Summer

I can't sugar coat this. I hate summer. Anyone who knows me knows that already. It's not a secret I keep. Summer makes my hippocampus shrink and the power go out in my frontal lobes. I am woefully uncomfortable from May until October. I just don't see how anyone can think that 90+ degrees and maximum humidity is enjoyable. Summer is for outgoing, extroverted, optimistic people. I'm none of those things. I'm beyond ready for my sweaters and for everyone else to put their flip flops and knarley toes away for the year.

I made more of an effort to enjoy my least favorite season this year. Because Violet doesn't know what summer is. She just loves being outside. So we went outside. We even planted a garden and checked it daily for growth and goodies to harvest. I admit, it was fun.

The truth is this summer has been a stagnant time for me, in many ways. But what's not stagnant is Violet's spirit. It's so pure and free. It's good for me. I think a toddler's curiosity and joy in the simple things is good for everyone. As adults, our brains get all sludged up with crap that doesn't matter, crap we can't control. Violet's free spirit reaches down into the depths of me and tugs at parts of me that have been hibernating for many years. In that way, I have enjoyed our summer days together. Watching sunsets, picking flowers, swinging, splashing in the creek, collecting rocks, and Violet's favorite - looking at the moon every evening. She brings joy and a special dimension to it all.

It's the simple things, folks. As if you haven't heard that one before.

Here's to the changing of seasons, for it's what keeps me sane. And because fall is going to bring some new magic for our family that is much needed.


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