Parisian scented matches, a cool pill case, and British chocolate bars

Plus the Tiny Awards celebrate “the small, poetic, creative, handmade web”

As a child, August was a month of oppressive heat; of box fans and cool damp washcloths. Back then, I dreaded August as back-to-school loomed large. However, tonight, as Alex and I sit on the screened porch and listen to the peepers in the cool night air, I realize that somewhere along the way, I’ve fallen hard for August’s charms: the bushes of wild blackberries, the goldfinches, the blue skies full of storybook clouds, the riot of wildflowers, the soft serve, the late-night runs to the gas station for pints of Ben and Jerry’s (Americone Dream, thank you very much!). The fullness of the season, the ripeness, and the sense of possibility.

Tim has been away this week, and the kids and I fell into an unexpectedly sweet rhythm. Sometimes being a solo parent means going back to basics, letting go, and embracing the absolute chaos of life. This week, I found a particular kind of small joy in simply being in sync with my kids - saying no less and yes more.

The temperature this evening has fallen to the point that I’m about to go inside and get a sweater (!!). I’ll leave you with the small joy of sweater season on the horizon and a delightful review of luxury Swiss Miss by my friend Jim plus the Tiny Awards, in particular: Cloudgazing and One Minute Park.

A. A dear friend went to Paris and brought me back these scented French matches! When I smelled them tonight, over chips and tzatziki in her kitchen, with teens milling about outside, I thought, “this is what friendship smells like.”

B. These pebbles are charming; sent by a friend who lives many states away but stays in touch by sending me dispatches from her internet travels. A long-distance friendship; the biggest joy of all.

C. I spotted this roadside pottery vase in a store window tonight; gah! IRL life shopping is sometimes pure delight. I’m heading to a local tag sale tomorrow morning, and I will report back.

D. My sister and her wife took wonderful care of my kids last weekend so Tim and I could go away for a few nights; I spied these Pilljoy boxes in my very cool sister-in-law’s possession.

E. Raisins in chocolate is my forever fav. Tiny delicious chocolate bars! and Yorkie!

F. I picked up a package of these Sharpie pens in our local slice of heaven, also known as CVS. Rural sensory deprivation is real.

G. A tiny joy is keeping one of these Mini Oxi Clean bottles in my closet for the inevitable stains.

H. Another find from my sister: this mini and adorable Yeti.

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