Yesterday morning, I was jolted from sleep by the reverberating thunder of the sonic boom–two low and powerful rumbles that rattle the windows and shake everything that makes you feel grounded and safe. Hearing the sonic boom, along with spotting random alligators and dolphins, has been one of the unique experiences that accompanies moving to Florida–unless, of course, you count watching the leathery, Speedo-sporting bodies of old men scrounging for coins and watches down at Bonita Beach.
It was the last sonic boom we’ll hear for a very long time, and I had to smile at the realization that I was aware and present for space history’s monumental moment while my weather-obsessed, astronautics-loving husband sawed logs beside me.
The irony continues with the fact that our temperatures are several degrees cooler than our friends north of us…but still sweltering and pool worthy.
The sky was fabulous yesterday–layers of thick clouds that molded into different shapes every few seconds. At one moment, it was all bears.
By sunset, the clouds shifted to pink feathers that floated across pockets of dreamy blue as the last bits of sunshine cast a warm amber glow across the characters in our driveway. We drank in cold beer, lively conversation, and two little girls that dirtied the bottoms of their feet as they scooted, pedaled, crawled and skipped across pavement.
At the end of the day, the girls’ skin smells like a hot summer night–earthy and warm–retelling their outside adventures. Sunscreen, chlorine, grass, dirt, sweat, pavement, popsicles–it all soaks in, and I kiss their cheeks, breathing in that sweet distinct scent of summer adventure. And then, like magic, I dip them into warm suds and it all melts away, replaced by milk-and-honey fresh. I love the rituals of summer.
New Friday Ritual: Instagram dump for week’s adventures:
And I’m happy to report the “Oh” is back.
Baby’s still got it.
*****
A few Giveaway Winners:
The PurseBling winner: Comment #9, Sarah K: The moments you capture always add a little sunshine to my oftentimes cloudy Seattle day.
Hallmark Card Pack Winners (only listing part of comments since there are so many of them!)
Comment #178, Renee: I forgot to add my just because card moment. My friend sent me a special card telling me how proud she was that I was getting my life together and finding new paths…
Comment #610, Emma Krueger: Such an inspiring post. I have got to do this! I love cards and sending them for random reasons is the best way to do it!
Comment #9, Tish: Great post! Love the Challenge! I’m in! Hands down the best “just because” card I’ve received is from a teacher I worked with years before…
Comment #446, ashpuk: I love cards and think it’s becoming a lost art of sorts. I sent 2 this week, one get well and one just because. It did make me feel good and I think made them feel good too!…
Comment #707, Ginger: My husband knows how much I love to get mail. Seriously. It’s like a compulsion–the walk to the mailbox, the excitement building if the flag is up, the peering inside, the disappointment when all I pull out is telephone bills and ads to get staff prices at the local car dealership…
Comment #591, Sarah: I’m heading over to my favorite card shop at lunch to stock up on my “just because” stash. Thanks for the reminder…
Comment #418, Keely: What a great idea! My daughter reminds me often that I need to send everyday cards to those I love when she makes me cards/pictures just because she loves me…
Comment #33, Stephanie: Every time I went away from home {to visit a friend, camp, school trip} my mom always left a card in my suitcase, that sometimes I wouldn’t find for a few days but then when I did it made me smile and not be so home sick…
Comment #389, Anna-Maija: I am so fortunate that my three closest childhood friends, from MICHIGAN 🙂 still send random “just because” cards. Recently, I received one from my friend Kate…
Comment #658, Deb: One of my most memorable cards was from my mum when I was about to embark on a new challenge. It said: “Do not go where the path may lead… go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”…
Winners, please e-mail your address (with the subject line of what you won) to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net. Thank you Hallmark and Pursebling!
*****
Finally, I’m digging new sponsor Oh Ollie and their adorable handmade clothes and accessories. I love the funky mix of fabric choices, and the quality of their designs.
Nella: Bloomer & Onesie Set
Lainey: Left-Paris Halter Dress, Right-Twirly Halter Dress Millie
Be sure to check out the variety of fabric prints and colors under each listing!
Use Code ‘horray’ for 10% off. One comment will be randomly chosen to win a $60 gift certificate, courtesy of Oh Ollie.
*****
After a long week, we are exhausted and ready for a bit of rest. Pajamas call.
Have a peaceful week.