August has gone by so quickly!

So quickly that if I didn’t have this blog to look back at the places I’ve gone (those I’ve written about at least), I’d still be wondering what I did all month.

Hiking at Three Falls Woods in Manlius, NY

But the fact of the matter is that I’ve done SO MUCH that if you were to put me on the spot and ask me for ONE thing I did, my mind would draw a blank. It feels like a big blur to me. I really have to sit down and think about it.

View from the top of Pocket Falls in Lansing, New York - Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Ithaca area waterfalls, Finger Lakes travel, FLX hiking trails
View from the top of Pocket Falls in Lansing, NY

What I’m loving right now:

late summer days ☆ cooler nights and mornings are now creeping in ☆ sunsets ☆ that carefree August vibe ☆ the SO and I have been exploring a lot of the less populated areas this summer ☆ finding new waterfalls to visit ☆ seeing cool geological features up close

Kae Audhild edwards lake cliffs Preserve Lansing new York hiking trails FLX
Hiking at Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve in Lansing, NY

planning and booking arrangements for super fun autumn and winter trips ☆ making some other major life plans that I can’t really speak much about until they become reality (in a few months), but it’s all so exciting!

Cocktails at Backyard Ale House in Scranton PA
Dinner at Backyard Ale House in Scranton, PA

updating my wardrobe with some important key pieces that I’ll wear for years to come ☆ thrifting much of the rest (I love a good bargain!) ☆ I’ll be 40 in December, so I’ve been thinking a lot about the next version of me and what I want the next season of my life to look like

Relaxing waterfall sounds @ Nay Aug Park – Scranton, PA ASMR on YouTube

realizing how much I’ve grown over the last few years- a mix of investing in therapy and developing systems that work, and just leaping head first into the unknown and learning how to navigate as I go ☆ as the summer is nearing its end, I too feel like I’m approaching some endings. And these endings mean great new beginnings that put me into a position to write some amazing new stories. There is no attachment to break, no clinging to past. I’m all in on the next leg of the journey.

Kae Audhild Nay Aug Falls Scranton Pennsylvania goodr og sunglasses Vincent's absinthe night terrors
Yours truly at Nay Aug Falls in Scranton, PA

I’m super grateful for all of you who have been following along with me over the last year, plus- whether you’ve been here the whole time, or just found me yesterday, thanks for being here. Thanks for taking the time to look through the eyes of another and expand your vision beyond your personal little corner of the world. That’s beautiful, and I love seeing others who are also curious and growing as people. Keep being awesome, and stay true to your purpose. 💖

15 responses to “Gratitude #23 – August 2025”

  1. Juan2play Avatar

    People say life is short. It might be or not, but it is full of so many memories that you sometimes you forget.
    Thank you for taking us through your personal journey and for sharing the beauty of nature in your adventures.

    Liked by 3 people

  2. andybuz78 Avatar

    August can be such a blur—even when it’s brimming with adventures—but your post beautifully anchors those moments. Your descriptions of chasing waterfalls, embracing cooler nights, and the excitement of “next season of life” plans made me pause and breathe into that sweet, transitional energy. Here’s to approaching endings without clinging, and stepping forward into new beginnings with curiosity and joy. ✨

    Also—happy almost-40! Celebrating yourself, the growth, and the next chapter is so inspiring. Thank you for inviting us along for the journey.

    Liked by 3 people

  3. joannetucker321 Avatar

    How beautiful, everything you wrote. Keep enjoying life and sharing it with others. May everything go your way and more!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Caroll Avatar

    Kae, you are living a dream life most people would envy! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us in beautiful words and pictures. If you are feeling the stirrings of new dreams ahead, I would love to talk with you about that!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Kim of Glover Gardens Avatar

    Congrats on the big milestone coming, and take it from me: 40 doesn’t hurt at all; it’s just a number.

    And, I love love love this para: “late summer days ☆ cooler nights and mornings are now creeping in ☆ sunsets ☆ that carefree August vibe ☆ the SO and I have been exploring a lot of the less populated areas this summer ☆ finding new waterfalls to visit ☆ seeing cool geological features up close”

    It’s poetic!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, keep writing and sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. The Patient Camper Avatar

    it looks like you had such a fun summer and I hope you have so many more to come

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Rupali Avatar

    A wonderful place.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Kerri Elizabeth Avatar

    What a beautiful journey and path heading into 40, my oldest daughter will be 40 in Nov. I can see so many shifts and wisdom developing and her courage to follow her dreams rather than doing what she just thinks she should. I bloom forward to hearing about your journey ahead and the clarity and uncovering of new things shows up for you. Have wonderful travels into your next season.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Grounded Wisdom Avatar

    thanks for sharing the very scenic area you are in, along with your insights and light filled photos. wishing you a fulfilling fall as you plan for the big 40~ I’m sure the next version of you will be just as beautiful as this one!! go for it kid!!

    Like

  10. friedsig Avatar

    sick tattoos and beautiful wilderness. i’m 41 so i totally identify with trying to figure out what the hell is next. thanks for sharing.

    Like

  11. jainaparna0220 Avatar
  12. C Will Avatar

    Gotta love August and I’m SURE September will be just as fulfilling!!!

    Like

  13. Brian Rope Avatar

    Enjoyed that read. Of course, 40 is so young – I’m 83! And thanks for reading and liking my latest blog post – greatly appreciated.

    Like

  14. gretchenwing Avatar

    Ooh, new places going on my list! I need to get back to the Northeast…

    Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Lina Valkema Avatar

    I’m so happy that life has been treating you so well. I can just feel your joy and gratitude. It’s lovely to see. More blessings for you ❤️❤️❤️

    Like

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