August Almanac
Seasonal Thoughts to Celebrate With!
As the golden days of August unfold, there's a certain magic in the air—a time to slow down, savor the richness of the season, and connect with the natural rhythms that guide us. It’s always special for me..it’s my birth month and my sons and it was also my mothers, so August was always a month of celebration!
For me, this is the month where the earth seems to hum with life, and every moment invites us to find joy in the simple, yet profound, beauty around us. Whether it’s spending time with your best friends and family, enjoying the bounty of summer’s harvest, or simply finding peace in nature, August offers a chance to focus on what truly matters and weave those threads into the tapestry of our lives.
Perseid Meteor Shower (August 11th - August 12th)
One of the most spectacular celestial events of August is the Perseid meteor shower whose peak will occur late on Sunday, August 11 and into the early hours of Monday, August 12. This annual display is one of the brightest and most reliable meteor showers, with dozens of shooting stars streaking across the sky every hour. For an unforgettable experience, find a dark spot away from city lights, bring a cozy blanket, and lay back to watch nature’s fireworks show. The Perseids are a perfect reminder of the wonder that surrounds us, a cosmic dance that connects us to the vastness of the universe. It’s an ideal time to make wishes, meditate on your dreams, or simply lose yourself in the awe of the night sky.
Full Moon Celebration (August 19th)
August’s full moon, often called the Sturgeon Moon, is a time when the night sky feels especially enchanting, bathed in the silvery glow of the moonlight. This is a perfect moment to gather with friends and family for a moonlit celebration. Picture an outdoor gathering where candles flicker, and stories are shared under the stars. You might prepare some moon-inspired treats, like white chocolate-dipped strawberries or silver-leafed sugar cookies, adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to the evening. As the moon rises, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far this year and set your intentions for the months ahead. A moonlit walk or a quiet moment of stargazing could be a magical way to conclude the evening.
Berry Picking and Preserving
August is prime time for berry picking, and the bushes seem to hold a bit of late-summer enchantment, with every plump blackberry or raspberry a little gift from the earth. Every morning my grandson heads out to the huge and completely out of control blackberry patch in my garden, just like his father did when he was a little boy. Whether you have a favorite local farm or are fortunate enough to have wild blackberries nearby, this is the month to gather nature’s sweetness.
Make a day of it, heading out early in the morning when the air is still cool and the dew clings to the leaves. Pack a picnic to enjoy afterward, letting the day unfold in its own time. Once home, you can turn your gathered bounty into something that will last—a pot of jam, jars of jellies, or a simple berry compote. The process of preserving these seasonal fruits can be meditative and rewarding, a way to savor the moment and carry a bit of summer’s magic into the colder months.
And for a delightful treat, why not try making homemade blackberry ice cream? There’s something almost spellbinding about the way the flavors come together, sweet and rich, with just a hint of the wild.
Homemade Blackberry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and release their juices, about 10 minutes. Use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Let the blackberry puree cool.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and the cooled blackberry puree until well combined.
3. For Ice Cream Maker Method: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 20-25 minutes. Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a container, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
4. For Freezer Method: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe dish. Place it in the freezer and stir every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Enjoy: Once the ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy the sweet, magical taste of summer!
Have a Sweet Corn Supper
Nothing says late summer like a sweet corn supper. As August brings in the height of corn season, it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones for a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Picture the scene—a long, wooden table outdoors, with the sun setting and fireflies beginning to dance in the twilight. Ears of corn, fresh from the field, are piled high, ready to be grilled or boiled until just tender.
The corn is the star, but the accompaniments add layers of flavor and joy:
- Grated Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle these salty, crumbly cheeses over the hot corn for a savory touch that melts into each bite.
-Herbed Butter: Mix softened salted butter with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley, and spread it generously over the corn.
- Chili Powder and Lime: Dust the corn with chili powder and squeeze fresh lime juice over it for a spicy and tangy flavor that brings the dish to life.
- Garlic Aioli: Spread a thin layer of garlic aioli on the corn for a creamy, garlicky goodness that’s impossible to resist.
- Parmesan and Black Pepper: Grate some Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it with freshly cracked black pepper for a rich and peppery finish.
Serve the corn alongside a fresh tomato salad, crusty bread, and a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade. As the sun dips below the horizon and the evening cools, the meal becomes not just nourishment, but a celebration of the season’s abundance and the simple pleasures of life.
Late Summer Garden Care
For those with gardens, August is a month of maintenance and preparation. Harvesting is in full swing, and it’s time to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers are abundant, and the late summer herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are ready to be harvested and preserved.
This is also a good time to start thinking about your fall garden. You can begin planting cool-weather crops like kale, spinach, and radishes. If you’re not ready to let go of summer just yet, consider planting a second crop of quick-growing veggies like lettuce and beans.
Don’t forget to deadhead flowers and prune back any overgrown plants to keep your garden looking its best. And as the days start to shorten, it’s a lovely time to spend your evenings outdoors, perhaps with a cup of herbal tea, enjoying the sights and sounds of your late summer garden.
Embrace Slow Living
August is the perfect month to embrace slow living. With the pace of life often slowing down before the busy fall season begins, take this time to truly connect with what brings you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s spending time with family, indulging in a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a book, let yourself lean into the slower rhythms of the season.
As the last full month of summer, August invites us to savor each day, to linger a little longer over a meal, to pause and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
End of Summer Reflections and Journaling
As August winds down, take some time for personal reflection. I always love to think about the goals I set at the beginning of the year and consider what I’ve achieved so far.
What have been the highlights of your summer? What do you still hope to accomplish before the year’s end?
Take this moment of reflection further by dedicating some time to journaling. Write down your thoughts, your summer memories, and any lessons learned. Consider these prompts:
- What moments brought you the most joy this summer?
- How have you grown or changed over the past few months?
- What are your intentions for the coming fall?
- How can you carry the peace and beauty of summer into the busy months ahead?
Use this time to realign with your intentions and to set the stage for a fulfilling fall. Journaling can help you capture the essence of this summer and carry its warmth with you into the cooler months.
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This August, let the season guide you toward a deeper connection with what matters most. Whether you’re celebrating under the full moon, savoring the sweetness of fresh-picked berries, enjoying a sweet corn supper, or simply finding joy in the everyday moments, embrace the richness of this beautiful month, letting its magic infuse your days with warmth and wonder.