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Happy August!

To me, the arrival of August is a reminder to soak up my favorite things about summer before it’s gone. It’s one more chance to commit to being fully present in this season. To paying attention to the smell of clover and the taste of a perfectly ripe tomato still warm from the sun. It’s an invitation to linger a little longer watching fireflies and bats at the day’s end. To cut more flowers and take slower, more rambling walks.

If you saw my blog, you’ll have heard about my garden’s slow start and how things finally began to turn around. Oh, it’s been glorious as the plants are becoming lush and productive. I wait for this summer abundance all year long and this first year in my new garden, even with all of the flaws and challenges, is extra special.

I love August’s painting, a beautiful tangle of dahlias. They’re some of my favorite plants to grow and to paint. (Spoiler alert: I’m working on the 2027 calendar and as it stands now, next August’s painting will be dahlias, too. I’ll let you know when the new calendars are available, I’m aiming for the beginning of October).

I’ve been feeling so inspired lately and have more painting ideas than time. But in addition to creating, I’ve been immersing myself in this place. My garden. The woods. Quiet moments. Tiny details.

Maybe you could use this reminder: pause, now in the present moment. What details are you noticing? What little glimmer of beauty is catching your eye?

One of the projects I’ve been especially energized by, is something I hinted at in my last Joy Letter. I’m still ironing out the details, but it feels exciting. For years I had an unformed idea of pulling together my art and writing and sharing it in a tangible way. Earlier this year I wrote myself this note: “What if my blog were analog?” It was just a passing thought I wanted to capture. And then a suggestion from a mentor collided with that note and I started dreaming about creating tiny books. Monthly writing and art connected with the seasons. Observations. Inspirations. Beauty. Encouragement. All on paper. Something I can hold in my hands and send to you for you to hold in your hands, too.

There are a lot of details to iron out. Page counts and printers. Paper type and packaging. And how I can make it affordable for you while still being good for my business (the trickiest part by far, especially factoring in shipping).

Even so, it feels right to be working on this. A perfect blending of my passions. A home for writing and art that never really fit anywhere else. And a way to bring more love and inspiration into the world.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Does it sound like something you’d be interested in? I’ll be sharing more about this project as I work out the details, so stay tuned. (International friends, with shipping as expensive as it is, I’m dreaming up a printable version for you, so it can be something you can hold in your hands, too).

Some inspiration:

• In July, less than a week apart, two writers I follow on Substack posted about discovering they have brain tumors: Tara and Jenny. Their stories are ones of love and support and hope and beauty. And they’re yet another reminder not to take a single day for granted.

• Oooh, I do love a rebellion, and Helen’s “analogue rebellion” is just right.

• What a beautiful trailer for Rebecca’s two new books.

• I’m still a fan of blogs and blogging and was delighted to see Janice’s post about why blogging still matters.

• One of my recent library finds is the book Frida Kahlo’s Garden. It was part of an exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden and is beautiful and interesting.

• Another library book I’m enjoying is Maggie Smith’s Dear Writer. While a lot of it is writing specific, there’s so much about being creative and being present in the beauty of the world that is wonderfully inspiring for anyone creative.

• A tribute to David J. C. Austin.

• A perfect and inspiring project!

• Fighting with deer in your garden and trying to figure out what to do? Erin is testing multiple options after years of never having a fence.

That’s all for today. Thank you for spending a bit of time with me, my friend. I hope your August is off to a beautiful start. Keep soaking it all in.

Until next time, wishing you joy,

Hi, I'm Anne Butera, the artist behind My Giant Strawberry. 

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