We hope you enjoyed the July 2022 issue of This Awful Awesome Life. Many thanks to Lilly Kauffman, Orlando Bartro, and Linda Cahill for their contributions to our “All Things Pittsburgh” issue.

This month is our vacation issue. Our guest contributor, Priscilla Goodwin Serra takes us on a tour of Granada, Spain, and Lily Kauffman has an adventure in Norway. Orlando Bartro shares what happens when Duck and Goose go on vacation, and I have suggestions for making the most of your staycation.

We’re streaming movies about travel, and I have reading recommendations for kids and adults to celebrate the joys of summer reading. I reviewed Out of Play by Joy Norstrom and learned a little about larping. Don’t miss our August 2002 Quiz, “Six Degrees of Separation with a Travel Twist,” and “August 2022 in Pictures.”

“Dare to Believe,” is proud to feature two people who overcame injuries and adversity to become role models, and we have a collection of words related to travel, the love of travel, and the wonders of nature we may see when we travel.

Our vegetables of the month are potatoes and sweet potatoes. I have two delicious recipes for you.

Linda Cahill shares some delicious summer recipes courtesy of Pampered Chef perfect for a fun cookout or a staycation.

If your state has not held its primary elections yet, please take this opportunity to vet the candidates before you go to the polls. Know where they stand on all the issues and if their voting records reflect their stance on important issues. Please show up and vote. We will never tell you who to vote for, but we will keep telling you to vote and do your homework! Vote for the candidates who are the most qualified and who will safeguard our democracy.

Samantha Sayers has been missing since she disappeared on August 1, 2018, after a day of solo hiking at Vesper Peak near Seattle, Washington. Sam grew up in the Erie, Pennsylvania area where her parents Ron and Lisa still live. Her family is exploring all avenues of inquiry to find and bring her home. In the face of such an enormous challenge, they have chosen hope. Please keep sending positive thoughts to Sam and her family. As promised, we will be displaying a yellow ribbon for Sam on the opening page of each issue of This Awful Awesome Life until she is home.

If you are a person of faith, please pray for her safe return to her family. Because we are an online publication, we can update this article with any news. We will also post information on our Facebook page. Thank you!

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Happy Reading,

Fran