opening chapter eight – hello august
Holiday mode. Summer’s here. Out of office on? I think so. Step outside. Factor 50. No excuses. You know I’m right! Golden fields. Dusty trails. Dried wheat waits to be rolled. Parched patio beds yearn for that first plop of rain. Ripe and ready. Fruit falls. Greedy snoots gorge below. Pimms pours. Bank holidays ft. friends, feasts and fun. Clouds gather. Air thick. Hot, humid and heavy. Heavens open. Dash outside. Learn to dance in the storm. Light dims. Soak up sunshine. In the distance, Autumn nears. Leo season. Be brave. Throw your head back and roar.
Though I’m well aware that technically speaking, July is hottest, for me personally, August symbolises the height of summer.
Perhaps it’s because it feels like we have June and July to acclimatise, so by the time August arrives, we’re well equipped for the sun. Or more likely, because – at 34 years old I must add – I still equate August with the school holidays…! Whatever the reason, I find myself taking the pedal off slightly and leaning in to the welcomed hiatus its 31 days offer.
With that in mind, before the light starts to fade and autumn seeps in, I plan to spend as much time outdoors as possible this month. No doubt relaying my outdoor dining table for the umpteenth time (I can’t help it, entertaining out there makes me so happy!) and foraging in the greenhouse for produce that I can take directly to the kitchen.
Another courgette Ali? You are so welcome!
With the slower pace that summer provides, I’ve also dipped my toes in more English Country Grandmother goodness. That started with tuning in to ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange’ a few days back – Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson’s new podcast. Not forgetting Netflix’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ – I don’t care what the bulk majority of reviews said, I absolutely loved it!
If wholesome content is what you’re looking for FYI, look out for a TikTok inspired blog post coming your way in a matter of days.
In other news, over the past few days, I’ve been opening up on Youtube and Instagram about everything from dealing with negativity online, to how I’m navigating social media’s ongoing updates.
With that said, let me end with this:
Whether it’s because I feel more confident saying how I actually feel these days or because I feel more equipped to deal with the barrage of insults that are regularly thrown my way, the more I use my voice, the more I realise the power in doing so.
With that in mind, this month I encourage you to speak up for what you believe in.
As I mention in my introduction to August above, it’s Leo season.
Throw your head back and roar.
I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to this month. Let me know in the comments below.
Lydia x
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Hi Lydia. The the best thing I’m looking forward to for august is doing tablescapes of which I do copy yours I hope you don’t mind they are just to stunning not to enjoying relaxing in the garden and I must say watching your videos I look forward to watching so much you give me so many wonderful and stunning ideas for the home and such gorgeous elegant timeless fashion of which I love the dresses oh my gosh they are stunning well everything is so stunning and classic you look so elegant and timeless Lydia in every piece to copy your style I just have to thank you for all the videos they are my way of winding down with a coffee and relaxing and just sitting back and watching so thank you for that I shall enjoy my august hope you do to love to you Ali Porter Barclay and lumi they are three gorgeous furry friends x
I too Lydia are looking forward to this month of august I think you get more used to the sunny weather I too are looking forward to doing more outside tablescapes to be honest I do try to copy yours. Hope you don’t mind but they are just to stunning not to and as always I continue to look forward to all the videos you put out I just love and look forward to watching them every time they give me ideas and inspirational on in my home and fashion thank you for that Lydia so here’s to august let’s enjoy it love to you Ali lumi Porter and Barclay they are just 3 adorable furry friends take care Lydia x