End of Summer Check-In

"August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied." - Joseph Wood Krutch

I looked at my calendar today and it really sunk in – IT’S AUGUST! Is anyone else’s head spinning from this? Last month was my birthday month, and this July in particular, felt very busy. We had my parents come and visit New Jersey from Florida for the first time in a year and a half since the pandemic started. There was an uptick in sponsored brand campaigns and content creation that came my way. There were day camps and tennis lessons and swim lessons and playdates sprinkled throughout. Then, an unexpected sadness that really shook me when a neighborhood acquaintance suddenly passed away. I turned forty. Baby girl turned ONE! 

I know this month sneaks up on everyone, as it did with me in between all the party planning and general busy-ness. In a lot of ways, August is summer’s last stand (even though it feels like just yesterday when I posted about Strawberry Season: The First Lap of Summer!). August is like the last stretch to glide downhill before we cruise into fall and PSLs. If that's the case for you, perhaps today's End of Summer Check-In is for you. In no particular order, here are a few things I've been asking myself lately to make sure I'm spending my summer "me" time (which may of course include my sweet kids) with intention and with heart before the back to school rush arrives with a bang. A mental checklist, but not necessarily a bucket list, to ensure the last of summer days aren't slipping by idly, but rather like every ounce has been savored.

• Have I put myself first, where I’m not worried about the expectations of others?

• Have I treated myself to a solo day recently?

• Have I gone for a long walk in the neighborhood?

• Have I tried a new ice cream flavor?

• Have I planned a picnic?

• Have I admired things in nature?

• Have I watched my kids play outside?

• Have I played with my kids outside?

• Have I planned a trip for the family or perhaps a group of friends?

• Have I enjoyed a book outside?

• Have I picked or bought fresh flowers?

• Have I watched a really good sunset?

• Have I sat by the water's edge?

• Have I caught up with a good friend in person?

• Have I explored a new-to-me area?

• Have I taken a really indulgent, delicious afternoon nap?

• Have I gotten dressed up, just because?

• Have I taken an afternoon shower with the sunlight pouring in the windows?

• Have I sat out on my beautiful back deck?

Clearly, I have checked off the “get dressed up, just because” item as you see here, when I took my fancy birthday party dress from Selkie out for a spin to my favorite local outdoor garden. Of course, I'd love to know — what are you asking of yourself for this final month of summer?

Photos shot on location at Grounds for Sculpture.