Hello, summer.

While you were away I spent the fall crafting away, froze during winter, became a miserable, lazy girl waiting for your return, and perked up during spring. But, now? I’m a happy, smiling girl again with my face toward the sun soaking up every ray I can stand (while trying to be sun-safe, of course). I’ve been up to some good and maybe a little bad, too.

Hello, friends.

While last night was the official summer solstice (7:34pm to be exact), today is the first official whole day of summer. This space has been pretty quiet as I’ve been spending as much time outdoors as possible. Summer in Arkansas is H O T and humid. Also? I’ve been extremely boring. One look at my Instagram and you’ll see what I mean. In fact, the last few posts have been centered around my latest obsession; succulents and cacti. Thom and I built some cute shelves to house my collection. This weekend I plan on stenciling the blocks for some added color.

Hello, creatures.

This baby praying mantis was just one of many we found in one of the cacti pots. This particular babe posed and reached out trying to get my Ollo clip lens. He was adorable. There’s a video of him on my Insta, fyi. There have been an inordinate amount of tree frogs hanging around the succulent shelves as well. Fireflies arrived back in the cove in early June. One day last week, I worked late into the evening and as I rounded the bend into our little cove hideaway, I was greeted by a hundred tiny lighted-butts. They escorted me all the way to the driveway and stuck around as I gazed on in appreciation.

I wish there was a way to bottle up this sunshine and warmth to carry me through winter, but that’s a thought for another day. For now-Hello, summer.  Welcome back, friend.