Before I started this sentence, since June 1st I have written 13,577 words. I’m tempted to tell you that they are all garbage and not a single word will ever leave the Google doc it was originally typed in but I think that might be a lie. Two nights ago when I couldn’t sleep (thank you anxiety) I went back and read some of the earlier Google docs from this month. Yes, most of what I wrote needs to never leave the Google doc, but some of what I wrote could use a lot of editing and structure, and a few lines of what I wrote are pretty good. Who knew? (Definitely not me)
It has been ninety-plus degrees here in southeast Michigan all week, and I have officially decided that Summer is not my favorite season. I love that my kids are home and that we can go to the beach whenever we want. I love our slow mornings. Seriously Zoey has slept in past 8:30 am every day since school got out. It is glorious. I’m able to read for a half hour, do my Bible study, and maybe even write a little before I need to make anyone breakfast or before I’m asked “Can we watch a show?” (By next week they will realize the answer is still no, and they’ll quit asking) But I HATE, LOATHE, DETEST, ABHOR, and DESPISE, that my hair grows three sizes, and my clothes immediately stick to me after being outside for .0002 seconds. I would love it if I could have slow mornings with kids at home, in the FALL. I picture cuddles on the back deck, wrapped in blankets, with the leaves in all their colorful splendor. If I attempted a slow morning outside this week, it would have to be floating in the small pool we have in the yard. It just isn’t as relaxing if I have to worry about my book getting wet the entire time.
I read something in a book a few weeks ago that I can’t quit thinking about. The issue is, that I can not remember what book I read it in. You see, at any given time I am reading three or four books at once, and sometimes I quit reading books because I’ve decided another book on my TBR is too pressing and this particular one I am reading isn’t quite cutting it. I give a book about fifty to seventy-five pages and if I’m not hooked, I’m not reading it anymore. Anyway, the thing I read was about how we can’t just pick the weeds and expect things to start growing. We have to plant if we want the harvest. It’s so loaded to me, that I just have to let the sentence tumble around in my brain for a while longer before I can even begin to unpack it.
The other day I was thinking about why I write. Not deep reasons like it is how I process the world and my place in it (accurate reason), but sillier ones. For example, I write because I like to talk. I like to tell people things. The other day I bought Steelhead instead of Salmon at the grocery store because it was two dollars cheaper a pound and while I was driving home I was thinking about who I could call to tell because I didn’t plan on telling the child I was feeding it to. The person I would have called was Brent. I write because that man needs a break from my mouth sometimes.
Last month I organized the books on my bookshelf by color. For two years I’ve had pages facing out and could never find a particular book on the shelf because I love neutrals (spoiler alert, this is not true). Now I can see where every book is. Also, I hung up a rainbow mat that used to be in Zoey’s room and the color in the corner of my living room makes me smile every time I look at it. Maybe it doesn’t make for the perfect, Instagram influencer-styled bookshelf photo, but it does make for a happier me. I’ll take joy over Instagram Worthy any day.
Speaking of Instagram, this is the third year I’ve taken at least a month off in the Summer, and it is by far the easiest time. Any other time I’ve decided to take a break it has taken almost the entire break to remove the urge to open the app and share something on my stories or check just that one thing. This time I removed it a day before I originally planned, and I’m not sure if I’ll be back in August. I just finished reading The Opt-Out Family with my friend Jen this morning and for the week we took to read it, I haven’t been able to stop thinking- Yes, this is what I was looking for. A better way. (And I mean a better way for me and my family, I have no idea what the best way for you is because, well, I’m not you) However, can I make some book recommendations if you are looking for a different (or maybe even better?) way for your family? Hopefully, you said yes, otherwise this is awkward.
The Opt-Out Family by Erin Loechner
The Anxious Generation by Johnathan Haidt
Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow by Lenore Skenazy (and I’m only five chapters into this one, but unless it takes a wild, very unpredicted turn, I’m going to stick with this recommendation.)
I am sure I will have more recommendations related to opting out, but I’ve just started to dip my toes in the water. As I swim, I’ll share. Who the heck am I kidding, I didn’t dip my toes, I already jumped in, cannonball style, and am swimming to the other side. I’ll let you know what dive toys I collect on my way.
Enjoy some photos from this month! I completed a photography workshop titled Curiosity As A Creative Practice with Ashlee Gadd and Jenny Floyd- I’m feeling a bit more curious and creative.
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Beautiful pics! 1) SO many words!! That's amazing!! 2) Come to Montana! It's a dry heat! 😉
3) Please remember what book this is -- it sounds like something I would write about/would like to read. 🌾 6) The Opt Out Family is up next on my TBR pile!
Keep sharing!!
Those photos are just gorgeous! I love the bubble ones! I always try to take beautiful bubble photos with my kids and they always come out crazy haha. Going to check out that Free Range Kids book now - appreciate the rec!!