“June, July, August. Everything wrong, and nowhere to go”

an August farewell and updates!

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“June, July, August. Everything wrong, and nowhere to go.” - Mary Oliver

Dearest Readers, it’s late August and I’m grateful to soon be in the “-ber” months. It has been grossly hot here, partially due to Corn Sweat (yes, you read that right). Like most summers, I have been more inside than outside and that never makes me feel good. The wait for cooler weather is a difficult one. I’m hoping for a “harsh” winter: lots of snow, lots of cold, lots of coziness and ample snowshoeing time.

This summer hasn’t been as terrible as previous summers. Working on my book has helped with that, I think. I thrive on projects. I like to have something I can sink my teeth into and keep busy.

Speaking of the book, I’m almost done with it! I’m a bit over 70K words, and ferociously editing the last three chapters: “The Millennial Motherhood Question,” “Friendship in the Time of Covid & Genocide,” and “Get Off The Internet.” I’m so ready to be done with this book. Then I’ll send it on to my editor, do more edits, and then it will be sent to the publisher! I hope you’ll purchase a copy (or ask your local library to get it)!

In other news, the new Covid surge has me nervous, but I’m excited to get the new vaccine soon. I never stopped wearing a mask in public spaces, so I continue to do that and I continue to limit risk when and where I can. It helps that I hate being in large groups of people. If you stopped wearing a mask, I encourage you to start up again. Your community appreciates it!

Things that have made me happy this summer:

• n 💓

• texts and phone calls with A & A

• Facetimes with my nephews

• using the public library again

• air conditioning 🙏🏻

• time for writing and reading

• rainbow sherbet

• weightlifting and feeling stronger

• black & tan decaf in the afternoon from my fave local cafe, Ancora

• the tomatoes from my dad’s garden

• my mom’s wisdom on all things

• my brother’s sarcasm

• learning more about Sensory Processing Disorder

• somatic experiencing therapy (ok, it hasn’t exactly made me happy—it’s the hardest therapy I’ve ever done, but I’m really happy with my progress—even it’s different and hard sometimes)

• indoor and outdoor animals

Sending you all my love and solidarity and all good things!

Dearest ones. I’m desperately trying to increase my paid subs on here (and have been for quite some time). I really appreciate all of the readers here, but/and I would love to be able to have a part-time income from this space. If I could get 150 paid subscribers that would be amazing! I’m currently at 78. I can’t do math because dyscalculia, but I *think* 150 paid subscribers is a good goal for now! What would make you pay for this Substack? Do you want me to offer something I’m not offering? Please tell me!

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