August

I am back at last. A mid-August evening is drawing to a close, purple clouds streaked across the after-glow. I'm trying to wrap my mind around where we are in the season of the year, where I am amidst the turn of the world. A combination of good sleep hygiene and overcast skies means I've missed the Perseids this year. A need for additional naps and recharging means my screentime is up and my garden time is down, something I hope to be changing as I am able. 

At the same time, it has been a fruitful summer. I've self-published a collection of poetry, called One Bright Song. I've written and delivered a class on women's empowerment. I've passed my 90 day review at work, and plan to join the town parade this weekend. I've met brand-new nephews, and welcomed back old friends. I've finished a myriad of books, and am planning a smashing birthday party.

And I've formed a Society for like-minded individuals on the subject of codes, clues, ciphers, cryptology, treasure-hunts, puzzles, games, riddles, code-breakers. All such various and sundry interests. A place to channel some of my nerdy puzzling energy, and bring along others to enjoy the ride. The Society's main page is on Instagram @lucindahpearcesociety. As curator there, I go by my nom de plume, Peony Ellis Watson. Further information about the society, it's name, purpose, and posting schedule can be found on that page. 

I recently got back into my passion for puzzling and codes, and wished there were more podcasts and things in this category. (If you know of any excellent ones, do pass them along). But I thought, why not start a collection of my own? A society of us who are a little obsessed with such things, a place to explore and share and revel in mysteries, games, anagrams, and cyphers. To converge knowledge and skills and fun. To gather our enjoyment of Enola Holmes, The Inheritance Games, Bletchley Park, Sherlock, National Treasure, and the like. Do join if you have a mind, and tag someone else you think might enjoy it!

I share book recommendations on that page too, from that genre of books, for all ages. But for other genres, here are a couple of gems for your August bookstack.

 The Sherwood Ring combines modern intrigue and historical plots and adventures. Flashes back in time, desperate schemes against worthy opponents, a twist of fate, a dash of romance, and some strong female leads.

Leave it to Psmith is one rollicking and windy, hilarious tale. Mistaken identity, jewelry theft, and country house parties. Absent-minded earls, efficient butlers, impersonated poets, dignified and determined ladies, and flowerpots, all play pivotal roles in this read you won't want to miss.

And speaking of not wanting to miss anything, I would love to hear your thoughts on '30 before 30' lists. I love how unique everyone's is. They range from quite trivial items to momentous and very specific ones. Let me know what is (or was) on yours. What you wish you could have told your nearing-thirty self. I have enjoyed beginning my own list. I have two years before 30, but I'd like to make plans this year, so that I have a chance to check off a few goals, a few trips. I'm recording too, a list of things I have already accomplished (so many more than 30!) that could be on this list. I want to reach 30 with a feeling of the richness of what I've already experienced, and excitement for all the rest that is to come.

It's hard not to sound cliche when pointing out the fact that this year has flown by, that summer nearing its end hardly seems real. That I feel I haven't quite grasped at enough of summer yet. As much as I love sharp pencils and blustery breezes and apple pie, I do want a few more sunbathing, lake-splashing, hot yard and garden days. I want to make the most of it.

I've been enjoying biking to work, taking snippets of my day out on my balcony, opening my windows on a cool morning, and watching the bumblebees and butterflies at their August peak. Just today I saw a monarch, two red admirals, a swallowtail, a hummingbird, and numerous bumble and honeybees, just in my own garden! It makes my heart sing to have a haven for these beauteous pollinators.

Before I sign off on this slightly random and rambling blogpost of this evening, I must commend to you the new Persuasion movie on Netflix. If you're a purist, only liking the book versions or the ancient original movies, it may not be your cup of tea, but oh is it mine. I reveled in the visual beauty, the clever anachronistic humor, the deep emotion, and have thought of it probably every day since I watched it. I actually can't wait until I watch it again. It's going to be those I keep on repeat to soothe my soul. I hope you enjoy it too! (The soundtrack is heaven, I listen to it constantly.)

Alright that's all for now my dears, I'm off to bed. Thanks for stopping by here!