Coming up with 30 ideas to make June magical may seem like a lot, especially since it’s already the middle of the month, but trust me, there’s still time to dream!
I live on a small lake in the middle of the beautiful boreal forests of Central Alberta, Canada, and I draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds me. As I type this post I’m listening to loons, geese, crows, and robins as they begin their day. It’s a regular cacophony!
It’s also pouring rain (again) for which I am always thankful! When you hear me say I’ve had enough rain, it will be time to get on the Ark ;)
For the last few years, I’ve primarily been a still life photographer, but there’s this other side of me that swoons over the dreamy, the impromptu, the unexpected.
Artful images that make my heart skip a beat when the light hits a subject a certain way, and reveals the magic in a seemingly ordinary moment.
… or leads my eyes (and my thoughts) into the distance …
One of the things I want to see this month is fireflies flitting through the aspens. Little sparkles that, when you first see them, defy comprehension. The first time I saw these little miracles, I was incredulous. I stared into the darkness and laughed and pointed in amazement until I realized how many there were, then I fell silent and simply watched. And I want to see them again.
So here’s my list of ideas to make my June magical:
30 Ideas to Make June Magical
- Watch fireflies on a warm evening.
- Wear comfortable clothes that flatter and flow (maybe even a skirt)!
- Explore the beautiful countryside where I live.
- Photograph it’s beauty.
- Spend an afternoon on a blanket spread out on the lawn, with only a stack of magazines and a cup of tea to keep me company.
- Find a great used book store.
- Take photos of fences, and barns, and cows.
- Visit the Devonian Botanical Gardens. It’s a half hour drive from my home and I haven’t visited in years and years.
- Spend as much time as I can in my garden. Maybe even stay out until dusk, coming inside just in time for a soak in the tub, and then to bed.
- Photograph my garden in creative ways.
- Have a campfire. Roast marshmallows.
- Pick and arrange tiny bouquets from my back yard and garden.
- Press flowers.
- Snip a few peonies before they open and place them in a bag in the fridge to be brought out and enjoyed a few weeks later.
- Use fresh herbs in all my cooking (I have tons of them growing in pots on my deck).
- Eat extra fresh fruits and veggies.
- Try a new recipe from one of my many beautiful cookbooks.
- Sit on the dock early in the morning with a hot coffee and muffin (and maybe my hubby ;)
- Take a slow boat ride around the lake, again with hot coffee and a muffin, and definitely hubby!
- Say “no” to extra commitments.
- Go to the local town garage sale (this weekend – woot)!
- Keep my home clean and clutter-free (now that’s a dream).
- Sit at the kitchen table one afternoon with tea and a beautiful magazine. Watch the leaves on the aspens shiver in a light breeze.
- Have a pedicure.
- Get a haircut.
- Dream about a few classes I want to take this fall. Actual “in-person” classes. Maybe even book one or two.
- Sleep in as much as I can. I’m such an early riser, so a lazy morning is truly special.
- Have the occasional glass of wine … preferably red.
- Eat dinner outside.
- Put up patio lights.
I invite you to make a list of 30 things you want to experience this June. They don’t have to be big, earth shattering moments … keep it simple, and think magical.
Imagine … if you dream of 30 things, and 15 or even 10 come true … what will that feel like when the calendar turns to July? Pretty fabulous I’m betting!
*This post was inspired by my Bella Grace Instagram takeover earlier this month.
Barb, I think I would extend this wish list through the summer, three full months of these dreams I could really use. I adore outdoor living…on a blanket, sitting at a cute cafe table in the back yard (I need to set mine up out there)…quiet, slow living is what I love about summer. Love your photography, your list of magic…just perfect! You do inspire!
Thank you Beverly! Yes – let’s not rush it!
The location specific wishes aside, the lake and fire flies, I could certainly dream of all of these, if it ever stops rainning here, near Paris. In fact, l’m very lucky as I do many of these things very often. It helps to have grown up children and no paying job though ???
Hi Henrietta! Oh, yes of course! it does help that I’m “retired” ;)
Thank you for the inspiration! I may copy a few…
Thank you for stopping by Karen Sue!
This was a great post. I love all of your June ideas. I have already put in practice several on your list, but like you a clutter free home is but a dream.
Thank you Deanna!
Love your ideas Barb ! I love seeing the fireflies too, and couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw them. So magical ! Love your photo of the colorful flowers along the fence !
Thank you Caz! So sad, the people don’t plant poppies along that fence anymore :(
What a lovely list, Barb! Summer is magical…if we just take a moment to slow down and see it!
Hi Barb, I love the images. Your are an inspiration and your IG is just stunning. Wow.
I didnt know we had fireflies in Alberta . I will sure look.
Have a beautiful day
The light is beautiful in your lake image. Since my daughter was little (she is now 15 and just humors me) I have called the sparkles of light that shine on the water ‘fairy dust’. It looks magical. :) Your list is wonderful and I am going to steal a few ideas. :) I did put up lights on my screened-in-porch this year for the first time, it makes the space a little more special. Good luck with your list, I am sure you have a few crossed off already.
Beautiful photos and wonderful inspiring list.
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful post Barb! I’m going to make a list in my journal for the rest of June and maybe the rest of the summer. Summer is so special and I have a lot of new wonders to check out in my new location in North Carolina. As always, your photos are just amazing and inspire me always.
Thank you Barb for this beautiful post.
I thought I better read it before it was July.
Ann
Hi Barb,
I love your ideas but got a late start for June. So I am continuing on into July.
Thanks for the inspiration. :)
http://www.pret-a-vivre.com/2016/07/30-plus-1-ideas-to-make-july-magical.html
Please join us if you have time.
Have a great week,
BiTi & Em Ci
Sounds like a fabulous June. I can’t believe it’s the last half of the month. For me it hasn’t felt like summer is even approaching yet. Time is just going by too quickly. It makes me sad in a way. There is so much to enjoy, explore and learn. I feel like I’m running out of time. Do you ever feel that way?