Now is the time of year when twenty-something women all over the country start daydreaming about fall. I am one of these women--and while you won't find me lining up for a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks anytime soon (does anyone else think an August launch date for that monstrosity is a little much?), I will be wearing my jeans. 

Jeans: Levi | Shirt: Banana Republic | Shoes: c/o Famous Footwear

Bag: Coach | Bracelet: c/o Pamé Designs

Watch: Michael Kors (there's a huge 50% off summer sale now through tomorrow!)

I've had this leather bag for more years than I can count--I used it through graduate school and as a work bag before it just started to fall apart a bit at the handles recently. I still use it a lot and I'm pretty happy with how well it's held up. I may replace the handles at some point--is that a thing? It's one of my favorite pieces of my wardrobe.

What are you wearing this last month of summer?

Photos by Andi Perullo for Freckled Italian.

When I was younger, my life motto was "let go and let God." It allowed me to give up worry while still letting me feel like I was in control. The whole point was to just be faithful that things would always work out the way they were supposed to, which for a young girl with a lot of faith and no real problems was actually quite easy.

Although my life has been a rather gentle ride so far, as I get older I cross paths with plenty of things to cause me worry. The deaths of family and friends. Illness. Anxiety. Changes in my family dynamic. And over the years it has become harder and harder for me to let go.

Last winter I wrote about the weirdness of being in a liminal space of non-transition after a whole life of changes. I have always been able to focus on the next thing, and I didn't realize it at the time but it was extremely therapeutic. Little stresses add up over time but focusing on the bigger picture always provides some much-needed perspective. And yet it's always easier to look back once the wedding is planned and the boxes are packed and you're finally feeling settled. So this year has been one of worry. 

But something changed for me a few months back--the realization that I couldn't worry anymore. I was making myself sick and nothing was changing. So I started taking things one day at a time. I let go. And while I'm no longer much of a religious person, I find myself more and more often praying for things to work out not the way I want them to, but the way they're supposed to. It's easier said than done, of course, but like meditation or yoga, it's a practice that I have applied thoughtfully to my life. Things will change one day. But probably not today. So take a deep breath and banish your misgivings for as long as you can.

Stand up in the presence of whatever's in front of you. Feel it. Let it wash over you if you must. And then just let it go.

This month, Ender...

• Weighs 47.5 pounds.
• Is almost nine months old.
• Is recovering from kennel cough, which has been so sad to watch--he was up all night for three or four days and seemed really confused about all of it. He's been sleeping a lot this past week, but now that he's finally feeling better (the vet gave him some antibiotics) and coughing less, he's starting to get his energy back and is really annoyed that I won't let him play with any of the other dogs in our building. 
• Loves licking the carpet, the wall, and pillows. Will also chew on anything that has a tag.
• Sits on the bed behind my desk with one of his paws on my chair and pats me on the head with the other one. It is so cute and one of the weirdest things I've ever seen.
• Cries any time I take the peanut butter out. His obsession is only growing.
• Will sometimes be really full of energy during the day when I'm trying to work, but mostly will just lie at my feet underneath my desk with a toy and chew/nap.
• Went on his first run(s)--I took him for about a half mile and about a week later Rob took him for a mile. Once he's fully recovered from kennel cough and the weather gets a little cooler I want to start running with him regularly. He does really well with it and I think he'll be the best running buddy.
• Has gotten so incredibly cuddly--he used to lie on the couch or our bed and give himself enough room but now he wants to be up against one of us. It's inconvenient sometimes but always so sweet.
• Befriended an eight-week-old puppy who looks exactly like he did when we brought him home. It was so cute but made me a little sad--he has grown so fast and I can hardly believe he was ever that small. I'm so glad we were able to rescue him as a little puppy and have that time together.