“I love borders. August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know. Twilight is the border between day and night, and the shore is the border between sea and land. The border is longing: when both have fallen in love but still haven’t said anything. The border is to be on the way. It is the way that is the most important thing.”
— Tove Jansson

For years, August was just a blip on my radar, and it was generally an unremarkable month, especially since there are no holidays to celebrate.  I originally always remembered it for competing with July for being the hottest month of the year, before the relief of September sets in. In my mind, it was the month that nothing extraordinary ever happened. Yet,  it is actually  the month when many inventions, works of art  and scientific discoveries were first patented, trademarked, or copyrighted.

 August is a unique month. Far from being the “Endless Summer” of Beachboy fame, it is a time of transition. Thirty -four years ago, I married the love of my life in August, so it became a very special, unforgettable month for me.  August is also a segway to fall, which IS my very favorite season, with hayrides, hoodies and pumpkin spice, and of course, football.

August is the slow, gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms.”
— Victoria Erickson

“August creates as she slumbers, replete and satisfied.”
— Joseph Wood Krutch

When I worked in higher education, it was one of the months we worked the hardest in preparation for the upcoming school year. There were many meetings where multitudes of ideas and plans were implemented to motivate the incoming students and to encourage them in their educational journey toward their careers. The energy for the upcoming year and its possibilities filled the atmosphere.  Many of my colleagues and I had caught up on our journal reading over the summer and were chomping at the bit to try a new event or write a new workshop or resource for student success.  The joys of graduation and the past school year were in the rear-view mirror, and we were opening the door to the new year. For the students, many non-traditional, August was the gateway to new possibilities.

In the garden, interestingly, similar changes are going on. The beautiful flowers we have enjoyed all summer are starting to fade and go to seed, but the work of maintenance is increasing. The plants need dividing, shrubs and trees need pruning and some vegetables need harvesting. This is the peak time for freezing and canning.  The plants still require watering, and much weeding is to be done, as well. It seems to me that August, not April, is the time when the bulk of the work for a beautiful garden is required. Gardeners reap the benefits in the spring of the efforts made in the fall. We won’t be able to see the results of our work right now but much, much later. Such is life. There are times in our lives when preparation and change are not flashy but necessary.  Even though the days are growing shorter, the hidden life of the garden goes on, without our notice. This special month begins rest and replenishment for nature, but for us, it is preparation for the next season, whatever that might be. And that is why August need to be celebrated. #August #themagicoflife #happiness #thoughts