With yet another polar vortex making its way through the country this week, I thought I would warm things back up by sharing the BEST parts of my summer thus far (and also those things I’m loving this season) …
Summer sunrises. The dawn of long, sunny, warm days. My personal best and most favorite time of every day.
Saturdays spent soaking up the sun. Here in Michigan, sunshine is something we crave and desperately need. Beach, deck, backyard – doesn’t matter – I have been committed to basking in this wonderful gift to the fullest extent possible this season!
The Fourth of July holiday weekend shared with my sweet hubby, family and friends at our lakeside retreat. Definitely the BEST weekend of this summer so far, and quite possibly one of the BEST holiday weekends ever! It was an absolute blast and a much needed break from the normal routine!
The ladies and I stumbled upon these awesome wine glasses boasting our love of Pure Michigan while shopping in downtown Ludington over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. All of us fell in love with them immediately, and if I’m not mistaken, I think we grabbed the only ones that were left! They are fabulous, if I do say so myself! I think this is my favorite newest item I’ve gotten in this season to date!
Continuing to work my way through the Abide Journal + Field Guide. This intentional time of focus on abiding, remaining, and resting in God has been such a breath of fresh air to this girl. I have been blessed, encouraged, and inspired by each week’s topic. It is my prayer that the lessons I’m learning will carry into the next season beautifully as God works out some things in my heart and life for the future.
Whether it’s texting each other throughout the week, meeting for lunch, or making time to get together on weeknights or on weekends, girlfriend time is truly one of the best times! I have so come to appreciate the honesty, transparency, and courage that each of the ladies in my life demonstrate. I’ve learned that true friendship means being accepted for who we are, as we are, where we are, and vice versa. I’m beyond blessed by the friendships in my life and this season has proven to be one rich with connection and fellowship with those girls I hold most dear.
I’m not a big t.v. watcher, but I like to find at least one or two shows I can DVR to watch when I don’t have anything else to do (or when I don’t feel like doing anything else – LOL!). I heard about the new ABC Family show, Chasing Life, that started back in June and wouldn’t you know I’ve become a pretty big fan. If you’re looking for a new show to get into, give this one a try!
Non-Fiction: Finding Spiritual Whitespace. I really enjoyed this book and the author’s insights on what it really means to find rest, peace and contentment. It also greatly aligned with the focus of the Abide journal, so it was a perfect fit with the theme of this season for me!
Fiction: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Yes, there is the movie, but the book … the book is so. good. I caved and bought it after hearing so much about it from family and friends, and I’m glad. Hilarious. Beautiful. Tragic. All the makings of a can’t-put-down story. Read it.
Seeing all of my flowers at home blossom and bloom. Love how this season bursts with color and life, especially after the harsh and long winter we endured!
Golden hour at the ranch. I love watching the sun make its descent through the trees at night, setting everything aglow. I’ve come to really enjoy summertime out in the sticks (aside from the mosquitoes) since we moved from the city four years ago. There’s a special beauty and calm this time of year that I look forward to at the end of the busy work days.
Summer sunsets. The best way to wind down a day, in my opinion, is to watch the sun dip below the horizon (on the lake preferably). No one sunset is ever the same. Each one is truly a unique masterpiece that costs nothing to behold, aside from a few precious moments of time. Give yourself permission to at least take one in if you haven’t done so already. You will not be disappointed.
There is still plenty of summer yet to come and I fully intend to make the most of every single minute of it! I hope you find yourself doing the same, engaging in those things that make you excited, happy and fully alive in your life!
Island Traveler says
Beautify vibrant Summer best!