No.549: Living Intentionally in August

I’ve tried many kinds of goal posts over the years.  Maybe I’m getting older, but I’m seeking more to life than just checking off the tasks on the to-do list!  So for this school year, I’m creating monthly overviews, filled with ideas and possibilities to add to our ordinary days.  (I’ve also included a handful of tasks that I probably should accomplish, especially in the homemaking area.)  Maybe it will give you a few ideas too!

Eating Seasonally 

It’s still summer and blazing hot, yet there’s that tiny hint of a new season just around the corner…  Even though our garden isn’t producing much, I do hope to support our local farm stands and eat something fresh off the vine!  In season in August:

• blueberries
• watermelon
• corn
• tomatoes
• cucumbers
• peppers
• summer squash
• zucchini

Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  According to my Saintmaker Planner, “Catholics venerate Mary’s heart because it is the seat of her love (especially for Christ), virtue, and inner life.”  I’d also like to celebrate a few saints on their feast days:

• John Vianney (4)
• The Transfiguration (6)
• Clare of Assisi (11)
• Maximilian Kolbe (14)
• Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15)
• Pius X (21)
• Rose of Lima (24)
  • a book on my TBR shelf // The Rose and the Lily: The Lives and Times of Two South American Saints by Frances Parkinson Keyes (written in 1961)
• Monica (27)
  • another book I have // Saint Monica: Model of Christian Mothers by F.A. Forbes (published in 1915)
• Augustine (28)

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 

• Work on beefing up my pantry using the challenges from A Working Pantry.
• Process the broiler chickens.
• Clean and organize all of the chicken raising “stuff” and pack away for next year.
• Research fermentation.

Homemaking 

• Plan out the dinner menu for at least two weeks at a time. (maybe the entire month?)
• Wipe down all of the bathroom cabinets.
• Wipe out the silverware drawer.
• Tidy the school room and refresh supplies.
• Check everyone’s sneaker situation and start making a to-buy list for cool weather clothes.

100 Little Things Revisited

August is the month that I typically release my yearly 100 Little Things list.  This year, I think I’m going to try something a little different.  In the seven years I’ve done this project, I only averaged about a 35-40% completion rate.  Lots of tasks have gone undone due to lack of interest or money or time.  So for 2021-2022, I’m going to sift through the lists and see what I can do!  Here’s what I’ve picked out for August:

• Complete a new embroidery project. (100LT #37 from Round Seven)
• Learn how to dehydrate fruit. (100LT #98 from Round Four)

Family Fun

• Bring back Poetry Tea Time, complete with a special weekly sweet treat.
• Celebrate some silly holidays:
  • National Fresh Breath Day (6) // maybe I’ll get them all gum!
  • National S’mores Day (10)
  • National Tell a Joke Day (16)
  • National Trail Mix Day (31)