My Favorite Books of the Year, So Far:

Jun 19, 2024

I’m writing to you in the midst of one of the busiest seasons of my life. Last week I helped run a camping trip for teenage young women. It entailed months of planning and so many details but was fun and successful and exhausting. I went directly from camp to set up my art booth for our local Summerfest, which was also fun and successful and exhausting.

I had a couple of days “off” (if we’re calling being the primary caregiver to four kids “off”), which I used very wisely to sew a quilt top that I've been dreaming about for weeks. You’ll be happy to hear, I’m sure, that the sewing machine and I got along well for perhaps the first time ever. The quilt top is finished, just in time for me to pack it away for a few weeks while the kids and I head off on a long adventure.

Today the three younger kids and I leave for a trip to California; a soccer tournament trip that we’re extending to include as much time at the beach as possible. There will also be soccer and a few other adventures. Then we’re back to Utah, but the opposite end from where we live, for a family trip to Lake Powell. We’ll go directly from one to the other, without a stop at home in between which seemed very efficient and adventurous when I planned it but now I’m second guessing ;).

It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least.

I had grand plans of somehow getting ahead on YouTube scheduling and Substack writing, but that didn’t happen. I’m trying not to let my perfectionist tendencies get in the way about how silly it feels to take a break from posting here when I have only posted a couple of times. But that’s what’s happening.

As a homeschool mom, and a working artist, I am constantly fitting work into the nooks and crannies of my days. It’s something I actually really love and appreciate being able to do. But I’ve decided not to put that pressure on myself for this trip.

I won’t be doing any work for the next couple of weeks.

I will knit (I’m taking this project) and read (see my book stack below) and work in my art journal. I am not taking my laptop or design tools (other than a notebook to write down ideas because I always have a ton of ideas when I step away from “real life” for a while). I will swim with my kids in lakes and pools and the ocean. I will hike and waterski and take a long walk every day. I will play games and hang out with my family, and I will rest.

These are the books I’m taking along. Not pictured: read alouds, audiobooks and my stuffed kindle. I look forward to seeing you in July! Follow along on Instagram to see what we’re up to.

Here’s to resting and making time for the things we love to do!

Heidi