Lessons from July

It seems to be all rush, rush, rush at the moment and I really want and need to just slow down a bit.  July became August without me realising, and this is the first chance, or so it seems, to take stock of things.  Reflecting back on each month has been quite a useful opportunity to see what is working (or not, as the case may be) and to try to learn from past experiences.  

Well, July certainly taught me a few things and I continue to reflect on the unexpected lessons I learned when I briefly returned to paid employment.  I realised just how much I enjoy the (unpaid) work I do at home, how it complements the work N does here, and what a good team we are together.  I missed not having time to do those things, and how it affected me.  I wasn't able to fully make my contribution to the simple lifestyle that has become such a pleasure for us, and I soon realised that earning money wasn't compensating for that feeling.  My priorities had got a bit mixed up.  Funny how financial temptation can do that.  

Consequently, many things that I had planned to do in July didn't get done and half my July list is now on the August list!  So amongst other things, I will make every attempt to paint the side gate (we have the paint so no excuse), I will make myself a dress (I have the pattern and the fabric so again, no excuse) and I have lots of 'little' things to make for a very special occasion that is coming up soon :D.  We also have a wedding to attend (an excuse for some dressing up!).  However, even though many things didn't get done last month, July saw the garden in full production, thanks to N's hard work.  So many vegetables coming into the kitchen daily, some to be eaten there and then, others to be frozen or pickled, or turned into sauces.  It has been so rewarding to see, quite literally, the fruits of our labours.  Not everything has been a resounding success and there have been lessons to be learned for the future but we love being able to eat our own produce fresh from the garden.  July also saw us finally take a trip to the New Forest Show, something we've been meaning to do for several years, and we had a great time.

So August is carrying on where July left off, with lots to do and quite a bit of to-ing and fro-ing.  And something else ticked off the bucket list . . .