Last Days of Summer Challenge

Back to Summer 2026 or Rest & Restore

Submitted by Jennifer Morrow on 9/15/2026

On August 22nd, I submitted an entry expressing my desire to intentionally savor the final weeks of summer while most of society seemed to be heading straight for pumpkin-spiced latte land! Even though I am resisting fall-themed items/events until next week, I have loved Dunkin's 2026 fall commercial starring comedian Rachel Dratch as "Pumpkin Spice," the secret long-lost sixth member of the Spice Girls. 😂

Rachel Dratch as "Pumpkin Spice"

It’s officially fall next Tuesday, 9/22, and I am so excited! I thought it would be fun to create a little challenge for myself to squeeze every little drop out of summer 2026 while also paving the way for a bountiful autumn. To do that, I copied my list of Restorative Root-tines and added three action items for each. Now I'll reference the list to plan my next week.

Prioritize Time with the Natural World

• Go to the beach after school drop-off

• Go to Riverfront Park

• Walk on the Shearwater trails

Engage with Nature Through the Senses

• Visit a local garden center/plant shop and enjoy using plants to engage all senses intentionally.

• Make a “summer” mocktail from the book

• Try a ONEHOPE summer recipe paired with Champagne

Connect with the Cycles of Nature

• Plan fall-themed activities for Tuesday, 9/22

• Prepare for fall planting

• Prepare for fall decorating

Express Nature Connection Creatively

• Endless Summer craft

• Create an Endless Summer playlist

• Write & publish a summer recap post

Make Sustainable Choices

• Convert bin for composting

• Learn about local glass recycling

• Write & publish a slow decorating post

While my specific list may not mean much or make sense to you, I encourage you to think about each “root-ine” above and how you can create your own action items to close out summer 2026 with joy and gratitude!