Hello Dear Friends

"Deep summer is

when laziness finds respectability."

SAM KEEN

Popping in to say that I'm still away from the blog for a little while longer. I meant to have something written for you this week, but here it is already Friday and no post to speak of.

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