August 2023 Monthly Wrap-Up
Wow, I’m just now realizing as I look back that August was a SUPER busy month. It wasn’t all good (my BeReals from August are mostly just me lying in bed being sick, lol), but a lot of it was! Exciting things happened, like finishing the recording sessions for my music; dropping Joshua off for his freshman year of college; and singing the national anthem at a minor league Braves game (listen here). And there was a lot of sweet time with my people, like joyful Sunday lunches that dragged late into the afternoon; a glorious antiquing/picnic day trip with Kenna; hanging out with Karen while she sold her handmade bags at a dog agility trial; unmatchable time with old friends; a lovely winery evening with Andrea and her family; and more. Selected photos below…
This month I’m…
Reading: Beginners Welcome, Cindy Baldwin. Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros. Philippians, Baker Bible Guides. Every Good Boy Does Fine, Jeremy Denk (DNF). A Bird Will Soar, Alison Green Myers. Mitch and Amy, Beverly Cleary (reread). A Separate Peace, John Knowles (reread). Give Me A Sign, Anna Sortino. Family of Liars and We Were Liars, E. Lockhart (both rereads). The Museum of Lost and Found, Leila Sales. Bicycling with Butterflies, Sara Dykman. The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin (reread). Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, Daily Grace Co. Ruby Lost and Found, Christina Li. The Naturals, Jennifer Lynn Barnes (DNF). 16 total.
Listening to: My July/August playlist. Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), Kelsea Ballerini’s new EP. Snow Angel, Renee Rapp’s debut album! Alexander Joseph.
Watching: YouTube–Sailing Zatara; Katie Mack; Jordan Bauth. TV shows–The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2; Girl Meets World season 1 (rewatch, and yes it is still just as unspeakably perfect as always).
Writing: I did very little work this month and had very little work stress, which is always the dream. I volunteered with People Hope and the Diamonds Conference; worked on recording/producing my music as well as preparing for a show I’m playing in next month; posted one YouTube video; and made letters/cards for friends and pen pals.
Buying: Too much stuff at antique shops–including a narrow chest of drawers that I randomly found at an estate sale and that just happened to be from my bedroom set! Outfits for concerts I’m going to this fall. A microphone for Zoom.
Grateful for: CREATING! WITH! PEOPLE! Kitty yawns. The sunset God gave me. My family helping around my house. Good parking spots. True rest. A waitress who brought me a (free) Popsicle. Being able to drain my stomach again (after six months). Joshua’s college updates. The kittens under the porch. Antique earrings. Stretching my voice in a way that I haven’t in a while. Fun new experiences. Good morning texts from one grandpa and letters from the other.
What did you do this month?
