It’s mid-August, so that means it’s time for my summer blogging break. Who am I kidding? We bloggers are never really on break, or at least this one isn’t. My mind is always filing away topics that need writing about. I’ve always got a few rough drafts going or at least brewing in my head. I am always thinking about ways to improve and fine tune this old blog, which is now approaching its eighth birthday.
I know, can you believe it?
I take this blogging thing seriously. I consider it my job now, or one them anyway. More on that later.
But for now…
It’s time for my summer blogging break.
Of course, I’ve got stuff to do. Who doesn’t, right?
Besides all that need-to-get-done stuff, I intend to do as much as I can of what I want to do too.
Like enjoying my morning coffee on the deck before it’s too cold again to do that.
I swear Sophie thinks that fountain is hers.
And there’s my to-read pile. I’ve been stuck on the bottom one for a while. I fear it’s a bit over my head, but I’m determined to get through it.
Working my way up. Have you read any of these?
I need to get organized for a certain special couple’s wedding. More wedding details later, but the date is September 22.
Aren’t they adorable? (That’s Martin, one of their kitties. I’ll tell you about their other one, Smudge, sometime.)
The wedding is coming up fast!
Gulp.
What am I going to wear? I need comfortable shoes that also look dressy. And a new purse. And probably other stuff I haven’t even thought of yet.
And WTF?
What happened to that plan to lose ten pounds?
Yikes!
I better get my you know what in gear!
I’ll be hanging out with these two, but then again, I do that every day ‘cuz they never let me out of their sight for long. And vice versa.
We’re watching you…
I will (hopefully) become acquainted again with my local movie theater.
Is it just me, or has the summer movie roll out been a bust this year? I’ve seen Jurassic Park (or whatever it’s called), and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and I can’t remember what else. Nothing too impressive though.
I’ll spend time weeding my flower gardens.
Unless it’s too hot. Or too mosquitoy. Okay, maybe it won’t be that much time cuz it’s gonna be both those things. It’s August, for crying out loud. But I will enjoy looking at my gardens, for sure. Except for the weeds.
Purple cone flowers are my favorite summer blooms. What are yours?
There’s going to be a visit with my oldest sister, which means a reunion with all my siblings. (There are four of us)
This will be the first get together since our dad’s funeral, so there will be plenty of reminiscing, reflecting and perhaps a few tears.
I will take in as many sunsets as I can.
Nancy’s Point at dusk
But one thing’s for certain. I did not need cancer to remind me to do that or any of these things. Or anything at all.
I did not need cancer to remind me to stop and smell the roses or to help me figure out what’s important either.
No, I did not.
No way. Screw you, Cancer.
So, I’m gonna be busy wrapping up summer 2018. As will many of you. (Who lives where it’s winter now, anyone?)
Tell me about your end-of-August plans, if you want to.
And don’t forget to check out my summer blogging challenge.
Everyone’s invited to participate!
See you in September. (Isn’t that a song?)
Sign up for weekly updates from Nancy’s Point! Keeping it real. Support you can use.
How are you wrapping up August 2018?
What are you reading right now, and what’s on your to-read list?
What’s your favorite summer bloom?
Beth Gainer
Tuesday 21st of August 2018
Hi Nancy,
Enjoy your blogging break! Lamott's Bird by Bird is outstanding. I enjoyed looking at your pictures, and congrats on your son's upcoming wedding. Special times ahead!
Nancy
Thursday 23rd of August 2018
Beth, Thank you! Will do.
Tarzangela
Thursday 16th of August 2018
Hi Nancy! Just wanted to say, have a wonderful August break! Looks like you will be too busy to weed the gardens anyway, so that can wait. Your cone flowers are so pretty, I love them too. But, I gotta say, I think my Black- eyed Susans are my favorite. Years ago I dug one up from alongside the road somewhere. It never regrew where I planted it, but spread itself around the property, wherever it damn well pleased. So, every year, I find them in different places. In the middle of the lawn, in the middle of a pathway and I let them be. I'll mow or weed wack around them and if I accidentally mow or step on one, I apologize out loud and pick it up (and maybe a couple more) and bring it in to light up a little corner of my house for a few days. They are such simple, happy, sunny flowers. They make me smile. And I didn't need to get cancer to make such a simple thing bring me a little joy, I always had that. Even as a child. I live in the Northeast, August is hot and humid and this year has been exceptionally so. This type of weather always brings a good thunderstorm.................................. -------------------------------------------------------- It was a hot, humid summer evening the sky was dark and roiling and grumbling in the distance
You could smell the rain, but it did not come and then............sshhh......... a loud hiss could be heard through the trees the once still leaves, started flipping about wildly the hiss got louder and louder till suddenly, like a marching waterfall, across the meadow, the rain came down, in buckets.................... The hiss was deafening.
Then just as suddenly....... a sunbeam arrived as did a blue hole in the sky and yet the rain kept on falling It was a rainbow storm! I ran out into the rain and with childlike delight found the rainbow hanging out above. And sure enough, I giggled out loud "There it is" I pointed! I was drenched............... and I was alone and no one was nearby to hear my cry So I laughed out loud some more! What a fool am I!
The moral.....I guess is...... If it rains on your parade hopefully you get a damn rainbow out of the deal........
Yes, August is like another world.............................. I take my break in September.......I am going to the northern coast of Maine I rent a simple cottage on a bluff that looks out over the bays, rocky islands and a wonderful sand spit with a long deserted sand beach and there are very few cottages nearby, so, very few people no umbrellas, or towels, nor smell of sunscreen no cries of children, just eagles and seagulls and chattering red squirrels I'll have my book pile and I'll have my paints and mini canvases, and I'll have a jig saw puzzle going The window or porch where my coffee will be consumed in the morning Looks out over all this beauty. So even if it rains, my soul will be soothed....once again....................... and my inner snark shrinks away for awhile......................... So, I leave you with one last little gem from Jane Austen "Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way."
Nancy
Monday 20th of August 2018
Tarzangela, Thank you for the good wishes, poem and Jane Austen gem. You enjoy your break too. That cottage sounds wonderful!
Linda Boberg
Wednesday 15th of August 2018
I get really busy in August because I'm in high ed and students are returning/starting college. So no rest in August. But I had a wonderful summer so I'can complain. I love all flowers and it's wonderful to live in a place that blooms all year long (California!).
Nancy
Thursday 16th of August 2018
Linda, Gosh, August is super busy for you then. Back to school is such a special time of year. As a former educator, I still miss it. Glad you had a wonderful summer. And yeah, CA has its advantages, that's for sure!