Five Things to Remember from August

For several months, I've been keeping track of five things I'd like to remember from that month. Here's what came up in August. 

One. I haven’t always enjoyed dental visits—often I need more work done, no matter how diligently I brush and floss, regardless of regular cleanings, thanks to insurance—but I do love the feeling of having freshly-cleaned teeth. It’s nice, like when the sweater stack is aligned.

new perspective on beloved country
--from the boat

Two. I may have expressed surprise in a previous month at enjoying legumes and oat-based cereals, while expressing gratitude that they have helped lower my cholesterol levels. However, there’s another reason that enjoy experimenting with legumes: it’s the experimentation part. I’m using them in cold salads this summer with fresh vegetables, different vinegars, and different spice blends. I anticipate combining them with roasted vegetables in various ways, autumn. It’s just unexpected fun.

late asters (?), with bee

Three. Wild blueberry season, Ontario peach season—I eagerly anticipate them all year, and they just never disappoint. Yes, the berries are as wild-tasting and the peaches are as juicy and sweet as I remember. They serve as balm for my jaded soul.

Four. I may have mentioned this in an earlier month, but I really need to remember it! I had occasion to travel in August, and in spite of the decision fatigue and stress and “do I have my chargers?” and “when do I gas up?” (if road trip) or “where did I stash my boarding pass and passport?” (if flight), travel feels excellent. I want to remember the moment in takeoff when I first feel the the g-forces push me back into the plane’s seat; a similar car moment is the stretch of highway winding through golden canola fields south of town proper. Change of scene, change of pace, pared-down priorities—excellent experiences.

Five. Another small thing that’s big. Earlier this month, I mentioned I had been in a bit of a reading slump. Unrelated, have also been trying to read more poetry for the past year or two. Sometimes that has felt like a slog as well, but recently I have developed a bit more comfort with poetry collections and individual poems.

So I guess what I want to remember is two-fold. First, continuing to read—persevering—can yield results; and reading includes reflecting, reading about collections. and asking questions. And second, when i feel a mismatch with a few books in one form (novels, as I mentioned earlier), another form of conversation with a writer may restore my good humour. (I’m also reading a book that transcends its initial appeal to me, another helpful development.)

looking up and out

I’m never sure how to close these posts, given the hell many people experience daily. I see it. It’s real, and the world doesn’t need to be this way. I remember that too, every month. It’s not enough, but it’s what I have.

Sometimes, I post on Instagram about (some of) the books I read. Here's what I've posted about recently.

Orbital, Samantha Harvey

Good to a Fault, Marina Endicott

Kitchen Hymns, Pádraig Ó Tuama