Hello all y’all! I’m participating in The Changing Seasons Challenge which is basically a monthly recap that I heard about through Sarah, who got it from Su.

If youโ€™re interested in participating, here are the guidelines for The Challenge:

Version One (photographic):

  • Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
  • Donโ€™t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
  • Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

Version Two (you choose the format):

  • Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
  • Donโ€™t use archive stuff. Only new material!
  • Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.

Thanks ladies for the inspiration!

July felt like every bit of the mid-year slump. I was a bug on its back trying to turn over.

First, the BF got sick and then against all our precautions, so did I. It was a doozy, too.

Next, our friend Patima visited, but the timing wasnโ€™t so great, but we made the best of it, and she helped us a lot. Thank youuu!

pine tree branch on the beach
Walking along the beach and looking down. [Koh Chang, 2019]
Finally, we left for our island holiday on Koh Chang. Photos are from our short getaway which I had planned back in June when I was restless to get away.

Emerald Cove is one fancy hotel. Low season (rainy season) rates for the win.
The fancy pool was very l o n g.
The BF likes to look for critters to pick up. Mr. Crab was quick, but on that day, we were quicker.
While we walked along the beach, there were a few distant islands that followed us.
There was a wash along the beach that had all these hermit crabs! It was so fun to see all their different homes.

Other July notables were:

  • I bought reading glasses โ€“ and had to use them.
  • Brewing up with my mother, a family reunion next year in Tennessee.
  • Learned that I wasnโ€™t a Leo Rising, but a Virgo Rising.
Obligatory sunset on the beach shot.

How was your July?

no girl is an island newsletter

22 replies on “The Changing Seasons – July

  1. I look up at my photos from last month and it’s all baby, baby, baby xD I don’t want to bore everybody with that. This month should be different, I’m finally going to Spain in a couple of weeks!

    Now that I think about it, I also bought glasses in July! But sunglasses, and with prescription lenses. My old ones were from like 15 years ago!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. So far from what I’ve seen of people sharing, it’s every day stuff, and I rather like that. I feel like this is where the internet can shine. No picture perfect lifestyles, just people’s passions, like gardening.

      I’ve noticed you’ve been rather clever in hiding A’s face on social media. Can’t say that I blame you.

      Spain sounds lovely and grand!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yep. It’s more fun to keep the mystery, hahaha. Also, the internet is where I don’t need to be a mum full time, so I want to keep it about me, not about him xD

        Liked by 1 person

      2. There was an interesting article I read many years ago about a father who decided to pull all pics of his children off of social media. He made good points re: they don’t have a voice yet and he was already putting their faces everywhere. As adults, we consciously know what we are doing, but the next generation will have a huge amount of data on them before they’re even able to use these technologies. So I thought it had something to do with that. ๐Ÿ˜›

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      3. That too, hehe. Parents nowadays have to choose if they want to put their children on social media or not. Privacy is also one of my main reasons but I don’t like saying it out loud because I have many friends and acquitances who put their children all over social media and I don’t want them to feel I disapprove of them or anything.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I agree, it’s a sensitive subject, and a personal decision. It’s hard to know what all this data means for the future.

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  2. I did a double-take when I saw your hotel photo. It’s a dead ringer for one I stayed in in Tahiti — same architect (or hotel chain) I guess.

    So good to see your July — welcome to The Changing Seasons.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It did have a quality that felt recognizable. Not that I’ve been to Tahiti, but the surrounding mountains and tall palms made me feel like I was back in Hawaii. It probably is a chain, but it was a nice one!

      Thanks!

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  3. I could never bring myself to touch insects and other small animals! I love to read peopleโ€™s month recap, it makes me feel like we r friends IRL. I used to write a monthly recap on the blog, but for some reasons didnโ€™t continue it ๐Ÿ˜ฆ My July has been a bit floppy as well. Glad that u r all better and that you went on a beautiful vacay. Btw, I am a Virgo rising. Now, do you feel like a Leo outwardly?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hmmm. I thought my Leo rising was an explanation for my sometimes outgoing personality. It seemed to explain some things, but now I know my INFJ personality traits explain it better. ๐Ÿ™„ My stepdad is a Virgo and had a huge impact on my upbringing so that is where I’m at, the extent of my exploration, will dive deeper later. Virgo Rising connection, yo!!!

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  4. How wonderful that you’re joining the Changing Seasons, Lani!! ๐Ÿ˜„ Such a cute crab! And the hermit ones are so lovely too! The hotel looks fab and the pool is just sooo cool! ๐Ÿ˜„ And I totally agree with what you said in reply to one of your comments – it’s sharing these for us normal everyday kind of pics and things what makes this challenge so wonderful! ๐Ÿ˜„ Looking forward to your next recap!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. The hotel looks like one I’ve stayed in somewhere. Can’t remember where. Nadi?
    Love the pool and the little crab. My grandson was fascinated by the little crabs on the beach in Kauai and also the bigger holes all over the beach that we thought must be bigger crabs. The security guard told me scuttle into the lobby sometimes, and he carefully carries them back to the beach.
    My July started out with my family in Kauai. The rest of the month was quieter and ordinary, which I find I like a lot. A few little summer parties: the homeowners’ assn. summer party and a delightful writers party and salon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s nice to mix things up a bit even though I, too, am a creature of habit and I love to be a homebody.

      Thanks for sharing your month!

      Liked by 1 person

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