It’s August Already!

Hello again! I haven’t blogged in over a month. Why? If I had a good answer, I’d give it to you. So what have I been doing the past month? Life, mostly. Last week, James was gone for a night helping to move his daughter from her apartment back to Sibley. She’s going to start nursing school in a few weeks. The kids were here for a week in July and the fair came and went. We’ve only been on one good motorcycle ride this summer, which is completely unacceptable in my opinion. However, it was a great day. We rode with some friends to Canton, SD and through Newton Hills State Park. It was BEAUTIFUL and we’re planning a ride there this fall. My parents went to the Black Hills twice in one month for motorcycle trips. Once for their annual trip with their friends and once for the Sturgis Rally. I got to stay home and do horse chores – although I don’t mind doing that.

Once again, summer seems to have gone quickly. I love autumn but I’m always sad to see summer go away. It’s been a hot and humid summer here but the heat broke for the week of the county fair. Usually, it’s 90 degrees or more. This year, it was in the low 80’s. So much better for those poor animals who are stuck in stalls and for the people taking care of them.

Last week, I broke my shopping fast. I needed new dress pants for work. However, I found everything but the pants I wanted. The brand quit making the fit I really liked and the other fits didn’t have my size in stock. I managed to console myself with some other clothes. I got a pair of distressed skinny jeans, a jacket for work, and a floral shirt. Floral seems to be the big thing now and I haven’t quite gotten with it yet. Mostly because I think most patterns look like something from an old couch. However, I made myself go out of my comfort zone. Then I went online and ordered a pair of denim shorts and some boyfriend fit jeans. Again, out of my comfort zone. I’ve mentioned it before but I used to be pretty self conscious about my lower body so I avoided shorts because I couldn’t find any to fit! I saw a friend who is built like me and she was wearing cute denim shorts so I asked where she got them. Turns out, like most of my wardrobe, Old Navy was the answer. They haven’t arrived yet, but I’m hopeful!

Floral tie blouse and distressed jeggings from Old Navy

I have some fun trips to look forward to before summer officially ends. Next week, I’m headed to Des Moines to see my friends and to go to the Iowa State Fair. There are people who don’t get the state fair (My husband is one of them!) but I love it. I’m looking forward to honey lemonade, walking through the horse barns, and seeing the sights. Mostly just hanging out with my Des Moines girls. I miss them so much! Then my husband and I are taking a road trip in a few weeks. No details on that one yet but I know I’ll need some books. I’ve been wanting to read Eat Cake, Be Brave by Melissa Radke. In the past few weeks, I’ve read Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden. I didn’t realize everything he has been through. When he was 30, his wife and daughter died in a car crash and his son died of cancer a few years ago. I highly recommend the book and for those of you who don’t agree with all of his policies, read it anyway. You don’t have to agree with him to appreciate his story. I also read I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Again, this is an incredible story. She makes me want to do something better with my life. I watched her on David Letterman’s My Next Guest on Netflix. Watch it. Better yet, watch it with your daughter or a niece and show them how powerful a young girl can be. Little girls don’t stay little and they’re smarter than we give them credit for. I could probably write a whole blog post about how we need to encourage our pre teen and teen girls (and I probably will!)

Speaking of powerful women, I’m excited for Reese Witherspoon’s book to come out! The title is Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits. I love Reese Witherspoon! She’s smart and ambitious and doesn’t take shit from anyone but she does it without screaming and yelling. We could all learn a lot from her. Plus, I’ve always thought living in the south would be cool. Every Southern woman I’ve met is polite, smart, and driven. And somehow they ALWAYS manage to look polished and pretty! Maybe I’ll learn their secrets from reading her book.

Other than that, I got nothin’. I hope your summer has been full of good times with your family and friends, road trips, and FUN!

***Not all of the images above were taken by me. My friend Shari took the photo of my husband and I on the Harley. The photo of  the State Fair was also taken by someone else. No photos are copyright****