Alright, it’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these. But, in an attempt to get back into the swing of things… into normalcy or something resembling it, four things I’m loving right now!
Scrambling on rocks at Halibut Point State Park.
Two little boys, two very energetic pairs of feet, late summer, and acres of rocks to jump around while their Mom calls after them be careful! Rocks have no give to them! This would be a really inconvenient place to have an ambulance pick you up, you know?! The place? Halibut Point State Park. Coming up with activities in the late summer when lethargy is setting in but so is that end of summer gotta-make-the-most-of-these-days anxiety is a real thing.
Guest Room Redo! And how it was sort of inspired by a bathing suit.
Back in March when we all suddenly became homebound, I decided to finally do something to this room. House projects that consistently hovered around like numbers 12-15 on the list finally had the chance to be completed. Bonus: a bit of a distraction from the state of the world. This room was only rarely slept in, and became mostly a place where clean laundry went to die (or, eventually, perhaps, be folded). I can’t even keep straight how many versions of this room there’ve been–it was a single bed for a time and Parker slept in here, then Parker and Steve when we had Anders, then we had bunk beds in here, then I slept in here on a queen bed when we made the larger master the boys’ bedroom… there’s probably more variations along the way but I’ll spare you. It’s a very small room (unless you live in NYC, than I suppose this may be considered downright spacious), but I think turned out nicely. Here it is.
Around here and around there.
I just finished a memoir last night, and when in the midst of a really beautiful section (points for serious transparency), I think, yes, yes memoir writing is the very best writing there is and you, Bridget, shall write yours one day! I’ve been saying this for approximately ten years though, maybe twelve. When does the writing begin? Year 15?
Middle of August + plans for the future.
Kind of looks like they’re riding a rollercoaster, eh? That’s 2020 for you. In any case, here I sit, early one morning. It’s cool enough for a knit sweater, and we’re smack dab in the middle of that wonderful though angsty month of August, with a stream of sunny lakeside memories behind us and an unclear, fuzzy future ahead. Lots of questions. When will Covid be a thing of the past that we read about in books? Will we have 10 feet of snow this winter? Where will the temperatures creep to? How will things go at Steve’s job? Will I feel the need to even get dressed for the day? Who will win the election? Can I pull off this homeschooling thing?
my once a year mention of the best bra ever, and other things.
dusting off this space and trying to slowly come back to the land of the blogging. since nary a nordstrom sale has passed without me mentioning the bra (or these leggings), i don’t see why 2020 has to be any different except, scratch that, 2020 has been very different in so many ways and i’m not certain we will be reentering society normally before 2021. though, hope, for me, often springs eternal, so i will wait optimistically. if you’re hopeful too, that a coat or pumps or a bra may be necessities in your future, then here’s some good picks on sale. if you’re more on the hopeless/pessimistic side of things (no judgement, there is no right way to be), then the robe… get the robe.
A focaccia slab sandwich, and the search for some homeschool zen.
My mind is a swirl. Chalkboard, history curriculum, can I find those used audiobooks on ebay, do I need those pastel crayons, I’d love to make that Korean beef Instant Pot meal, when will those math books be back in stock, and oh shoot there’s still two loads of laundry mess on the bed upstairs and the sheets we need to sleep in tonight haven’t gone into the dryer yet, also when was the last time I showered and did anyone lock up the chickens yet?
A fresh summer dinner recipe with Shaw’s Supermarket.
When tasked with the job of creating a delicious summer meal, a lot of fresh vegetables–and those that are prolific locally this time of year–come to mind. Now, I know that in order to make it more palatable for the little ones, a starch of some sort is sometimes a necessity unless I’m ready to go toe-to-toe all dinnertime long (mind you, sometimes I am; but only sometimes). Throw in some pasta for the kids, and everyone’s happy. This summer dish is one I’ve made for years, and though it follows no recipe–and changes a bit every time I make it–I’m going to try my best to come up with one so long as you know that there’s a lot of freedom with it, and you should tweak it however suits you. I bought everything for this at our local Shaw’s Supermarket, using their high quality Signature line™ of products like Signature Select™ pasta, their Signature Cafe® whole roasted chicken, Signature Farms® baby carrots, and fresh baby spinach, all items exclusive to Shaw’s Markets. Let’s get cooking.
Five things I’m loving right now.
01. Glennon’s new book. I always love her writing. While I didn’t relate to every bit of this book (though it is a great read regardless), I did relate to and loved hearing her parenting wisdom. In particular, when she spoke about raising such a feeler as her daughter Tish. I relate a bit to Tish myself, and I think Parker is in this camp as well. Trying to find the balance between protecting your child, and also letting them discover the truth that life is not fair and that bad, inexplicable things happen is one I’m always trying to figure out.
02. This one piece. I was on a longer search than I thought I’d need to be for a one-piece. After a few purchases and returns, I landed on this one (in red) and I love it.
03. This incredible graphic art–and its message, of course. I hope I am always self-evaluating and pivoting my mindset. Though, if I’m honest, it feels like some things, certain opinions I’d be pretty stuck in the mud about. Do you feel like there’s some things you feel really strongly about that you could do a complete 360 on?
04. This song. Late to the game but it is so good. Just try not to dance when you play it.
05. This face sunscreen. I’ve used it every day for the few weeks and it’s the best. Super sheer, and has antioxidants in it so it’s got skincare benefits too. Also, blocks UVA, UVB, and blue light, and is not toxic, which is the best.
Taking Stock / 25
Hi! It’s been quiet here. A lot on my mind and in my heart, which always makes me go sort of quiet, so figuring out this space feels extra challenging. But, I’m not going anywhere! I value this space so much, and I love my readers too much too. Thanks for sticking around. Hope you guys are doing well.