June on Display
It’s been a full summer in one month
I used to refer to these things as recaps. But lately I’ve been leaning into the art of my life. My artistry. My artistic abilities. So this is more like an art exhibit on display. Yes? No? Maybe so? Eh let’s just roll with it lol. This is a longer email due to the photos so you may need to extend it or view on Substack!
Best book I read - You Are My I Love You
This is a book I only periodically read to my son because it makes me emotional instantly. When I decided, after years of never desiring, to have a child, it was because I needed to pour the overflowing love that I had for my husband into something. I wanted a physical manifestation of our love. And Emery is my heart outside of my body now. So yeah, some children’s books be bringing me to tears because they eloquently describe the love I have for my son that is felt in every atom of my body. 10/10 recommend
Best film I watched - Eat, Pray, Love and Enola Holmes
I’m definitely not late to the party. I believe everything finds us at the right time. Watching Eat, Pray, Love in this stage of my life resonates differently than it would’ve 5 or 10 years ago. I’ve always dreamed of traveling the world to learn more about myself, meet beautiful people, eat delicious food and immerse myself in other cultures. I traveled to Italy when I was 15. Truly life changing. I’ve never been the same since. Anyways, it’s sparked my interest in planning a year of travel. I’m coming up on my Saturn’s Return so again, it’s timely. I will now read the book! Maybe amidst my travels, I’ll meet some of you beautiful people.
I used to watch movies with my family growing up every weekend. When I left home, I didn’t watch really anything. A periodic Netflix show here and there but I’m not a tv watcher. But since letting go of short form content consumption, I have capacity to watch longer films again. So I picked out Enola Holmes on a whim for us. My husband enjoys movies but I’m often annoyed how long it takes for him to find one lol. But in reality we just like different types of films so we take turns picking them out. We watched Dune 2 last time. Admittedly, I was drawn to the movie because my celebrity crush Henry Cavill is in it. It was a good watch! Funny, the plot paced well, good script and great acting. Millie Bobby Brown has a great face, very symmetrical and she’s quite talented.
First Date - Botanical, Books, Boutique
In 17 months, we’ve never been apart from our son once. Lots of reasons for it. If you’re a parent, you probably will guess them all. Anyways, we decided to try out a sitter for an hour to see how he would do and to go on a date. When dropping him off, Emery said “BUH BYE” and slammed the door in our face! I wanted to burst into tears!!! But he had a great time with his sitter. We had breakfast as just the two of us at our favorite vegan restaurant in town, Botanical Fare. Walked around downtown mall into some bookstores and boutiques. I got to sniff a lot of candles which is always fun. I spent half the date sad and half elated. That’s motherhood baby!!! He was excited to see us pick him up and ran into me for a hug. It was a big milestone for us. Many more to go!
First Flower Cupcakes - Lemon Flowers
I wanted to thank our neighbor for helping us patch some drywall in our house by baking him some lemon cupcakes. He told me a while ago that lemon is his favorite flavor for things. I decided to be brave and try my flower piping tips finally. I’m in loveee. I will be selling my baked goods starting next month if anyone is interested! Vegan and allergen friendly!
New hobby - Birdwatching and Birdhouses
This is just like how I got into houseplants and then mushrooms. Now I’m focused on learning everything about birds. These three topics have always interested me since childhood so it’s exciting to finally learn! Since we live in a countryside cottage, we can see and hear lots of birds. I’ve pushed to have bird feeders and premium bird seed. I got these kids birdhouse building kits from Lowe’s one day on a whim. We ended up building them on Father’s Day which was cute. I use the Merlin Bird ID app daily anywhere I go. I now know SO many birds on sight and by their songs. I was naming the birds that visited the feeders but now there’s too many to keep track! My favorite bird sounds come from the Brown Headed Cowbirds. But we have finches, blue jays, mourning doves, cardinals, hawks, grackle, sparrows, etc!
Swim Lessons
I love swimming. Emery loves swimming. Our swim lessons are my favorite time of the week. He’s getting better every time. From kicking to blowing bubbles. Last year, all he did was float quietly lol. Now, he’s kind of swimming, singing while he floats and laughing manically when jumping into the pool. Maybe the next place we live is by a body of water!
That’s all folks!
What were you up to in June?
Toodles!
ICYMI
Orange Memories
My grandpa is the king of “somethin’ sweet”. I can always count on a frostbitten treat being given to me from the back of the freezer. At half his height, I’d plea for an ice cream while stretching up as high as I could on my tippie toes. He’d oblige with his perfect smile that lifted his glasses s…
Devoted Daughter to Mother Nature
Alone but in good company, I perch myself on the bottom porch step. I’m eavesdropping on the birds reporting to another how their day went. The breeze is mollifying me better than any weighted blanket. A green spider is preparing dinner. Trees dancing bachata against the sunset. D…
Interviewing Myself
I am not one of those people whose default setting is to have an empty mind. I’m always thinking. Always. Whether I’m recalling the past, daydreaming of the future, or making decisions in the present, I am ALWAYS thinking. When I was younger, questionnaires were easily accessible on Tumblr or I’d t…
Eat, Pray, Love is my soul movie. I watch it at least once a year. It awakens something in me every time. When it first came out in theaters, it premiered on my bday. I took myself on a date to the theater and I remember walking out, tear stained and full of hunger for life. My favorite line is Javier Bardem saying to Julia, “You don’t need a man. You need a champion.”
I relate to the feeling of your kid being like “duces! See yaaa” ✌🏽 Archie goes in and out of that phase.
Based on the picture, the town storefronts looks so cute and cozy.
So stoked for you that you’re starting to sell your baked goods!! If they can be shipped, I’d love to buy some 🧁
Such an interesting way of describing your shift in desire to have a child... I love it!! I've never heard someone describe their experience like that before so thank you for sharing. And although I've always wanted kids, in certain ways I feel you - I too feel like I have just an overflowing amount of love to give.
Also, Eat Pray Love in book form is a masterpiece that I just re-read this year and I am sooooo excited for you to read it!!!!!! You will adore it, I am so sure.