A Doorway to the Past

/

August feels like a doorway month—summer still lingers, yet we can sense the subtle shift toward fall. The days remain warm, and mornings and evenings carry cool hints of change. There’s a flutter of last-minute summer activities before the pace begins to turn. Back-to-school lists appear, and the air carries that familiar buzz of new beginnings.

When I was younger, I loved back-to-school shopping—list in hand, hunting for the best bargains on the best supplies. These days, my shopping looks different. I find myself choosing crayons, scissors, backpacks, and notebooks for children I will never meet. It feels good to imagine a child, with a nervous smile, heading into a new school year with new supplies and opportunities.

It’s been many years since I’ve walked into a traditional classroom, but just thinking about it brings back the scent of school—chalk dust (yes, that dates me!), fresh markers, and the unmistakable cafeteria blend of warm rolls, mystery meat, and the faint tang of disinfectant. (Maybe I should have left that part out!)

For years now, my “classrooms” have been online, where all I need is a comfortable chair, a strong internet connection, and a big cup of coffee.

Still, the memories linger—yellow school buses with noisy airbrakes, the cacophony of sounds spilling from the music room, friends I thought I’d have forever. Love discovered and held onto for 47 years and counting!

August holds both nostalgia for what was and anticipation for what’s ahead. It’s a reminder that we’re always living in some kind of in-between space—bridging the familiar with the unknown.

Maybe that’s what makes August special. It invites us to pause in this in-between, to notice how far we’ve come… and to lean toward the next chapter waiting to unfold.

Take a few quiet moments and ask yourself:

  • What am I holding onto that I want to carry forward?

  • What am I ready to leave behind?

  • What new chapter is beginning to take shape for me?

What I'm Reading:

1. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield – A short, simple read. The title says it all.

2. Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be also by Steven Pressfield – how to get out of your rut and into action.

“August is like the Sunday of summer.” unknown

Keep learning and growing!