What I’m Into: August

General Highlights:

August was eventful! I had a good birthday with lots of people I love. I played Harry Potter trivia at Tamp & Tap (we did not place). I got a new bike, named it Serenity, and rode it 17 miles in the Meritan Midnight Bike Classic last weekend:

I went to my first Choose 901 pop-up shop and scored two awesome Memphis pride shirts (and met Rockey the Redbird in line!).

I had many summer adventures downtown, most notably running through/doing yoga in some fountains with my friend Kelsey. (Note: Wearing my Namaste All Day shirt was a total coincidence.)

Reading:

August was a stellar reading month. My faves were Rising Strong (of course), highly enjoyable Duchess Kate fanfiction The Royal We, and SNL veteran Rachel Dratch’s memoir, Girl Walks Into a Bar. I especially recommend the latter if you’re also 35+, trying to date, and trying to laugh about it so you won’t cry. I actually LOLed at several of her stories.

Music:

Mid-month, I saw Myla Smith (woo!!!), Switchfoot, and NEEDTOBREATHE at Moon River Fest at the Shell. I also caught the end of Judah and the Lion’s set, when they covered R. Kelly’s “Ignition,” making me an instant and unconditional fan. Last weekend, I went to Live at the Garden to see Rob Thomas and Plain White T’s! They gave repeated shoutouts to us people in the back, which I appreciated.

Around Town/At Home:

Sorry to be a broken record, but I still feel actively thankful every day to live where I live. I’m close to so many places I love and surrounded by natural beauty. My little garden is thriving and I enjoy looking at my flowers every day!

Wearing:

I’ve been indulging in some retail therapy – mostly items I need for my upcoming Iceland trip (serious waterproof boots, a lined wool/fur hat, wool gloves and socks). But I also bought the Mayari Birkenstocks I’ve wanted all summer. They’re so comfortable, and much more stylish than my old classic Birks from high school and college.

Making:

I needed some large art to go over my bed, so I painted the Prayer of St. Francis, one of my guideposts for life. It’s not a Pinterest-perfect printout (lettering in paint is hard), but I like it, and it makes my room feel cozier. Maybe I’ll redo it another time.

Beauty:

My topcoat allegiance has shifted from Seche Vite to NYC In a Minute. It’s cheaper, easier to find, and has amazing staying power. This month I finished a manicure with the last of a semi-congealed bottle and figured I’d be removing it all in a few days. That manicure lasted almost two weeks!

Some new products I’m liking: ELF eyeshadow primer, Paula’s Choice cleanser for oily skin, and Revlon Rich Girl Red. I’m lazy and picky about lip color – if I can’t apply it carelessly and then forget about it, I won’t get much use out of it. It’s hard to find a lipstick (as opposed to a gloss or balm) that meets that standard, especially in red, but this red is sheer and perfect!

Scripture:

Every year around my birthday, I read and focus on the Psalm that’s the same number as my age. Psalm 36 is kind of a dichotomy, and really on point for me this year. #YearOfEnough

Pinterest Quote of the Month:

Writing:

I wrote a new piece for Memphis Type History about the origins of McLean Boulevard. I chose the street mainly because I cross it every day, but I was surprised by how much interesting info turned up! In related news, I really need an Ancestry account.

Posts I Loved:

♥ Kate Conner: To Remember When Life Is So Messy (this echoes some things I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time)

♥ My friend Becca O: The courage to have no plan. (Related, lately I often quote Phoebe to myself: “I don’t even have a ‘pla’.”)

♥ Leanne Penny reflects on faith and Rich Mullins: The Heaven In His Eyes

♥ Abby Norman on meeting activist Bree Newsome: Grit Calls Out to Grit

♥ Emily Maynard On Being a Second Wife

♥ Tara at No Need for Mirrors: When You Can’t Fall Out of Love

♥ Post of the month: Danielle Carey, The Opposite of Dying.