Five Quick Things 015
What's Saving My Life Right Now?
Last week, a friend asked: “What’s saving your life in these final days of summer?” I always love answering this question, because it can look so different from season to season. Here’s a quick look at five things bringing me immense joy this month.
Summer Camp & Homeschool Planning
My kids are in two back-to-back weeks of day camp and it’s giving me all the time and space I need to get ready for our upcoming homeschool year. We had some last minute changes to our schedule again this year, so I’ve spent countless hours skimming books, reorganizing curriculum, and connecting with other families to create intentional co-learning opportunities. And in addition to all the lesson planning, supply buying, and community organizing, it took me two entire days to clean out and reorganize the homeschool room! Having the kids out of the house while I did all of that has been GLORIOUS. Now that the chores are done, I can spend next week doing a little bit of book writing before our year starts in full swing.
A Fantastic Picture Book
My friend and mentor Callie introduced me to Brontorina several years ago during a writing course and I instantly knew I needed to add a copy to our home library. In a season where one kid is transitioning to a new dance studio after six years at a different one, the other kid has left competitive gymnastics and is trying to decide what to try next, and I’m setting aside other commitments so that I can recommit to homeschooling for the entirety of middle school, Brontorina is giving us all strength and courage to dig deep and keep working to find our place in this world.
Sourdough Bread
Ya’ll, I haven’t made bread since early Spring. Maybe even before that. In the last week I made two types of sandwich bread (this is a winner), my regular artisan loaf, and sourdough hamburger buns for crispy pulled pork with friends tomorrow night. I don’t know what it is about making bread that makes my heart sing (maybe that’s a writing prompt for another day?) but it has felt so good to be baking again.
Charles Dickens
I started fluffy summer reading in early May, so this month I felt more than ready to dig into something a little meatier. I started listening to Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (which I highly recommend, the narrator is awesome!), but decided I wanted to read its inspiration first, and I am so glad I did. I thought David Copperfield was supposed to be a depressing story, but I’m finding it quite humorous. Dickens wrote quickly, for the masses, in order to make money, and it’s been really fun to dig into one of his longer works. (More fun info on Dickens here)
Farm Fresh Produce
August is my very favorite month on the farm. It’s when all the crops start coming in, and meals start getting more varied, but there’s not too much of anything (yet) to be totally overwhelmed. We’re eating (and loving) a lot of eggplant, and also a lot of salad, and I’m just enjoying the bounty while it’s here.
Until next time,
