I don't want summer to end.
Period.
This has been the best summertime ever.
And here's why : :
the pleasure
Parking lot bench, sidewalk cafe, backyard picnic table, water's edge? Doesn't matter. Even the simplest food tastes extraordinary when the breezes are blowing and the sun warms you somewhere deep within. And watching an owl swoop in close at dusk while we nibbled dessert with friends? It just doesn't get better than that.
the victory
This summer's greatest shock? Rolling out of bed more mornings than not, donning my sneakers, and heading out the door to walk a couple of miles. This is a 1st. Ever. Wish I could say that I've lost 10 5 pounds ... but the reward has been simply knowing that I'm taking decent care of my body. It makes me smile.
the serendipity
Launching into a rousing rendition of 'Home on the Range' with grandgirl #5 as she rides her Radio Flyer horse like a crazy woman, dressed in a flowing cape and a battered white-brimmed Easter hat perched on top of a Red Sox cap. Crooning a '80's Top 40 song in perfect off-key harmony, at a moments notice, with my sister. Singing an ancient hymn with my Dad as we clear the table ... and an unexpected gentle duet of 'Everyone needs compassion, the kindness of a Savior' with Mom near the close of another day. These are memories that will stay close to my heart. Forever.
the relaxation
I'm on my 10th 11th book this summer. If you want me, I'll be on the back porch with my feet up, quietly savoring yet another unfolding saga.
the fun
Life can be a never-ending frustration as we try to fit square pegs into round holes and find that, once again, things usually don't work like we want them to. So am I the first grown woman to sit on the floor hunched over hundreds of minuscule plastic pieces ... only to discover that within 5 minutes she's become hopelessly hooked on a Lego Friends barn-building project? That satisfying silent pop as the teensy parts fit together {and the sweet shared moments with grandgirl #2} were just sublime.
Go figure ...
What are your lingering summertime joys, my friend?
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I'm all for summer. Seriously. It's my fave. But this year bring on fall. But once hubby is home summer can come back and stay for a while. Or we will just go somewhere warm! Savor every last moment, friend. You had me smiling from beginning to end. Loved your cross-outs and re-types. hehe. Fun!! Much love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! If the finished product showed every cross-out and re-type, it would be absolutely unreadable!
DeleteI know you're just yearning for your honey to come back home from serving our country. Are you down to counting the hours?
Hugs.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a delightful summer ....and I love the picture of you playing with your grandkids...and walking in the morning...good for you :)
I'm glad you're here tonight, Dolly!
DeleteThis is one of the first times that I'm not absolutely chomping at the bit for autumn. Dusk is coming earlier, the leaves are turning.
Sigh.
I know that God made seasons for a reason. But right now, I could just stay in this moment.
;-}
My lingering summer joys are...hiking in the woods, swimming until the sun sets, and having a picnic lunch under a tree with my family. Glad you had a wonderful summer, Linda :)
ReplyDeleteEarly evening swims. Oh, that sounds so serendipitous, Yuko ... sounds like your summer's been a sweet one, too.
DeleteAnd I love a good picnic ... as long as the bees aren't swarming!
:-}
Linda, love your super-specific, creative descriptions of your one thousand summer gifts...I was right there with you enjoying every one...delighting in the blessing of sweet hugs and kisses from our 2 year-old grandson, Colton <3
ReplyDeleteGrandma to Grandma, I know you heard my heart, Beth. Thanks for joining us at the table tonight, my friend!
DeleteAnd hugs for Colton ...
;-}
You make me smile from ear to ear!
ReplyDeleteI love eating on a deck, which we can kind of do year round here. Summer is a special kind of laid back though!
Cool! I'm glad you caught a bit of my exuberance, Sarah! And year round eating outside? Sign me up! Sounds like just a bit of heaven ...
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It all sounds so wonderful, Linda! Good for you! This has been a difficult summer for us, but God is faithful. He is in the business of redeeming the lost. Thank you for sharing your blessings, you are a inspiration! Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteYes, June. I hear you. This has been a most difficult summer for us as a family, too. God is so faithful and continues to shine His grace and joy even on the most challenging of days. I will be praying you through ...
DeleteIt sounds like you had an awesome summer, Linda! Congrats on your walking routine. I really want to get into that habit. It is great on so many levels.
ReplyDelete11 books! I'm so impressed and quite jealous. I love reading but am much better at starting books than finishing them. Lately I've been doing a little better, but I can't compare to your 11 this summer.
You are definitely not the "first grown woman" to get lost in some lego play, my friend. I used to spend hours building with Legos or Lincoln Logs with my son and I'll do it again when I'm blessed with grandkids.
I'm so glad you have enjoyed your summer! It's always a little sad to see it go away every year.
