Welcome August!

This last month of summer can seem especially long so I thought I would share these ideas to help make it more enjoyable.

~If you have a beach sojourn this month, try to enjoy it at different times: an early morning browse to collect shells before the crowds come, a late afternoon visit to fly kites after they've left. Save one evening for a moonlight walk. If you are not alone, hold hands.


~Rediscover the books you loved as a child. Head off to a library and wander into the children's section. Recall those moments of contentment curled up with a good book. What was it? Little Women? Black Beauty? Anne of Green Gables? Nancy Drew? Little House on the Prairie?

~Lie in a hammock while you get reacquainted with your favorite stories.


~When was the last time you stargazed? One clear summer's evening lie on a big blanket in your backyard with a good bottle of wine or sparkling cider, cheese, biscuits, and fresh fruit. Look up into the night sky. Find a star to wish upon.


~Look for the moon while you are out there. The next full one will be on August 28.


~Be sure to spend some time enjoying the last of the pretty flowers.


~If it is really hot outside, bring some of the blooms indoors.



Here are some more fun and unique ways to celebrate August...

August 2 ~ National Ice Cream Day (We missed this, but I think any day is good for ice cream!)
August 4 ~ National Mustard Day
August 8 ~ Admit You're Happy Day
August 10 ~ Lazy Day
August 18 ~ Watermelon Day


~August~

Deep in the wood I made a house
Where no one knew the way;
I carpeted the floor with moss,
And there I loved to play.

I heard the bubbling of the brook;
At times an acorn fell,
And far away a robin sang
Deep in the lonely dell.

I set a rock with acorn cups,
So quietly I played
A rabbit hopped across the moss
And did not seem afraid

That night before I went to bed
I at my window stood,
And thought how dark my house must be
Down in the lonesome wood.
~K. Pyle

Ideas from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach
Pictures can be found at www.art.com

Feel free to share what you do to enjoy these hot summer days!