Glimmers of Leo Season:

Hi!

How are you today?

I am hot and sticky 🥵 sitting outside at a picnic table in Davidson, North Carolina. I traveled early this morning with my eldest son for his eye appointment. We are making it a short getaway, revisiting our favorite coffee shop, Summit, walking the streets and neighborhoods, and shopping. Spending the night allows Ethan to join his workout group in the morning, while I enjoy a quiet walk in the woods on the cross-country trail at Davidson College. The farmer’s market will provide one more opportunity to enjoy coffee/tea and soak up the music, local food, and ambiance of this sweet town.

I decided to take a moment to say hello while Ethan completes some paperwork for his last year at college. It also allows me to tap into my Blythe Spirit mindset while maintaining my Mom role.

The children in Tennessee are back in school, and local colleges are filling up with cars, vans, and moving trucks this weekend. The vehicles are packed with clothes, decorations, food, and supplies. This is the last hurrah for many families to connect and soak up summer before returning to the hustle and bustle of school time.

Unfortunately, most of that time will be spent shopping and running errands. I remember when all of my college belongings fit in the back of our Oldsmobile, large, brown station wagon. I only packed the bare essentials and did not rely on Amazon or other big-box retailers to supply me with extra goods. These days, the number of necessities has grown, and most families spend thousands outfitting their kids with unnecessary plastic crap that will most likely be thrown away in the Spring. The waste is ridiculous, yet the pressure to conform, decorate, and post on social media is huge.

Sorry for the little rant, but it is getting ridiculous!

I normally take advantage of the tax-free weekend in Tennessee to resupply my notebooks, pens, and paints, and to add some clothes or shoes to the mix. This year, I tried to limit my buying, but I did get a couple extra goodies.

• 2 XXL Moleskine Cahier Notebooks - Red

• 1 A5 Stalogy 365 Notebook - Red

• 1 Box Uniball Signo 207 pens - Black

• 1 Tin Caran d’Ache Classic Neocolor II Aquarelle - 15 Colors

• BIC Gelocity Quick Dry Gel Pens, 12-Count Pack, 0.7 mm - Rainbow Colors

• LYRA Graphite Stick, Water Soluble - 2B 6B 9B

• 1 Everlane Renew Transit Computer Backpack

Yes, it is still Leo Season and Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. I am sure most people are well aware, as people continue to deal with the intense heat, disastrous fires, and storms.

There is almost a month left before the Sun moves into Virgo Season, ushering in the Autumn Season (Spring in S.H.).

Time to reclaim your childlike joy, wonder, and delight.

Actively seek out the moments of play, joy, ease, and wonder throughout the day.

• What do you notice?

• Can you linger in the felt sensation of the moment?

Nourish yourself with the presence of staying in the moment. Let delight sink deep into your bones. Allow your breath to slow and use your senses to take a photograph. Tuck these glimmers and memories into your pocket. You will be gathering them later in your basket to carry you into the Dark Season.

The Dark is coming…but not yet!

Weather permitting, I drag my yoga mat, sheepskin, blankets, shawl, and meditation cushion out to the front deck. In the early morning, there is a crispness in the air that I am savoring. As the light sparkles through the green leaves, I smile and take a mental picture. My cup of cacao, in my wedding china, absolutely delights me. 🥰

These small glimmers will be placed into my basket in the Autumn. I will access these memories during the dark, cold, and quiet of Winter.

I keep asking myself…What else do I want to see, enjoy, and play with this Summer?

• Water

• Ice-cream

• Live music

• Hiking

• Spending time with my parents and family

While walking in Davidson today, I spotted the first red leaf on the sidewalk. Instead of breezing past it, I stopped. I asked Ethan for his phone to take a picture of it as a reminder to myself.

Autumn is coming…but there is time to catch the glimmers of Summer and linger.

I hope you connect with your inner child, find time to play, create, and enjoy this time.

Seek and Stay.

Talk to you soon,

❤️ Blythe