Summer by the numbers and seasonal traditions

As I close in on my first season running this site, I’ll share some progress with you.

I launched this site on my favorite day of the year, the summer solstice. When I started beekeeping in 2017, I began to recognize and honor the seasons more. This prompted me to start some seasonal traditions. They’ve become so routine to me that I honor them like major holidays. As someone who doesn’t live a faith-based or faith-centered life, I can’t authentically describe this time as holy, however it’s the closest to a spiritual ritual that I have.

Today I want to share some of my seasonal traditions with you since the autumnal equinox is this Saturday, September 23. I love to use the changing of the seasons as a quiet time of reflection. Some things that I do at the turning of the seasons:

• Time off. When possible, I take time off on the solstices and equinoxes. I started several particular traditions for the solstices, which I’ll share when those come around.

• Screen-free policy. I choose not to turn my computer on, not watch TV, and not use my phone—to an extent. The latter is challenging because I love taking pictures and sharing on Instagram. I usually turn my phone on airplane mode and only use the camera feature.

• Phone-free. As I shared in the last tradition, I keep my phone in airplane mode. This prevents texts, phone calls, and other distractions that detract from having a mindful day. I’ll remind friends and family in advance so that they know they won’t be able to reach me easily. I’m unable to fully disconnect because we care for aging family, so I turn airplane mode off a few times during the day to make sure there are no emergency texts or calls. Otherwise, I avoid the phone.

• Stay at home. I make a serious effort to spend all of my time at home. This means no driving to run errands, grab lunch, or meet up with anyone. I block the entire day and stay home.

• Get outside. When weather allows, and even if it doesn’t, I’ll get outside to check the hives or just sit and watch the bees, hang out with the chickens while they free range, or walk trails in the woods.

• Meals. I have a few food traditions that I’ll save for a separate post.

• Blog break. This is a new tradition since this blog is new this year. I plan on taking off the week around equinoxes and solstices, so you won’t see a new post here until a week from today. Take a break too and enjoy the new season!

To recognize the close of the summer season this week, let’s look back on popular posts, visitors, and more. Since this site launched on the summer solstice:

Wrote more than 40,000 words.

Published 38 posts.

Grew monthly views to 1,200+.

Maintain an open rate consistently more than 60 percent. (According to major digital marketing company HubSpot, the 2023 industry average open rate is 38 percent.)

Acquired 2 affiliate partners.

My top posts this summer:

• Saving money by dehydrating your own dog treats

• Raising quail: Things you might not realize you need, like a coffee grinder

• Emergency treatment for chickens suffering flystrike

As we seal summer’s envelope and start to read fall’s letter to the world, how are you recognizing the seasons? What are your summer reflections?