It’s been one of those months that feels both long and short. Long because of stress felt and short because ‘hey look it’s June already’! Summer is on its way and the weather is warming up. I’m a fan. :) I love summer activities.

We are looking forward to more hiking, some swimming, hanging out, maybe some outdoor excursions, and summer bbqs with neighbors (note to self: organize that!).

In May we did a soft intro to summer with lots of driveway time with bikes and scooters, some hiking, a couple afternoons playing in sprinklers, planting a garden (thanks to my sis and brother-in-law!), and many many books from the library.

Here’s what else I’m into:

Unschooling:

We are learning to pay attention to what unschooling looks like for us and what these kids are interested in. It looks different dor every family!

At this point I’m giving the kids a mini-geography summer even if only through library books. They’ve been interested and I was inspired all the lists in Give Your Child the World by Jamie C. Martin. I will be referring to it for kid book suggestions often. :)

I’ve been paying attention to what else we can naturally expand on for the kids learning. One day we did a mini intro to math in chalk on the driveway. And they’ve had numerous lessons in science and other topics from simply following their curiosity and our (the parents’) interests. Unschooling is working for us and them at this point. We also just finished up a semester with a low-key STEM club. The kids loved it. I am excited to see how unschooling continues for us.

Reading:

I finished reading 12 books this month. A few of which were started months earlier and I only just now got to the end. But still a lot! I’ve read 50 of my 100 book goal for the year. So maybe I’ll slow it down a little now this summer. Highlights from May were:

1. The Wisdom of Your Heart by Marc Schelske
2. The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

100 Day Project:

I jumped into the 100 day project in April! It’s an creative challenge to do one creative thing each day. Usually repeating the same action as a way to make a habit, get unstuck or create something bigger. I am about two weeks behind, but i will be making it to 100 with my action one way or another. Because doing something 43 times in the last month and a half is much much better than not attempting it at all. I like it. My project is to fill one 5×7 notecard each day with the words I need to hear that day. It has been a good way to get a little writing in, and to tap into something wiser as I approach the angst in my head. I’ll probably share some here at some point.

Running:

57 miles! I have been training for a half marathon and getting the miles in one way or another. Lots of treadmill miles, a few solo miles, and a couple long runs pushing the jogging stroller. I just ran my half today in 2:10:45 at a 9:59 pace. I’m happy with it, but also dreaming for a 2:0x time or even the 1:59 time. I’ll just have to train some more and run another. :) Also the Newport Marathon in Newport Oregon is beautiful, well-supported, and fun!

Food:

Moroccan Salad in the Run Fast, Eat Slow cookbook. I make a batch and then eat it for lunch for about a week. My kids aren’t necessarily fans, but all the more for me!

I’ve been searching for a satisfying chewy granola bar recipe and my friend pointed me to these Smitten Kitchen Granola Bars. I think my search is over. Pro-tip: say yes to chocolate chips. ;)

On the internet:

On raising well-adjusted kids: “What do kids really need to be happy and successful? The answer surprises most: Empathy.”

On talent: “Talents” assume that WE are the authors of our success, and that we depend on some special magic we have no control over.”

On acting like an entrepreneur: “They embrace (instead of run from) the work of doing things that might not work.”

On Instagram:

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What have you been loving or just doing a lot of lately?

Find me on Insta. I find happy things there :)

(Linking up with Leigh Kramer whose new novel is coming out in couple weeks!)