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It's starting to cool down a bit here in Texas. I'm sure this will be another false start and those 100-degree days are probably lurking just around the corner, but we're already dreaming about fall. Fire pits, cozy movie nights, porch dancing, and Ducky's absolute favorite time of year to be outside.

Seriously though, this has to be one of the mildest summers we've had in a long time. It's been quite pleasant over here, which feels like such a gift. Where are my Texas people at? Give me a high five if you're feeling this relief too!

This past week in a minute:

A kitty and a 5-wheeler My dear friend lives in the country... not like where we live in the country, but really, truly country. About an hour and a half from us, population 360. It's such a sweet, serene place where time moves a little slower and everything feels more peaceful.

They have more of an established farm than we do (it's actually where our two Great Pyrenees pups were born). There are always animals coming and going at their place. Quite literally, as they recently explained that one of their stray Great Pyrs just "moved on" one day, only to be "replaced" by some wild Egyptian geese a few weeks later. Sounds kinda magical, doesn't it?

The real reason for our trip? Jordan found a 1984 John Deere 5-wheeler for sale about 10 minutes from my friend's place. So we killed two birds with one stone and paid them a long-overdue visit.

Every time I text with this friend, my husband says it's dangerous. Half the time we end up plotting our next living creature to bring home. But it felt so good to hug her neck. I hadn't seen her in way too long, and there's something about physical touch and seeing people in person that just feeds our souls. I love my animal-enabling friend so much!

As we were getting ready to leave, somehow Jordan had what he calls "a stroke" and said yes to a farm cat. I couldn't even believe what was happening. The man who usually vetoes every animal suggestion just... said yes.

The girls are absolutely smitten, and so is my husband. Not with the cat, mind you, but with his new (to him) John Deere.

And can we talk about how perfect this thing has been for Ducky? He absolutely loves riding around in the bed of the 5-wheeler, sandwiched right in between his sisters. It's the perfect little spot for him, and watching his face light up during those slow rides around the property is pure joy. Sure, it's not fast, but we've already gotten our money's worth just seeing how happy it makes him!

Three new plants, a John Deere, some darling new pajamas for the kids, an ice cream treat, and a kitty. I'd call that a successful outing, much better than your average trip to the mall.

In the studio Well, my studio is still not quite 100%. The renovations are done, but we just haven't had the time to get furniture in there and set everything up properly. Jordan keeps promising a couple of awesome surprises that even he won't tell me about yet.

So I'm still painting at the kitchen table mostly, and I finished another book, y'all! I really love how this one turned out. I might have even dabbled a bit outside my usual watercolors with a different medium I haven't touched since I was a teenager. More details to come on that little experiment!

But for now, it's time for a painting break to let my creative energy recharge. Don't worry though... I'm sure Jordan has already signed us up for another book project without telling me, so I'll be back at that kitchen table in no time 😅 

Screen time recommendation

The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking (1988)

This is something we actually rediscovered early in the summer, and the girls absolutely adore all the magic and silliness that is Pippi Longstocking.

Don't pay any attention to that sad 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This movie is a pure gem and total classic nostalgia, at least from my childhood. I'm pretty sure I could walk into any community theater today and play the role of Pippi without a single rehearsal (someone please start that search for me).

We love everything about this movie: the songs, the creativity, the wholesomeness, and especially the slowness of it all. There's something so refreshing about a film that doesn't feel rushed or overstimulated. Pippi's wild imagination and fearless spirit are exactly what I want my girls to soak up.

Quick word of advice though: don't make the same mistake we did and accidentally purchase the old 1960s Swedish version that's dubbed over. It definitely didn't have the same charm, and the girls were not having it 😬

We don't watch the actual movie as much as we did early in the summer, but the girls have become completely obsessed with the soundtrack. It's become their top request for golf cart rides around the property.

[Listen on Spotify Here]

If you're looking for something that feels both nostalgic and fresh, that celebrates childhood wonder without all the noise of modern kids' entertainment, this one's worth adding to your rotation.

 — Tabitha Paige, Author/ Illustrator, Speech Therapist & Mom

Sometimes I make books & other pretty things…