A month full of goodies........

My sister began getting Advent calendars from our mom each year, beginning when she was about 8 or 9. Until then, I knew nothing of such wonderful treats. Of course, if I had, I would have opened all the little doors and consumed each little chocolate before December 2nd rolled around.

I'm fortunate enough now to take part in a different ritual, yet one that is every bit as exciting as any Advent calendar could have been! This is Artvent, a group of 31 fabulous artists who create--and swap--wonderful little treats to help get through the month of August. This year, as mentioned in a previous post, we swapped charms.

As you can see, each day of the month has its special little package (the 18th is mine, and I already know what it is but I'll open it on the 18th anyway!). The packaging alone is fun, artistic, and in some cases, rather ingenious. There is a "master list" of who created each day's charm, but I don't really plan to consult it.....I like the idea of not knowing whose art work I'm opening.

There was a grand gathering on Thursday the 19th..........an evening filled with potluck, fun (so I'm told) and swapping the treasures. I was unable to attend because of a trip to a conference, and I think it's amazing that people were able to get there. An incredible downpour--- with angry clouds, wind, and rain coming down as if shot from an automatic weapon---hit the area as I was driving in the general vicinity of the party. It was unbelievable how long the rain just kept coming, hard and fast. At one point I noticed cars ahead of me swerving out of the lane-----an extension ladder had been blown (?) off a truck and was in pieces in the middle of the lane. That storm wasn't enough to stop the Artventers, though! I picked up my goodies last week, and had to leave them in a bag---out of sight but not really out of mind---to avoid temptation. Today I decided that I could live with having them in view because I'm especially feeling the need of something to look forward to.

I have found myself feeling rather shocked and surprised that the beginning of school is quickly approaching. That means summer is pretty much over, although my perception is that it has just barely begun. At the same time, it seems that the heat and humidity have been dragging at me for far too long now, and I'm wishing for some cooler, crisper days. Even the nights, when the temperature dips a bit, feel too muggy for my comfort. I detest the sensation of dampness in the air, often pressing against me, thick enough that breathing is a struggle. In spite of living and working in air conditioned environments, I find myself completely exhausted.

Will this August be significantly different from any other in the muggy midwest? I find it difficult to believe it could be. While the climate will most likely be something I will find myself simply enduring day after day, I will look forward to each morning's special little treat.........each day will begin with something new. And each night will find me anticipating the next day's package.