Another cycle of the moon has passed and it’s time to write it all down!
What did I LEARN?
What INSPIRED me?
What was SOUL-SATISFYING
Those THINGS, here:
Loving: The ability to do “the next thing” getting through the dog days of summer. For the mountains, it’s been HOT. My one word 2017, SUFFICIENT, is present in my everyday life – God keeps showing up and showing off. He is more than sufficient! And, one really BIG thing that hasn’t happened yet but will be happening on Sonday the 30th? Simon, our 14-year old grandson will be joining the praise team of Grace Covenant Church, Statesville. #proudgrandparents
Reading: I am on my summer reading binge – all fiction. Rosamunde Pilcher’s Voices in Summer, The Empty House. Mary Alice Monroe’s Beach House series of 4 (I’m on the third one). I enjoy Kindle reading in the summer because if I have one of my ‘can’t sleep’ 2 a.m. – 4 a.m. sessions I can quietly sit in the living room, which is right outside our bedroom door, without a light turned on. Sleeping beauty hubs isn’t disturbed! ***Reader Alert*** There is a little “heat” in Monroe’s series – nothing x-rated but perhaps parental guidance suggested (my mom said it’s okay!!!).
Watching: I just added this item! I am watching The Great British Baking Show. We watch everything via a ROKU device – we gave up expensive cable tv a few years ago and have never looked back. Summer TV stinks – that’s why I read! I am looking forward to binge watching season 3 of Poldark although the spoiler alerts are disheartening!
Shopping for: I have done more personal online shopping in July than I have all year! My cousin’s daughter is getting married Labor Day weekend in Charleston SC – the venue is “fancy” by my standards and I had nothing, I mean nothing that fit the bill! I have selected my outfits and will be doing a ‘dress rehearsal’ soon! Hubs is all set except for trousers and a new dress shirt. How is it he still fits into a sport coat that he hasn’t worn in years? I hate that.
Excited about: The wedding above! We are meeting two of my cousins and their husbands for a weekend of celebrating and visiting historic Charleston. Having spent some time there, with my daughter and two grands, two summers ago I am excited to go back. Charleston is quite a city!
Trying to: With great success so far, eating a {modified} plant-based diet. We watched Netflix’ documentary WHAT THE HEALTH? If you want to be enlightened, watch it. If you don’t? DON’T. It’s been two weeks without a single fiber of meat or chicken crossing our palette. It’s quite easy actually and we are bidding well. Feel great too!
Working on: Nothing! My focus is on eating a modified plant-based diet. Reading novels! Actually, I am working on one thing: I am proofreading my sister’s second novella, The Conundrum of Holly Hill! Soon to release on Amazon! She is already working on the final book of the Holly Hill Trilogy! Book one is here.
Enjoying: Learning a lot about Loggerhead turtles! The Beach House series by Mary Alice Monroe is all about the “turtle lady” on the Isle of Palms, across the bridge from Charleston SC! These air-breathing reptiles are fascinating – I remember going on turtle-watches with my dad as a young girl in South Florida. We watched a Loggerhead lay her eggs one night. Salty tears washed from her eyes – this book taught me, those weren’t resulting from pain but her body releasing the saltwater as she laid 100-150 ping-pong ball-sized eggs! Amazing creatures!
Using: Fresh vegetables! Got any? Drop them at the door. LOL! I’m waiting for local tomatoes to appear at the Farmer’s Market!
Wearing: Shorts, tank tops, capris, cold-shoulder tops, a new pair of flat Crocs™ Swiftwaters, you can see them here. I like them.
Planning: The wedding trip. And, a big gathering of ladies, I think in September. It’s been a while since I opened the house to my girl-friends! I saw a photo memory on Facebook the other day and thought, It’s time to do this again!
Singing: No joke, I wake up in the middle of the night singing, What a beautiful name is JESUS!
Needing: Nothing at the moment except a pedicure. I have had TWO professional pedicures in my entire lifetime and now I’m convinced it is a necessary extravagance. I’m going for my third on Saturday! Color suggestions for August?
Learning: All about plant proteins. I am NOT saying I will never eat another piece of beef or chicken – I would never lock myself into such a proclamation – but, it is a myth that animal protein has no equal. A MYTH, I tell you!!!
Listening to: The hum of my fan! It is 5:30 in the morning and it is already warm and humid. I also listen to YouTube and podcasts while I…DRUM ROLL PLEASE…do 15 minutes on The Beast (my stamina treadmill – you can see it here). When I first stepped on The Beast in late April, I thought I would die after 2 minutes (seriously). I told the Lord, Lord, if I can get to 15 minutes on this thing and do that five days a week I will be most pleased. HELP ME, LORD! He did. I did. Yes, Lord!
Wishing for: It is very personal and it involves my hubs – will you pray in agreement with us? (IT IS NOT HEALTH-RELATED.)
Doing: For the past month I have been lying outside in the sunshine for about 30 minutes every day. I do this on my lunch hour. I even bought a lounge-type outside chair at the Dollar General! Two reasons I do this: I want the Vitamin D fix and I want a tan. It’s working! Did you know Vitamin D is a hormone and the very best way to get it is pure sunshine.
Dreaming: I have some pretty crazy dreams. Last night I dreamed Sam & I were in a huge dump truck and the driver jumped out and another dump truck pushed us to safety. Weird, right? But, as far as dreaming about something? #2020Vision #traveltrailer #stillwater
Hoping for: 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in Truth.
DIY Project: None at the moment. It’s too hot!
