Ten Ways to Cope With Summer Heat

 I remembered today why I have had difficulty enjoying summer the last few years. It has been too hot. I can live with a few days of weather above ninety degree, but day after day after day? Then add the smoke and hot wind. Ugh. Here are some ways that might help you cope with the heat this summer:

1. Take the Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014 again in your recliner with a fan blowing on your face.

2. Lay in front of the air conditioner and watch Frozen for the twentieth time.

3. Hide in the basement until summer is over.

4. Build an igloo in your yard and sit in it until it melts. I am hoping for at least 24 hours.

5.  Buy one of those big ice machines like they have in restaurants and sleep in it all day.

6.  Do your gardening, deadheading, and weeding when the weather cools down after midnight. Use a head lamp. When I tried it in the dark, I pulled up all my sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias by mistake.

7. Cool off Zooming in the kiddie pool instead of the makeshift home office with no A.C.

8. Take a cold shower for three days.

9. Eat only snow cones, ice cream, and Mr. Freezes. Oh... and maybe an icy adult beverage.

10. Move to  Antarctica.

A Quote That Speaks to Me

 I just love quotes. I used to read them and type them on an old typewriter in my bedroom in high school.  I would then paste them on my bedroom wall for inspiration. 

I often introduced quotes in lessons with my students. Now I can search for quotes online any day and find ones that speak to whatever is happening in my life. The one below is a perfect example.

There have been a few bumps in the road for me lately. I am ready to look forward and believe this quote. Something amazing is about to happen. I am ready.

Do you have a quote that speaks to you?

My Dream Vacation

 

One favorite on the outskirts of Harrison, Idaho.

When I was a child my family didn't go on vacations that required staying in motels and eating in restaurants. When dad had time off we went to my grandma's house in Spokane or my grandma's house in Orofino. That was a vacation to us. We did fun stuff while at both places. I have fond memories of those summer vacations.

I am not much of a traveler to faraway places. The only foreign country I have visited is Canada. I only flew in a plane with my husband once, and it was only to Portland, Oregon. I still want to travel to the northern coast of Washington and see more of the Washington and Oregon coasts. I always thought I would like a cruise to Alaska, but never convinced my husband it was a good idea. Our favorite vacations were traveling in a car or RV.  The photos throughout this post are some favorite vacation rentals we discovered.

This is a perfect getaway on the Clark Fork River south of Hope,Idaho.

I wanted to stay there this fall , but is was already booked.

This was our favorite spot in Mazama. We rented it twice.

What is my dream vacation?

First I find a vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest. I prefer a cabin or beach house. If it is near water that is a plus, but not a requirement. A dog friendly home is a must. A bedroom on the first floor is a must also. It helps if the house is fully stocked. If I am traveling during cold weather I love having a fireplace or wood stove. I bring my favorite foods and beverages, but love trying restaurants if they are close.

A favorite in Montana between St. Regis and Quinn's on the Clark Fork River.

I think of a dream vacation as a retreat. I take books, my journal, my laptop for writing, my camera, and Riley my dog. I sleep in, go for walks, drive to close places and take pictures, read, write, dream, and think. I have a retreat like this planned in early fall. I can't wait!

That is my dream vacation. What is your dream vacation? 

Here is a room in the cabin I am traveling to in September.

Garden Stories: Mom's Memory Garden

 

I had a friend visit my backyard for the first time this week. Showing her my gardens and decor I realized that my gardens hold stories. The gardens tell stories of people, stories of special furniture that traveled with us, and a whole collection of gifts from friends and family that are placed all over the yard.

After my mom died in the summer of 2017 I knew I wanted to do something to honor her in my backyard. We had a strip of space between my house and my brother's that Everett suggested he add another flower bed. Mom's Memory Garden was born. I moved plants from her gardens, decor she treasured, and added gifts from friends and family. 

Lady's Mantle from her garden.

Mom loved lilies.

A rose planted in her memory.

It has been a joy to watch this garden flourish in the last four years. I have added other plants and flowers to the garden. I picked flowers that Mom loved. 

Year one

recently

Women Who Inspire Me: Katie Daisy

One of my favorites.

This is my second installment of the series women that inspire me. I learned last week that Mary Engelbreit also inspired many of my readers. This week I am going to share why I am inspired by Katie Daisy. You may say, " Who is Katie Daisy?" I will let you know. Once you see her artistic work, you won't forget her. 

I probably discovered Katie Daisy's work at Target or on Etsy, or in a card shop, but once I discovered her work,  I never forgot it.  Katie does artwork that captures prairie flowers, the woods, and all things nature. I recently read this by her, "The enchantment of my prairie town stays with me always. I weave that rosy magic into everything I paint and still see the world through my childhood eyes." She does that , and does it beautifully. 

The colors and flowers blend beautifully

I admire Katie Daisy because she does what she loves. Most of her inspiration is captured in a portfolio that contains what she remembers from her childhood in Illinois. A lilac bush, hummingbirds buzzing around, cherry and apple trees, and a giant yellow rosebush. She made art as long as she can remember. Her mom carried art supplies, she did art on placemats in restaurants, and doodled on her homework. She took her first art class in high school and the rest is history.She began her career on Etsy in 2010 and has freelanced ever since. 

such a beautiful message.

I love her work because it connects with nature and she uses quotes that speak to me. She now resides in Bend, Oregon and has embraces the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you haven't seen her work check it out on Etsy or check out her website. You will want a journal, calendar, or art print as soon as you see her work. Please share who inspires you.

She was featured on Oprah's Super Sunday Project. Check her out.

https://www.oprah.com/own-steepyoursoul/steep-your-soul-the-beauty-and-power-of-katie-daisys-art-video

https://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/illustrator-katie-daisy-on-the-transformative-power-of-art-video

Summer Play List 2

 Last week I wrote a post about songs that brought back memories of summers past. Thanks to my readers, I have a second list of suggestions. It was so hard to just choose ten. Here is list 2:

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly and the Family Stone

"Groovin" by The Rascals

" In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry

"In the Year 2525"  by Zager and Evans

"Even the Nights Are Better" by Air Supply

"This Magic Moment" by Jay and the Americans

"Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters

"With a Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles

"Brandy, You're a Fine Girl", by Looking Glass

"You've Got a Friend" James Taylor

and the one they always played on KWAL....

"Rock the Boat" by The Hues Corporation

Here is my first list: https://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2021/07/summer-play-list.html