Oh hello August,
What have you done with July?
Despite what feels like an early arrival, I welcome you. Perhaps you will bring a bit more summer weather our way? Last weekend's weather was perfect, BTW. I took an outdoor nap in the shade, dipped my feet in a cool babbling river and enjoyed a night on the town chasing a 45-ton half-dragon/half-horse creature through the streets of Ottawa. Yes, more weather like last weekend please.
Cassie napping in the shade last weekend. Shortly before I snapped the photo I was napping with her.
I am grateful that the head cold that came about during the month of July has left so I can fully enjoy you. Summer colds suck. No one wants to slurp chicken noodle soup when it's 30+ Celsius outside (that's about 85+ Fahrenheit, for my American friends).
But the cold is gone and I feel re-energized. Onward.
I look forward to our time together, August. Aside from a trip to my beloved East coast the books are open. Farmer's market, maybe a movie at the drive-in, more outdoor naps, I look forward to it all.
I practice openness to your unfolding. Being a planner this doesn't always come naturally to me, but I practice because it's often been my experience that letting things unfold brings ease.
ease [ēz] NOUN 1. absence of difficulty or effort synonyms: effortlessness, no trouble, simplicity, deftness 2. absence of rigidity or discomfort; poise 3. freedom from worries or problems, especially about one's material situation synonyms: peace, calm, tranquility, serenity, repose
more synonyms: restfulness, quiet, security, comfort, affluence, wealth, prosperity, luxury, plenty, comfort, contentment, enjoyment, well-being
Yes, ease sound good.
So welcome, August. I think we will have a splendid time together.
Here's to your unfolding,
Stephanie
xo
PS - Despite my belly-aching about my summer cold I am not really upset with July. It came with many gifts. I've posted snapshots of a few favourites below just to let you know that we are still on good terms.
PPS - Tell July I said hi.
Saying goodbye to a favourite lake after a week's holiday. Photo by D.
Twenty cousins and aunts spanning four generations and travelling from three provinces gathered in Quebec City for a reunion weekend and the only good photo I have is this one of my Sunday morning hotel coffee.
Each year I am floored by these scarlet flowers in the garden. They are a sight to behold. Crocosmia, Lucifer.
A sleek and light new-to-us dining suite (vintage 1952). After pining for the "perfect" one for a few years I found it on Kijiji. I want to caress it every time I sit down for a meal.
Broken wing.
LongMa on Ottawa's Elgin Street on a Saturday night, part of a theatrical production by France's La Machine. It was magical. For an entire weekend there was a collective suspension of reality across the city and we became enchanted with giant robotic creatures. This amazing photo by D.
They make me happy. That is all.