August was both a whirlwind and a whisper. I felt incredibly inspired content wise in July to early August, but then work became a lot and I tend to clam up on the internet when that happens. But let’s recap the month!
READ
LEDGER:
🔘 read on my nook
🎧 audiobook
📚 reread
🔖 library
📔 own
This month I did my personal Big Book Challenge so I read way less than normal, which honestly felt nice.
📔Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty
rating: really liked it
It took me two hundred and eighty pages to really get into this book. Which sounds like a lot, but isn’t even 1/4 of the book. So as frustrating as that felt, it’s pretty accurate for a lot of books.
LD is about two rangers who become cattle ranchers. After meeting someone who was in Montana they decided to move their ranch up to Big Sky Country. This story is about their journey from Lonesome Dove, Texas to Montana.
Where this story shines is the characters. Not only the two rangers, Cal and Gus, but their employees, people they encounter, and their friends and lovers. It was so masterfully developed and intertwined.
I’m glad I read it, but I can’t say it is a new favorite of all time. I have yet to watch the mini series, but I am looking forward to it!
📔Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas
rating: really liked it
A short book but powerful one about the dynamic of love and age and the dynamic of mothers and daughters.
While on vacation with her mothers, a recent college grad meets Jude, an older man. They start a love affair. It starts out as physical, but becomes emotional- and not always in the best way. This book isn’t of the abusive or tumultuous side of love, but of the ways you can connect, disconnect, and reconnect.
🔘The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
rating: loved it
I am going to save my full review closer to pub date, but maybe my favorite Cousens yet? It wasn’t a romcom, but more like a life comedy/drama.
📔Congratulations, the Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas
rating: loved it
I got to see R. Eric Thomas speak at Parnassus and oh my gosh is he a delight. He’s funny, real, and poignant. He makes connections in life and stories that make me want to look at life closer, to be more observant, to care more.
His essays are so good. Even if you aren’t an essay person, you need to pick this one up.
REALIZE
I’m having more and more understanding of how I understand and misuse my time. So many times I will or won’t due something based on how long or short I think it will take. I won’t clean because in my head it takes 20 minutes when it really takes five. Or I won’t go do something at night because for some reason, I think that it won’t be as restorative as doing nothing at home.
Time is a gift, and I get to determine how I use it. It kind of translates to what I learned about money last month. I get to figure out how I use my time for myself and for others. I get the honor of making it work for me- not in a restrictive way, but an empowering way.
ORGANIZE
I saw a reel in August about reorganizing your fridge for people with ADHD. I don’t know if I have it, but this organization is life changing. All the produce is in the door, so YOU CAN SEE IT. All the condiments are in the drawers, because you really don’t need to see them. We freaking love this. We snack on fruit more so throughout the day, I can see the herbs that haven’t been used. I have almost used a WHOLE BAG OF SPINACH. What is life. If you struggle to use all the items in your fridge, this is a great solution.
BUY
THIS DRESS. I’ve worn it about one time a week since I’ve bought it. It is incredibly comfortable. I don’t know who wouldn’t look good in this dress. I have it in the shorter version too, but I prefer the longer one.
EAT & DRINK
Pizza in Montana at Jersey Boys Pizzeria. Very few things to me as good as a cheese pizza.
Montana is known for huckleberries which I didn’t think were a real thing, but they are and they are delicious. We had huckleberry floats, ice cream and pie.
Friends of ours from church recently retired and are going to Italy in October! They had me, Connor and our friend Hillarie over for an Italian feast and to ask us questions about our trip last year. It was so good. And so are friendships across generations.
Tomato toast. That’s it.
BBQ feast in Montana was a vibe
WEAR
The dress I mentioned before.
I’m also so incredibly sick of dressing for summer. I need sweaters and layers and options.
This isn’t “wear,” but on a complete whim I decided to tone my hair a reddish color and it was a great choice. I was totally bored with my hair and I often crave change. I totally trust my stylist and she picked the color and I love it. So trust yourself when you need a change.
WATCH
Tennis. Tennis & some more tennis was majority of my watching in August into September. I LOVE the U.S. Open so much. The storylines, the characters, the athleticism- it’s so good.
LISTEN
PODCASTS
Currently listening:
Bad on Paper
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Over Under Achievers
The Popcast with Knox & Jamie
Sleep With Me
Scam Goddess
Catching up:
The Opportunist- thanks to the Reading Club I started, this was recommended and it’s SO good
Added to queue:
None!
TRAVEL
Montana was so fun. I did one hike, it was 28,000 steps so never ever again, but boy was Glacier National Park beautiful. Instead of telling, I’ll show you.
We had a great time and went to some great places! Highly recommend an escape to the mountains.
MEMORIES
📚 People participating in The Big Book Challenge
🚣🏼♀️ Going kayaking on a Sunday morning
🏈 Connor’s flag football league starting
🎉 Final grand opening of the year for work (three in nine months)
Dress!! And Montana looks lovely 😍