Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Summer isn’t perfect, but it sure is filling my cup! I want my summers to feel different than the school year, so I have been taking steps to eek all the summer out of my summer. I create a list of summer goals that are fun (for me!) and I have a list of just things that are easier to get done in the summer – dentist appointments, social security office for a new card, car registration at the county clerk – definitely not fun, but it you are a teacher you understand!
I thought today I would put together a list of things making me happy….
I would love to hear yours, as well!
Summer mornings – I am getting up, going to the gym, and then the morning is mine for my devotional, candle, coffee, blog reading, writing, and commenting, and then I usually do some tidying and get dressed for whatever I am doing that day. I just love a slow morning! I also love being able to drink my coffee outside!
That my mom is doing so well and for modern medicine. My mom is seriously back to normal and crafting it up, planning an art show in a gallery, and getting ready for houseguests and another small trip!
Seeing my kids’ car in my driveway – IYKYK, moms of older kids!
My iced coffee in my iced coffee cups!
A chilled glass of white wine or rosé – wine post coming tomorrow!
A salad that I have made with homemade dressing – bonus points if it has hard boiled egg and avocado!
Fun summery clothing – tomato girl summer, too!
Seeing friends more often!
Reading!
Here are the books I have read so far this summer:
8 books don’t seem like as many as normal, but I do read all year, too.
Going to the movies!
We have seen Asteroid City as a family:
Tom and I saw No Hard Feelings:
And, I have tickets for Barbie this week!
What is making you happy this summer?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
Awww loving this list! Making me happy too here 🙂 For me, a couple of summer happies include: more time with my girls, pool time, snuggles with Remi, outdoor walks, flowers in full bloom and blueberry everything! 🙂
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Thank you! Oh – I need to make spiked blueberry lemonade this season!
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Slow mornings are everything! It’s funny because even though I wake up super early and work out, once I return home at around 6:20ish my morning is slow and I love it. I don’t think I could actually go back to work in a building since I’ve worked from home the last 5 years.
I am so impressed with how well your mom is doing – that is amazing!!
xo,
Kellyann
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I am exactly the same. I am almost to the point where I’m like – not sure I can be there by 10 a.m.!
I know – so amazing!
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This is a great list of happy things! My happy list of summer things is time at the pool, reading all the beachy/summer reads I can get my hands on, lighter makeup, brighter nail polish, going to see a movie or two at the theater (I’m including Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret and I’m going to see Barbie with my friend on Saturday), fireworks, easier and lighter dinners, and my summer playlists on Spotify. OH! And the beach trip I took, I can’t leave that one off. It’s been such a great summer! Once August arrives, I’ll be ready for fall. 🤣 I always equate the start of a school year with fall and I put out all the pumpkins on the first of September each year!
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Thank you! I wish I had gotten to see Margaret in the theater – it seemed it left quickly or it was out during the time I was finishing school and my mom had her stroke? August is our worst weather and I am just happy to get it over with usually. Plus, it’s such a time of change to my routine and a rude awakening!
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Great list! I have or have started the first three books you pictured – slow reading summer for me. I don’t know why? Attention drifting or too many other things to do? Love that so many of you are keeping up your blogs – I could add 100’s of pages of reading if those counted 😉
I know what you mean with the cars in the driveway….incredibly enough, all three of my Knoxville kids will be back home (homeless for a bit) and I am not mad about it! One just graduated and isn’t sure “what’s next?”, another had her complex actually suggest we pay an EXTRA fee for her to “move out late, move in early” b/c she and her friends are going from a 4-bdrm to a 3-bdem (grrrrr), and the other has a traditional lease but a minor problem with the second so he’ll be here too. Yay!!! My husband is dreading the grocery bill but there is no price too high for me having them here 🙂
Enjoy every hour of this last month!! Hope there is lots of pool and cocktail time included!!
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Kinda show for me, too. But, I am happy with 8 so far. Yes – attention drifting and tv! Oh, wow – life will get exciting for you all soon and you will have an adjustment!
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I do love that if I’m not sure who is home all I have to do is look out the window and see what cars are there and which are missing! I am loving all the time we’ve been able to spend with friends and family for sure.
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Ha! That’s right! I agree – time with friends and family is so good.
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There is nothing like having a full driveway on the weekends! We are getting spoiled with both kids home off and on this summer. (Last summer, Grace was gone for the summer.) It will feel quiet in the fall. Love your summer loves list!
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I know! So wonderful, right? I think you needed this with your new home and just after a long year with them away. so happy for you!
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Reading always makes me happy, I’ve had an Outlander book on my nightstand for months and finally started to tackle the small print-888 pages now that the temps are 115°+, it’s the perfect time! Time with my dog who loves to be in the pool with me, he even has a boogie board that I push him around on. Evening swims, cool glasses of wine, light suppers, summer fruits, movies and even naps sometimes!
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Yes! Nothing better than a good book and time to read.
I could not do that temp! Eek! So glad you have a pool – how about evening swim with your wine? I hope you have a float with a nice cup holder!
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Those mornings sound amazing and I also love seeing your older kids cars in the driveway! A few weeks ago when my oldest daughter was here, she said “Mom, don’t you love having a full dishwasher to run? ” She was so right. Never knew how happy that would make me. 🙂
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Thank you! Is there anything better? Oh, I bet that was so nice for you to have so many dishes. It’s all about perspective!
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What a wonderful list! You are having a great summer of reading. I’m glad your mom is doing so well. My kids don’t even drive yet and I’m just happy when we are all at home 🙂
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Thank you! I am doing ok! Me too. Yeah, it’s a parent thing to be so content with all the chicks in the nest.
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Cold white wine is one of the most underrated summer treats.
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Right? You got a rec for me?
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Oh, I remember trying to make every second count during the summer. All of those necessary appointments and getting kids here and there. Now that I’m retired, I still enjoy my summers. I sleep in later…old habit! This summer, I’m enjoying sewing though I haven’t done a lot of it yet. We moved last summer so I’m still trying to figure out the best configurations for this much smaller house. Love your books but haven’t read any of those.
Have a fabulous week!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Hello.
This article is so uplifting! It’s great to see someone actively seeking out joy and making the most of their summer. I love the focus on slow mornings, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying simple pleasures like coffee and reading. It reminds me to appreciate the little things that bring happiness during this season.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you!
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