Sunday, July 24, 2016

Savoring Summer



We really have nearly two months of summer remaining, all of August and most of September.  As soon as September rolls around, I get that "back to school feeling" and begin settling comfortably into Autumn.  A friend recently posed a question about making August more "August-y" and so I am posting a little list of ways that I savor the last full month of summer.
  • Listen to the CD Summer by George Winston
  • Reflect on what you love most about the season: Write an acrostic poem for the word August or the word Summer, or an "In August I Am..." poem, such as those we shared here on my blog last summer.



In August,

 I am

a barefoot walking

blackberry picking

meadow singing

sky gazing
wave flowing
early riser.


In August, 

I am

AWAKE! 

  • Make a list of all of the things you wanted to do this summer, but haven't gotten to yet.  Start checking them off!  
  • Make a list of all of the foods that say "summer" to you and have a backyard BBQ or a picnic with that list as a menu.  What's on it?  Corn on the cob?  Watermelon?  Cucumber salad?
  • It feels summery to me to be planting things.  End of season sales at nurseries are a lot of fun.  Sometimes things are looking a little sad by August, but they can be greatly discounted.  I love to find a bargain on a perennial I've had my eye on and then bring it home, plant it, and lavish it with tender loving care for the rest of the summer.  
  • Learn the "Sun Salutation" Yoga sequence and practice it in your backyard in the cool air of dawn before the heat of the day sets in.  Meditate or read in the shade of a favorite tree.
  • If you live near water, get out and do something "beachy" a few times in August.  Dip your toes in at the lake's edge, or plunge right in!  Go for a fast ride on a small boat, or take float down a lazy river.  Watch the sun set from the shoreline. 
  • Go to a park and swing on the swings, whether you take a child with you or not.
  • Go to a local festival or carnival and ride the ferris wheel at  night.
  • Lie out way past dark at least one night in August and watch the slow dance of the stars overhead.

10 comments:

Pom Pom said...

Marcie, I love your ideas and I'm going to link to this so others can enjoy this post, too! I think I need an ice cream maker pronto! I have been thinking about visiting the garden center again and adding a few things. Thanks, friend! Brilliant!

Marcie said...

Pom, Thank you! Glad you liked my list. I thought of a few other things after posting this! I hope others add ideas in the comments. You are inspiring!

Out on the prairie said...

I like the make as much of it that you can attitude. I play hard and keep real busy.Tried parasurfing again, haven't looked for the bruises. LOL

Granny Marigold said...

I'm visiting from Pom's blog. I came to see your list. I like it and will incorporate some of your ideas into my August. Thanks for posting that.

Marcie said...

Steve, Ouch! I know better than to try parasurfing! I do enjoy a little body surfing on the Lake Michigan waves sometimes though!

Granny, Thank you for visiting! I will return your visit soon and I hope your August it fantastic!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I am actually already looking forward to autumn :) too hot here in Germany this year lol.

I wish you a wonderful Wednesday :)

Marcie said...

Optimist, I seem to recall reading on your blog that summer isn't your favorite anyway. Or am I imagining that? lol Anyway, it is hot here too. I still want summer to linger, but a few degrees cooler would be nice!

Diane AZ said...

Such wonderful ideas for savoring summer!
Those blackberries look beautiful. :)

Sandra Cox said...

I really was enjoying summer and my garden until the temp hit 100. I'm not enjoying it quite as much now:)
I LOVE the blackberries picture.

Sandra Cox said...

Your August poem is perfect!