Birds are chirping. A slight breeze tickles the shades. Blue blackness slowly recedes in the waking light.
Quietly Sammie listens to her household stirring. Groggy little voices reach her consciousness.
“I love the sound of my children waking,” she chuckles.
“Shhh. It’s not time to get up yet. See? Look. It’s not time.”
The kids were learning their summer “time” lesson. Even though the sun rises earlier in the summer, the kids need their normal sleep. Thus, a cheap wall clock and a quick “time” lesson:
“When the big hand – yes, this long one – reaches the 12 and the little hand reaches the 6 you can get up. The hands will be up and down in a straight line. But not until then.”
Overhearing this loudly whispered conversation tells her they’ve learned the lesson.
She smiles and stretches in her waking routine.
Toddler boy looking at flowers.
Summertime routines are unique, something we look forward to during the cold winter months.
- Picnics and BBQ’s with friends
- Splashing in the pool
- Playing hide and seek with friends
- Watermelon seed spitting contests
- Flowers in bloom
- Sitting in the shade of trees
- Fresh vegetables from the garden
- Meals al fresco
- Farmers markets
- Hummingbirds
- Squirrels chattering
- Visiting with neighbors across the yard
- Lying in the grass, daydreaming
- The world appears wide awake
The unforced rhythms of summer rejuvenate us.
Often we’re so anxious for summer that we cram all the “fun stuff” into the first few weeks after school gets out.
However, about the end of July, midsummer blues hit.
The kids are ready for something different. Mom is almost ready for the kids to go back to school.
What’s a mom to do?
Maybe…
- Plan a surprise weekend getaway – simple and uncomplicated
- Schedule your summer vacation in late July or early August
- Go to the county or state fair
- Go to a “u-pick” farm to find some fresh delights
- Make jam or can what you’ve picked
- Find a new waterslide and schedule a day there with friends
- Go camping
- Visit the library for an extended time of exploring
- Have an s’mores party in your backyard
- Start getting school supplies and clothes before the beginning of school rush
- Take a trip to the zoo
- Look for treasures at a flea market – let the kids find some too
- Go to an outdoor concert
Breathe deeply and remember it’s summer.
It’ll be over all too soon. Autumn will come with a new rhythm.
Don’t rush through to the next season. Stop and take in this one. Revel in the relaxed pace. Let your kids’ schedules get a little wonky. Enjoy.
Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Listen to Louie and Ella with your eyes closed.
What is your favorite way to capture the waning days of summer? Share your secrets in the comments.
Live your legacy today,
I always create a summer schedule well before summer. That way all the fun is spread throughout so there is something to look forward to. Sprinkle in a few activities that can be done anytime, you have a recipe for summer success!
Love the ideas – will implement one this month:-)
Thanks for the reminder of the old music clip. Beautiful. I enjoy the lazy hazy days of summer and in our busy world it is great to take the moment to relax and breathe in a glorious day.