Are the perfect time to set intentions for the week.

I’ll be honest, friends, I’ve been struggling. There’s the pandemic . . . and the news . . . and the obvious (and sometimes not so obvious but just as dumbfounding) racism, not just on the national level but in my own circles . . . and the trauma from Dale’s recovery. It’s a lot and I’m worried and anxious a lot more than I ever remember being.

So. This week I’m setting intentions to help me focus on good things. Things I can control and predict. Things that will bring me peace.

This week I will . . .

Journal every day. I’ve gotten away from my journaling but I’m committing right now to a daily practice again, even if it’s just a few doodles or pasting in a photo that makes me happy.

Stop the Facebook scrolling. I had been doing pretty well with limiting my time there but lately I’ve been drawn in and it’s too much. Between the ignorance and hatred I see in some groups, the frightening news articles well meaning friends share, and the drama . . . well, it’s too much right now.

Focus on things I can do. I can’t predict how long Dale’s recovery will take but I can encourage him to work hard at it. I can’t stop people from risky behavior like attending COVID parties (seriously?) but I can weigh the risks and make decisions that feel right for me. I can’t stop racism on my own but I can choose where I spend my money, I can keep reading to educate myself, and I can call out the hatred when I see it.

Underlying all of this I will breathe. I will look for joy. And I will be open to the gifts that come my way.

Let’s have a good week.

Did you like how I took yesterday off from blogging? Funny how I feel responsible to let you know if I’m not blogging so I blog. It’s just how I roll, friends.

Anyway.

The weekend is officially over now and I’ve got a recap on it. There were Friday Night Snacks, of course.

And then it was Independence Day. I might be the only person around who was glad all the celebrations were canceled because it meant Dale was home and not working. Of course, we didn’t have a big bash or anything. Hannah came over, along with Jessica and Jackie. We had appetizers.

And later we had burgers and hot dogs and potato salad. Hannah made yummy ice cream sandwiches for dessert and we ate those around the fire pit.

Sunday was for hanging out and Monday was as well. I contemplated a trip to Lowe’s but didn’t follow through. I find it sort of remarkable that the only store I’ve been in since March is the grocery store. I might be experiencing a bit of quarantine fatigue but I’m still committed to the cause.

How are things in your little corner of the world?

P.S. Kym is blogging about the Read With Us book club selection Wild Game today, be sure and check it out!

While the rest of the country observed the legal holiday last Friday, the town where I work observes it today. So. No work for me. And even though the blog isn’t work, I’m using the work holiday as an excuse to take today off from the blog, too.

I’ll catch up with you all tomorrow. Happy Monday!

Listen. I have a lot of hopes for you.

I’m hopeful that our trip to Maine, which is now booked, is possible since it’s conditional on negative COVID tests.

I’m hopeful that our garden grows. There are tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, and zucchini (finally) planted and I’m hoping you warm summer days will encourage a lot of rapid growth since we’re so far behind on getting them in the ground.

I’m hopeful that the enthusiasm for learning about racism in our country, for reading books written by Black authors, for holding bad police accountable for their actions, for listening and growing, doesn’t wane.

I’m hopeful for more family time. We have birthdays to celebrate together this month and we’d like to do that around a fire in our backyard. I’m hoping the weather cooperates since outside is the place we feel most comfortable when gathering.

I’m hopeful that lots of readers participate in our discussion of Wild Game.

I’m hopeful that Dale continues to make progress in his healing. He’s doing well but let’s go for the big finish by the end of the month, mmmmkay? I’ll hold August accountable for this one since the x-rays aren’t scheduled until then but I still need you to do your part.

July, you usher in the second half of 2020 and there’s a lot riding on you to start this off correctly. Let’s make sure it’s brighter, safer, happier, and stress free.

I’m counting on you.

Are the start of a week that feels slow. As in, summer is here and the days are long and hot and the calendar has (finally) lightened up. Really, all we have for this week is two PT appointments for Dale and one meeting for me. And work, of course, but that’s a much different experience these days since the library remains closed. Plus the week ends with a holiday and for only the 2nd time in our married life Dale will be home and not singing at 3 different events like he usually does on the 4th.

Looking back, the weekend was simple but fun. We celebrated Dale’s birthday with lobsters rolls on Friday.

And pizza and cupcakes with the kids on Saturday.

It rained each afternoon so we didn’t get our beautiful evenings on the deck but we need the rain and it meant I didn’t have to lug the hose around the yard to water. It also meant we watched some TV. We finished Little Fires Everywhere and also completed our quest to watch all of the Star Wars movies in 2020. That was actually on my 20 in 2020 List and I’m glad it’s done. I can’t say I loved the movies but it’s a cultural thing I felt I was missing out on and now I’m not.

Speaking of that 20 in 2020 list, we’re halfway through 2020 and what a dumpster fire this year has been! There are a lot of things on that list that just aren’t going to happen . . . a 55th birthday trip with my two closest friends, traveling to new places with Dale, extending our front garden bed around the corner of our house . . . thanks to the pandemic and the accident those things are off the table. There is still time to address some of the other things on that list, though, like getting an estimate for a new dining room floor, and increasing the amount of art journaling I’m doing. It’s a good time to take a look at the list and make some adjustments.

I’ll be back tomorrow to share an update on my One Little Word. Have a great Monday!