I also want to say thank you to my kind reader friends who sent encouraging and sweet messages and emails regarding my last post. It seems, once again, that kindred spirits are not as scarce as one might think and I appreciate you taking the time to share with me. Thank you again ♥
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Tidying || I have recently begun doing a deep belated spring cleaning of my room, which is long overdue. However, our spring was quite busy so a summer cleaning it shall be. Oh, and I recently discovered the most amazingly simple and perfect cleaning method for our microwave. I simply pour a tablespoon or two of white vinegar in a mug and fill it the rest of the way with water. Place it in the microwave and cook for 5 minutes. The water and vinegar creates a steam and after the five minutes, everything wipes off so easily with a warm washcloth. And no harsh chemicals were needed!
Enjoying || binge-watching new-to-me TV shows and learning that there is an entire series of books that they're based on
Cooking || Homemade pizza, lasagna, smoothies and smoothie bowls, burgers, chili and potatoes, chickpea salad on crackers, lemon loaf cake, chocolate dipped madeleines, tomato guacamole bruschetta, homemade bread, caramel mud pie, burrito bowls, tacos, veggie fried rice and dumplings and stir-fried veggies, falafel in pitas with tomatoes and avocados, big salads, alfredo pasts with broccoli and spinach and mushrooms, spring rolls with the most awesome sauce, and more...all vegan, too. That's just some of what we've been eating these last couple months.
Swapping || books. My sister and I have been lending each other books from our personal libraries and it's oh-so-fun.
Watching || So I recently discovered the show, Chesapeake Shores, and have caught up with the most recent season. Now I must wait for the next, and final, season, which will be difficult because there were some major cliff hangers at the end of the last episode. I loved the first two seasons and the other three were just pretty good. I would definitely watch it again and I certainly, most definitely have to know what is going to happen to the O'Brien family...and I am also excited to read the book series by Sherryl Woods sometime in the nearish future.
Waiting || honestly? I'm waiting for cooler weather. We've been in the middle of a heat wave with days in the upper 90's with the heat index reading up to 114*F some days. The nights are in the upper 70's and it's just too dang hot for this girl. I'm not saying it has to be sweater weather right away or anything, but these 100 degree days are not fun.
Starting || new books, new cooking experiments, new quote journals
Lighting || the shady canopy of leaves all around our house is a gift of nature in the summertime...and they create the most magical dancing shows as the sun shines in and casts shadows on my window shade each evening as the sun sets.
Noticing || just how late the sun stays out these days. Of course, the days will be getting shorter bit by bit since summer is officially here now...while I do appreciate the sun and its purpose, I am a night girl myself and love the moon and stars and longer nights.
Soaking || up the beauty of summer's bright and vivid lush green. It's one of the few things I love about summertime. {{winks}}
Planning || upcoming birthday meals and desserts, what books I want to read next, some crafty projects
Read || I recently read this quote and I loved it so much..."Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty, they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.'" (Hugh MacLeod)
Reading || My sister recently encouraged me to read Kiki's Delivery Service and I am just over halfway through and am absolutely loving it so far. She and my mom have already seen the movie, but I haven't yet, so that's going to be changing very soon. I'm so excited to see my first Studio Ghibli film, too!
Growing || ideas, hopes, dreams. in understanding and knowledge of topics that set my soul afire. in delight at the things that make me happy.
Listening || to The High Kings and the Miss Potter soundtrack. Nothing new, but just as enchanting as the first time I heard them. Sheer bliss!
Making || a new quote journal and adding little touches to my room that are "me".
Getting || new-to-me, gently loved books. We visited our local library bookshop last week and I came away with quite a collection...all for just $20. You seriously can't beat books for 50 cents! And is it just me, or are used books really extra special?
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My dear reader friends, I do hope you are keeping well, and cool in the summer heat. If you are in a corner of the world where it is autumn...please enjoy the cooler temperatures for me. {{smiles}}
May your summer be filled with the lush green beauty of nature, plenty of good books and stories to delight your soul, music that makes your heart fill up with happiness, and lots of fun!