Cara/Andrea here . . .Wondering where the summer went!
In the U.S., this Labor Day long weekend traditionally marks the end of the kick-back lazy days of beach reading, country walking and just plain relaxing. As more and more of us are finding life becoming increasingly frenetic, with the demands on our time pressing in from every angle, this interlude where we’re given tacit permission to “turn off” the usual pace is becoming more and more cherished . . .
With many of us girding the loins to head back to “regular” work after the long holiday weekend, it’s interesting to contemplate that we’re celebrating “Labor Day.” In the past, the traditional workday was well defined. For centuries farmers toiled from dawn to dusk in a natural rhythm with the seasons. Long hours prevailed in other professions, but as workers demanded more of a voice, the standard day became the 9 to 5 routine of our grandparents and parents. What’s happened to us! These days, everyone, from grade school kids to octogenarians are wired to be on the grid 24/7. We never turn off and let our minds meander and play. Summer becomes just another few months that blur together in a whizzing around . . .to do what? Sometimes I wonder.
I am mindful of trying to stop and smell the proverbial roses all year ‘round. But summer is a special reminder—perhaps because of childhood and the heady excitement of exploring and playing while school was out—to breath deeply and appreciate the simple pleasures of the moment.
So in an ode to summer, here’s a snapshot of some of the things I’ll miss about the season:
Wearing my flip-flops instead of Ugg sheepskin boots.
The sweet taste of just-picked wild raspberries from along a country road.
Watching the colors of twilight play across the water.
Picnics on the beach with friends.
Savoring the beauty of Nature blooming to life.
Playing hookey on a weekday to hang out with my best friends from college.
So what about you? What do you miss about summer when it's fading into the sunset?