I’m not crazy about: The fact that we are not having our normal influx of Hummingbirds – I have no idea why. Normally, we have 25 fighting over the feeders. This year: 3-4. It makes me sad. Another thing: the big ugly bull ants that keep invading my kitchen. I use Terro traps and they do work but then another generation moves in! And: the flocks of cowbirds that eat every seed in our feeders – surely, they will head south soon!
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Glimpses of His Beauty, Salt and Light, Warriors of the Word, Heart Encouragement, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Grace and Truth, Faith-Filled Friday, Seeking God, Glimpses of His Beauty.
What a fun list, Susan! My July has been jam-packed with lessons too. A meatless diet–can’t say I’m willing to go that far, but I might try a meatless day or two. Glad it’s helping you feel great!
Sarah, would love to hear about your experience at She Speaks – hoping you’ll write about it!
I feel lazy
You are in the middle of your “winter blahs” – just opposite!
I think I worked up a sweat reading this…it’s hot and humid here too! 😉 I look forward to your monthly recaps, Susan. Grab some iced tea and sit under the ceiling fan!
I just got off the Beast – worked up another sweat!!! xo
Lots of interesting things going on with you. It is fun to picture you doing all these in my head while reading your list. I didn’t know that about vitamin D! So intriguing!
Kelly – you’re a busy mom so I’m sure your LIST would be endless!!!
I enjoyed your post and hearing about your exciting wedding- coming- up plans in Charleston. Would love to know where you go for your pedicure? I need one too!
( you could email me if you’d rather? )
Sounds like you have had a great “Health awareness” July!
I go to the place between Cato’s and Subway over in the strip mall next to Wendy’s in West Jefferson. xo
Thanks
I always come away from these posts feeling as if we’ve had a visit!
BECAUSE WE HAVE!!!!!!!! Coffee was in my cuppa, how about yours?
I enjoyed reading your list- sounds like a busy month. Praying for you and your husband.
Lesley, so appreciated – THANK YOU.
I always love these lists, Susan! I learn so much by a window glimpse of what others are learning and doing! Thanks for sharing!
(And yes, I’ve lived in the MidEast 16+ years, but am from Texas, and was on home assignment in 2015/16.) 😉
I believe that’s when I met you – while you were on home assignment! I learned something today! Can I go home now!!!
You are busy lady! Your half hour sitting in the sun sounds so nice! So glad to see you featured at Jaime’s today!!!
I love my hormone treatment!!! LOL!
I love your LIST idea! It allows readers the Behind the Scenes of your life. I believe it’s the little things that count. Thank you for sharing this authentic LIST of your life behind the scenes! I plan on using your LIST idea and giving you credit for this fun writing exercise in my July newsletter! Enjoy your day!
Robin, I actually saw a list similar on Jones Design blog – but I did modify it a bit and I coined the acronym L.I.S.T. !!! It helps me sort out the month and assess how I am spending my time! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
I’m waiting for tomatoes to show up at the farmers market too!
Tomato sandwich on Sourdough – nothing better!!! #foodies
When does Poldark start? Summer polish colors for me have been bright coral and a deep, bright pink.
I believe the fall season on PBS here in the states. It played thru winter in the UK. Thank you for the polish suggestions!
Susan, I love reading posts that wrap up the month. It makes me feel like I have had a visit with a friend 🙂 And I have! Hopefully some cooler or at least less humid days will cross your path!
We certainly have visited – virtually! I’m glad you came over.
Susan, I LOVE this. How fun!!! Makes me feel like we just sat down and caught up on life. Oh, and have fun in Charleston. I’m a SC girl (living in KY) but boy do I love my home state and all the history and beauty it has to offer.
Robin, I bet you miss SC but then again, KY is a beautiful state too!
Dear Susan, your July list is fuller than mine for a year! Well, maybe not quite, but close. I love your exuberance in luxuriating during hot summer months.
Alice!!!!!
Loveeeee your list. Please do it more often. I seem to continue with compliments on my “I’m not only a waitress” OPI polish. It’s like a Christmas red but stands out nicely. French is always a nice change also for a wedding. Are you putting McCormick’s vanilla in your hummer juice? They don’t like the cheap brands. July opened my eyes to thankfulness my “end of June ” stroke left no repurcussions other than many followup doctor appt’s. Thanks to your readers for prayer. My sis will go home today with a “vest” type to monitor her heart. A 5 day stay with pressure spiking 220/110 an now 112/53 they try to regulate. Heart only pumping 20% so please pray for Judy Bell. Two hrs at the beach was enough to get a slight burn, turned tan n Vit D for me here in Fl. Prayers coming for you n “Hub’s.” The travel trailer will suit you both fine. You will “love” it. You will meet n witness n enjoy God’s nature. Happy “rest of the week.” Merry
LOVE YOUR NEWSY comments!!! So glad you’re well.
Love it all……….truly!
I started getting pedicures a couple of years ago and now I get acrylic nails on my fingers, too. Love it. There are SO many nice colors. I lean toward red in some shade, but, last time went purple with French tips.
Plant based diet……….I am not going to argue with something that is working for you so well, but, I still haven’t found a plant based diet that is high protein/very low carb, so, I stick with what works best for diabetes and that is lots of meat and eggs and cheese.
You’re an amazing writer and I love you. Keep up the good work.
OOOOH – purple! Like it.
I like these end of the month posts. We normally only have a few hummingbirds, and this year they were late to come around, but we’ve started seeing them regularly this week. It has been very hot here in TN, too hot to do much outside. The wedding sounds fun!
Aha – so the trend was in TN too.