happy little sigh

The sight of school supplies at your local supermarket may leave you feeling like summer has slipped away, even if you don’t have children of your own. You probably have a list of things you wanted to accomplish and enjoy that now seem like they’ll have to wait till next year. But the official first day of Autumn isn’t till September 22, so don’t sigh in despair and order your first Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte or pack away your parasol just yet! Here are 12 whimsical ways to bring beauty to your last 48 days of summer . . .

1. Pick Wild Flowers – Warning! I stop for black-eyed Susans! And I know just which stretch of country road to find them. Picking wildflowers is one of my personal traditions to mark the season of summer. It brings the color of summer indoors, spreads a lovely smell, and adds a touch of wild, gentle beauty that store-bought flowers never have.

2. Make a Cobbler – The taste of summer! Blueberry and peach are my favorite, and all the better if you picked the fruit yourself. Pinterest will provide a quick, easy recipe that should only take 10 minutes to throw together. Then pair with ice cream and enjoy slowly–somewhere with a lovely view is best (maybe your deck, or round your table with friends?).

3. Read Under a Tree – What a wonderful new perspective we get, looking up at the underside of a tree! The branches stretching out, the light streaming through, turning the leaves to stained glass windows. It’s beautiful. To really soak up the last of summer, pull out an old quilt or blanket, spread it out, and open a book–pausing now and then to watch the leaves dance in the breeze.

4. Have an Adventure – How may times have you told yourself that someday you’ll stop at that little antique barn you always pass by? Or that one of these days you’ll go visit that friend who lives across the state? Or that you’d so love to have lunch with friends at that new café? This might be just the time to do something different, go somewhere new, or see an old friend and have your own wee adventure!

5. Get Your Feet Wet – What says summer like the smell of sea air, the feel of sand between your toes, or the sight of a river winding into green? Dive into summer (or dip your toes in!) by getting yourself out to the water! Splash others and laugh when they splash you back! You could even try reading with your feet dangling in the water.

6. Read on Your Porch – You’ve probably done something to make this space attractive, but have you actually taken time to enjoy the flowers you planted or the pretty cushions or candles you bought? Make yourself an iced coffee, sweet tea, or sparkling water, and soak up the heat with a good book–or paint, knit, or do whatever hands-on activity feeds your soul.

7. Visit a Local Historic Place – If you’re anything like me, nothing catches your eye like an old school house chocked with weeds, or a historic marker on the side of the road. So many times I’ve wished to peek in the windows of an old school house, town hall, or church, or thought about stopping to read the sign and find out what historic event took place there. Make an afternoon of driving nearby country roads and through local small towns, and take the time to stop and photograph any abandoned or old buildings you find, or simply look inside. Always more fun if you have a cold drink for the road!

8. Host a Dinner Party – Have fun creating a destination-themed summer soiree, such as A Trip to Tuscany, or a literary-inspired theme, such as Anne of Green Gables or Jane Austen (haven’t you always wanted to?!) or make it simple with burgers on the grill. Invite those friends you’ve been longing to catch up with, or someone you know needs a friend in their life. Don’t be afraid to invite people last minute. Eat lots, drink lots, laugh lots.

9. Play Pooh-Sticks – If you aren’t familiar with the game made famous by Winnie-the-Pooh, all you need is a bridge, some water, and sticks. Children optional. Everyone drops their stick from one side of the bridge at the same time, then rushes to the other side to see whose stick made it under first. They’re the winner! Repeat. The game is even better if you have to take a scenic walk to reach the bridge.

10. Watch the Fireflies – I missed these most miraculous creatures when we lived in Scotland. And I just learned on a trip south to Kentucky this summer that fireflies (or lightnin’ bugs) can have multiple different light pulses and colors, depending on the species. Some have a slow off-on fade, while others glitter with quick flashes like Christmas lights. Not sure how your lighting bugs glow? I suggest you take the time to step outside and find out for yourself.

11. Get a New Perspective – A new perspective doesn’t necessarily have to come from a swing, although if it’s been a while since you’ve seen the world upside-down and your feet against blue sky, you should definitely head to the park soon! Maybe your perspective is from the top of the mountain, the top of a sky scraper, or somewhere else with a beautiful view of the world. Wherever it is, make sure it helps you soak up summer!

12. Start a New Book – I know you have a stack of books to be read (don’t you?!). If you’ve been stuck on the same one for a while, put it aside and instead pick up the one you most want to read next. Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is in my to-read pile, and I look forward to jumping in!

BONUS – Have a Summer Movie Night! – Invite your girlfriends (or ask another family with kids to join your crew!) for one last night of popcorn, chocolate, and Period Drama Fun before the school year kicks in and everyone gets busy. Need some suggestions? Check out this list I made of 30 Period Drama Favorites .

Been inspired by this post? Get connected for more literature loveliness, period dramas, and grace-filled inspirations.

Coming Next? decorating tips inspired by Little Women . . .

Avonlea x

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Happy Little Sigh

Finding beauty in the everyday ❤