It’s no secret that August is my favourite month of the year — and not just because it’s my birthday month! There’s something magical about this time of year: the weather starts warming up, the days feel a little brighter, and all the stinkwood trees in the garden begin to show off their fresh new shoots. Sitting at my desk, I get the perfect view of those vibrant green leaves filling the garden — and it always puts me in the best mood.

This year, my birthday brought the most wonderful surprise: books, books, and more books! My poor TBR shelf — which I’d been working so hard to make a dent in — is once again overflowing. (And yes, I may have just returned from the bookstore with two more books… no regrets!) One of my absolute favourite gifts was a signed Chris Carter book, which now holds pride of place on my shelf, right in front of my desk. Every time I glance up, it makes me smile.