Friday, July 6, 2012

Summer To-Do

Happy Friday! It's actually hard to believe that it's only Friday... I've been living it up this week on a mini summer vacation since the fourth. This means sleeping in, lots of reading and getting a ton of work done around the house. I've also had some time to finish up some freelance work and a few personal projects. I just completed one of my projects for the summer... an illustrated summer to-do list:
  1. Stargaze. When Christopher and I first started dating, we did a lot of stargazing. There was this empty field across from his apartment in college, and we would trek out there with a blanket and some Arizona teas. We talked about everything and looked for shooting starts, and I tried to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I think I will always love stargazing because of this.
  2. Go canoeing. There is nothing more peaceful than a summer canoe ride down a river. The way the golden sunlight filters through the overhanging tree branches is my favorite. I didn't get a chance to canoe last summer, so I really hope we can fit it in this year.
  3. Eat lots of ice cream. I think this is one pretty self-explanatory. 
  4. Read ten books. I haven't finished formulating my summer reading list, but at the top of it is the Hunger Games trilogy and Just My Type by Simon Garfield. I'll probably thrown in a Jane Austen novel for old times sake, too. Does you have any other suggestions?
  5. Take a road trip around Michigan. I'm not sure when this will actually happen (August maybe?) but I'm really looking forward to visiting some great Michigan cities that I've never been to: Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Mackinac and Detroit, to name a few.
  6. Spend a weekend camping. You know, I've never actually been camping. Growing up, my family was always more museumsy than outdoorsy. Chris and I have a trip planned with a few friends for the end of this month that I'm really looking forward too. We'll see how I feel about it once I have to pee in the woods, though...
  7. Fly a kite. The last time the mister and I flew a kite, it involved running through sprinklers, an angry janitor, and three policemen. Hopefully history won't repeat itself this time around. 
  8. Swim once a week. So far, we've actually kept up with this goal. Living on a lake, having in-laws that live on a river, and having a sister-in-law with a pool makes it pretty easy. 
  9. Campfires. Lots of them. Which of course includes lots of hotdogs and s'mores.
  10. Treasure hunt at garage sales. I went to a couple this morning but they were pretty disappointing. I think it has something to do with the heat, but hopefully I'll find some great stuff this season. I tend to gravitate towards vintage linens and nicknacks. I am my mother's daughter.
And there you have it, my summer to-dos. I'm going to print out this little illustration and hang it on the bulletin board above our desk to help remind me to live it up this summer. I really enjoyed working on this design. Who knows, maybe I'll make one for each season. Do you have any summer to-dos? I'd love to hear them!

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be crossing anything off the list this weekend (aside from swimming and ice cream) because of this crazy 100+ degree heatwave in the midwest. We've taken to hiding out indoors... tonight we're are off to see Moonrise Kingdom (which has finally arrived in southern Michigan!) and eat some wings. SUMMER!!! Have a great weekend, friends.

13 comments:

Abbyblujay said...

I like the way you live, Mrs. Ross, I like the way you live...

also the stargazing adventure made me tear up. it's really hot though so it might have just been a stray bead of sweat.




udieshi 21

Ksenia said...

What a great idea! I love your illustrations. As for me, my 1st and the most important thing on my to do list would be to spend more time with my 4 year old son :)

Enjoy your summer!
Ksenia

rachelfiorenza said...

LOVE THIS.

Kate said...

These illustrations are so great!! Dang girl, see what you can do with a few days off! (You need more of those)

I love this list. You can't see any stars in Chicago, but when Erick and I visit my parents sometimes I like to sit outside and see them because they're much more clear out in the country. :)

Carrie said...

I love your illustrations! I love the canoe the best -- and the pool. It deserves to be printed! Your love of summer is infectious. I often find myself wishing for summer to end as soon as it begins but I've been trying to appreciate all the little things that only happen in summer.

Latrina said...

OMG! You're brilliant! I am such a sucker for to-do lists... Seriously, I am always writing them out and trying to make them "pretty"... I just love the idea of having it illustrated. I've never thought of that. Seriously... you're brilliant. :P

Also! What did you think about Moonrise Kingdom?? I am anxious to hear your thoughts. My husband and I recently watched it and we LOVED it. Truly beautiful film.

Emily said...

beautiful illustration-love it! sounds like a fantastic summer list. let me know if you make it to grand rapids!

Katherine Ross said...

Thanks for the sweet comments, everyone!

@Kate -- I think sometimes I take the stars for granted, since I've had them all my life. When Abby came to visit, she was pretty much blown away by the Michigan sky and it reminded me to be more grateful!

@Carrie -- Well, I can't blame you for not being a fan of FL summers :) But in Michigan I have to take what I can get as far as sunshine is concerned. Fall used to be my favorite season but now I'm all about summer and everything that comes with it!

@Latrina -- Moonrise Kingdom was wonderful! I think it's my new Wes Anderson favorite (but I pretty much say that every time he puts something new out, haha!)

Sharon Telschow said...

Stinkin' adorable! That to-do list is quite beautiful. I hope you get to cross 'em all off, but not for realzies because that would ruin your beautiful work. Maybe your tour de Michigan needs to include ice cream in every port and a dip in each cove. Well, not EVERY one but the ones you had planned on venturing to in the first place. Good luck with that camping! Eek! Make a good s'more.

Callie said...

I LOVE the graphic and your entire list! Yeah for summer and adventuring!

Ronnie said...

Wow, love your illustration abilities! Star-gazing, ice-cream licking and treasure-hunting all sound awesome. :) Hope the next garage sale unearthed more treasures for you.
Ronnie xo

Jordan Brantley said...

THIS ROCKS! Seriously, so awesome.
You should totally sell these.

It most definitely makes a to-do list more exciting! :)

Katherine Ross said...

@Callie @Ronnie -- Thanks! :)

@Jordan -- Thanks! Someday I hope to open up an Etsy shop... who knows, maybe I actually will!