July Looked Like This

July looked like a festive (albeit low-key) Fourth at home.

July looked like a short trip to Broken Bow with our friends John and Pattie. Long talks on the back porch or around the table, being surrounded by nature, sunshine and blue skies…it was exactly what I needed.

July looked like lots of summer garden goodness.

Now that we are in the dog days of summer, the zinnias and other annuals are really taking off.

I’m so grateful for this color and beauty.

July looked like enchanting garden visitors.

This beautiful creature is a female eastern tiger swallowtail in her dark morph (notice the faint tiger stripes on her wings).

Since most yellow butterflies are palatable, female tiger swallowtail butterflies possess a unique trait known as Batesian mimicry.

This ability allows her to protect herself from predators by changing her coloring to mimic her poisonous cousin, the pipevine swallow shown here below.

Speaking of butterflies, my neighbors new light installation is utterly adorable.

July also looked like lots of quiet, everyday moments at home.

Enjoying the fruits of the season (literally). Evening “farm chores.” But also enjoying some downtime on the weekends.

I keep coming back to this idea of small, quiet moments of connection. And intentionally seeking out those things that are real and beautiful and and good and true. They lift my spirits and bring me so much peace. And my hope is that by sharing these moments with you, that they offer you the same.

Love, Kelly