18 Little Good Things of Summer
Plus an ice cream giveaway because I can't help myself.
I’ll be the first to raise my hand and say: I’m stumbling into this summer. I’m still up and in it, no bruised knees - but it’s been an effort. Maybe you’re there, too, watching other people’s beach days and general levity from a quiet place in the shade. Or maybe you’re just tired. Or unsure what this season is asking of you. I get it!
Still, I think there’s something to be said for noticing, hand-feeding dogs potato chips at the table, and remembering the absolute truth that happiness is trying to catch us! Here’s a little reminder:
18 Little Good Things of Summer
A margarita on the rocks, chips and salsa as a meal.
Tennis bracelets as the new friendship bracelets.
Mid-afternoon thunderstorms that keep you from having the water the plants at dusk.
Tan lines.
A breeze on your wet skin when you get out of the water.
A cold shower.
The perfect summer red polish, or the perfect summer blue. (I’m a Dazzle Dry girlie. It really is the best home manicure.)
Being the first in or the last out of the pool.
This ice cream eaten in the sunshine.
Sliced tomato and mayo sandwiches made with farmer’s markets tomatoes and Duke’s mayo eaten inside in the air conditioning after late morning yard work. Extra joy if the sandwich is served with a crisp cold Diet Dr. Pepper.
Dave Mathews Band on outdoor speakers.
Cold cherries such that their skin snaps when bitten into and their juices stain your fingers.
A unintended nap near an oscillating fan.
A slightly burnt hotdog served with sauerkraut, yellow mustard and raw onions.
Being so still that a dragonfly rests on your shoulder or knee.
A perfect peach. More elusive: a perfect apricot.
Let It Be Sunday, 523!
This week, Amy Estes is soaking up July in all its languid, sticky sweetness and inviting us to do the same. Fresh off earning her MFA in writing (and stepping into her new role as a vice principal which is absolute icon behavior), Amy reflects on what it means to live in the in-between: that soft space between goals, where summer reminds us to slow down, and maintain a freezer full of ice cream.
Come see what she’s reading, shopping, baking, and loving right now. It’s excellent as always!
Read the post here: MFA to SPF
Here’s What We’re Drinking
Summer really showed up with her hot breath, amiright? I’ll take sweaty over shivery any day as long as the drinks flowing. This Ginger Peach Lemonade is an excellent way to stay both hydrated and delighted. It’s tart, sweet, lightly spiced with ginger, and blended into something thick and !! juicy and - the best part is that it forgives your fridge-languishing peaches. Serve cold with a splash of something sparkling (or stronger)
🎉 Let’s Scoop: An Ice Cream Giveaway! 🍦
Because I love you (and I want you to have a freezer full of ice cream treats a la our friend Amy), I’m treating two readers to my favorite pints on the planet: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Just a little midsummer gift from me to you.
✨ One free subscriber will win The Super Fun Times Collection - a party pack of iconic Jeni’s summer flavors.
✨ One paid subscriber will win a 3-month Jeni’s Pint Club subscription, aka ice cream delivered to your doorstep for the rest of summer. Just… let it happen.
To enter, answer in the comments below:
💭 What’s the one frozen treat that makes you feel like summer just kissed you on the forehead?
Open to U.S. residents only. Winners will be chosen at random and notified via Substack message on Wednesday, July 9th.
Be well, friends!
See you next week.
xo Joy
Post Script
After putting together this newsletter, my neighbors in Kerr County, Texas, have faced devastating flooding this weekend. We’re all so heavy hearted about it. Lives and homes have been lost, the community of central Texas is reeling. If you’re in a position to help, here’s a link to donate to local recovery efforts. If you’re near Austin, Mill Scale Metalworks is accepting donations in Lockhart. Every bit of care and support matters. Thank you. ❤️
I still daydream about orange Flintstone push pops every summer.
A cylindrical scoop of Rocky Road ice cream from Thrifty Drug Store!