“It’s the month of June, the month of leaves and roses, when the pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.” 

— Nathaniel Parker Willis

A Midwestern summer really starts to show its true colors in June, with blazing hot days and steamy nights making regular stops. It’s also the time of year when my plants (if they could talk) seem to shout “finally!” and begin growing by leaps and bounds. A mega-dose of sunshine can do wonders for the soul, for humans and flora alike. 

Also good for the soul is filling your home with the things that bring you joy. This issue we spotlight Spaghetti Toes’ Michelle and Martin Bruckner, who create custom keepsake art using kids’ silly sayings and fun caricatures. We showcase the home of attorney Tom Campbell, who took cool inspiration from two of his favorite films, Batman and Tron, when designing his edgy, masculine abode. And we feature Lana Clarke’s Sanctuary home, chocked full of design nods to her family’s Utah roots. Be sure to check out these stories, and more.

The month of June also brings Father’s Day, and the best present you can give dear ol’ dad is time. Why not spend part of the day simply reminiscing about your favorite memories with them? One of mine was how my dad made each birthday special, whether it was making me my favorite homemade chocolate cake, or treating me to a date night anywhere I wanted to go, then letting me pick out something special from a favorite store.

Remember to stop and smell the roses this season, and appreciate nature’s beauty all around us. Happy Father’s Day! 

This article originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of Omaha Home. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.