Desert Solitaire

My mom and I continue to attend the Polk County Conservation's monthly book club, and this month's book is Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey. Written in 1968 about the author's experience as a seasonal park ranger a decade before that at Arches National Monument, some of his rants are a bit outdated for today's national parks visitor. But I'm finding his prose to be so enjoyable, and some of his observations to be profound. I particularly like the following paragraph:

I often find myself waxing poetic about how much I desire more silence in my life. The boys are just always so LOUD. But in reading this I realized that I don't actually want all sounds to cease, or to be left in deafening silence, but really I yearn for stillness. What an amazing thing to partake in, most especially in today's ever-connected, noisy world. 

Done!

Gavin picked out a puzzle to give to Jack on his 8th birthday in late July. Jack opened it on his birthday in August, and we started it a week or so later. This puzzle has been sitting on our playroom table for months, as it quickly became clear that this 500 piece puzzle was trickier than most. It got partially taken apart during numerous occasions when little ones were in the house. It became clear that the kids were done with it, but I couldn't let it go. So I kept putting back the destroyed parts and working on it bit by bit. Sometimes weeks went by and no puzzle work was done. But I found it to be a fun, relaxing activity that I really enjoyed. Yesterday I finished it, and felt a celebratory photo was in store.

Hello, Domesticity

I am the proud new owner of my very first apron. Once upon a time I honestly didn't see the purpose of one. Now I have decided that having both olive oil stains and holes over my belly button in every shirt (where it rubs against the countertops) is not the best way to make a wardrobe persevere. With that conclusion, I ordered some gorgeous fabric and paid a local seamstress to make an apron for me. I haven't had a chance to take it for a test-drive yet, but I LOVE it (and it's reversibility) so far!

Two mother blessings in two weeks

Makes for a very feel good month. The one today ended in beautiful henna artwork for my friend Jenny, expecting her third baby in a couple weeks.

Friends

I've had some great times spent with friends this month. I  most enjoyed a trip to St. Joe for a visit and blessing way with my dear friend Bridget, eagerly awaiting daughter #2. It was so good to spend time with friends I've had for more than two decades.

Isn't she gorgeous?

The Meal Swap group from my old neighborhood got together for a mini-reunion this past week. No one lives in the old neighborhood anymore, which is slightly bittersweet for us. Ann Marie couldn't make it to dinner because she had her fifth baby (and first girl) an hour beforehand! And Jeriann was too tired, which we'll cut her some slack for since she does have to report the weather each morning at 5am :)