I lost it. Summer 2019. I have no idea where it went.
It flew by in a blur of travel and emotion and stress . . .
. . . and Autumn 2019 arrives in two days. Two days!
It’s been a long time since I joined the party at Pink Saturday, but Beverly and her husband are celebrating 49 years of marriage, so it seems as good a time as any to drop by to say congratulations—and thank them for the wonderful example of commitment they are to the rest of us!
So in honor of a party I often joined when I first started blogging, here are some (very random!) Summer pinks for you . . .
New old wicker for our new-to-us old house
Summer to Fall tablescape (Click to see the post)
Pillows for the sunroom: a thrift store find. Two for less than the cost of one down-filled insert.
It was nearing “end of season” when I finally was home long enough to plant Summer flowers—so the garden center told me: “just take ’em”. The almost-dead geraniums still had lots of life in them!
Take a walk. It’s good for the soul!
These little guys were NOISY! . . . No words for the thrill of stumbling upon them.
Stumbled upon this, too. Can’t think of many words here either except to say “Aah, Appalachia… Thanks for the laugh!”
This message was a godsend when I found it blown up in the bushes at our soon-to-be-sold farm.
But this pic is my favorite because it holds a special memory from earlier this week when I’d been away from home most of the day, and I was tired. I’d just gotten home and changed into comfy clothes when my phone rang. The young mother of these sweet 2-year-old triplets asked if I was home (barely!) and would I mind riding along and sitting in the car with the boys while she ran the last of her errands. I’ve offered many times, but she’s never needed me until this week.
Of course I would take a ride with them!
On a day when I thought I was exhausted, it was a good reminder that I was really just very tired. Young parents everywhere are juggling children, households, jobs—you name it. Some of them are truly exhausted. You can see it in their eyes, and hear it in their voices. Sometimes you see it in their less-than-organized or -clean houses.
The mama of these triplets is one organized young lady! She has to be! But we no longer live in a society where you can “just run into the post office” and leave your kids in the car. She had three more quick stops to make, but the thought of hauling three little ones in and out of the car—again!—was just more than she wanted to tackle.
And so she asked for help.
I’m so glad she did!
The boys and I sang songs, made animal sounds, and read books. We made silly faces and belly laughed. By the time I returned home an hour later, I was actually feeling more rested.
Perhaps that experience offers a few end-of-Summer takeaways for all of us:
- It’s okay to ask for help.
- People around us need what we have to share; time, money, a smile…
- If you once had little ones at home, remember what it felt like.
- Let’s look beyond ourselves.
- Children need emotionally healthy and “present” parents, and grandparents, and friends. Can we offer an occasional night out to young parents?
Before long (hopefully!) those sweet little bare feet will be covered up with socks and shoes and their bodies bundled up in warm clothes. The next season will be upon us. It’s almost Fall y’all!
Oh, yes! I have a special summer 2019 memory to share! Hubby and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in August. A few weeks prior to the actual date, we joined the family in a trip to Cape Cod, a “gift” from them in honor of our years together. It was an extremely busy summer, with much happening before that trip, and I am so thankful for good health and energy to keep going!
Nellie, I’ve never been to Cape Cod, but I’d love to someday. What a wonderful gift from your family! Congratulations on 50 years of memory-making. You, too, are a wonderful example as well.
This weekend I am getting ready for last minute company Monday and Tuesday.
BUT last week my husband surprised me with the presence of our TX son and our AL son and daughter in law as I was ordained as a deacon in our church. Both special blessings
Patricia, I’m so glad the boys and Tina were able to be there with you last weekend. I knew it would be a special day, but Jim’s surprise gift certainly made it even more memorable! Thank you again for your willingness to serve as deacon, continuing to minister as you are already so good to do.
They say that autumn’s nearly here,
and the high hot days will soon depart,
but let me make this crystal-clear:
it’s always summer in my heart.
The bright hot light that lives within
warms the ending of my days
and bids me fair that I will win
the company of He whom I praise.
It’s never winter in His place,
except for skiers, I suppose;
each to his own special grace,
but Bondi beach is what I chose.
After Creation, time for loafing,
and on the eighth day, God went surfing.
Andrew, you always make me smile with your wonderful balance of reverence and humor! I’m honored that you stopped by today. If I ever make it to Bondi Beach, I’ll think of you.
What an incredibly sweet post, on so many levels. I must take time to wish Beverly and her husband a most happy anniversary. My Panoply sister (local) just celebrated 50 (!!) with a trip to OBX. We’re heading to Cincy to shop with the other Panoply sister tomorrow (Sunday), who celebrated 51 earlier this year! This will be our first vintage shopping trip of 2019, FALL! Life has been happening from every angle for each bbn of us.
I finished off summer with a yard sale with a friend today, and heading on vacation once back from Cincy.
Your time with those triplets (!!!) Had to be a blast. So glad the momma asked for your help. That’s gotta feel good.
Happy Fall, Susan.
Rita, I hope your shopping trip with the sisters goes really well. You’ve had so much else on your plate, I’m not surprised this is the first in 2019! You’ll definitely be ready for a vacation. Enjoy!