Recapping August and Welcoming September ✨
August was a month full of celebrations. We started off with my youngest son turning THREE years old and my oldest son starting KINDERGARTEN on the same day! It was an emotional, but exciting day for all of us.
We celebrated my mommy and my grandma’s birthdays, and ended the month with my Aunt’s 60th birthday party.
I also celebrated turning in book edits for my newest project!
All of these celebrations were significant, special, and unique – not only who/what we were celebrating, but how. There were trips to the children’s museums, 7am Dance parties, birthday parties, brunch parties, cozy days in, and birthdays by the pool. I think taking time to celebrate every milestone just postures your heart towards gratitude. It’s important to fill our hearts with good things such as gratitude, joy, people we love, and effective ways to use the gifts God gave us.
Instead of focusing on the noise, one of my goals this month is to focus on celebrating blessings, both big and small, and celebrating others.
When I say noise, I’m not talking about important current events. To an extent, I do think we need to stay informed, so we can focus on how to help our fellow neighbors. But still, do it in a way that’s people and community focused, not fear and hate focused. I’m talking about noise such as social media comments, think pieces on trivial issues, and gossip.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8
I thank God for all of these celebrations, and welcome new blessings in September! What did you celebrate in August, and what do you plan to celebrate in September? I’d love to know.
In case you missed it:
I visited Philadelphia for the first time to discuss my book, THE GIRL IN THE LAKE, with the Nile Swim Club, which is the first Black swim club in the country!
✨I rearranged the tabs at the top of my newsletter page, so you can more easily access what you want. I think it fits the India’s Notebook aesthetic! More on this in a future newsletter.
Looking for a Labor Day Read? Buy My Books!
The Forgotten Girl
(Pre-Order) Girl from the Ashes
Looking to book me for a school visit, just in time for Book Fair season? Click here or email booked@authorsunbound.com
This is a free newsletter, and my goal is to keep it free. If you feel inclined, you can donate to it here.
Happy Labor Day Friends! I hope it’s a relaxing and fun one for you.
Warmly,
India
