Hi friends,

Summer always blows in with the scent of nostalgia: Coppertone sunscreen, pool chlorine, and the faint whiff of musty sand. The finest bouquet.

I am crazy about this time of year—the feel of my library book in its plastic cover perfectly gripped in my hands. Next to me, ice melts in my glass of brewed iced tea. I enjoy these the most with the sound of the ocean merely steps away.

To kick off the season, I thought I’d share a few favorites or favorites “to be.” It’s been a while!

So here are five for you…

Books:

My book club just finished a fascinating book called, The Library Book by Susan Orlean. For fans of libraries and books, this is the one for you. It is about many things, including a mystery fire, bad guys, good guys, librarians, and lively library history. And it is long. But worth it.

One I plan to read this summer: Haven Point by Virginia Hume. It looks like the perfect beach read: Multigenerational with strong women, focused around the family property on the coast of Maine.

(Look for me on Goodreads.com to see what else I’m reading these days.)

App:

The Pause app (www.pauseapp.com or wherever apps are sold)

A one minute (or more) pause in the day to focus the mind on Jesus. Led by the developer and author John Eldredge. I play it a few times a day to quiet my monkey mind. Two thumbs up!

Music:

These days, my best-loved Pandora station is “We The Kingdom”, a contemporary Christian family band with so much heart and passion. Number two is Thomas Rhett. No description needed, of course.

Sports:

Summer and sports go together like peas and corn. Watching my San Diego Padres is a joy. Need a team? They are a blast to watch!

Coming soon- I plan to be hopelessly obsessed with the Olympics (as I always am).

What are you watching, reading, or listening to these days? Let me know in the comments.

May your summer be filled with your favorite things!

Blessings,

Kristin 

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.”

Charles Bowden