Late August is a lovely season all its own.
We're still savoring the lazy days of summer, yet can't help but think about our rapidly filling September calendars. Even while we're sweating to death, the decorating blogs are in full-fledged autumn mode and we're shopping for warmer clothes, pumpkin candles, and piles of {expensive} school supplies.
Let's all take a deep breath.
There's no rush to careen ahead at full speed. Let's purpose to be fully present in this moment. To appreciate the simple joys that are still within reach. Flip flops and tee shirts. An ice cream cone, a walk in the woods, a leisurely lunch with a friend, a bike ride, a day trip, a swim.
For these days will be gone in the blink of an eye.
So go ahead ... grab yourself an iced tea and head out the screen door toward the hammock. It's been awaiting your leisurely arrival.
SOMETHING LOVED
SOMETHINGS READ
Sarah Bessey on Why She Gave up Drinking
Sarah Bessey
Should We Still Be Called 'Evangelicals'?
Ramesh Richard
a blessing for when you're forced to rethink your life
Kate Bowler
10 Better Ways to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down
Erin Leyba, LCSW, Ph.D.
How to Keep on Persevering in the Wisdom of Kind Words
Michele Morin
120 Things To Remove From Your Life
Courtney Carver
Enjoying My Good-As-It-Gets Body
Theresa Boedeker
SOMETHINGS TREASURED
SOMETHINGS AHEAD
Early Fall Women's Support Group
Live in the Cape Cod area? Our 4 week group begins on Thursday, September 9th. I have just two seats left ... RSVP now!
linda stoll @ juno . com
Linda
Book Club #7
Our 4 week conversation begins Sunday, September 12th! Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund is a soul-fortifying read, not to be missed.
#66
Party with me, right here THIS FRIDAY, August 27th! Giveaways galore!
Linda
66 Gratitudes + 7 Giveaways >>
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visiting with
I really enjoyed visiting here today Linda! Your photos are fabulous; I felt like I was walking through your treasures with you. Great reads too! Thank you for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we could stroll together today, friend ...
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Creative: the watermelon sculpture. Inspiring: the thankful quote. Decadent but not enticing: the donuts (I don't eat them). :) Loving nature: the beautiful scene of the lake and trees. Here in Indiana this week: 90+ temps all week with humidity in the sky high region. But life is good because God is always present.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a hot one this week. Too hot for biking?
DeleteYour last line hits home for me, Bill - 'life is good because God is always present.'
And all God's people said AMEN!
Lovely collection of late summer somethings. Your pictures are gorgeous. The watermelon penguin is so cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteLinda, the cutest watermelon penguin. Love the pictures and calm here. Thanks for including my article.
ReplyDeleteYour wise and grace-filled words will impact most all of us women who read them. Our society, our culture has been too harsh with their expectations.
DeleteI'm just grateful to be healthy and try to do what I can to stay that way. But a size 6? I never ever saw it!
Summer's coming to an end,
ReplyDeleteand where did it all go?
What do cooler days portend?
Will life grow staid and slow?
Not for me, and never here,
even though the heat is gone;
I'll just have another beer,
and we'll be rocking on
with a purple Mohawk
and homemade Bowie knife,
daring those who talk the talk
to come and live the life
in which the banishment of reason
pays no heed to change of season.
Tell me you have a purple mohawk, pal ...
DeleteOh, yeah.
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DeleteWhat creativity is on display with that watermelon, Linda! And yes, there is always something in each day for which we can be grateful. Thanks for cheering me with your lovely photos, my friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
And I love that your photo is showing up as your avatar, Martha. Your granddaughters look just like you!
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I've noticed a lot of fall decorating photos, too. I'm not ready to rush the last bit of summer--though I do look forward to crisp fall breezes in several weeks. I love the donuts at the beach photo! And the calm, reflective waters. I enjoyed several of the links. I'm looking forward to the book club. And you have me intrigued about Friday!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I love those donuts, too, Barbara ... I wouldn't mind having a big ol' glazed one right about now.
DeleteNot going to happen.
See you Friday!
;-}
Your watermelon sculpture is top notch, and I am so honored to find my words offered here to your readers.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to quote you here because I love this post so much -
Delete'Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, not a bootstraps effort in which I have to remake my personality or start wearing a muzzle.'
Preach it, girl!
Your photos are absolutely beautiful. We cannot even begin to think Fall here in the Deep South. We are still living with the oppressive heat and humidity of late August. September is usually hot too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
I agree! I don't even want to think about fall ... summer is still here and I'm enjoying it ... and am grateful for the air conditioning during weeks like this one.
