"Deep summer is
when laziness finds respectability."
SAM KEEN
Let me just say, we've been enjoying the summer days - doing a bit of road traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, hanging out in the garden, going out for iced coffees and the odd ice cream cone, watching the blue skies and reveling in warm summery days. Just being a little lazy and feeling quite respectable about it (thanks to Mr. Keen's wisdom above). I'm so glad for days of leisure with time to while away the hours in little pursuits... or not.
I have been reading. Quite a lot. A few books that have held my interest this summer include: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan (she writes and sketches about her encounters with the birds in her own backyard - it's a delightful book); A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle (memoir); Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (novel); Monk's-Hood by Ellis Peters (a Brother Cadfael mystery). I started September by Rosamunde Pilcher (Scottish novel) earlier in the week thinking this fat novel would carry me through into the first days of September, but I got so carried away, stayed up late, and turned the last page yesterday. It was a rainy day so it kind of felt autumn-y as I read. Close enough to September.
One of my great joys of summer is having bouquets of sweet peas to cut and bring in the house. Or take to my mom or hand some to the mail lady or surprise my doctor with a vaseful, who has young children who love them. I was so looking forward to the treat of them. Alas, our crop was hugely disappointing. The plants grew tall and lush but only three bright pink stems bloomed (as you see above), and that was it. Not sure what happened - we planted them in a different spot that was sunnier, which we thought they'd love. But apparently not. Rick finally cut down the plants now turning yellow as if they think they'd done a good job and could retire. Big sigh... here's hoping for a better crop next year.
I see I did manage to cobble together a few paragraphs to post for you on this last Friday of August. I do hope it's been worth your visit. Until next time, dear friends, here's wishing you a beautiful weekend.
❦
Sending love and heart hugs,
Brenda
PS. I completely forgot to include the link to my latest Guest Post I wrote this week on InScribe. It's a little meditation titled The Thing About Tests - you'll find it HERE.
Photo credits:
Brenda Leyland @ It's A Beautiful Life
Brenda, your posts are never 'cobbled together'! As always, a lovely glimpse into your days. Sad about the sweet peas, mine have been much better this year,
ReplyDeleteOh thank you, Barbara, you're too kind.
DeleteYour blog posts are always worth my time, Brenda, long, short, or in between. Your summer sounds like it has been rather dreamy. I'm going to write down the titles of the books you have dreaming of. I honestly have been on-the-go a lot but winter is around the corner. On stormy days, I will be home and then, hopefully, can read more! Glad you are enjoying every second of your summer. Thanks for posting. Hope your weekend ahead is terrific. Susan
ReplyDeleteYes, we have been enjoying our summer days, even the less than perfect ones. I hope you find some lovely books to read during those winter storms (that we hope won't happen for a long time yet). Thanks for stopping by, Susan.
DeleteThe hazy, lazy days of summer...bliss! With the hot, hot days we've had, I've been reading more than normal as well, and it's been such a treat! A bit of youth recaptured, hehe. Amy Tan's Bird Chronicles is definitely on my TBR list! Happy long weekend!
ReplyDeleteHere we are into September and it's still quite warm out these last few days. It's been a delight. You'll love Amy Tan's book.
DeleteI'm glad you are enjoying the end of summer. I've been reading a lot lately too and hoping the heat will let up so I can go outside and play! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDiane, I'm sure you are looking forward to much cooler days. To be able to go outside and play - what better fun is there than that!
DeleteIt sounds like you are having a lovely summer that is lingering still. Your description of it brings a smile! I even smiled at your "retiring" sweet peas, even though the lack of sweet peas is no smiling matter, simply because your words were amusing. Happy September to you!
ReplyDeleteI smiled while writing that sweet pea sentence, so I'm tickled you found yourself smiling too. Thanks, Cheryl!
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