A Month of Warmth, Inspiration, and Simple Joys
August is a time of warmth and inspiration, when nature is at its peak and creativity flourishes. As an author, I find this season particularly invigorating, sparking new ideas and fuelling my writing process. In this blog post, I want to share my August Ambitions—a blend of personal reflections, goals, and recent achievements.
Seasonal Reflections
August brings with it a sense of nostalgia and new beginnings. The long, sunny days inspire me to write outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The vibrant colours and the gentle hum of summer create the perfect backdrop for my literary endeavours. This month, I aim to channel this seasonal energy into my writing, allowing it to infuse my stories with a touch of summer magic.
The story I’m currently writing is set in a quaint Scottish fishing town and follows a chef on her journey of romance, new beginnings, and the warmth of community—a particular theme that often weaves through my work. Since the story takes place in summer, I find myself drawing inspiration from my own August experiences, wanting to immerse my character in the same simple pleasures I enjoy. Below is my to-do list for August, a blend of personal joys and potential scenes for my novel, all rooted in my love for slow and simple living, with cosy and gentle vibes.
I hope you find some inspiration for your own August adventures…
August Agenda
Berry Picking
There’s something magical about foraging for wild raspberries and brambles as they ripen. Earlier in the season, I delighted in picking blaeberries and wild strawberries—often trying to beat my little boy to them before he popped them in his mouth! There’s nothing more glorious than gathering berries in the golden sunlight, with the wind softly rustling through the trees and bushes around you.
Baking with Seasonal Produce
In our busy lives, it’s easy to lose touch with the seasons, especially when supermarket shelves are stocked with everything year-round. I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down and bake with what’s in season, starting in August when the ‘baking bug’ hits me and carries me through autumn. It’s taken time to adjust, but embracing the harvest has become important to me. We live in a society where convenience often overshadows appreciation, but I cherish the act of picking, baking, and freezing fruits to savour during the colder months.
This August, I’m planning to bake raspberry cakes, bramble pies, and crumbles.
August Decor
I’m on the lookout for items that bring me joy and reflect the beauty of the season outside. Sunflowers and baskets are my go-to for creating a harvest vibe in my home, hinting at the promise of autumn’s approach.
Even artificial sunflowers can bring that sunny cheer indoors. I have a wreath that I update for each season—white flowers like peace lilies and garlands of thyme for spring, lavender and green ferns for early summer. For August, I’m adding sunflowers and barley to the wreath, welcoming the season with open arms.
Early Morning Gratitude
Summer mornings make it easier to wake at dawn, but how often do we do it? I find it’s the best time for writing, before the household stirs (though I’m currently wrestling with extra-early rises from my toddler!). I savour these moments—the birds chirping, the gentle glow of the blue-yellow sky. I slip into a light dressing gown, sip from my favourite pale blue goose mug, and pad barefoot to my computer by the window to write my morning word count. I especially love that it’s warm, with no need for heating or extra layers!
Picnic Time
This might be the last chance for picnics before the cold sets in. We’re fortunate to live near a beautiful beach and woodland, where I love taking my family for a simple snack or lunch on a blanket. Kids, in particular, seem to adore picnics—something I remember fondly from my own childhood, though we didn’t have them often.
Why not picnic in the garden for ease, or at your local park? Even an indoor picnic can be special—when the rain wouldn’t stop the other day, we had one inside, complete with a hot flask of tea and teddy bears joining us.
Recent Achievements
July was a month of taking in all around me and switching off for a bit. We were staying with family in Ireland, so it gave me the opportunity to listen and let ideas flow. Now I am back home, I feel ready to finish off my latest novel and relish this time of year. To settle and embrace the slow simple days.
Your Turn: Embrace August Ambitions
I hope my August Action Plan inspires you to set your own goals and embrace the beauty of the season. Whether it’s a personal project, a creative endeavour, or simply taking time to enjoy nature, I hope, like me, you will try to make it truly memorable.
What are you excited about doing in August? Share your goals and plans for August in the comments. Let’s support and motivate each other to achieve great things this month!
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