An Invitation to Savor Summer and Celebrate my 600th Blog Post

I love summer. I've come to realize that it's my favorite of all the seasons. So many flowers. So many good things to eat from the garden. I've also come to realize that just like the plants and flowers in my garden, I thrive in the sunshine.

I love being barefoot and spending my hours outdoors. Eating outside. Playing outside. Working in the garden or just communing with nature. Long, slow, joy-filled days. Those are the days I look forward to. Those are the days I cherish.

Last summer went by in a blur and then the winter months seemed to creep along. I don't want that to happen again this year.

I want to savor these days. I need to remind myself daily of all the things I love about the season. I need to remember not to let the days slip by without doing something summery, something fun, something good for my soul. I might not be going on any summer vacations, but I can make my days feel like summer vacation.

So, for the month of July I'll be focusing on savoring summer. I want it to be a nice, long, slow, glorious month.

And I'm inviting you to join me.*

savor summer, #ssjuly2015, watercolor logo, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

My plan:

I'll be celebrating Joy List Monday every week in July with lists focused on summer joys. I would love for you to post your own joy lists on your blog if you're a blogger, or elsewhere if you're not (Instagram, Facebook, Google+, other social media). I'll be using the hash tag #ssjuly2015 if you want to join me (it sounds like the name of a ship to me... let's take a fun, imaginary journey together). Even if you're just inspired to pen your list on a scrap of paper (or in the joy book downloadable for free when you sign up for my newsletter), that's great, too!

For the next four Fridays I will be posting ideas for ways to savor your summer days, to make each one feel light and joyous, as if you're on summer vacation. I'll be sharing ideas for play, for books to read, for food to make and for easy, natural beauty treatments to do at home. A couple bloggers have already offered to join me.** Simone of the blog Linden Grove was more than ready to start savoring; read her initial post here and get inspired by her teacup garden project with today's post.

I want this to be fun and easy for you. Don't have time? Don't worry. Slow down and enjoy your days. Be easy on yourself. Savor each moment.

But, if you're looking to create more time in your day, Arianne Foulks is sharing a series of posts on the Aeolidia blog this summer about how to streamline what you do in order to make more time for things other than work. Go take a look and start working smarter.

Need more savoring inspiration? Do you remember Shannon Kinney-Düh of A Free Spirit Life? (I featured her earlier this year in this post). In her newsletter this week she shared her intention of Savoring a Slower Summer. You can read all about it here. Her plan seems just perfect, don't you think?

And now, how about some cake, or cupcakes***, rather, to celebrate my 600th blog post?

rose cupcake, cupcakes, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Thank you for coming along with me on this creative adventure. Every single comment means so much to me. Your encouragement. Your support. You bring me joy each and every day. Thank you!

So here's to a wonderful month of savoring. Wishing you sunshine and joy, creativity and fun. And be sure to take a little time just to stare up at the clouds (and the stars) too.


Please note: Dana and I will also be continuing our Wednesday 2x2 Sketchbook posts each week this month. It will be a full month! I hope you'll be dropping by throughout!

*My apologies to all of my southern hemisphere friends... please know that I'm not trying to exclude you. I do hope that you will be savoring your winter while I'm savoring summer! If that's you and you are... I would love to hear about it!

**If you're a blogger and would like to join in,  please let me know, either with an email or by leaving a comment on this post. Also, please feel free to download my Savor Summer logo to use on your blog (email me if you need help figuring out how!).

***You can find the recipe for these rose cupcakes here.


Comments

  1. Happy 600th blog post! Nosila - I can't comment under name by the way!

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    1. Thank you!! I know you've mentioned having problems leaving comments before. My dad, also has trouble. Not sure if it's a browser issue or what. :(

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  2. Congratulations on 600 posts Anne! I wonder how many words you have written over that time?!!! As you know, I have been itching to get started on the savor summer project and I look forward to coming here and seeing what your suggestions are for making the most of the summer months. I don't have a summer holiday (vacation) booked either but still want to make the most of the longer sunny days. Your rose cupcake looks delicious - coincidently, I made a scented sugar last week to feature on an upcoming savor summer post. I will have to use it in making the cupcakes! Have a great weekend a lovely summer!

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    1. Thank you, Simone! That is a lot of words.

      Scented sugar sounds lovely. I'm looking forward to your posts, too. :)

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  3. Lovely idea, Anne, and so well organized!
    My life is presently in very high gear and so I look forward to watching all of this loveliness unfold through others' blogs/instagram feeds. xo

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    1. Yes, you have lots going on and I'm sure you're savoring the moments as you are so good at doing. I hope you'll be sharing some photos! (Can't wait to see how the dressmaking progresses!)

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  4. PS, I forgot to congratulate you on 600 posts! Woohoo!

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  5. Congrats on #600, that has to be a major feat! I'd just commented the other day on watercolor sketchbooks under Anonymous, but I thought I'd finally make myself known. I adore your blog and the way you approach your paintings, the natural world, and your creative work. (I don't keep up with my own blog, I would hardly even call it that, but you've inspired me to rethink that!)

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    1. Thank you, Stacy, and nice to "meet you". It felt a little funny conversing with a nameless person, but I understand the hesitancy to put yourself out there.

      If you decide to start blogging again, I'd love to see what you're up to.

      Thanks so much for visiting!

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  6. Congratulations on your 600th post, Anne!! I still remember "discovering" you when we were both doing "Art Every Day" one November years ago! Your blog is so full of joy and beauty and I would be delighted to join you in Savoring Summer!! I'll put your lovely button on my blog right now, as I watch the Boston Pops 4th of July concert on TV, and will post my joy list on Monday. What a great idea! Wishing you a July that is all you could possibly hope for!!

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    1. Thank you so much, Judy! You have always been so encouraging to me, even way back during that first Art Every Day. I'm so glad I decided to partake in it and I'm so glad that you and I connected. :)


      Hope you have a glorious July with lots to savor!! I'll look for your Joy List tomorrow!

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