DeleteVery inspirational. I just sat there watching those doughnuts for ages. Then got up and bought some.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
A brilliant and worthy choice, Victor.
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It's amazing--the power of photos. I so enjoyed these, Linda, and found an instant smile with the watermelon and roses. Sounds odd, probably, but there was a different measure of happiness in each one. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteKeep reading and snapping those photos.
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'a different measure of happiness in each one.'
DeleteYes, I do believe you're spot on! Thanks for a fresh perspective, friend ...
Lovely shared moments! Yes, presence over rushing always! I love savouring the just-before-fall days, noticing the slight change in temperature and changing colours of leaves. It's like savouring those moments of excitement before a special event starts.
ReplyDeleteI love what you're saying about the just-before-fall days, Lynn. There's something special in the air ... the warmth of the sunshine, the coolness as evening falls.
DeleteBeautiful moments, Linda. I found each photo delightful. The watermelon sculpture was too cute and the doughnuts at the beach was perfect. Thanks for slowing me down with these snippets of life!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Pam! This is a season of slowing down ... in more ways than one. And I couldn't be happier!
DeleteWhat a treasure trove of goodness you've shared, Linda. I've already shared and saved a few of these. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad you found something worth sharing ... and saving. Those are encouraging words to this blogger!
DeleteI found my body untensing just reading your words and looking over these pictures. I do love summer. It's my favorite season of the year. I never want it to end.
ReplyDeleteUntensing.
DeleteYes, please. Sometimes we don't even realize that our shoulders are up at our ear level.
The watermelon penguin made me smile.
ReplyDeleteI'm not ready to say good-bye to summer yet, but have picked up fall-related items (mostly pumpkin decor. LOL) as I see them now, because I won't be going out as much in September...
Thanks for the visit!
Even though I'm not at all ready for fall, it was fun to browse through Hobby Lobby with a friend this week ... and she even let me to help choose her autumn front door wreath!
DeleteLove those kind of days.
The watermelon penguin is adorable! I agree, we must enjoy the present and not rush into the next season in our lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers, Linda. They are much appreciated.
Oh yes, friend. I am praying for your grandson as he represents our country ... and for all of you who love him.
Deletecreative and lovely photos. I just slowly scanned them and took a deep breath into the present. I agree with you about how special this time of year is but I did just get a pumpkin scented candle to light soon....LOL
ReplyDeleteI love that image of taking a 'deep breath into the present,' Jean. Our minds are often focused on what's beyond or in the future.
DeleteThat watermelon carving is quite fancy and that salad looks heavenly!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine the time it must have taken sweet granddaughter to do this little masterpiece. I'll have to check with her ...
DeleteThat watermelon carving is AMAZING! How clever!!
ReplyDelete#ShareFourSomethings
I love to see the grandkiddos' creativity and energy in action.
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Ah - I read this a couple days ago but don't think I ever completed my comment. I got wrapped up in all the good things to read. Thanks for all the links! Such a talented fruit carver there!!:) Savor these last days of August!!
ReplyDeleteThere's a touch of fall in the air ... but not too much yet. I'm enjoying every day of summer!
DeleteOh my heart - your photos are too gorgeous! I kept thinking as I scrolled, "this one is my favorite . . . no this one . . . maybe this one!" They are all lovely. The donuts on the beach, and those pale pink flowers. And of course, the watermelon carving!
ReplyDeleteOh you're so kind, Kym. Your words encourage me ... there's been something very calming and therapeutic about capturing what's going on around me.
DeleteI love your Four Somethings posts, Linda. They seem to come so easily to you, which actually encourages me when I read them because mine do not! Speaking of encouragement, Sarah Bessey’s article was very timely and convicting for me. My issue is something besides drinking, but God is using the process she went through to help me sort some things out for myself. I’m so glad you shared it. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought Sarah Bessey's story to be vulnerable, straight-shooting, and much needed. It was first published a few years back and it was my favorite online read of the year.
DeleteI'm glad her process was encouraging to you, friend.
I love the watermelon picture and enjoyed your post through your pictures! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCindy, thanks so much ...
DeleteSo peace-inducing to my spirit to come here and visit with you, sweet friend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA bit of a stress-free break in the midst of publishing and editing and birthing another literary baby?!
DeleteThe watermelon penguin is so cute! Donuts on the beach sound like a wonderful time to me. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe grandkiddos always know how to have a good time. They keep me young!
DeleteThe watermelon is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteAnd so is that sweet carver!
Delete;-)