Hope & Other Updates from the Summer

Notes on the political scene, travel, and Leo Season

Well, July 2024 will undoubtedly be one of the most bizarre rollercoaster rides in history. Yes? Yes.

I have much to update you on, but first, I want to start with a few things that have given me hope and comfort in this political season. (also, if you live in Missouri, don’t forget to vote in the primary election today!)

Hope and Deep Breaths:

1. First, and perhaps most importantly, if you are weary from the campaign ads, the fighting, and the X/Twitter of it all, this post from @johndelony is an excellent reminder:

johndelony

A post shared by @johndelony

2. Can we reset our collective nervous systems for a few seconds? I’ve been taking 15-30-second “zen” videos to remind myself that most of our Earth is S-L-O-W. Beauty is all around us. You can see a few more on my Instagram, which I’ve been utilizing more this summer after a year-long break.

   sarahbohl

   

   A post shared by @sarahbohl

3. Many of you may have heard of

   Heather Cox Richardson
   . She’s a historian and writer who has penned several books on politics and democracy. Because of the work I do here at The Civilian, I need to note that Richardson typically leans left. If you feel any frustration about our country, right or left, you will find hope in her post.

July 28, 2024

4. If you are from a Christian tradition/worldview, you might share my love for

   Emily P. Freeman
   . I also have thoroughly enjoyed the work of
   Stephanie Duncan Smith
   , particularly her latest missive on just how radical love is. Whether it’s our love for each other or God’s love, this is a beautiful reminder that love is truly what matters.

   (This is also a reminder that all faith traditions are welcome here, so feel free to skip right past this!)

The Call of the Beloved

Leo Season & Life Updates

This is my absolute favorite time of year. I don’t follow much astrology, but I have always been in tune with a particular type of magic around my birthday.

You might call it Leo Season (if you’re into that kind of thing), and we’ll be in it until August 22. It’s late summer sweetness. It’s exchanging that early-summer productivity for chill barbeques, late afternoon swims, and a lazy browse of the farmer’s market. It’s a season of laid-back fun, sticky fingers, and celebrations. It’s simply the best.

Here comes the paywall! If you aren’t a subscriber yet, please consider helping support this respite from the rest of the internet. You’ll get to see and hear more about my trip to Scotland!