The Magic of June, July and August…..

Nobska Lighthouse - Woods Hole

Since Friday, 6/24/22, my heart has been heavy.  I’ve gone back and forth on what this post should be about.  My country is in a dark place right now.  When I think about the political climate, I find myself grieving.  In this moment I need to choose my feelings.  I choose to hold off writing about the recent Supreme Court decision.  I choose to think, focus, and write about joyful things.

I am thankful to live in New England.  A place where we are fortunate to experience all seasons.   

Last week was the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.  My aunt posted pictures on social media where she celebrated this with friends.  I thought how lovely that is.  Taking a moment to celebrate the simple things with friends.  I have learned that friendships are important.  Friendships can be healing.  Although the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the days begin to get shorter from here, the daylight hours are still stretched and that combined with warm weather makes the perfect background to create beautiful new summer memories.

I thought I’d share the moments of summer that bring me joy.  Lazy, relaxing weekends.  Time to visit with friends and family and enjoy pools, BBQs, and great summer tunes.  The splashing sound of the pool water when someone does a cannonball into the water.  Endless amounts of hamburgers, hotdogs and corn on the cob.  Time to sit in the shade and get lost in great novels with settings like Nantucket.  Listening to the joy and laughter of kids who have no worries on their minds, no homework assignments due and no scheduled activities planned.

Warm summer days to grab the perfect spot on my favorite beach.  Walking along the shore, feet in the cold water, talking about nothing and everything all at the same time.  Smelling the salty ocean breeze, feeling my breath relax and slow, the way my skin feels as the water dries off my legs. 

Sitting with my husband as we enjoy one of our favorite summer treats, lobsta and steamers (no that’s not a typo, I’m from Boston).  How about food trucks, miniature golf and the first ice cream cone of the year. 

Road trips with a great play list, spontaneous family sing-alongs, camping, campfires and roasting marshmallows.  The smell of sunscreen and bug spray.  Enjoying the lakes and hikes in the mountains.  Roadside picnics along the Kancamagus Highway, finding the perfect spot to sit on a boulder in the Swift River. 

Summer concerts, outdoor music.  Enjoying a cool beverage on a hot day.

Going for sunset walks, letting the kids stay up late to watch movies, fireflies and flashlight tag. Sitting on the front porch with a glass of wine and watching the sunset with my husband.

This is what summers are made for.  For kids to feel like kids, and adults to reminisce, create new memories and to simply breathe.  To stray from routines and enjoy the simple moments of life.

What summer moments and wonderful memories do you cherish?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.