Summer Loving con Lydia
This summer has been a bit different for me as I have intentionally leaned into a season of pursuing simplicity, contentment and slowness. To that end, I want to share three things I have particularly enjoyed this season that are low or no cost and high satisfaction:
Isabel Allende’s latest novel, The Wind Knows My Name, which I borrowed from my local library. I love perusing the library and looking for both fiction and nonfiction titles by BIPOC authors for my summer reading. This one by Allende, who is one of the most popular Latina fiction authors of our time, took me by surprise. Allende’s book includes characters who, for various reasons, have been asylum seekers both in the US and abroad. While the story is fictitious, Allende definitely had done extensive research. Her characters and storyline were rooted in the experiences of real people from as far back as the 1930’s right up to our recent history. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish the last page and though I was looking for some light fiction to escape into, I was glad that this book reminded me of all of the work that we have yet to do when it comes to those seeking asylum and how they are treated. But yes, there is still a good love story in there too. If you are looking for an engrossing and meaningful read, this one is it. Also, if you have not, you really should visit your local library!
I love going to local cafes to catch up with friends while sipping my favorite beverage of all time. Sitting with an amiga is good but I already do a lot of sitting throughout the course of my work week and need to move more. A practice I have loved this summer is meeting friends for cafecito and a walk. We meet at a local park that has a walking path with our cafes already in hand. The mile or so easily flies by in such good company. An alternative to a park can also be a flower gazing walk where you walk through a neighborhood and take time to enjoy the flowers. Whatever path you choose, I highly recommend adding walking to your next amiga meet up.
What is any summer blog post from me without something gardening related? What I have particularly loved have been intentionally placed areas of potted flowers that I have tucked away at different vantage points throughout my outdoor space. Sometimes we think we need sprawling acres in order to have an impactful and lovely garden. Just a few different sized pots full of annual plants that will grow wilder as the season goes and set up in front of a seating area can instantly transport you to your own secret garden. A space to pray, dream, read and restore. This can work on a deck, balcony or even by a window. I recommend petunias, zinnias, lavender and any trailing annual flowers you can find in your local nursery.
BONUS - Lydia’s Lavender Syrup Recipe
I love growing my own lavender and making lavender syrup each year with the dried flowers. This lavender syrup can be used to make lavender lattes, lavender lemonade or added to baking recipes. It is super easy to make and if you don’t grow your own lavender, you can buy buds online.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar (you can experiment with the sugar of your choice or sub a bit of honey for more complex flavor)
1 cup water
1/4 cup dried lavender
Note: This recipe can be doubled easily, just stick to equal parts sugar and water.
1.Remove the lavender buds from the stem. You will be using the dried buds only.
2. In a small pot, bring the water, lavender buds and sugar to a boil, stirring to combine.
3. Once boiled, lower the heat and simmer for about five minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
5. Once cooled, strain the buds and pour the mixture into an airtight container.
6. Keep refrigerated and buen provecho!
