Five things I'm doing besides saying "Didn't the summer just fly by?"
It's STILL SUMMER, people! Let's enjoy!
Hola!
To start things off this week,
I’m calling a moratorium on the saying, “Didn’t the summer just fly by?”
Anyone else annoyed by it?
Okay, yes, it’s August, and we’re closing out on summer.
But instead of talking about it, can’t we just enjoy it?
And look, I get it that kids are either already in school or going back soon. 🚌
And teachers - whether you’re back at school or not, your summer bubble burst long ago, namely the minute you received the “Welcome Back” email from Admin. Talk about the ultimate buzz kill.
(Having taught for years, I see you, teachers. I see you.)
I also get that people are talking about fall fashion, Halloween (which is actually old news now), fall travel, and I’m just waiting to see a Christmas commercial in August. Please, no, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
I get all of this.
We talk about seasons changing because, well, they do change.
But here’s what I don’t get.
Or instead, here’s what I don’t like.
I don’t like how it’s becoming more and more difficult to enjoy the season we’re in (whether literally or using the gag-inducing, yet appropriate “season I’m in” to describe a life phase) - and instead, we tend to focus on how that season is almost over or hyperfixate on the one that’s around the bend.
Enough already, right?
Let’s focus on what’s happening right here, right now, on August 14 (press time for the newsletter) or whatever date you happen to read this.
Summer may be “almost over,” but when I look outside, it’s still summer.
So, this week, What I’d Rather Be Talking About is summer. Accordingly, I’m sharing five things I’m doing besides worrying about it withering away.
Walking barefoot in the grass. It’s truly an underrated activity I took for granted until I heard a NYC- based podcaster talking about how it’s the one thing she misses by living in the city. (I listened to the rest of the podcast walking barefoot around my yard.)
Getting a mani/pedi in bright summer colors. I’m not giving in to fall hues just yet - love poppy reds or oranges that scream, “let’s go to the beach.”
Going outside. Whenever I can. Sunrise. Sunset. Those are the golden hours, and I wonder… why don’t I appreciate them more often? Trying to get ouf for more of those plus nightly walks after dinner. January Abbey will thank me.
Acting like a tourist in my own town. I live in an area known for its lakes yet I’ve yet to dip a toe in the water all season. Not one toe. What’s wrong with me? I’m going to the lake.
Calling friends for an impromptu hike, coffee, lunch or vino. Glorious sunny days should not be spent indoors. I’m taking advantage of the season and catching up with pals at the same time.
Note that this list was made on the fly and could be volumes longer. The point is, it got me to look summer squarely in the eye and say, “I’m not done with you yet.”
My challenge for you today is to make your own list. 📋
AND ~ by golly ~ FOLLOW IT!
While you’re thinking of your list, peruse the links I’ve curated for you this week.
Enjoy!
Abbey
TRAVEL
There’s still time for a late summer getaway. Here’s a list of places to visit in August, and here’s a news interview with more spots…with one unlikely suspect - Coastal Mississippi. It’s great for couples, families, girls’ or guys ’ trips, and golf. Here’s a piece I wrote about my trip to Mississippi last spring, when I discovered the state is excellent for golf, music, and southern hospitality.
Question: Which of these seven travel trends are you into? Townsizing caught my attention, sleep tourism sounds like a snooze…
Are you breaking unwritten airplane rules? The answer is most likely. I know I have been. Check out the rules that you may not even know about. The last one may surprise you.
Ever dreamed of traveling the world? “365 Days Around the World on a Budget” will definitely inspire you!
BIZ
Is it time to change things up in your life and job? Brian and Carrie made One Big Move at 50 That Changed Everything. Regardless of age, is it time for your move?
On finding your place in this world… in life and business. I love the sentiment below from Suzy Walker, who writes the Substack Heart Leap.
Check out the excerpt from her latest post:
EAT WELL, BE WELL, AND LIVE LONGER
Starting things off with tips to live a longer, healthier life from Vogue. Also, for brain health, make sure your morning routine includes this one important element.
I've found three vegetables that help cleanse your liver, and I've just ordered more of this milk thistle tea for further cleansing. (Liver health is important!)
If you’re like me and shop a farmer’s market and then say, “Now WTH do I do with this?” here are 31 Days of Summer Produce Recipes to Make in August. And, thanks, Camille Styles, for this spicy watermelon feta salad recipe that is perfection.
Sometimes I open one of my cookbooks to a random page and ask my husband personal chef to make it. He’s a good egg and always obliges. :) Today it was the One Part Plant cookbook by Jessica Murnane (check out her podcast, Basker). Takeaway? Toasted Sesame Brussels are 🧑🍳😘.
FOR YOUR HOME
Is Aunt Irma coming for a visit? Make your guest room like a hotel room with these guest room essentials. A note on these pillows mentioned in the article: they’re the real deal. We bought them for our guest room, but sorry, Aunt Irma, we quickly moved them to ours. Related - revealed… the secret to fluffy, hotel-style bedding.
A wine glass was broken at our house weeks ago (no names will be named)and…
