Monsoon season has started here in the Valley of the Sun. It's that lovely time of the summer that comes along just when you think you can't take the days of blowing dust and blazing sun any longer. Around sunset the layered clouds start rolling in shadowing the mountains as they undermine the sun. The wind cuts through the dead air and sways the palms.
The night cools down enough to sit on the patio for a lightning show with your hair blown back and a sweating glass of iced tea. Then comes rain. The smell of dampening dust and refreshment hangs in the air, and the other night I literally drank it all in. Stood out in the rain with my face up to the sky, mouth and arms open wide. Absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder when it comes to precipitation.
On that note, here's some reading material for your (hopefully) rainy weekend. Most of them are links to the best things I read online this week, but I do have to mention that I'm currently reading the best rainy day book, Tana French's In the Woods. It is mysterious and creepy, but heartfelt and engaging at the same time. Lovely to read with rumbling thunder in the background.
Finally found a cold brew iced coffee recipe that looks doable, and I tend to trust whatever Ree Drummond says, so it is currently brewing. Hopefully this will be a staple in our desert fridge at all times.
I originally clicked on this one because Laura of Hollywood Housewife recommended it, and I also trust whatever Laura says. Great thoughts and encouragement for me about writing and faith.
I had not seen this blog until Shauna Niequist mentioned the post. I also infinitely trust her opinion. (are you noticing a theme here?) Great theory on what coming back to the table together could accomplish, and why sitting down to share a meal with people you care about is so important.
I think this one has been circulating for a while, but it is a must read. It so interestingly and accurately describes the biggest problem I saw as a teacher.
Lately discovered the Bloggess and can't get enough. I just finished her hilarious memoir, Let's Pretend This Never Happened. It is absolutely laugh out loud by yourself on an airplane and shoot pretzel crumbs out of your mouth while reading it - that kind of funny.
Happy Weekend!
