Maintaining the Magic of Summer

In all honesty this has not been my favorite summer.

The reasons are pretty obvious. I can point to a serious illness in the family. And I can linger for just a moment on the stack of days that have been well over 100 degrees, making this summer the hottest summer on record in Austin. And there’s still no relief in sight.

Beth has had a better season. Warm days with cool nights. Attending the Summer Concerts in the park series. A week walking the Lake Michigan beachside at South Haven, Michigan with a group of fun-loving friends. And still looking fabulous in that coveted red swimsuit.

So, Beth had a great summer. Me, not so much. However, it was fun spending time with my kids, grandson, and ex-husband for a couple of searing summer weeks in Vegas.

Personally, however, it doesn’t seem to matter much to me if I’ve had a memorable summer, filled with adventures and activities, or one that’s smaller, and quieter.

For me, It’s all about summer vacation. School is out, so to speak.

Summer is always, to me, about rejuvenation and energy. Blooming flowers, freshly cut grass, the ocean, mountains or turquoise waters of a swimming pool. Blue skies with cotton-candy clouds. Romantic nights out wearing breathable slip dresses, and barely-there sandals, while sipping icy, fruity drinks. Nights absolutely made for stargazing.

Did all of this really happen for me this year? Absolutely not. It doesn’t matter if it happened only in my head. There’s still a vibe to summer, a feeling of freedom.

The question is how do we hold on to this feeling of summer when autumn bursts on the scene bringing its own energy?

We can do it. Here’s just a few ideas:

Don’t pack summer away with your shorts and tank tops. Leave on display a physical reminder of the season.

For instance, to smile at the playfulness of summer, I have a quirky pastel piece of McCoy pottery I bought one summer long ago that is permanently displayed on my kitchen counter.

Beth leaves a sun hat on a hook to remind her of the hot days and outdoor activities of summer.

Of course, Polaroid pictures capturing summer fun pined to your home office corkboard is a great reminder. Even a small bowl of Popsicles sticks could be a funny homage to summer.

Put summer on the table all winter long. Beth and her girlfriend Barb have a wonderful tradition of preserving peaches and pickles every year.

In the early spring of the year, they put in their order with The Peach Truck to get their fresh, summer, peaches.

The cucumbers for the pickles are usually homegrown by Barb and supplemented by the local farmer’s market. Then the summer day comes to make the pickles and the peach jam. Of course, It’s a day they both look forward to.

And as they enjoy the preserved jam and pickles throughout the cooler months it’s like putting the delicious summer season on their table day everyday.

Your Summer Songs. I met my partner close to Christmas by walking into his import shop looking for a kufi to wear to a Kwanza party. Six months later, in the summer of the following year, we were deeply in love and introducing each other to our favorite things.

Through him I developed a love of reggae music, especially “roots” reggae. Even now, all these years later I’ll play Burning Spear and I’m reminded of those magical summer nights.

Maybe for you it’s not a special song that brings back summer.

Instead, it might be a fragrance, candle or scented oil that reminds you of a special summer experience. Keep the scent handy in the winter. Take it out occasionally to pleasantly jog your sweet, summer memories.

Photos, food, fun, I guess actually it’s all about staying open to receive our special memories. Occasionally we need to sit quietly and simply remember. Remember what brings us joy, brings us light.

Remember where our happiness lies.

Shine on.