It’s summer and slowly, slowly I have been embracing a summer pace. This is what I celebrate – the time to do all of these things and breathe in between.
- Bookstore visits. Yes, I can’t get out without a few titles following me home but how I love the wandering, the reading, the choosing.
- Coffee with friends. Not starting with the “busy, busy” check in but with hugs, smiles and time.
- Walking in the neighbourhood and having time to notice wild and wondrous things like this . . . fungi? I don’t know if this is a good thing but it sure is startling.
- Baking banana everything. Eating banana everything. Muffins. Cake. Loaves. With lots of coffee. Yum. (Because those bunches sure do go brown quickly in the heat)
- Weeding. Deadheading. Appreciating garden views even though it has been weeks and weeks without rain. In the Pacific Northwest, this just feels so wrong. Particularly appreciating all of my drought tolerant plants.
- Reading a lot. And then a lot more. Watching my children do the same.
- Blogging a lot. And then a lot more. All of the reading means I start thinking in lists. Loved making this latest one.
- Listening to the hawks cry. And then discovering them mid day sitting on our roof. The sound is incredible.
When we celebrate life slowing down there is much to appreciate.
Thank you to Ruth Ayres and the #celebratelu community! Being part of a community that regularly shares gratitude and celebrations truly transforms my weeks.
There's a Book for That 
Love the slowing down we’re on the same page. I love celebrations because it’s about diversity my celebration today is about way too much rain!! Hopefully weather can switch zones soon.
I would love some of that rain!
Summer pace is such a welcomed treat. Unfortunately, we have had all that rain you have not had. Flooding rivers, ruined crops, and many cloudy days is what Indiana is all about this summer. Because of all the rain, we have had some interesting fungi too, but not like the one you have. That is incredible. Enjoy your summer pace…I go back in 3 1/2 weeks! Yikes!
Crazy how we are all experiencing such unusual weather patterns. Hope you have a wonderful last few weeks.
Beautiful post! Usually I would be able to commiserate with the lack of rain, but we’ve had the wettest summer on record in western SD. It’s Ireland green around here! (And the weeds have gone wild!) I had no Internet for a couple of days this week–horrors!–so I’m behind on blog reading. Need to pop over and see your newest list–love the topic!
No internet? Sometimes that can be really great 🙂 But one does get behind! Ireland green sounds so lovely.
Saw your latest list yesterday – great titles on your list I may plan a display for our July book club gathering. I’m right with you about our lack of rain in the NW. It rained during our four hour drive from Kansas City to the farm. It was a delight to see, even though I usually hate driving in the rain.
I loved a little rain today! Very little but I was so happy. Glad you liked the list!
An inspiring post. I will be looking for inspiration next week. The celebrations we may not notice during the school year. I just purchased I Will Take A Nap as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Kendra. Mo Willems can do no wrong!
How to “breathe in between” is an art you show so beautifully in this post. I just want to sit beside you drink coffee and eat banana bread!
The drought is terrible. We’re letting our grass go “California Gold” and pulling it out.
I would love to serve you banana bread and coffee. If you ever come to Vancouver . . . 🙂
i’m finally through with the ‘messing’ with books & now hope I can read and read, write, too, Carrie. I wrote about noticing today too. It is wonderful to be out & wandering & seeing neat things! Sorry about your drought-so topsy-turvy this year. We should have the drought, not the rain. I haven’t commented, but am reading your lists! Fun to see!
Thanks Linda! I’m heading over to your blog to see news of your book sorting.
Carrie,
I’m envious! The pace of our summer has been so unexpected — busy and chaotic and gogogo! Looking ahead on the calendar, it slows down this week. Your post inspires me to savor the moments we get to unrush. Enjoy all of those sweet treats! Thanks for always celebrating.
Shine on,
Ruth
Thank you Ruth! I appreciate your comments – I know how very busy you have been sharing and inspiring at conferences, etc.
Loved reading about your summer days, Carrie – idyllic. Wow about the hawk – they are majestic birds.
The hawks are just incredible! I am in awe of their sounds.
Thanks for sharing the photos!
Even though it’s summer time, I still need reminders to slow down. I’m not good at doing that. I’m good at filling in every available space and moment!
I need the slow of summer to get ready for the busy of the school year.