Even though these have been challenging months for our family, God has still rained down a merciful grace. I am so thankful that He doesn't change, even and especially when all around us seems to be shifting drastically.
DeleteAnd for that, I can only praise His name ...
And I am grateful to have you in this community here, Candace. You bring so much to the conversation.
Blessings ...
i love the way you think/feel/read! wish we were neighbors (which we were on holley gerth this morning!) and i started jazzerize this summer and must get to it (to take care of my temple which is usu last on the list) - good for you and your mileage this summer (and on into the Fall...) sue at welcomeheart
ReplyDeleteI'm always grateful to meet yet another kindred spirit. Let's hear it for blogging and for the supportive relationships that spring forth here and there!
DeleteI'm glad you came to visit today, Sue. Truly!
;-}
Summer is my all time favorite season and it just can't be hot enough for me!! We save up all year to take the boys to the Ulster County Fair where once they're in they can ride free all day!! The joy on their faces makes my whole year!! I also love the 5 year old pride when the cherry tomato plants actually grow and produce tomatoes!! He loves to tell everyone that he "made" the tomatoes. Most of all, I love the lack of schedule. Staying up late with the boys to watch movies and sleeping in until whenever. Can't beat the relaxation of summer!
ReplyDeleteI'll remember to send any future upcoming heat your way, Val! The fair, gardening, sleep-ins? These are the stuff that the best memories are made of.
DeleteLet's hear it for those schedule-free weeks! Thanks for sharing a bit of your summertime joys with us!
;-}
I love the little joys of life--like discovering kid things can be fun :)
ReplyDeleteWe need to get down on all fours and play.
DeleteYes!
;-}
Delighted that you had a good summer!
ReplyDeleteIt's my favorite season too, except for the flies that seem to vacation in New Mexico from July through September.
I love the intimate connection with the outdoors, through open (screened) windows. It's something I miss during the winter...and it makes not being able to afford A/C a GOOD thing!
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2014/08/lighting-positive-marriage-encouraging.html
Let's hear it for screened windows! I much prefer an open window to an A/C, unless it's just too humid and I'm wilting by the minute.
DeletePlease keep those flies and any other small winged creatures right there in New Mexico, Andrew!
;-}
I love summer too! I savor the easy days of sunshine and freedom. Reading a book in the middle of the day becomes a joy to remember. Spending more time with friends and family is a gift and walking in my favorite gardens, cemeteries or parks gives me quiet time with God. Every bit creates memories that will follow me into Fall. I'm missing summer already!!! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just have the best conversations with our Creator as you savor His creation along the way? Talk about a 'prayer walk' ...
DeleteBlessings, Mary, as we transition into fall. In many ways, these last few months have been a sweet season. even when things didn't go the way we had hoped and dreamed ...
i love these descriptions Linda. I feel that way too about summer, the fun time of the year. awesome on your walking and I'd say 5 pounds was good :). All of the music you made with loved ones sounds wonderful. Its amazing what sharing a song with someone will do for you. Thank you for the funny word pictures you painted of super grand girl and your child like joy over connecting all your lego pieces. Who do you think was having more fun? You or your grand girl? :)
ReplyDeleteThe kids love when they get to teach ol' Ma a new game or trick or online something. I'm usually a bit slow to catch on, especially with the screens. But Legos? It was like coming home ...
Delete;-}
I forgot my favorite joys of summer, here's one : being outside at 9:30 and there still being a whisper of sunlight for my girls to run in. I love the long days and all the bright sunshine
ReplyDeleteAnd the lightning bugs! Don't forget those fireflies, my favorite fireworks, the best nightlight around!
DeleteWho says God doesn't have a sense of humor!
;-}
Visiting from Leigh Kramer's What I'm Into link-up! I'm so excited to have found your lovely blog! Sounds as though you have had a great summer!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Ginger. I'm glad you've found your way to this little community. I hope you've been able to linger a bit ...
Delete;-}
Sounds like the perfect summer.
ReplyDeleteThese golden months have been difficult and just plain hard for our family. But even in the midst of it all, God saw fit to visit us with graces and laughter and hope. I'm so thankful!
DeleteYou have found such joys in this season of sun! I am soaking up the last of it and ready for all Fall has to offer.
ReplyDeleteAnd fall is coming quickly ... cool evenings, a light quilt on the bed, a hot cup of tea so needed in that early morning chill!
DeleteI'm always putting away, and occasionally stepping on Legos. Your post made me like them again. Glad to live the simple beauty of it all. It was a good summer Linda. Agreed.
ReplyDeleteOuch! Stepping on Legos! And lotsa luck picking up every last one of them ...
Delete;-{
The simple beauty of it all. Yes, yes, Lisha. You said it well.
Blessings as we make our way through this week ...