End of Spring, Summer, and Rainy Days

Hey everyone!

I know it has been a while since I've written a blog. To be honest, the last few months have been quite busy and it's been hard to find the time and motivation to sit and write. But recently the inspiration hit, and I’m ready to share some of the photos I've taken over the last little while.

The end of spring was so wonderful. Each year it is marked by the most beautiful purple wild flowers that grow throughout the Pacific Northwest. When the end of May arrives, I'm always excited to get out and photograph them. Something about the way they look and swing in the breeze speaks to me. I love that time of year, when it is warm but the heat isn’t oppressive. The days are long, and it feels like there is so much time to enjoy, like there are more possibilities in a day. To me, it feels like the Earth has more capacity, in a way, with longer days and more warmth and daylight. I feel like it imparts that energy onto me and my life, and I have just a bit more capacity for whatever comes my way. That expansion I feel within definitely boosts my mood and carries me through times that are busy or challenging. I'm grateful for the time of year when I can tap into that precious energy. 

As the summer settles in, managing the heat can be a challenge for me, since I’m someone who prefers cooler temperatures. It takes me a few weeks to get acclimated to the warmer weather. But with time, I adjust, and it's so lovely to soak up the sun and its warmth. On days when I want to be outside, but the heat is too much, I am grateful for all the nature spots around me near water, like the creeks and rivers. It is always a few degrees cooler and I can get a break from the intense heat while still getting to be outside and enjoy the fresh air. As shown in one of the pictures below, it seems a racoon had the same idea, and was cooling off in the creek on a particularly warm day! While I’m very grateful for air conditioned indoor spaces when it's hot, I don't like to be cooped up inside all day, so it is such a treat to have outdoor spaces that are cooler and comfortable.

One of the highlights from the summer so far was when my husband and I took a small road trip into the mountains on a day that was very rainy. Days like this are of course very normal here during the cooler months, but less common in the summer. It is my favourite weather to experience, and even though I have lived here my entire life, I never get tired of it. Something about the way the fog and mist moves through the trees as the rain falls is so special, and on this day it felt like new life and energy had been breathed into me at a time when I was feeling drained. It's magical and I never take it for granted, especially when it's summer. 

It feels so nice to be writing another blog after so long. I enjoy sharing here with little updates and pictures when the inspiration hits, and I hope you enjoy them too. I'm so excited for Autumn to arrive, so I can enjoy the cooler weather, rain, and beautiful colours of the season. 

I am sending all of you good energy and hope that you are all doing well, honouring your needs, and taking care of yourselves. 

-Sarah