August 10, 2025

Sunday Salon: We’re Sitting on Hell’s Front Porch

Do not be deceived that this cool and shadowed path is what I am enjoying this Summer. It has been above 90 degrees for what feels like most of July, and I am chafed and irritable. As much as I dislike the Halloween displays all around me in Walgreen’s and Jewel, which have completely bypassed the Back to School displays, I am ready for Autumn.

Does this picture from last October not appeal?


Lest I continue complaining, I will share some highlights of the week. It was my parents’ 70th wedding anniversary. As I found it impossible to find cards for celebrating so many years, I put together this little olive tree for them. They don’t need things, but we do need to be reminded of life. Of growth.

I had fun celebrating Bullet Journal Day on August 8, with the Livestream hosted by Ryder Carroll and Jessica Chang. I felt honored to have my question chosen to be addressed. But, at the end of the day, I find myself needing to journal as I have always done: record my thoughts, feelings, and events for memory and clarity. I do not like to dwell on Habit Trackers, Gratitude Logs, Daily/Weekly/Monthly Reflections. Too much navel gazing is not good for me. I much prefer a Highlight/Insight page at the end of each journal.

And reading? I have had a lovely time reading On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle. The Shadow Jury for the International Booker Prize deemed this the worthy winner, and while it did not officially win, I wholeheartedly concur. I was fortunate to find On The Calculation of Volume II at our library, and I will be reviewing them both in the week to come.

May your week ahead be blessed. May you be cooler than I am. May you find lovely things to write about. And, find more about others’ week at Sunday Salon here.

14 comments:

  1. 70 years of marriage is quite the accomplishment. My parents will (hopefully) celebrate their 66th in September. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. Aren’t we blessed to have them in our lives for so long?!

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  2. Happy anniversary to your parents! What an achievement!

    Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks, Marg, and I was so glad to become aware of your Historical Fiction challenge yesterday! I have comprised an enormous list from which to choose, some of which are books I want to reread, they were that good.

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  3. I can see that finding a card for seventy years of marriage would be difficult. An olive tree is an excellent gift, I think.

    I requested On the Calculation of Volume I and Volume II, and II (of course!) arrived long before I. I sent it back while I continue to wait for I. Good to see how much you enjoyed it.

    Let's dream of cooler weather together.

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    1. I would love to discuss On The Calculation of Volume I or II when you read it. Such a fascinating concept that’s hard to describe to others when they ask you what you’re reading…

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  4. Congratulations to your parents! I am glad you didn't find a card, as your tree is so beautiful!

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    1. I’m so glad you like it, too, Emma! Somehow, we don’t need more things, just lovely living things (or things to eat!).

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  5. Beautiful photos. ❤️ Happy Anniversary to your parents.

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  6. I've just finished On the Calculation of Volume II and would love to discuss them with you. I cannot wait for book three to come out in English on the 18th Nov #marketinggenius.

    Congrats to your parents on 70 years together. Mine will celebrate 60 yrs next year.

    I can cope with 90/32 degrees, but once it gets above that it is unpleasant, esp if the nights don't cool down at all. I really dislike being stuck inside with air conditioning (though curiously I don't hate being stuck inside with the heating which is what I am doing right now.) I guess that sense of hibernation in winter helps with staying inside, but in the summer, with the longer days and sunlight, you want to be out in it, enjoying walking, gardening, catching up with friends etc.

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    1. Brona, I had not realized Volume III is released in November 18…marketing genius to be sure!!!

      I’m not so bothered by being cooped up with the heater in winter either, but the trapped air in the summer is onerous. One feels one should be outside no matter what the season, I guess.

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  8. I hope your temps have cooled a little bit in the past week since you wrote this post. I feel bad that everyone has been suffering so much this summer while we are still in long pants and flannel shirts! I don't think we've gone above 65 degrees since last year. I know you're ready for Autumn, but I'm still waiting for Summer!

    Your gift to your parents is lovely. 70 years is remarkable! Here's to many more!

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