Neighbor Tuesdays: Summer update

Hi everyone,

Can you believe it’s the summer already?! My kids are (finally) out of school and this momma is ready to have them home more. If you’ve been around a while, you’ll know that I typically take the summers off from socials/Substack and plan to continue that tradition this year. I’ll be writing for paid subscribers (just a few times a month unless I have lots to say), but will be taking off the Neighbor Tuesdays until the fall.

What plans do you have for the summer? I plan on spending way too much time in the garden, reading, working, playing, and outside as much as possible with the fam (including doggos!).

We only have a few summers left with the kids at home (don’t remind me because I instantly start crying), so I’m soaking it all up! We also have trips to El Salvador, Africa, and the NC beach mixed in there too, so I’m sure it will go by fast.

By the way, if you’ve read my book you heard me talk about getting off of social media for a full year. I still haven’t gotten back on FB (my personal page) in 2.5 years, I get on Twitter maybe every few months when there is a science conference going on and I want to see what my collabo-friends are doing, and I get on Instagram about once a week for a few minutes before shutting it down quick. ha! If you’re thinking of getting off of socials or limiting them, can I encourage you to do it! It was one of the best things for me to do. I think we underestimate how much the ‘yelling’ gets into our heads and hearts from socials. Just think about what you update your partner or friends about at night. Are you talking about something so-and-so on FB said on socials? Are you washing dishes and mad about so-and-so shared on IG? Or is it just taking up too much time? Consider ditching it for the summer. I’ve never looked back and have no plans to go back. And, I sure am happier and more peaceful because of it. Give it a try if you’re considering. Even if you’re not, try it for a few weeks and see what doesn’t consume your thoughts anymore.

Alright, neighbors. I’m off to adventures for the next few months. See you on the other side.

And, by today’s adventures, I mean waiting for my first dahlias, glads, and lilies to bloom.

My family and I all have bets on what colors the first blooms will be, and the competition is intense. =) And, we’re also waiting for the first tomatoes, squash, cantaloupes, and blackberries to come in.

-Emily

PS: If you need a book for summer, consider mine! I’ve LOVED hearing back from so many of you about the book. THANK YOU for taking the time to read it and let me know. I also read the audiobook!

Speaking of reading it, would you go rate/review it on Amazon or Goodreads if you’ve read it? That really helps others find it. Thanks so much to those of you who already have!

PSS: The flowers bloomed orange and pink! Here’s the first blooms of the season.

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