June Everything
summer colds, pretty flowers, autism insights, "light" books, pool water blue, days of play, and a new look for the newsletter
I’m writing this from the pool which sounds a bit luxurious except that I have a summer cold. I thought the best medicine would be sunshine, fresh air, and a Coconut La Croix, and I think I was correct. Every so often I go sit at the edge of the pool and kick my legs around and soak in the sunshine. Two of my “kids” (it is so cumbersome to say young adult and tween) came and took a dip which made me and my MacBook look a little less conspicuous, even though they are both plenty old to be at the pool without me supervising.
It’s easy nowadays to fill the summer schedule with camps and activities but summer at its best has a lovely, timeless, lull to it. Think back on your most important summer childhood memories. I bet you weren’t at an enrichment camp or doing bridge worksheets.
There was a time when we did school year round and to some extent we still keep our brains “going,” but I found that we all need at least a couple of weeks completely off here and there over the summer to heave a sigh of relief at a job well done and breathe in the sweet, recharging air of rest.
Doesn’t summertime bring out the child in us all? Swimming in the scorching heat, feasting on cold watermelon, breathing in the wafting scent from the grill, listening for cicadas, watching for fireflies...there is a sense of wonder that comes with summer.
What’s New
I’ve changed the format of this little newsletter mostly because the end of the month “Worth Mentioning” email kept bumping into the “…Everything” email in the beginning of the month. You can let me know in the poll below if combining the two was a good move or not.
Substack
Podcast
New: On Autism: The Everything I’ve Ever Said About Autism Episode
Interview: A Dad’s Perspective on Autism: An Interview with Lee Rinna (soon!)
Throwback: Are You Starving? The Why and How of Nurturing the Mother’s Mind with Brandy Vencel
Product
The very updated Get Started Homeschooling guide is now available. Click here to get it.
My Timeline Book is available as a digital download. This timeline book can be used alongside any curriculum over the course of your student’s education.
Social
I have a love-hate relationship with social media. When I am in the “love” phase, you can find me on Instagram.
Commonplace Quote
Worth Mentioning from May
May is the end of all things student-related in our area so it is BUSY but it’s a good kind of busy, full of year-end festivities. Celebration is woven into our lives all year but it seems to be the theme of May and having a full month of it is…a lot. A lot of planning, a lot of effort, and yes, a lot of fun. It’s in no way sustainable but I love how there is a season for everything.
We kicked off summer like we always do with root beer floats. Then we packed up the books, slept in, went to the pool, and celebrated by doing not much of anything.
I endeavor to read the Austen novels that I have not yet read so I started this summer with Northanger Abbey. Mansfield Park will follow but it feels more like an autumn read so I will likely hold off and just re-read Sense and Sensibility, instead.
I’m reading Howard’s End with a couple of friends and we’re listening to the Lit Life episodes that correlate. We wanted a light, summery kind of book. So far so good.
I listened to my own podcast for my own good this month. Self-indulgent, it may sound, but I have found that from time to time I forget things I used to know. In this case, I needed help remembering my record keeping process because the high school/college paperwork has gotten out of hand.
I’ve been plagued by migraines since I was a kid and I’ve tried just about everything to help. Amazingly enough, what’s helped lately is to drink a Mexican coke with 2 Advil.
I could not resist grabbing this little pillow when it went on clearance last week.
For my daughter’s dance recital, I always find the most gorgeous flowers at Publix. These garden roses did not disappoint.
Looking Forward
At the beginning of each month, I send out an “Everything Guide.” The guide includes links to resources that will help you savor the month by sharing ideas about what to meditate on, read, listen to, sing, admire, watch, cook, make, freshen, and fragrance.
I also include a guiding quote, a rhythm to focus on, poetry & teatime inspiration, nature items to hunt for, outings to take, and tips on how to prepare for the upcoming season.
Paid subscribers can use the guide to enrich their homeschool and/or personal learning.
I hope your inner child comes out to play this June. I hope you slow down, clear your schedule, and refresh your soul. I hope your summer is full of the intoxicatingly sweet, buttery scent of gardenias in bloom. I hope you soak in summer with all of its splendor.
Until next time,
Cindy :)
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