Photo Blogging Challenge (August 2025): What makes me smile

I’m pretty sure most of you can guess what makes me smile.

Being this late with this post doesn’t, that’s for sure. But the end of August and into early September has been a whirlwind with schools starting, car issues, some health insurance BS, starting a class I am adjunct teaching at the local college, and just everything else… I’m happy my head is above water at this point.

Alas, better later than never!

So did you all smile a lot this month?

I have found that I am doing better when I find myself sliding to find ways to smile. It doesn’t necessarily fix things happening in my world, but … it is it enouh to make me at least smile some. And smiling even in a small way is highly important.

This all has changed how I once was. When I used to get into these highly stressful times I would just be on edge most of the time. Now I can find ways to breathe and smile — and actually feel the benefits of said smile.

Here’s hoping you smiled this month.. and maybe a little more when you see this post actually published!

So.. show us those smiles, or what made you smile!

Anyway, onward. Here’s my five for August!

1. A big smile

On an adventure to Canada, we spend a couple of days in Carleton Place. And I can’t lie — I’d like to go back. What a great little town and quite dog friendly. They had different signs like this around town, but this one was behind our Air BnB.

2. Dog days!

When in Carleton Place, it sounded like it was a month for dogs. We happened to see this board to use. They also had dog signs all over the town, which was really cool. I’m still shocked Harper stayed still for this image!

3. Frens!

Early in the month, me and my cousin, as well as our mothers, went to a Phillies game. I brought Harper, who stayed at their house during the day and met and played with Caramel! So much fun and I hope these two can get together again soon. For this photo I maybe had some treats in my hand.. and Caramel was pawing at me for it!

4. Exploring

I firmly enjoy being out on rail trails with Harper. We can walk, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Meanwhile, the terrain is usually pretty decent so it’s fun in that regard. I loved this photo with the leash and her stick and the colors.

5. Hot dog stop

As we entered Canada, we passed this spot. And we had to turn around. A roadside stop where we had hot dogs and fries. And, of course, got Harper a hot dog as well!

There’s my five for self care! Let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.

And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).

Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully ithere.

** CHALLENGE CHANGE **

From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.

That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.

So, below is the linkup for Jult. Make sure you drop your link there.

OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! And our theme for the month? Life enjoyed. Have some fun! Remember to come back on (hopefully) October 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month! I’ve set a calendar reminder for me, so let’s see if that works!

Photo Blogging Challenge: August 2025 results

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!