingo Square: An author from the state where you live
And that’s my summer reading update for mid July.
Macro Monday
Did I plan ahead this week and take a macro photo? Did I get out the tripod and use it to give a super crisp shot?
Nope.
Did I take this photo at 5:30 am today? Did I choose this earring because it’s an inanimate object and easier to photograph?
Yep.
My commitment to Macro Monday is not what it could be but here I am, showing up and putting in the effort.
Sometimes, especially on Mondays, you just can’t ask for more than that.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 691
- Next Page »