August - the Month with No Holiday

Did you realize that August is the one month out of the year - for the United States at least - that has no national holiday? It has no special connotation associated with it, unlike other months. February is the month of Love, July is the month of Patriotism, October is the month of Pumpkins, November is the month of Thanksgiving, and December is the month of Christmas.  Poor August! No special holiday for this month. Speaking for myself, I think August is a month of preparation.  

• I think of kids preparing for and going back to school and college students starting their semesters.  
• It is a month when animals and insects desperately begin to get ready for winter.  The wasps become mean and angry in August.  Flies invade our home every time the door opens.  Mice begin to visit and explore nesting places for the winter.  There is a slight tinge of color now to the leaves of the trees as they prepare for their colorful transition. 
• It is a season where harvest begins, and each day, beautiful veggies come in from the garden to be eaten or put up for winter.
• August can be very hot and dry, and here in North Idaho, the air can be filled with smoke. Thankfully, we haven't had many smoky days here, but there are fires around us.  
• It is the season for grasshoppers to take over and buzz around on the hot, dry ground. 
• 4H county fairs are taking place in late August, as children have prepared all year to show their animals and creations. 

Indeed, perhaps you agree with me that August is a month of preparation. Of Getting Ready. For WINTER is indeed coming.  But before Winter - we have FALL to look forward to! I love the season of Fall, and look forward to the brilliant plumes of color we enjoy here in September and October.  

We had a taste of Fall in early August, where our temperatures dipped down into the high 30s one night, and the next morning, the air was cool, and fog shimmered over the horizon. 

An early morning walk with Riley was crisp and a tad on the side of chilly! 

40s in the morning are unusual even for us here in North Idaho in August. Our typical temperatures are high 50s and 60s in the mornings. 

We've had some beautiful skies at sunset! 

The August Moon danced in the silvery clouds before winking goodnight... 

The swallows have been gentle and graceful visitors for the summer, and are now readying for their flight south after raising their young here. 

Summer's end is at hand, time to fly south! 

More beautiful August skylines. 

We visited our local county fair this past week to see all the amazing creations! 

Always love walking through the animal barns and seeing the children who take care of their animals with such pride. 

Danielle, Danika, Alanna, and I enjoyed walking around looking at all the animals and the displays! 

Some really beautiful creations!

I spent some time in my She Shed just enjoying the beauty within and without. Sometimes it is good to just sit and soak in the quiet and peace around you! I find it hard to sit in my garden, because I always see a weed that needs pulled, or something that needs done. {smiles}So my She Shed is a little sanctuary where I can sit and enjoy the beauty without feeling the need to be busy. 

My garden at sunset - one of my very favorite times of day, when the sun begins to fall captive to night's curtains, and its blanket of colors spreads warmth across the skies. 

So much to love about August - don't you think? Even though it can be a difficult month in some ways, I still find much to love about this month - and it is passing along so quickly. I am trying to make the most of every single day and enjoy whatever each day offers.  We are not promised tomorrow, so our breaths today, our thoughts today are important. 

And while difficult circumstances come to us all, there is something to be enjoyed in the simple moments of life.  

The Northern Lights made a faint appearance one night this month! 

• Step outside and watch the sunset until the curtains of darkness close.
• Stop to smell the flowers and soak in the beauty they offer your soul. 
• Watch a bird flutter and fly, and take note of its beautiful coloring.  
• Savor the fare from a farmer's market or your garden and give thanks to the Lord above for providing its bounty. 

Yes - these are things we can enjoy in August - while it is a month of preparation, of scurry and hurry, we can find time to stop and enjoy the beauty around us. 

Enjoy the latest video I've made using the sunset photos from a few nights ago. I stood outside and just watched the clouds and the sun as their wardrobe changed moment by moment. There were worries in my heart, but I set those aside and soaked up the beauty in the skies instead. I thought of the song, "It is Well With My Soul," and so I used that song paired with the pictures I took to create this video. I pray it will be a blessing to you.  

May the peace of God rest with you :)