Squirming, talking, laughing, looking at the sunshine streaming through the windows. We may have been sitting in our desks but we sure couldn’t keep still or quiet.
Finally, when the clock above the chalkboard turned to 3:00 and the last bell of the year would ring, we would fly out of the building with shouts of glee.
Summer stretched before us, endless and exciting, filled with sunshine and fun and magic. Adventure awaited, and finally, finally, we were free.
Even now, I still get excited when the official start of summer arrives. It comes at just the right time, bringing with it the slower pace, sunnier days, and warmer (hot!) temperatures.
Even so, it still seems to fly by, and when the end of summer comes, I am sad to see it go. Like the kid I was all those years, I want to slow summer down. But how?
I have learned that being intentional about adding inspiring things to my summer and looking for beauty along the way helps me enjoy the season more fully. So, I’m making some plans that will help me do so.
What about you? What are your plans this summer?
Here are a few things I’m going to do that may inspire you as well.
1. Talk a walk. If you've been reading Glimsen for very long, you know I make a habit of doing this, but I'm listing it anyway because it can be such a delightful part of summer. Grab your camera or smart phone, and take to the street in your neighborhood or nearby park. See what captures your attention. Maybe it’s an unfamiliar flower, a bird perched and peeping in the tree above, a caterpillar crawling on the path, or some squealing kiddos running through the sprinkler. Take photos of what you see.
Have you ever noticed how just holding your camera up to something can set it apart and make it special? Plus, documenting what you see will help you remember your walk and may inspire you to do it regularly.
You might be surprised at the beauty you find, even in a place as familiar as your own neighborhood, when you slow down and look.
2. Be a tourist. Familiarity breeds boredom. Sometimes we get in a rut. But you don't have to wait for vacation to be a tourist.
Is there an art museum you’ve never visited? A small-town square to explore? A historic house or building that interests you? Look up official tourism websites and ask friends for ideas. It's surprising sometimes what you can find within a few miles' radius.
We have two historic houses within just a few miles of us. For Father’s Day, we have a date to tour one of them and then follow up with lunch at our new favorite restaurant across the street. I can taste those pimento cheese fritters already.
Why don’t you join us and add some fun to your summer by going someplace new in your hometown.
Sunset at a local park, a historic chimney overlooking the water
3. Try something new. My daughter likes to try new things, and she's fearless in the kitchen. I don’t love to cook, but I do like to spend time with her. Some of my favorite memories of her school days involved us baking something for an assignment.
One morning, several years ago, I got an email from her. Mom! I need to make madeleines tonight for French class. Here's a recipe. Usually she gives me more notice than that, but it didn't take me long to gather the ingredients. That evening, she jumped right in, beating eggs, melting butter, sprinkling powdered sugar, and videoing the process in French along the way. The madeleines turned out yummy, we had fun together, and she made a good grade.
A little treat for me the next morning
Is there something new you’ve been wanting to do? How can you involve your family or a friend? Or is it something that you’d enjoy doing alone? Whatever it is, put it on your calendar today to ensure that you do it.
Here’s my list of new things, and I think it’s manageable:
Try a few new summer recipes (my daughter lives on her own now so I can’t get her to do it for me! ha).
Learn some new technology that will help me serve you better with Glimsen.
And, finally, after decluttering most of my craft supplies, start using one thing in particular to see if I enjoy it. If not, I’ll declutter that too.
In case you’re interested, I’ll keep you posted on my progress in an upcoming newsletter for my subscribers.
And now, my friends, here's to summer. May yours be filled with sunshine and fun and magic. May it be rich with good memories. And may you experience and delight in the beauty around you this season.
What new things do you want to do or try this summer? What are your summer plans? I'd love to hear in the comments below, or send me an email at leannebenfieldmartin@glimsen.net.
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Photo of kids having a blast courtesy of Robert Collins on Unsplash