We’re heading into summer here on the coast, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve long loved fall, but over the past few years summer has risen to nearly the same place in my heart. Each season brings its own joys. Coastal Washington summers are especially kind—warm sun balanced by a cool breeze off the water. It’s not too hot or too cold; it’s just right for being outdoors.
This summer will pass quickly. It’s not only lazy beach days for me—there’s a new granddaughter on the way (a girl!), a business to run and a home to care for. These responsibilities are privileges I’m grateful for. Life now feels different from when my children were little, yet it still keeps me on my toes in fresh ways.
As lovely as it would be to sit and watch the water with a drink in hand, that’s not my everyday reality. I do, however, crave the simple pleasures of life—especially when life is busy. I imagine you do too.
I realized long ago that I’m the sort of person who will likely always feel busy. Sometimes that busyness isn’t a choice—I genuinely have a lot going on—but I also tend toward feeling responsible for getting things done. As a creative introvert, I need slower, quieter moments to recharge; my mind keeps working even when I’m not physically busy.
Because of that awareness, I made a deliberate choice years ago to build a life of intention and balance. Seasonal rhythms became essential. When my kids were young I began carving out intentional space each season to accomplish necessary tasks and to allow time for solitude, rest, and savoring simple pleasures. These rhythms helped me be a better parent and a more present homemaker. A steady rhythm fuels my creativity, focus, and sense of wellbeing.
Practicing a seasonal rhythm has been valuable in every part of the year. Each season calls for a slightly different pace, but the goal is the same: to move with intention, slow down where it matters, and savor life. A simple, unhurried rhythm lets me enjoy summer the way I want to—without sacrificing the things I need to do.
That rhythmic approach is how I manage responsibilities while still experiencing each season fully.
On June 10th in my HomeBody Gathering Place community I’ll share the seasonal rhythm I use to begin each season—this simple practice has improved both my peace and my productivity at home.
I’ll walk through practical ways to adopt this seasonal practice and provide a printable HomeBody notebook to help you organize and focus on your summer rhythm.
Throughout the 12 weeks of summer in our HomeBody community, we’ll enjoy this season with a slow, savored rhythm. Each week I’ll share a simple pleasure from my summer routine at home to inspire you to breathe more deeply and slow down.
My hope is that this will encourage you to pause, find your own steady pace, and enjoy the season you’re in.
Join us. We open the season together on June 10th.
