summer thoughts on my mind

It’s officially July. I’ve been out of school for a while now, but I am no closer to figuring out what’s next for me. It’s been weeks since I visited Virginia, but two nights ago, I had a dream of a dear friend and I at our favorite place, and I miss it. This post will probably consist of my most random thoughts, so sorry in advance for the rambles.

I’m definitely failing at my yearly goals, but I’m not too concerned. One of my relatives was in an accident, so driving is less appealing than usual, and though I’ve started Anna Karenina, I just can’t read long enough to stay interested in it.

Related Post: Home sweet Home: Charlottesville, VA

Though I love an iced cold brew tea in the summer, I wanted to try and reduce my sugar intake with the store bought creamer I usually add into it, so I’ve been making tea concentrates. You can do this with any tea you like–I’ve done chai, earl grey, and English breakfast. You make it on the stove. I don’t use measurements. I add in water and let it boil. Once it’s boiled, I turn off the stove and add my tea to steep. (If you care about one thing, care about timing how long it steeps. I’ve timed it since college and my tea is NEVER bitter.) I take out the tea bags, add sugar, and let it simmer for a few minutes. When it’s cooled, I place it in the fridge to have with ice and milk in the morning. I think I love it more than cold brewing tea. More effort, but the taste is perfect!

I have a lot of yarn, so I’m making a scarf. It feels ironic to make a scarf in summer, but that’s what I have.

Friendship post school is so weird. (Not with any of the friends I graduated with). One of my close friends and I just went through a period of silence, and it made me frustrated. I’m sure she’s been busy, but even a “hey, I’m busy” text would suffice. I’m totally okay with silence from friends when it’s the norm. But I don’t know, it felt a little off.

Related Post: 12 thoughts: from pain to abundance

I’m currently reading Matthew very, very slowly, and since I’ve only been reading only a few verses everyday, I’m sure it’ll be months before I’m done. The thing I’ve noticed: the kingdom of heaven is repeated. Not the kingdom of God. I love Scripture. The language is intentional!

The summer anthem is Letterman by The Story So Far. Close seconds are Keep Me Around by The Story So Far and I Miss You by Grace Binion. The Story So Far took 6 years to bring us a new record, and while it’s not my favorite, it’s just nice to hear their voices again. 

Related Post: jayber crow

This season of my life is really open to what God wants to do. And I have no idea what that is. I’m trying to be intentional about praying for His dreams for me. I know what my dreams are, but I’d love to get His insight. 

What are the things that make you you?  I saw a Substack post about being yourself specifically, and there’s a few things that come to mind for me: my love for the emo bands my 16 year old self loved, wandering used bookstores for poetry books, blank notebooks as my prayer journal, the smell of eucalyptus and spearmint, earl grey with lavender. 

These are my random thoughts for the summer. If you’re able, share your thoughts below!

Signing off,

Gigi