“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” — Roger Caras
READING:
The Art of Home by Shea McGee — “The long-awaited design book from Shea McGee, beautifully showcasing all that is possible for every room of your home. ..As the title of her new book suggests, designing rooms for maximum impact while also remaining approachable to any who enter is an art. But it's also a skill that can be learned because it's inside each one of us” (Goodreads).
From Notting Hill with Love…Actually by Ali McNamara — “She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy... wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant. Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiancé David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now...When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill - the setting of one of her favourite movies - Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?” (Goodreads).
WATCHING:
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris — I watched all of the sailing and rowing. I loved the bikes racing around Paris and the equestrian events at Versailles. I rooted for both the USA and France in the men’s and women’s gold medal basketball games and France in the men’s soccer final. I think I watched a little bit of every event, and I really enjoyed it. Paris was a spectacular host for the summer games — my favorite yet. As for the winter games, my heart belongs to Lillehammer 1994.
Emily in Paris - Season 4, Part 1 — “After the dramatic events of Camille and Gabriel’s misbegotten wedding, Emily is reeling. Emily has strong feelings for two men, but Gabriel is on the verge of becoming a father, and ex boyfriend Alfie’s (Laviscount) worst fears about her and Gabriel have been confirmed. Unfortunately, Emily and Gabriel’s chemistry is undeniable as they work together toward a Michelin star, but two big secrets threaten to undo everything they’ve dreamed of. Meanwhile at work, Sylvie (Leroy-Beaulieu) is forced to confront a thorny dilemma from her past for the sake of her marriage as the Agence Grateau team navigates personnel shake-ups. And Mindy (Ashley Park) and the band are forced to get thrifty when they run out of funds preparing for Eurovision” (Netflix). I like to say that I only watch it for the scenes in Paris, but honestly, it’s a such guilty pleasure.
LISTENING TO:
Cardinals, chickadees, hawks, and cicadas in our backyard
A snoring beagle on my lap
My August Instapuzzle Mini-Playlist:
You’re My Best Friend (Queen)
Better Together (Jack Johnson)
I Want You To Have It All (Jason Mraz)
Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)
Linus and Lucy (George Winston)
A Wink and a Smile (Harry Connick, Jr.)
My Girl (The Temptations)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
Linus and Lucy - Short Summer 55th Anniversary Edition (Vince Guaraldi)
august (Taylor Swift)
The Dog Days Are Over (Florence and the Machine)
FEELING: Oddly calm about la rentrée — I did enjoy a lot time with family this summer, celebrating Chase’s graduation, Eagle Scout Court of Honor, and birthday. We went to Harry Potter night at the Brewers game (very cute jerseys). I had a few nice lunches with family and friends. I read a lot of books, watched a lot of Olympics, and snuggled a lot with Miss Piper. All of this was lovely, but I didn’t feel as though I had a chance to disconnect from school. Other than the week of the 4th of July, I was at school every week for something (meetings, projects, professional development, etc.). I wasn’t there all day, everyday, but I was there enough that I don’t feel like I really left. The one advantage to not really getting away from school is that I don’t feel the typical back-to-school anxiety. Once we are back into a normal school routine, I hope to take a couple of long weekends this fall and I’ll begin planning my next trip to Paris.
