Sparks of Joy: August Edition

Where did August go? Although the last time I posted was midway through the month, the days still seemed to vanish. Now it's September, and I'm late again (eventually I will get this blogging groove back), and it's time to gaze back at the embers of joy August gave. It's a shorter list this time, but still fun. Enjoy!

Books

Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller

I'm still in the process of reading an Advanced Reader Copy, but can I just tell you how important this work is? Shelly breathes grace back into keeping the Sabbath. She shares how the Sabbath is a weekly rhythm that restores our hearts and connects us deeper into relationship with Christ. I've been chewing on what I've been learning and will soon share, but until then, you can pre-order her book now. Release date is Oct. 4. 

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

I'm steadily reading through this work. Shauna's message is about removing the busy and settling into the still. As both rest and stillness are a current reoccurring theme in my life, I grabbed a copy of this right before my e-book rental expired. I've been taking daily sips since then, savoring the taste of being still. I resonate with Shauna's drive, her desire to rest and her struggles therein. While I'm not done, I can confidently say this is going to be one I keep returning to read.

Simple Delights

Deep-cleaning.
 Sometimes you just needs to purge the clutter in your home. August was my time for fall cleaning. We have lived in the same apartment for five years and I've never been satisfied with our bedroom. It's supposed to be the most restful room in the house, but it never felt right. So I deep-cleaned the bedroom, washing the walls, pulling out furniture to vacuum, and quieting the space. I can now say, that our bedroom is a peaceful refuge.

But I couldn't stop just there. I moved to the dining room and then tackled the living room, repeating the same cleaning process. The flow feels more cohesive and peaceful. I can't wait to show it off this fall for parties and casual hangouts.

Painting/drawing.

I've returned to my creative side. My painting I completed in a day. I was impatient to hang it in our newly rearranged bedroom. It was the finishing touch to serene environment. My dragon is slowly coming into being, but not without hurdles.

Milton thinks drawing time is a perfect moment to gain attention. Either that, or he just really likes the feel of the paper on his belly. I'm not sure.

Fall scented candles.
(I'm detecting a theme.)

Bath and Body Works released their fall candles early in August and I was quick to descend upon the hoard. I resisted, however, to burn any straight up "autumn" scents, but I couldn't resist the Warm Apple Pie candle. Oh. My. Goodness. It's like a warm hug. I've burnt it down to almost nothing and am itching for another.

Soon, however, I will be able to burn Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and indulge in that Pumpkin Spice Latte.

 First Day of Fall, you guys. NEXT WEEK!

Giggles

Summer vs Fall.

This is the perfect depiction of how I feel. I am made for cool breezes, scarves and multiple layers. Summer? Meh. But fall? YES!

How was your August?