Dirt Road Adventures: Closing Out July & Preparing For August
Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures here at the end of our Dirt Road.
Hey Friends,
Can you believe it’s already August? We have been at our beach cottage, and I’ve been getting inspiration for new projects while shopping and enjoying our favorite restaurants. I’m planning to get several Fall projects completed before my surgery in mid-August. Keeping my mind on future projects has helped to pass the time and prevents me from dwelling on the surgery.
I’ve been focused on building my strength and endurance. Walking 3 miles a day, eating healthy meals, staying positive, and praying for strength and overcoming fear. I’ve been reading The Beach Is Calling Devotions For Rest & Relaxation and have re-read Gift from the SEA for at least the 19th time. I read it every summer.
You can read more about my cancer journey at MY CANCER JOURNAL.
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Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
Wrapping up some of my summer ideas and getting ready for fall. I don’t want to leave you hanging in case you missed some of these past weeks’ ideas.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Potting Table From Upcycled Windows | Greenhouse Project
Hey friends, do you remember that we built our greenhouse with old French doors? Well, I had started collecting reclaimed windows even before we lucked into those doors.
Decorating With Bird Cages: 7 Unique Home Decor Ideas
Hey friends, I’ve had a couple of bird cages that I decorated with for a few years. As I was planning my late summer decor, I decided to pull them out and create some unique vignettes using the two bird cages.
Easy Summer Table Decorations: Impressive Budget Ideas
Beat the heat by planning a summer dinner party. But if you don’t want to spend a fortune on decorations, we’ve got you covered!
DIY White Apple Decor: Budget Fake Fruit
These beautiful apple decorations are an elegant and stylish way to enhance your home for any season.
READ: Easy Fake Fruit Update
Wall Basket Decor: Stunning Decorating Ideas For Every Room
Looking for ways to add woven texture to your home decor? Check out all the ways you can decorate using budget-friendly wall baskets.
How To Build Rustic Birdhouses Using Scrap Materials
Do you like rustic birdhouses? Today, I’m sharing how to build birdhouses using scrap materials.
Easy DIY Faux Earthenware Vessel: Pottery Barn Dupe
Do you like shopping at Pottery Barn? I was recently browsing, and a Pottery Earthenware Vessel caught my eye. I’m always looking because I come across so many great Pottery Barn Dupe ideas. So instead of ordering one, I began searching for a vessel of similar proportions that could be transformed.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- Do you feel like you are wishing summer away? Check out Kim’s great post – August Adventures: Summer’s Not Over.
- If your plants are fading in this extreme heat, help is here. See Stacy’s How To Save Heat-Stressed Plants.
- If you need help getting organized, CoCo has you covered. Check out her Organizing an Intentional and Purpose-Filled August.
- Writing my journal has been so therapeutic, and my friend Michele shared these DIY Journals Notebooks that would be perfect for starting your own journal.
- Want to refresh your living room with Summer updates? Check out KariAnne’s Summer Living Room Decor Ideas.
What’s In My Cart
- I just added this adorable rug to our beach cottage kitchen.
- These compression socks have been so helpful with the pain in my feet. I had to order more.
- I love these cards for encouragement and the price is good.
- This cute black top will be waiting when I get home.
- This striped blouse is on sale and will be perfect for fall.
- So will this great-looking cardigan sweater.
Coming Soon
I’ve got a list a mile long with fall DIY ideas. Several involve pumpkins, and I’ll hopefully get most of the tutorials written before my surgery on August 18th. So, although I’ll be indisposed for a few weeks, I plan to continue to share new ideas consistently.
We will be finishing our time at the beach. My last of the summer! We have a lot of preparation at home before my surgery, and I’ll keep you informed. In the meantime, I hope you have a blessed week!
I’m so glad you’ve had the opportunity to spend time at the beach! You seem to be keeping busy and it’s probably the best medicine for you! Thank you so much for sharing my August adventures! Continually praying for you, friend! xo
Kim,
Thank you for stopping by. Yes, being at the beach helps to pass the time.
God Bless you on this difficult journey. Praying for you right now.
Lee,
Thank you sweet friend. I appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. I hope you have a blessed week.
So happy you are getting stronger and gaining strength. This will help you forward with this journey. All will be well remember one step at a time. We are here for you in prayer and support. Do what you can and don’t worry we have time till fall. I woke up this morning and the air was a bit chilly I thought I was sick or something. LOL
Diana,
LOL! I sat on the porch with a jacket and blanket this morning. I’m loving this fall like temperature. Hope it last for a few more days. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. I appreciate you more than I can express. I hope you have blessed week!
The LORD Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Exodus 14:14 NLT
This was in a devotional I read this week and made me think of you, Rachel! You are so focused it seems. You are keeping up your blog and sharing great ideas, inspiration, plus your journey and adventures! I especially loved your greenhouse table. Thanks for sharing so many good ideas! The beach photos were especially lovely. I’ll be praying for you as you return home and prepare for your surgery. Hugsnlove from Texas!
Katy
Katy,
I’ve not seen this scripture. Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you found some inspiration in my blog this past week. Your thoughts and prayers are such a blessing. Hope you are seeing some cooler temperatures in Texas! Have a blessed week.
Continuing to lift up you and your Family in my Prayers! So Thankful you are able to share your journey and also to enjoy the beach especially this visit! God is full of Grace and Mercy! Stay Faithful in your Love for Him because He Loves You!❤️
Lorri,
Thank you for your reminder and all your prayers. I appreciate you more than I can express. Have a blessed week.
Hi Rachel
I caught up on your journal. You are truly amazing. You keep your faith and that’s what amazes me.
I think of you very often. I send good thoughts your way too. I have a list of people I think about in the mornings.
Although I don’t have cancer. I’m a firm believer exercise and a healthy diet has helped with my MS.
This summer the weather has been brutal. My John has been my support and my best friend. I don’t feel sorry myself. But when I get scared they help adjust my train of thought. Im sending hugs and thoughts your way.
You’ve got this. I feel it in my heart and gut.
Cindy,
Thank you for sharing and for your well wishes. I appreciate you for keeping me in your thoughts. I’ll keep you in my prayers as well. Have a blessed day.
Rachel, so many great ideas in today’s post. I actually bought that black top you featured but in white and I love it!!! Great choice! So nice to be at the beach…lucky you. I have always dreamed of having a place on the water….but I would have to sell my home in the desert and my cabin in the mountains first! Too much property to manage. Always praying for you and it sounds like you are eating well and being fit! Good for you. Give ’em hell. Sending big virtual hugs.
Mary,
Thank you for your sweet comments. You have such lovely homes. Our beach cottage is so tiny with very little upkeep. Which is fortunate. Have a good week friend.
Catching up on your Healing Journal today, Rachel. I love the new title! Thank you for sharing so much of your day to day with us. I’m thankful you have the beach cottage to get away to and that temps are starting to feel like fall. I can imagine you reading on your porch all snuggled up with the waves crashing in the background. It sounds positively divine. I really appreciate you sharing my Purpose Filled August post. It’s always fun to have something to look forward to. Sending you lots of hugs and praying for you all the time, CoCo
CoCo,
I’m so glad you like my Healing Journal. It truly has been healing and therapeutic to write my feelings. Have a blessed day.