Gift #1134: Summer Days

Hello everyone.  I’ve been wanting to write a blog post for several days, but I have no idea what to write about.  Usually I have some topic in mind, or if not, then a set of pictures kindly presents itself for me to structure a narrative around.  But that’s not the case today.  So we’ll just see where this blog post goes together, shall we?  I’ve been busy traveling, exploring, crafting, working, thinking…  Life has been full and at times overwhelming during this month of August.  There’s been a lot to be thankful for and a lot that reminds me that I’m not in control and how dependent we are on God for everything.  I’ve spent most of this month reminding myself of His sovereignty and thanking Him for His faithfulness.  We’re on the verge of September and signs of summer wearing down are beginning to show in the landscape.  We’ve had some cool days mingled with the hot, humid summer weather, the seedpods are forming and the last of the wildflowers are blooming.

The garden veggies are in their last moments of bounty; and though the cicadas sing loudly at night, hints of autumn are whispering beneath their chorus.  Stray leaves are starting to turn and it’s almost as if the world is holding its breath to see what happens.  I love the days of late summer when the sun drips golden over the dark foliage of the forests, when the wind is still sweet with the last of the wildflowers, and there’s a sleepy calm before the world melts into autumn colors.

Last weekend I visited the state fair.  One of my favorite places there is the DNR exhibit.  They have a butterfly walk-through set up, fountains, and wildflower gardens which are lovely to walk through.  I enjoyed spending time here taking photographs and admiring the butterflies.  I also like to visit the goats.  And there was a special surprise this year – five little baby pygmy goats!!  Oh, they were adorable!  Hours were spent in the fine arts building admiring the talent of so many artists.  And the day was rounded out with roasted sweet corn and listening to Inkapirka, a group from Ecuador that comes each year.  I like them because they remind me of the music that natural history museums play for ambience.

I hope you are enjoying the long golden days of summer and relishing the bounty of the season.

Blessings to you,

Sarah