Simple Summer Pleasures
quality time
MOMENTS THAT MATTER
Summer fever is upon me. Work and life haven't slowed down but my inner child is ready for long days lacking occupation, deadlines or confines. Despite being a grown-up, there are still ways to enjoy that "School's Out for Summer" feeling. Following are some ways to savor the long rays of the sun with our little ones.
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
Play in the sprinkler
In the neighborhood where I spent my early childhood, few people had swimming pools. Our alternative on hot Florida summer days was to play in the sprinkler—a tradition I’ve passed on to my kids. A year ago—at two, almost three years old—my daughter was more scared than delighted by the sprinkler. So I was surprised when, this year as summer rolled around, she asked me if we could play in the sprinkler. Now, at almost 4 years old, the delight is fully present. Just a few weeks ago, we put on bathing suits and hooked up the sprinkler for some fun runs through. My son (just two years old) was not a big fan at first but seemed to slowly warm up to the idea. I carried him in my arms as a I ran through the rays of water. More than anything, he seemed to enjoy our crazy screaming as we ran through the water. Mama and big sister being silly is all the entertainment he needs.
Take a Walk
Evening is, in my opinion, the best time in summer. Years ago, when I lived in New York City, it seemed like everyone in the city poured out onto the streets on warm evenings, dressed—for once—in color, as though the cold weather and black uniforms were stored away for summer’s thaw.
These days, cruising the neighborhood streets is less glamourous and a lot lower key. Nevertheless, one of the things I love about my neighborhood is that many families do take the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood on summer evenings. These caravans grow as they progress: one family becomes two, two become three, and soon it’s a neighborhood parade. Add a sparkling summer beverage and the evening is complete.
Marvel at the Fireflies
One of my earliest (and, sadly, one of my few) memories of my maternal grandmother is visiting her in her house in Michigan and catching fireflies on the patio beside my grandfather’s garden. Growing up in Florida, we didn’t have fireflies—I assume the temperatures are just too hot—but now that I live in a slightly cooler climate I get to experience what is certainly one of my favorite things about summer—the beautiful, hypnotic flashing of fireflies. Need a fun, low key evening activity? Turn off the lights and let nature do her work.
Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
Find Water
Few things give me more pleasure than watching my daughter at the beach. She can spend hours playing in the waves and sand, smiling the whole time. She’s not quite an independent swimmer yet, but with help from some flotation gear, she is a happy little fish in the water. Wherever you live, there is water nearby: a swimming pool, a lake, an ocean. Find it and let it take away your troubles.
Savor the Season’s Harvest
Where I live, we are closing up strawberry season and starting tomato season, two food events I look forward to all year. I’m not even the biggest fan of strawberries, but there is something so enjoyable about savoring a food that is only its best, tastiest version of itself once a year. Yes, you can get strawberries any time at most big grocery stores, but they are just not the same as the ones grown locally and in season. Same goes for tomatoes. In summer, all you need is sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil and some olive oil and you have a food masterpiece.
Photo by Emerson Peters on Unsplash
Take a Vacation
Summer is my busiest time at work and the days of "summers off" are long gone. Nevertheless, the feeling of summer break is one I still crave. Even if external factors are pushing me to perform, my mind, body and soul really want to slow down. Given that taking the whole summer off isn’t an option, I’ve planned a few short vacations this summer. Even a three-day weekend can be an opportunity to recharge, rest, or have a summer adventure.
Hit the Park…Early
Lately, it seems like there has been a proliferation of splash pads and water-themed parks near where I live. National parks often have canoeing, rafting, boating or swimming. But even a traditional park is a great way to spend time outdoors, especially if you visit early in the morning when the sun is gentler. If, like me, you have small children, you’ll be up early anyway.
Photo by Jared Sluyter on Unsplash
Do Something Cool
In other words, find air conditioning. Go see a movie, check out an art museum, visit the planetarium. Eat ice cream or a popsicle. Chase down the ice cream truck and get a snow cone. Shiver with delight.
