June
Any other summer lovers out there? As much as I love spring, summer might just be my favorite. It ushers in child-like playfulness reminiscent of that out-of-school feeling.
"That person is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields fruit in season & whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers."
-Psalm 1:3
Speaking of loving summer...did you listen to the Summer Lovin' podcast series in June on the That Sounds Fun network with Annie F. Downs? She inspired this month's verse because along with the episodes, I was part of her emailing list during the series which involved praying through this verse. Because I'm giving you insight on how I'm celebrating each month, including rhythms I'm implementing this year such as monthly verse focuses, I give these a bit of thought because I know I'll be writing you a little blurb & it feels pretty vulnerable sometimes but we're friends so it's cool, right? Summer Lovin' was all about dating...scary, I know haha. Annie is a single gal like myself & ultimately it comes down to wanting to steward this season of life well. Desiring to be in healthy relationship with other humans. And honestly, being hopeful through all of it. And no, this verse is not prompting some faulty prosperity gospel either. In fact, as Christians, we're guaranteed that suffering will indeed happen. ("Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” MSG John 16:33 Just to highlight one of the many promises of this.) But our hope is that through everything (the happy, sad, & everything in between) God is right here with us...closer than I can imagine or than I notice sometimes. This verse points to looking for where He has already planted us by streams & reminds us to be watchful for the fruit that is coming. Like Ben Rector says "I'm learnin' how to eat the fruit that is in season" (Living My Best Life - give it a listen). That's sermon-y enough for now haha on to the rest of what filled my June with delight! (And if by some chance you find yourself reading this, Annie, let's be friends!)
The Confetti Bar's 10th Birthday - June 1st
The Confetti Bar turned 10!!! When I started this blog, mom discovered TCB so I've been following them for several years & officially got to join Team Confetti as their Head of Happiness two years ago!
"The Confetti Bar is a lifestyle brand and artistic confetti studio encouraging you to discover your unique version of happiness in all its beautiful, messy pieces."
Mission:
To create confetti that starts conversations about mental health.
Purpose:
To inspire you to make (& embrace) beautiful messes.
Vision:
To share an incredible amount of hope in this world, one little piece of happiness at a time.
To add some extra magic & celebrate Jessica, our Confetti Queen's accomplishments, I was able to round up some of our confetti community to surprise her with fun videos & letters. Though it takes some coordinating, in my very biased opinion, it's such a thoughtful way to celebrate someone - by reminding them how much their people love them. People have done similar for me & it truly means the world so that's my gift tip for ya today! 😊
If you aren't already part of the confetti revolution, you should definitely join!
Father's Day - June 18th
Got to wish my dad a coffee-filled happy Father's Day from afar! Love this man s'much! And grateful he's the kind of dad who would eat the Fritos so my brother & I could have the good chips in those snack packs haha! For more thoughts on the guy I call dad, read here.
Ice Cream Soda Day - June 20th
I'm not sure why this day isn't just called "Ice Cream Float Day" but I'm here for it nonetheless! Took Blue Bell + DP & Root Beer to work for a random Tuesday treat.
Summer Solstice - June 21st
It felt appropriate to take an evening walk on the longest day of the year to enjoy the extra daylight in all of its summer glory. I took note of how the air smelt like summer - all warm & green. How it held the day's rain, with fireflies floating all around & wild rabbits hopping around playfully, enjoying the sunset too.
Camp Carla - June 23rd-July 1st
Every summer since I moved to TN, mom and dad drive up for a week & it is the best week of the summer! This year had the bonus fun of dad being the camp pastor at my day job & getting to celebrate mom's birthday! Because we stayed at camp, mom brought camp activities for us to enjoy in the evenings. We made friendship bracelets, ate American Girl-sized s'mores, played games, & marble painted. This took me back to our "camping" staycation of 2020. Let this be your reminder that no matter how old you are, you're never too old to have some silly summer fun with your folks! We even went to a water park!
Board
In case you didn't know, Dolly Parton & Duncan Hines are bff's. I 100% jammed to "9 to 5" while baking Dolly & Duncan's Banana Cupcakes for a treat board to take to work. Because I'm not one to enjoy a ton of icing, getting to ice your own cupcake is the best & the bonus toppings were fun to mix & match.
Bucket List
- Go to a water park ✔️
- Have fun with mom & dad in TN ✔️
- Go to Loveless Cafe - didn't make it to Loveless but I did have my first Waffle House experience so that counts for something, right??
- Visit Amish country ✔️ I don't live too far from an Amish community & if you don't know this about me, I am super fascinated by their culture! Some friends & I met up visit their produce stands & went lunch at one of my fave BBQ restaurants.
For more summer inspo check out: