Time Flies

We are very nearly at the half-way point for 2023, and since I am having a tremendously hard time coming up with anything meaningful to write today I thought I would update you on my “23 for 2023” progress!

I have only one “oopsie” – I meant to mark the Summer Solstice in some way, but I completely blanked on it. Oh, well. Thankfully I only have three goals on the list that are date-specific: Solstice, Valentine’s Day, and my 60th birthday. Seeing as my birthday is seven weeks away, I’d better get cracking on that one. Whatever I do, I want it to be small in scale yet significant to me.

I must say that I’m pretty pleased with all I’ve accomplished on the list, especially my goal to read 23 novels. So far in 2023, I’ve read nineteen books – sixteen novels, two memoirs, and one book of essays. My favorite book so far was “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett.

1. January Joy Box – Done
2. Get a pair of high quality walking/hiking shoes – Done
3. Meatless February – Done
4. Send Valentines cards – Done
5. Baking lesson with Howard and Beth – Done
6. Trip to New Zealand – Done
7. See my mom – Done (and ongoing)
8. Buy a new, super-duper camera lens – Done
9. Photograph the entire nesting season of the great blue herons – Ongoing
10. Visit 12 different parts of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (or other local park or nature preserve) – Ongoing
11. Use up the last of my massage gift cards – Not Yet
12. Find a way to celebrate my 60th birthday in a special way – Hmmmmm…
13. Spend a day at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge – Maybe in the Fall…
14. Go thrifting – Not Yet
15. Find a signature scent – Ongoing!
16. Plant hummingbird friendly plants in the garden – Done
17. Go eagle watching until I actually see and can photograph an eagle – Done
18. Read 23 novels – 16 and counting…
19. Compile a list of simple joys/delights – Not yet
20. Celebrate Summer Solstice – Ooops!
21. Trip to NYC and Washington DC with Chloe – Not yet
22. Ruthlessly edit the basement, the loft, my wardrobe, and my desk – Ongoing
23. Review my 23 for 2023 list on the 23rd of each month – Ongoing

I haven’t seen any hummingbirds enjoying my hummingbird garden yet, but it seems to be a favorite location for pollinators of all kinds, which makes me very happy.

Have a wonderful week, friends!

Love,

Michelle xoxo