August is almost over. I know that makes some people happy but it makes me just a wee bit sad. I like August. My first child was born in August which would be enough reason for a sentimental fondness for this month, although, in recent years his birthday is another reminder of how old I am.
It seems to me that in August the world decides to slow down and relax a little bit. I’m sure it’s only an illusion. Most people are still working and rushing about just as they do the rest of the year and some people, teachers and the parents of school-age children, are busier than ever getting ready for school. So I know it’s only me but somehow August just feels more relaxed and serene. I love the warmth and ease of summer, the not having to fumble around with jackets and clunky footwear.
When I was a kid school didn’t start until the day after Labor Day. August was the last month of summer. We could see the end in sight and that made those shortening August days all that much sweeter. I suppose I’ve carried much of that feeling into adulthood because I still like August and still hate to see it ending.
I am still in summer sewing mode. I’m full of summer ideas but I need to start thinking about fall sewing and getting back to that half-finished jacket that I abandoned last spring. But I keep thinking that there are weeks more of warm weather and I am inclined to rush to get a few more summer garments finished so I can wear them this year.
And then there’s quilting. I have probably three more weeks of work on the quilt that I was absolutely going to finish by the end of August. I feel like I need to throw myself into quilting and get it done fast but at the same time, realizing that I’m not going to have time to finish a third quilt this year like I had originally planned, I feel like there’s no point in hurrying.
Gardening was abandoned early this year. The surprise lilies have ended their brief show. Only a few red salvia are feebly coming back to life with a few undersized blooms. But at least a couple of light rains have brought back a little bit of green and even a few tiny wildflowers.
And so, August ends, as usual, with neither a bang nor a whimper, but with just a small, quiet sigh.
August 30th, 2011 - 9:06 pm
In the sort of sales I do August is supposed to be fairly slow (that’s certainly been my experience!) with things picking up after Labor Day. There are several reasons for this, but the generally slow pace of life in August is surely a major factor.
August 31st, 2011 - 10:48 am
We always used to start our school years after Labor Day when I lived up north in Michigan but shortly after we moved to Texas, we started our school years in mid-August. Perhaps to make up for all the snow days we’d have that winter.
On the plus side we always seemed to get more visitors from up north in August. Then again it always seemed to be hotter in August than in the rest of the summer. So August always gives me mixed feelings.
August 31st, 2011 - 12:05 pm
I see the first signs of autumn around here. It makes me want to do a happy dance. Growing up in Florida, where summer was a monster that held me hostage for nine-tenths of the year, made me hate summer. I’m none too thrilled with cold, snowy winter, but even that is better than being parboiled. But autumn is my favorite time of year. (Spring is my second favorite.)