August Whispers of Change

Monday, August 5, 2024

Spring and Summer's parade of blooms has slowed as quiet contentment has set into my heart that Fall will soon be here. Cool night temps in the 40s remind me that summer is quickly fading away - and a beautiful summer it has been. We've been very blessed to have received 1/4" of rain over the weekend, and while our skies have been smoky at times from fires in other places, thankfully we have no fires close by us! There is much to be grateful for, in this time of shifting seasons. August is a month of dry, hot weather, where the skies are usually smoky from forest fires, yet harvest season is underway. Yes. August brings seasonal transition. It's a time of enjoying the beautiful season of Summer while realizing that Fall's cooler weather and clear skies are not far away. 

 


We've enjoyed many days at the river and lake! Danielle's puppy, Freya, came with us recently. 


Riley doesn't care much for the water. She will get wet, and then rest in the shade. 



The river water is so refreshing when we've had hot days with temps 100+. Danielle and her pups come over to swim with us. 



Evenings are getting longer, as the sun moves away from us now. We enjoy quiet evenings on the porch as my solar/LED timer lights come on and add their special ambiance to our day. 



The bees and wasps love the bee balm, as do the hummingbirds.
My bee balm finally burst into bloom in August. 
A late summer treat for the birds and bees! 



My garden looks different this year - I won't have a busy harvest this year as our new home is expected right at harvest time. So, my garden is resting, covered in black paper. I do have some things planted in grow bags. 

I joined 2 fellow authors from the local writing group I lead, and we had a Local Author's Book Signing event the last weekend of July. There was a local festival, Timber Days happening that weekend, and we enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people, and selling copies of our books! 




We watched the Timber Days parade from the coffee shop, what a fun parade it was! 


I created these bookmarks to give away. On the back is a QR code that you can use to find my book on Amazon.  


Flowers blooming in my garden always bring joy to my heart! 



My clematis is still in bloom! It makes my heart smile whenever I'm in the garden. 


Riley got groomed by a neighbor this weekend. She has not been too happy about it. But, she looks so cute! 





 

My harvest of garlic is complete! Now I am letting them dry in my She Shed. I can't wait to taste them after they've cured! 



I'm sharing a video today that I made some time ago "When My Heart is Overwhelmed, Lead Me To The Rock" by the Natalie Raynes Family. This song was speaking to my heart today - I'm thankful we can stand on the Rock Christ Jesus in the midst of life's storms. He sustains, supports, and holds us when all else is sinking sand.

If you don't know Jesus today, I invite you to meet the One who loves you and will care for you in all troubles that come your way.

May He be your Rock today in whatever overwhelming circumstance you face!
Much love to all of you! 




33 comments

  1. The parade looks so cool and so does that river water! I know it must be refreshing..I'm guessing if it's river water, it might be a bit cold if it comes down from the mountains. The month of August makes me wish that I lived in the Northern States during this month. It gets brutally hot here with no sign of Fall, except at Hobby Lobby. LOL. Of course, they put pumpkins out before July 4th even gets here. You do have a big garlic harvest...how awesome! I always feel encouraged when I read your post...thank you!

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    1. Thank you for your visit Shug - yes, the water does come from the mountains, and it stays cold into August, when it does warm up a bit more! But it is definitely refreshing in the summer months! I'm thrilled with my garlic harvest, and so thankful! Yes, the stores really seem to put out seasonal merchandise earlier and earlier. Hard to enjoy one season when you're seeing things for the next one! Blessings to you, and thank you again for your visit!

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  2. oh it's so hard to believe that fall is 'round the bend ... i'm still adjusting to summer!!

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  3. Riley doesn't look like the same dog at all after her grooming. There's so much less of her :)
    Your flowers are so pretty and the Clematis is amazing!

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    1. I know, Miss Riley felt rather shamed I think! She is feeling better now, she has gotten used to it. I'm loving my clematis, so thankful it has bloomed for most of the summer! Blessings to you!

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  4. Your summer photos look so cool and happy. I remember swimming at Sandpoint and in the Spokane River and at Farrugut. So wonderful. We've had "feels like" temperatures of upper 90's and well over 100 ever since we got back from Spokane. It's so humid I find myself staying inside the condo most of the time unless I'm with Mom in her apartment.
    I can imagine how excited you are to have your new home delivered. That was always our plan after Dennis retired. Buy an acre or two in N. Idaho and have a manufactured home put on it. Paradise.
    I'm looking forward to seeing your new home.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Oh Betty, yes, this heat can truly get very exhausting, but thankfully, we do have AC that we use if we need it, and of course, swims in the river help tremendously! I am so very thankful that we have been so blessed this year to not have any fires locally. It is always a concern this time of year. I hope you are doing well and staying cool, much love to you dear friend! Your comments are always such a blessing :)

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  5. I am about to harvest my garlic as well. Great crop, Marilyn. Enjoy the month of August!

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    1. It was a great year for a garlic crop, Marie! I hope the rest of your August has been lovely :)

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  6. Our bee balm bloomed the last days of July this year. You had a great crop of garlic, Your clematis is so full and beautiful! Riley looks quite smart all trimmed. How exciting that you project is nearing it's end. Congrats on the book signing. Blessings...

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    1. It has been a wonderful and good summer, Ellen. So many things to love and be thankful for! Many blessings to you dear friend!

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  7. Such gorgeous blooms as August comes into play where you live, Marilyn. In Georgia, we're anticipating the dog days of summer for some time; fall won't be here for us until at least October.
    The book signing looked like a wonderful opportunity for you, too. Tell Riley I think she's cute!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Martha, it has been a wonderful summer, but Fall is definitely hanging close by! I was so thankful to have a good experience with the book signing! Riley says thank you! Many blessings to you dear friend!

