Issue #13: summer WANDERING
summer break, creating space for things to unfold, and not losing our shit at school transitions
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“It’s summer and time for wandering…”
~ Kellie Elmore
We hope everyone’s summer is off to a good start! It can be a change of pace entering this season and schedules can get crowded (see Challenge below;).
We will be taking next week off–claiming a looser week with less obligations to take some deep breaths, connect with our families, and listen to what feels good. We hope that you are able to do the same.
This week’s Five Senses Friday is inspired by our favorite days of summer… the ones that allow for wandering and room to rediscover joy.
TASTE: A Progressive Dinner Party. The warm weather is the perfect excuse to connect with neighbors and friends and we love the idea of a progressive dinner. Start at one person’s house with one course and spend the evening making your way to others. Here is another article with some tips! Or take the idea and create a fun night with a friend or partner (or even your kiddo;) at local restaurants.
SEE: Elkhorn Flea Market. This weekend is one of four Sundays between May and August that one of Wisconsin’s biggest antique markets is on! Wander through over 500 vendors and find treasures from furniture to glassware to pottery and so much more!
SMELL: Wildflower Hikes. Planning a summer roadtrip or looking for inspiration for next summers travel? This cross-country road trip hits the best spots for wildflower blooms from late June through early September, with stops in the East, Midwest, Mountain West, and West Coast.
HEAR: Summerfest. This weekend is the second of three of Milwaukee’s largest music festival. With 12 stages of music, there is plenty of wandering to do. This Saturday, we are hoping to catch Dandy Warhols, The Hold Steady, Amos Lee and Ethel Cain (if we can rally for a 10pm show;) Are you going? Anyone you are excited to hear?
TOUCH: Body Scan Meditation. Looking for some ways to get in some body and mind relaxation amidst all the summer busy? This body scan for beginners allows you an opportunity to reconnect with yourself–to explore your body and bring full attention to what is going on in “body-land” without trying to fix or change anything helpful.
What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!
"If we all suddenly start talking about menstruation, guess what? Our daughters won't have the stigma attached to it," she says. "We just need a critical mass of talkers, celebrators ... people who are loud about their tampon needs or their cramps or their PMS or, for God's sake, the menopause."
~ Filmmaker Lina Lyte Plioplyte
my (rebecca) CHALLENGE: the invisible load of summer (and trying not to lose my shit)
There is a pattern… and somehow so far at each school transition I am caught off guard. Or maybe it just continues to change as your kiddo gets older. This past year, I made mental note (for this coming year) to prepare for the chaos that is September- new routines, changing sleep schedules, managing emotions and expectations of the new school year (along with my daughter’s birthday a week after school starts). Plan more downtime for everyone, meal plan, do something nice for yourself, get through the first few weeks and things will settle down.
I had a plan, BUT somehow didn’t give the transition to summer the same care and thought (aside from all the planning I attempted to do in the spring to ensure my daughter would be cared for and have an enjoyable summer by partaking in the rat race that is the summer camp game;) I didn’t realize (and was smacked in the face this past week with the reality) that between camp starting an hour later than school did and my daughter staying up later because it is summer and bright out that as parents we would be losing two hours from our day.
It is in these moments that the invisible load of motherhood feels most apparent to me. Managing the summer schedule of events is SO MUCH work. From field trips and sunscreen to extracurricular activities, washing swimsuits and locating swim goggles, getting the house ready for out of town guests, food planning for BBQs and gatherings all while still trying to actually have food in the house for the rest of the week (and working because most of us don’t get a summer break).
This week it is feeling like A LOT. It will settle down. I will find a new rhythm and get some systems in place so that I can actually find the sunscreen and swim goggles and better communicate my needs to my partner so the load does not feel so invisible. AND somewhere in there try and carve out pockets for a break and to enjoy the magic of summer!
How is the summer transition going for you? Any thoughts or tips?
Sneak Peak of Episode 8:
Theresa chats with Coral + Erika on Maintaining (or Reestablishing) Intimacy in Parenthood
Stay tuned next Wednesday for the full episode!
Until then, catch up on episodes you missed on our website, here on Substack, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
IN THE NEWS this week:
What are Uterine Fibroids?
And why are there so few lasting treatments?
Read the National Geographic article for more information.
Is Delaying Menopause the Key to Longevity?
“Scientists are studying how to keep the ovaries working longer — and potentially, prevent age-related diseases in the process.”
Read the NY Times article here for more information.
If you missed episode two this season with Genyne and Dr. Mia Cowan, they discussed uterine fibroids and menopause! Listen here!
And we leave you with…
Our start of summer reads! We’ll be dipping into the Court of Thorns and Roses series (Rebecca is starting the first and Theresa is on number 3).
What is on your summer reading list?
Have a great weekend! See you in two weeks!
