an ode to August
a monthly round up reminiscing on the last of the sultry haze of summer while welcoming in the tender embrace of autumn
The end of August lingers, heavy and golden, like the last taste of honey on the tongue, its days thick with heat that clings to the skin. Hair, damp and tangled, clings to the nape of your neck, a sultry reminder of summer's embrace. Figs ripen in the last of the sun’s warm caress, their sweetness a fleeting gift of summer, a vivid reminder that even the most luscious moments are destined to fade. The world breathes slowly in this sultry haze, savoring these final, tender offerings as September edges closer, promising cool relief.
As the days grow shorter and the light transforms into a softer, golden hue, autumn beckons with the quiet grace of a sanctuary for the soul. The afternoon sun, no longer harsh, offers a particular warmth—gentle and kind, like a lover’s whisper against the skin, understanding the heart’s need for solace. This warmth wraps around you, soothing and soft, like nature's tender embrace, inviting you to pause, breathe, and gather the summer’s memories, tucking them away like pressed flowers between the pages of a cherished book.
reminiscing on the past month:
August was kind but nothing short of busy, as if racing against the shortening of days to fill each and every hour with fleeting moment. On this last day of August, with the cool relief of September on the horizon, it’s a roundup of the past month I am here to present you with.
Media
Reads
These readings were the companions that carried me through August’s whirlwind. To be entirely honest, each were chosen on a whim as if a reflection of the pace of the month.
Fall of Ruin and Wrath // Jennifer L. Armentrout
“She lives by her intuition. He feeds on her pleasure.” With rebellion and disaster looming on the horizon, Calista accidentaly becomes entangled with a god-like being. I have to say, I was left underwhelmed by the plot, which felt like it was missing and left me constantly wondering “sooo when does this get into it?” because it seemed to have so much potential. But, from a guilty pleasure, “who did this to you?”, secret-meaning nickname loving rat, I devoured this.
Red Queen // Victoria Aveyard
I kept seeing this one and I had to know what it was about. In a world where having powers or not determines your livelihood, one girl is the anomaly. Honestly, it wasn’t my favorite. It felt predictable and a bit bland, more of a brain-off read. That said, I’m giving it another shot and just started the second book in the series.
Between Ink and Shadows // Melissa Wright
A dark secret elitest society with gloriously mysterious and tense vibes? I’m sold. While I would consider this a pretty fast and easy read, I didn’t skim though as it did capture my attention with an intriguing magic system. If it wasn’t a series, I’d probably be a little disappointed with this though. Mainly, it was good for something a little different than my normal reads with vibes in a way I can only describe as “2020 Dracotok” I suppose.
Beach Read // Emily Henry
As someone who doesn’t typically reach for romances, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It follows former rival authors who strike a deal to help each other out of a writer’s block after finding themselves as neighbors. The FMC was interesting, and there was just enough depth to keep it from being pure fluff. I only wish the rivals-to-lovers aspect had more complexity, as it fell a bit short of what I expected from the marketing.
Black Wolf // Kathleen Kent
A fresh CIA operative is thrust into a covert mission, her true objective shrouded in secrecy even from her own team. The tension mounts as she captures the attention of the Head of the KGB, all while navigating the dangerous streets of Minsk, where a string of women have mysteriously vanished. Having a degree in International Relations, with a focus on Cold War global affairs and impacts, I couldn't pass up this book when I spotted it at the library. From the first unexpected chapter, I was completely drawn in.
Substack Reads
There were so many amazing posts I read this month that I had to cut myself off at five, but these ones in particular I can’t seem to get off my mind.
Music
Gearing up for autumn means it’s time to refresh the playlist. Some songs fit, others might seem out of place, but each one carries a hint of autumn for me. You’re welcome to judge it.
Outside of crafting this playlist, my top songs are:
“just want you to feel something” // Artemas
“Pretty Little Devil” // Shaya Zamora
“Make You Mine” // Madison Beer
Lifestyle
Eats
This month, I’ve been indulging in breakfast breads and pastries. It started with a new bagel shop in town, where their bagel topped with lox & dill, among other things, satisfied my cravings—I’ll definitely be back. On Sunday mornings I like to treat myself to something special. During August, I’ve been reaching for a fresh croissant or a pain au chocolat to pair with a cappuccino in the still hours of the morning before the world stirs—a simple pleasure that has become a cherished ritual. On weekdays, prior to workoutsin the morning, I’ve found myself hooked on sourdough waffles, drizzled with honey or topped with apricot cardamom jam.
Activity
Right now, I'm deep in training for both my local marathon and possibly the Berlin Marathon, so much of my activity has been consumed by running—a lot of running. On my off-days, I’m savoring the last moments of early morning sun before it starts slipping well into the morning, past the hours I begin working.
Obsessions
Rather than rambling, here is a short, rapid-fire list:
coach brooklyn bag
fresh figs
F1 drama
jazz bars
decreasing screen time
meeting new friends
deep wine red color
looking foward to September
As the trees begin to dip into hues of gold, red, and orange, I’m reminded that autumn is just around the corner, bringing with it the final quarter of the year. As we move into this month, I’m eagerly anticipating an upcoming conference with colleagues I see only once a year and the arrival of cooler weather. September opens the door to so many simple pleasures I’ve been longing for.
For me, autumn is marked by candlelit evenings with friends, when it’s just a bit too cold to sit outside after the sun sets, but still allowing the crisp breeze in through open windows as our laughter and gossip spills out. It’s the season of baking my favorite breads and pastries to share with loved ones, now that it’s finally cool enough to turn on the oven. It’s curling up in an old, worn sweater to rewatch Harry Potter, warm drink in hand. And it’s that unmistakable smell in the air as the leaves begin to fall, making a quiet morning walk through the park on a weekend a little more magical.
this was so so cosy to read, i loved it
I loved this!! It was such an interesting, comforting read, and thank you for mentioning my work!! <333