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  8. I bet you are really looking forward to that new house being delivered. I forget how far north you live and how short your summer is compared to mine. And mine is shorter than my girl friend 300 miles south of me! My days are getting darker sooner and staying darker longer. I imagine your long sun days are changing a bit already too. Your pictures speak volumes and I so enjoy them and your song pick. Continue to enjoy the less hot summer days ahead.

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    1. Yes, its true Lynn, as summer winds down, the days are getting much shorter, and it is sad to see. We hang onto every precious day of summer that we can! I am thankful that you are such a faithful visitor to my blog, it means so very much! Much love to you and Precious (my three kitties send kitty hello's!) Blessings!

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  9. I just happened to check your blog today; I wasn't notified on email that you had posted. Must be a glitch. :)
    Beautiful flowers!!!! Yes, it's SO HOT!!!! I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures too.
    So happy about your book signing!
    Aww, Riley looks like a different dog, but so cute for her summer look. :)
    I'm so thankful that the Lord is our Rock; I'd be a mess without Him.
    God bless,
    Valentine

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    1. Oh I do hope the email notification is working! I'm sorry for any glitches that may have happened! We are definitely getting cooler temps here, and fall is on its way, although we enjoy every minute of summer, because winter lasts much longer here, as you know. I wish your summers weren't so awfully hot! Praying continually for you and your family, dear friend! I appreciate your faithfulness to my visit my blog! Much love to you dear friend!

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  10. I can't imagine how excited you must be awaiting your new home! Your flowers are so beautiful! May God bless you, dear friend.🙏❤😊

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    1. Thank you sweet friend - we are awaiting the new home with great anticipation! It has been a beautiful summer here! Much love to you dear friend!

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  11. I hope you enjoy your new home. Thank you for sharing that video. I love the song and the pictures you added. :)

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    1. Thank you Ashley for your visit and I'm glad you enjoyed the song! I enjoy sharing my photography with beautiful music. Much love to you, and many blessings!

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  12. A new baby and a new home...my you are going to have a very exciting (and busy!) fall! It's coming up fast. Sounds like it's actually arriving in your neck of the woods way sooner than mine, with those 40 degree nights! Yowza. Enjoy the last of summer my friend, it looks like you have had a lovely season so far!! Blessings to you my friend!!

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    1. Yes, Kim, it is going to be a busy fall for us! We are so excited about all these things, and indeed fall is working its way here. By the end of August, many things start to change color, in fact we have a maple tree that is already turning! We are enjoying each day of the season - there is always something to love! Many blessings to you :)

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  13. Hi, the parade looks like fun, I like that big American flag. :-)
    How fun to have a book signing. :-)
    Love, Carla

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    1. The parade was fun to watch! The book signing was very special for us, and we hope to do it again sometime soon. Many blessings to you Carla!

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  14. It must feel weird not to have things you need to harvest, and see an empty garden, at least you have some things in pots and oh my you have plenty of beautiful flowers to look at, I have a bit growing in my yard and I so enjoy picking a bouquet once a week and bringing them inside to enjoy too :)
    So thankful the fires have not been close to you and you have been able to enjoy such a wonderful summer with family :)

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    1. It has been a very different year for me, Connie! I love having a harvest, and I will have a small one this year. But our home will be arriving next month, and I know that will keep me very busy! So wonderful that you can enjoy your flower bouquets - I like to do the same! We have much to be thankful for! Many blessings to you :)

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  15. Hello Marilyn, I'm so glad the fires are not close to you. We have a BIG one going on right now, and it's one of the largest in California. It's not that close to me, but it's been spreading rapidly this whole time, and the winds are making it shift in different areas. It's called The Park Fire, and if you would say some prayers, I would appreciate it very much. Last I read, it was 34% contained. August is pretty around your area, and I love those purple flowers. While I'm not much of an ocean person, I really love the lakes and rivers and streams and brooks. You have so much garlic drying in your shed! That will be nice for making your favorite dishes. Garlic is so good for us. The parade looks entertaining. And your bookmarks are delightful.

    Wishing you the most wonderful August days, Marilyn. I am patiently waiting for Fall. ; )

    ~Sheri

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    1. I've heard about the horrible Park fire, Sheri! Dear friends of us here have children close to it, and we have been praying. Such an awful thing, the way it has spread and so much loss! August is a pretty month here, we do have some beautiful flowers that are blooming now, and harvest season is in full swing. I've gotten lots of raspberries, some zucchini and tomatoes so far. I will enjoy the garlic this fall, it's been such a blessing to have it grow so well! Much love to you dear friend!

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  16. Thank you for your prayers, Marilyn. The fire is 37% contained now, and I'll be happy when it's 100% contained. I appreciate you praying for our state right now. : )

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  17. I've just been catching up on your posts, Marilyn. It's been a busy summer for us with lots going on, and I just haven't had a lot of time for blogging or visiting blogs. But I've just now spent a little time here admiring your beautiful photos and reading your happy news. I had not realized you were getting a new home! I'm thinking it will be a manufactured home perhaps, delivered there to your property? How wonderful!!

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  18. Hey Marilyn. I had forgotten how beautifully you write and how pretty your flowers and gardens look. That clematis is simply beautiful! I have one that had just started to grow, had one bloom this summer. One day this week a deer walked by chewed most of it off the post it was growing on. I saw him from the kitchen window. :) The water in the river there looks so clean and clear. Must feel good on these hot days. I am looking forward to fall.

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  19. Congratulations on your successful book signing and your new home! LOVE your beautiful photos and words of encouragement! Riley looks adorable!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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